Very narrow porch advice

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I'd love some suggestions as to what to do with our side porch. It is extremely narrow. We had rocking chairs out there and could barely rock without hitting the house, so we had to take them down. We're getting our front walkway replaced with pavers and they're going to carry them onto the porch and front entrance in addition to improving the non-existent landscaping. Can anyone suggest furniture or a way to make this look more inviting? I'd love some seating so I could watch the kids play. A porch swing that hangs parallel? Comfortable lounge chairs? I really would like something cushioned. I was also thinking of adding some hanging baskets? Would it look weird to remove the railings? Thanks for the help!

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PRO

Jason Chambers, Architect

6 years ago

Hi there, just my two cents, but if you are expanding the paver situation in front, you may want to remove a section of the railing, install a small bench and side table on the porch, with a step down to the new paver area. In this area, you could create a short (12") hedge of plantings that would define the area as a stopping point. Then move your rockers down there. It is not a covered area, but it gives you multiple options for different weather. Good luck!

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Comments (17)

elleannie
Original Author
6 years ago
Here's an old picture but more of a close up. Thanks!
loudon1
6 years ago
What about urns with seasonal flowers.
elleannie thanked loudon1
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loudon1
6 years ago
I also think that the green wreath gets lost against the black door. I would get a brighter wreath or add a ribbon on your current one that will help it pop.
elleannie thanked loudon1
ecpt
6 years ago
If the porch space has less than 4 ft depth, forget seating. Most "tract build" homes only have a porch like this for show, not for use. Hanging baskets would be fine, but comfortable seating is probably a no-go.
shirlpp
6 years ago
OMG...This is funny..."We had rocking chairs out there and could barely rock without hitting the house"
abb_ann
6 years ago
The railing ads architecture so I would leave it. I would add a nice bench with a high back, add flowers and change them with the season and just enjoy it for decoration.
elleannie thanked abb_ann
baileysr
6 years ago
I have a shallow front porch very similar to yours. We love sitting outside and we have some interesting flowers and a hummingbird feeder in the front, so I was determined to find some way of sitting there. Like you, I tried rockers and failed. For awhile, I used a little cafe table and 2 chairs. That worked ok for short sits and was nice for drinking a cup of coffee, but wasn't suitable for lounging and reading a book. I finally settled on a small wicker bench from Target, with a cushion on it and one throw pillow. It looks great and works just fine! Granted, I'd still love the porch to be 2 feet wider, but given what I have I'm happy with the bench.
elleannie thanked baileysr
baileysr
6 years ago
I guess I should clarify, the bench has a back on it, kind of like a love seat. Also, I use a ceramic garden stool next to it as a side table.
elleannie thanked baileysr
elleannie
Original Author
6 years ago
So helpful everyone! Thank you!!!
elleannie
Original Author
6 years ago
@baileysr do you have a picture? We had a very deep porch in our old house and I really did use the space.
baileysr
6 years ago
Sure, here are some pics -- one taken of the bench from on the porch, and another wider perspective of the porch taken from my front yard (sorry the landscaping is drab, I live in the northeast and it's just now warming up so nothing is growing yet...)
baileysr
6 years ago
Here's the garden stool that I use as a side table
elleannie
Original Author
6 years ago
Oh this is perfect! Done and done. Your landscape is gorgeous--can't imagine what it's like in warmer months! We have a lot of work to do....
baileysr
6 years ago
Glad you like it :-). Thanks for the complement on the landscaping, too! Hope it all works out for you.
elleannie
Original Author
6 years ago
Hmm...very interesting idea--I'll discuss!!!
PRO
Red Berm
6 years ago
I agree with bench or if you can put a swing chair ( on a chain) on one side that would provide destination.