40 Ideas for Warm and Welcoming Porches

Sailor stripes meet buffalo plaid on the wraparound screen porch of this Minnesota lakeside home. Casually strung cafe lights, plus a mix of antiques and thrifted finds, give the spacious hangout the timeless, collected feel of a family lake cabin. See more photos from this home.

All-weather furniture and fabric outfit the screen porch in Michigan designer Michelle Adams' home. See more photos from this home.

On the wraparound porch of this Nebraska farmhouse, a painted farm table and wire chairs with new cushions echo the interior. A weathered windmill tail propped against the porch wall becomes uncommon art.

The relaxed, stay-awhile style of the porch in this Michigan vacation home comes from revived bargain finds: wicker furniture painted black, pillows wearing grain sacks, an old factory cart converted into a coffee table and a metal watering jug made into a lamp. A focal-point burgundy potbelly stove heats the space in fall and winter when glass panes replace screens.

This dream porch was created during a re-do of a 1930s Lake Michigan cabin. The screen porch was enlarged to 20 x 20 feet for entertaining, and the porch's new 18-foot-tall stone fireplace includes a raised hearth that's wide enough for sitting.If you like the look, adapt parts of it to fit your budget: the pretty green beams, a comfy sofa, even just an unusual end table.

Swing into summer style with our bright and comfy porch. Play a game, sip a glass of lemonade, curl up with a book or just stretch out to relax-this porch accommodates it all.

The kitchen window stays open from morning 'til night, all summer long, at this Minnesota lakeside home. A pass-through from porch to kitchen makes it easy to serve sodas or snacks. The bar-height ledge echoes the counters inside, and can be used as a buffet for snacks. See more photos from this home.

Bright Adirondacks contrast with white heirloom wicker and carry the same color scheme as the fabric used in the upholstery and pillows for a pretty lakeside palette. "We live on the porch," says the owner of this Door County, Wisconsin, home. "The water, the breeze-it's spectacular!"

The porch of this Arkansas home picks up the soft blues, grays and yellows from the house's interior while providing ample seating for dining, relaxing or napping.

An "entryway" of potted plants leads to furniture arranged for conversation, creating the sense of a special retreat on a large porch. Outdoor-safe fabrics mean there is no reason to skimp on cushions and pillows.

A hammock piled with pillows serves as a relaxing, shaded afternoon nap spot in this Midwest home.

Make a style statement with pattern pillows on comfy seats. Wrap swing chains in rope for a pretty accent.Unify mismatched furniture with a fresh coat of paint. A charcoal hue makes this new porch swing and a secondhand cane-back chair feel like a matched set.

Adirondacks in a row take advantage of the view at this Lake Michigan home. Side tables between chairs make handy landing spots for nibbles and drinks.

Fresh bouquets set out on a shelf put blooms in the spotlight. The botanical feel continues in floral prints on pillows that soften a mix of old and new furnishings. Toe-pleasing rugs and a soft palette make it all the more relaxed.

An antique light casts an old-fashioned glow over this pristine arrangement.

Large window walls bring spectacular views and natural light to this covered porch. Darker wood tones accent the scene.

A coffee table invites kicking back. Preserve its patina of age to keep the feel casual.

Weather-resistant wicker furniture is just the ticket for comfortable outdoor seating areas that expand your living space and set a cottage mood at your front door. Include indoor amenities such as comfy cushions and a coffee table for drinks and books.

A pile of pillows softens any seat. Candles in lanterns warm the look.

High-back settee and wire chairs mix it up for a casual mood. Natural linens on the table keep things serene under the boldly sized pendent light.

Wood and stone provide substantial weight to a rustic scene accented with modern furniture.

Log chairs and green cushions reflect the natural beauty of the tall trees nearby.

Soft cushions invite leisurely lounging on this porch, while patterned rugs provide comfort and texture underfoot.

A simple way to dress up a porch: Lean a colorful reclaimed shutter against the wall and use it as an easel for vintage art.

Blue, red and yellow elements pop against the wood house, adding cheer to a sunny corner.

An old pine table anchors this screen porch. A painted chalkboard top encourages doodling-and hides imperfections. (To make your own chalkboard paint, mix  2 tablespoons unsanded grout per 1 cup of  matte paint.)

A combination of bright chairs, a small side table and a comfy bench against a brick wall create an inviting setting in a small area. Striped drapes and a few decorative pillows complete the look.

Lavish furniture and decor set in warm neutral colors amp up the wow factor in this large patio.

A director's chair and bold red chairs gather friends and family before the table.

Borrow on indoor spaces to enhance a deck. Artwork on the wall, lamps, pillows, books on the table-these are details that give it life. Weatherproof cushions on teak furniture invite lounging. Orange toss pillows add citrusy splashes of color. And a rolling bar cart eases entertaining.

Wicker chairs surrounding a simple round table, creating an inviting space for family and friends.

A motorized retractable screen tempers nature's extremes-glaring sun and buzzing insects-to ensure a pleasant gathering.

Pulling all the furniture up to a coffee table outside does the same trick as indoor seating arrangments-facilitates conversation. The oversize basket under the coffee table provides convenient storage for throws for when there is a chilll in the air.

As dusk falls, there is no reason to go inside when you've provided subtle lighting and warmth. No built-in fireplace? Ethanol-burning fireplaces are safe for patio use and come in a variety of sizes from wall-mount to table-top.

Containers of bright blooms and a pair of rocking chairs sweeten the look in a semi-enclosed porch.

On this wide front porch, extra-large planters full of ferns and creeping Jenny echo the green of the landscaping. Bold stripes on chair cushions and paper lanterns add modern kick, plus the black-and-white scheme is oh-so-trendy.

Shutters on a screened porch add privacy and block views or sun. French doors pull guests out of the house and onto the porch.

No matter your perch, place it to take advantage of the view. This lone rocker gives the owner the perfect spot to admire the lush garden.