11 Ways to Get More From Your Summer Porch

Embracing easy summer living can be as simple as spending time each day on your front porch. There is something utterly relaxing about hanging out on the porch, whether it's to sip morning coffee or unwind at the end of the day — and then there's the added perk of making your neighborhood feel warmer, friendlier and more connected. Make your porch a place you can't wait to spend time on with these 11 simple, beautiful ideas.

1. Channel the Hamptons. Natural wood, sandy beige and blue make a classic beach house combination that works anywhere. Unfinished teak furniture fades to sandy gray as it weathers, and it looks just right with indigo and linen-hued cushions and cut hydrangeas.

See how to outfit a beach house, from deck to drawer knobs


2. Hit the flea market. Digging for treasures at outdoor flea markets and summer yard sales is always an adventure. Folding chairs, vintage wicker and small wood tables are natural choices, but keep an eye out for interesting containers for plants, mirrors and artwork, too. Imperfect finds you might pass up for the living room could be splendid on a summer porch, so keep an open mind.


3. Set up an outdoor dining space. Eating al fresco is even more pleasant when you've taken care to make your space as comfy as possible. Start by using a table as big as will comfortably fit on your porch — ample room is best for leisurely meals. Add plump cushions to chairs, line your table with lanterns and hang string lights overhead.


4. Bring color outside with cut flowers. The next time you are cutting blooms from the garden or scooping up a market bouquet, why not take a few extra for the porch? Vases of flowers or even a small posy would be unexpected and totally charming on the porch — you can sit and appreciate the blooms as you sip your morning coffee.


5. Hang a porch swing. Just looking at a porch swing invites relaxation. And swinging on one while daydreaming on a summer afternoon is even better. Be sure to get help safely hanging your swing so it has the proper support.


6. Repurpose and refresh. Take advantage of a free weekend to spruce up your porch with a few creative DIY projects. Fashion a stump into a plant stand, give your porch floor a coat of color or whip up some new pillows using vintage fabric or inexpensive burlap.


7. Display summer gear. Prop up that surfboard, screw in a few hooks to hang wet beach towels on and toss sandals in a basket by the door. By giving your most frequently used summer items a home, you will make things easier on yourself and create instant decor.


8. Stencil a message. Eschew the typical welcome mat in favor of something more creative: words stenciled directly on the ground. Paint words on the steps, front walk or porch floor for a personal touch.


9. Monogram it. Oversize monograms are a fun way to set your house apart from the neighbors'. Embellish plain letters from the craft store or keep an eye out at flea markets and thrift shops for vintage letters made of metal or wood. Don't want to use your initials? Display the abbreviation for your city instead.


10. Cool down. If the sun and heat are keeping you from enjoying your porch as much as you could, an outdoor ceiling fan or a set of outdoor drapes could help. Bonus: The moving air from a fan can help discourage mosquitoes, too.


11. Create a cozy spot for two. Instead of letting it sit unused, fill that small nook or awkward corner with a pair of chairs and a small table. Bring out coffee in the morning, a book and iced tea in the afternoon, or a nosh and a glass of wine as the sun dips in the evening.


Tell us: What is your favorite way to use your porch in the summer?

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