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Front porch runner yay/nay?

8 years ago

Just wanted to hear anyone's opinion on front porches with outdoor runners. Do you think it would clutter up the area or add coziness? my porch is somewhat shallow at around 4 ft and about 20-25 ft long with a plain looking cement floor.


Comments (23)

  • 8 years ago

    Great porch! I think I would paint the floor a 'porch grey' first. Then see if you need more.

    kitchen thanked maddielee
  • 8 years ago

    I agree with Maddielee. I love your porch! I think a runner, even in a solid color, would be too busy.

    Donna

    kitchen thanked msmeow
  • 8 years ago

    How gorgeous, especially the last picture. Practically speaking, it would be one more surface to take care of, whereas now you can just sweep the porch. I don't think it really needs it with all the decorative touches you've provided with plantings and the pretty railing.

    kitchen thanked ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
  • 8 years ago

    What Ingrid said.

    And perhaps more likely to be a tripping hazard outdoors.

    kitchen thanked mamiller1056
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I think it would look great! If not a runner, then maybe a largish
    outdoor rug under the swing area and forward toward camera and square
    planter?

    Not sure why it would be more of a tripping hazard than a rug indoors, but maybe I'm just not thinking of how.

    kitchen thanked Olychick
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Yes for me. I would make the entrance rug bigger and give it more presence, like a grand gesture welcoming people to your home. I'd put another rug under the swing area to define it as a separate space.

    kitchen thanked User
  • 8 years ago

    I would paint but not put a rug out. Anything beyond a "welcome mat" is too much rug in my world. There is nothing CLEAN about them outside.

    kitchen thanked arcy_gw
  • 8 years ago

    Feral cats sprayed the outdoor rug we had on the front porch at our previous home, and one day I caught a squirrel attempting to dig in the fibers, and he pretty much finished it off. I agree that an outdoor rug is just one more surface to clean, and although it may be a pretty addition at first, it will get dirty and require attention at some point. Being able to quickly sweep off a surface is so much easier.

    kitchen thanked User
  • 8 years ago

    Outdoor rugs may be a pain, but they sure warm up the look of a concrete porch.

    kitchen thanked graywings123
  • 8 years ago

    A rug would be harder to take care of than the cement floor which all you have to do is sweep! I like it the way it is!

    kitchen thanked User
  • 8 years ago

    It's a beautiful porch. You are fortunate to have such a wonderful space. I agree with those who said paint it first. A rug could be nice, or it could be more work. Your choice.

    kitchen thanked Bunny
  • 8 years ago

    I would stain it rather than paint.

    kitchen thanked Yayagal
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I say yes, I love the look!

    kitchen thanked Kitch4me
  • 8 years ago

    Love the paint/stain idea, would stain weather and last better? And, you could do design with the paint/stain! Paint a block of color under the swing, maybe add a painted path to the door.

    its a lovely porch!

    kitchen thanked bpath
  • 8 years ago

    Definitely a rug. That is one beautiful porch ☺️

    kitchen thanked User
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Outdoor rugs do get dirty! Outdoor rugs are NOT a tripping hazard! Outdoor rugs and the surrounding porch deck can be swept! Outdoor rugs can be hosed down at the end of the season for winter storage.

    That said, a rug completes the outdoor room. We have one on our open air porch and wouldn't be without it.

    We acknowledge the existence of dirt and germs in our world and co-exist with both when we're outdoors.

    kitchen thanked Jmc101
  • 8 years ago

    There are ways to do texture. I would research unique ways to paint. It will combine visual interest with the ease of cleaning.

    A rug would be easy, just purchase and throw down. But, I agree that it will get dirty, and attract dirt around the edges. If you love the look, it will be worth the maintenance.

    kitchen thanked eld6161
  • 8 years ago

    Thank you all for the thoughts and suggestions. You've given me lots to consider for sure!

  • 8 years ago

    I too have a narrow front porch. Each year or two I search for the longest outdoor runner I can find. Love having a runner on the front porch under the rocking chairs. It does cozy up the porch. I use the blower to clean as needed.

  • 8 years ago

    I would paint or stain it a nice "porch gray" and get a bigger medium/dark gray Waterhog rug. We have both and the rug is easy to hose off, but doesn't need it very often.

  • 8 years ago

    I've had my rug for about 5 years and it's so easy to take care of. It sweeps beautifully. Not once have I tripped over it either.


    kitchen thanked Oakley
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Personally, I think leave the concrete its natural color - grey in this case looks colder and less inviting. Rather than a runner, perhaps a rug under the swing, keeping note it will be harder to keep clean than one indoors.

    ETA: if you color the porch, a stain may keep texture better than paint.

    I love that swing, and that area looks wider than it is. Cool.

    kitchen thanked artemis_ma