subject: Make the Most of a Small Porch [print this page] Make the Most of a Small Porch Make the Most of a Small Porch
A small porch can be just as beautiful and charming as a large porch when you keep the scale in mind. You can make the most of a small porch with great design when installing and great decorating when dressing up an existing porch.
If you are installing a new porch, you will want to be sure that it is in proportion to the size of the house and the porch roof should reflect the same basic shape as the main roof on the house. You may also want to consider porch columns, porch wall, decking and the ceiling.
Porch columns are a great accent and decorating piece to really give your small porch a punch. They can help give your porch an appearance of a larger porch by grouping the columns in pairs. They also look great when paired with rows of spindles or curved balusters.
A porch wall is another design idea that can add some privacy to your small porch. If you have a low wall built that ends at about the same height as the first floor windowsills it can really frame your porch and look amazing.
Porch decking should consist of wood that is rot and pest resistant. Select a material that is durable and yet attractive. Your porch will get quite a bit of traffic and you do not want to be constantly repairing your decking. An attractive design tip is to lay your decking in a picture frame pattern and have the outer edge parallel to any steps.
Your small porch ceiling is an area where you can really let your creative side have a little fun. Paint the porch ceiling in a whimsical or fun pattern. Of course, you will want it to have a similar look and feel to the rest of your front porch decorating, but use your imagination to make it unique. Did you know that sky blue is a traditional color for porch ceilings?
Front porch decorating is where your own personal style really comes out. You can make your small porch inviting and interesting in so many ways. You can use benches that are either fancy or rustic and add plenty of flowers or potted plants to create a lush feel. There are pediments in different patterns and designs that you can place above the door in addition to decorative moldings for a complete look.
Of course, you can always change up your small porch decorations to reflect the seasons, like wreaths or baskets with flowers. There are also seasonal banners and wall ornaments that you can add to your regular decorations. Stepping stones with your children's or grandchildren's foot prints, hand prints, or names is another personalized element that you can add.
Lighting is another way to change up your front porch decorating. There are many functional, useful lighting fixtures that can add to the beauty of your porch. They range greatly in design and price range, so take a look online or in specialty catalogs and stores as you begin to plan the look for your small porch.
