If there is enough use from the space you've provided, then it's just a matter of choice.

If you want the fulll view facing the yard, then your f.p. placement is perfect!

In your placement of the f.p., most seating would probably be facing it. You can create different zones for other seating along the other expanse of the porch.

Placement from bottom of your photo. Facing the fireplace.

Another arrangement if the f.p. were in the middle of the long side.

Creating different zones and functions.

Banquette design

May want to incorpoarate a swing?

Can I lacquer the floors? And maybe paint the wall? Is that to much?

Yes you can laquer the floors, or put a gel stain on them. You would need to protect in some way. Deck stains and laquers, polyurethanes that are made purposely for outside decks. All wood that is exposed to the elements wil have some upkeep. So, be sure to read the maintenance required on your finish. Yes you can paint the wall, and that would make it seem like more of a room.

You can also use sunbrella or outdoor drapes to make it become an extension of your home. Creates a cozy room-like feeling.

Drapes

Adding an indoor/outdoor carpet is always a plus.

yes..we are trying to make it feel like a "room"....not just an our door porch..we have kids and need more space so this is hopefully going to be our hang out room...any suggestions on furniture? where to look?

What a beautiful porch! Love the swing idea! Here's a Houzz article on porch swings:

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/expert-talk-porch-swings-sway-into-sweet-life-stsetivw-vs~2534970

Love all the pictures from LB Interiors. Creating separate zones is a great idea.

Here's another pic for you:



Lyvonne
www.essentialsinside.com

Maybe reverse 'Bayou Oaks' photo above for furniture placement.

Or 'essentials' photo'porch'

Go, LB, Go!!

Thanks studio

Re: furniture finds, check outdoor patio funiture, some are designed in the wicker and rattan looks but made of stronger materials and aluminum for long wear and tear.
Wicker


Aluminum

Oh I love it. Quality COMFORTABLE furniture is the key. You will use the area more. I like the suggestions given so far but some of the furniture is too modern for what your area. I love cozy and this looks like a porch in the mountains. P/S I would add an outdoor overhead fan (we love ours)

I agree curryj . Comfortable is the ideal. Assuming that there is not a lot of space to work with, I would try to find furniture that isn't too bulky, as it would limit your placement.

Lovely porch. Depending on where you live will be how you furnish it eg: beach, mountain etc. I would paint the wooden ceiling white, I have just done so to mine, and the light is always there, Winter or summer.

Just me but a fireplace sounds dangerous with wooden flooring and roof! Divide into cozy seating on one end and dining on other end. Love curtain idea, secured to posts.

Skylights for lighting, maybe have built in benches on sides of patio.....

Where do you live? If you live in the South ceiling fans are a must if you wish to use the porch during the summer. I have two kids and this is what I'd recommend. If you want to have this as an activity room I would have at one end a traditional seating area surrounding the fireplace with synthetic wicker seating for maximum comfort and durability. There are a lot of high quality options that look like real wicker these days. We have on our patios seating seating that's synthetic wicker and metal with cushions. The synthetic wicker is much comfier for lounging.

At the other end I would have a built in L-shaped banquet with a lift up top for storing outdoor toys. The banquet would have a round or octagonal table for eating and doing activities such as playing games and art projects. There would also be two or three chairs at the table.

If the porch is wide enough I would have long narrow counter with cabinets and drawers underneath next to the door to the porch. You can store outdoor tablecloths and other items in it and use it as a buffet during parties. If you can afford it I would include a minifridge for drinks.

To soften the railing I would add balcony window boxes filled with trailing vines and flowers.

For a relaxed and casual feel I would paint the floor white and either use sisal rugs to define the two areas or for a casual feel have rugs painted onto the floor to define the areas.

I've bought wonderful plastic recycled outdoor carpets at outdoorrugsonly.com -- a great site with a huge selection of reasonably priced merchandise.

Yes, an outdoor rug in a cheery color and maybe neutral furniture with cushions that compliment the rug color . . .

tcufrog - those are some really good ideas! We're building a similar porch, and I was thinking about decorating options....I then priced new (!) vs kijiji/craigslist solid pine and oak trunks, tables, etc, and I think I'll go the used/vintage/antique route, and sand/strip stuff. Moisture won't hurt it much, it's better built than new stuff, and a whole lot less expensive!

What a beautiful porch to work with! Seems like you're getting a lot of great feedback on furniture layout. may I ask what direction you're going with the fireplace? brick? Stone? Are you incorporating seating in the hearth? I happen to like the layout you have. Allows for perhaps a relaxed seating area in front of fireplace then an eating area next to that. Lots of great potential!