When it comes to decorating a small front porch, there are several challenges to consider. When this small front porch is on the coast, the number of challenges increases due to adverse weather conditions. However, you can easily create a cozy and beautiful outdoor room with the right guidance despite limited space.
A coastal small front porch must use scaled-down furniture to make the best use of the space. Materials should have some degree of weather resistance to withstand harsh coastal conditions. Colors and textures should pay tribute to coastal aesthetics without appearing kitsch.
Decorating and furnishing a porch should be approached similarly to decorating and furnishing a room. The only difference is that you must consider the weather resistance of every item placed on the porch, especially when your porch is on the coast.
Coastal Small Front Porch Ideas
Anything near the coast must always receive more consideration than a similar item placed in an inland home. This is because the weather conditions on the coast are not kind to many materials. Extreme winds, sea spray, and generally salty air will cause havoc with any items placed outdoors on your patio.
All furniture should be able to withstand the outdoors, but it must be able to withstand coastal conditions specifically. Materials prone to corrosion should not be used outdoors as these will not last.
When furnishing a small patio, you must consider the scale of every item to ensure that the space does not become overwhelmed. You should eliminate any clutter and incorporate only items that will make a major positive contribution to the space in terms of functionality and aesthetics.
Proportion and scale play an enormous role when furnishing a small patio. Through careful selection and placement, you can make the space feel larger than it is while creating a cozy space for the occupants to enjoy.
Consider Furniture Scale
Scale and proportion are always essential considerations when it comes to furniture. This is especially true when furnishing a small space. To maximize the space, you should use smaller furniture pieces that still allow comfort. By using smaller items, you will maximize the use of the space while ensuring that it does not become visually overwhelming.
Wherever possible, you should consider dual-purpose furniture items. This will reduce the number of furniture items required, thereby reducing clutter and maximizing space while boosting the versatility of the area.
Lightweight, low-profile furniture will be easy to move around when needed while ensuring enough circulation space for people. When it comes to tables, opt for small, round tables. Small side tables will create an opportunity to incorporate pops of color while providing a place to set down a drink or snack.
Eliminating sharp edges will help maximize space, ease traffic flow around pieces, and reduce the chance of injury on a sharp corner. Because the space is small, you need to consider how people will move around the space comfortably without bashing their shins or stubbing their toes.
Armless chairs will help to reduce visual bulk to a large degree. Sectional sofas that can be pulled apart as needed will prove exceptionally useful in terms of versatility. You will be able to customize the space with ease according to how many people are using the space.
Incorporate Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting is an essential component of any successful outdoor space. String lights will bring soft, pleasing light to the space and can make a valuable contribution to its coziness. With battery-powered remote-controlled candles, Lanterns will add another layer of light to the space.
To reduce visual clutter and save floor space, hang the lanterns from the walls and ceiling.
Don’t Forget Soft Furnishings
Soft furnishings are an essential component of any successful outdoor living area. Bear in mind that these will need to be weather-proof to a certain degree. Many of your soft furnishings will need to be brought indoors while not in use to ensure their longevity.
Pillows and seat cushions should all be made with durable outdoor fabrics that are easy to clean. Soft furnishings present the opportunity to bring in color and personality to the space while creating a warm, comfortable and cozy atmosphere. These items are also easy to update as tastes change.
Your soft furnishings are a good place to pay tribute to the coastal aesthetic in subtle ways through clever use of texture and color.
Don’t forget to bring in an outdoor rug. This will add to the comfort of the space while visually tying it together, anchoring your furniture, and creating a defined outdoor living space. Opt for an outdoor rug that can easily be hosed down whenever necessary.
Use Planting To Extend The Outdoor Space
Plants are an extremely important addition to any outdoor space. When incorporating planting into an outdoor patio, remember the scale of the plants. Check the labels before purchasing to see how large the plants will be once fully grown.
Oversized plants on a small patio will quickly make the area feel overwhelmed. Use planters of various sizes to create visual interest and a pleasing layered effect. Where possible, use hanging planters to save on limited floor space.
Container planters attached to railings and walls can help to blur the line between the patio and the outdoors, creating a feeling of spaciousness.
Make Clever Use Of Color
Through careful color use, you will further enhance a feeling of spaciousness for your small patio. At the same time, your choice of color will create a cozy atmosphere. Pastel colors can help make the space feel light and airy while contributing to the coastal aesthetic.
By contrasting dark and light colors, you can also create a cozy, sophisticated, and spacious atmosphere
Conclusion
A small coastal front porch can become a stunning outdoor room despite its size. Provided you make clever use of every inch of space, you will be able to accommodate a surprising number of people in comfort. Through careful furniture selection, incorporating soft furnishings, plants, ambient lighting, and several other layers, you will create a cozy space for your family and guests to enjoy for as long as the weather allows.
Sources
- https://www.cottageonbunkerhill.com/outdoor-coastal-decor-ideas/
- https://www.completely-coastal.com/2020/04/coastal-porches.html
- https://homebnc.com/best-beach-style-porch-decoration-ideas/
- https://www.houzz.com/photos/coastal-porch-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_726~s_2110?pg=4
- https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SR4PgGw7Xxo
- https://southernhospitalityblog.com/5-ways-to-cozy-up-porch-or-patio/
- https://www.thespruce.com/style-your-front-porch-1977462
- https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/porch/porch/small-front-porch-ideas-281474979492502/
- https://za.pinterest.com/caronsbeachhs/coastal-front-porch-ideas/
