Architecture
Decorating Guides
Elements of the Classic Southern Porch
Sit a spell with a glass of sweet tea and see what makes these verandas as pretty as a Georgia peach
A Northerner, Andrew Jackson Downing, may have popularized the porch nationally in the mid-1800s, but Southerners got a head start and have been perfecting it ever since. They sure know how to gussy up this convivial semiprivate spot for catching a breeze, telling a story, sharing a kiss and sipping a glass of sweet tea or Kentucky bourbon. Take a cue from them, and the porch may become your favorite room.
A porch “serves both as a note of preparation, and an effectual shelter and protection to the entrance. Besides this, it gives a dignity and importance to that entrance, pointing it out to the stranger as the place of approach,” New York native Downing wrote in his 1841 A Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Landscape Gardening. In his writings, home designs and landscape architecture, he linked house and landscape just when technology and industrialization were making it easier to build a porch, giving people more time to enjoy it and spurring a desire to reconnect with nature.
Photo by Spencer Means
Common Types of Porches
Stacked on the side. Even before Downing extolled the virtues of the porch, pre-Revolutionary houses in places such as Charleston, South Carolina, had tiers of piazzas — covered spaces attached to the main body of the house that helped inhabitants withstand the hot, humid climate and served as exterior hallways.
Charleston’s distinctive “single house” architectural style, pictured here, traditionally has its short side, just one room wide, facing the street and its entrance in the middle of the piazza on the long south- or west-facing side. This design fit the narrow lots of the British colony, facilitated cross-ventilation from the prevailing sea breezes and offered a relatively private place to relax outdoors.
Common Types of Porches
Stacked on the side. Even before Downing extolled the virtues of the porch, pre-Revolutionary houses in places such as Charleston, South Carolina, had tiers of piazzas — covered spaces attached to the main body of the house that helped inhabitants withstand the hot, humid climate and served as exterior hallways.
Charleston’s distinctive “single house” architectural style, pictured here, traditionally has its short side, just one room wide, facing the street and its entrance in the middle of the piazza on the long south- or west-facing side. This design fit the narrow lots of the British colony, facilitated cross-ventilation from the prevailing sea breezes and offered a relatively private place to relax outdoors.
Wrapped front to back. Other Southern houses, such as the Acadian style popular along the Gulf Coast, present wide front porches, also known as galleries, that sometimes wrap the sides. Large hip roofs form deep porch overhangs to shield interiors from the heat. This Acadian-style porch is 10 feet deep across the front and 12 feet deep on the sides.
Columned for a classical look. After the Revolution, the U.S. took an interest in classical architecture — first of Rome and ultimately of Greece, considered the birthplace of American democracy. Greek Revival dominated the young nation’s style in the first half of the 19th century, especially in the South.
Like Grecian temples, Greek Revival houses typically have porches supported by columns, with a wide band of trim and a triangular pediment above. The columns are often Doric with plain shafts, though other types, including Ionic (pictured), fluted and square, are used as well. They’re usually painted white to look like marble.
Also characteristic of Greek Revival style is a front door flanked by narrow sidelights and topped by a horizontal transom — an entrance the porch serves to highlight.
Classic Design: The Language of Columns
Like Grecian temples, Greek Revival houses typically have porches supported by columns, with a wide band of trim and a triangular pediment above. The columns are often Doric with plain shafts, though other types, including Ionic (pictured), fluted and square, are used as well. They’re usually painted white to look like marble.
Also characteristic of Greek Revival style is a front door flanked by narrow sidelights and topped by a horizontal transom — an entrance the porch serves to highlight.
Classic Design: The Language of Columns
Photo by Altairisfar
Columned for a practical purpose. In areas that are especially rain-prone, the columns meet the ground several feet beyond the porch, forming what is known as a rain porch or Carolina porch. Shown here on the 1855 Tait-Ervin House, near Camden, Alabama, the rain porch helps shield the home’s porch (and exterior in general) against extreme weather and allows it to be used even when it’s wet outside — important in Camden, which averages 57 inches of rain a year.
Columned for a practical purpose. In areas that are especially rain-prone, the columns meet the ground several feet beyond the porch, forming what is known as a rain porch or Carolina porch. Shown here on the 1855 Tait-Ervin House, near Camden, Alabama, the rain porch helps shield the home’s porch (and exterior in general) against extreme weather and allows it to be used even when it’s wet outside — important in Camden, which averages 57 inches of rain a year.
Raised above rising water. In low-lying coastal areas, elevating a house — along with its porch — on stilts or piers is another way to protect it from water and allow cooling breezes to circulate all around it.
The International Residential Code, a model for local jurisdictions, stipulates that porches more than 30 inches above grade must have a railing.
Exterior paint: Super White, Benjamin Moore; shutter paint: Sea Salt, Sherwin-Williams
The International Residential Code, a model for local jurisdictions, stipulates that porches more than 30 inches above grade must have a railing.
Exterior paint: Super White, Benjamin Moore; shutter paint: Sea Salt, Sherwin-Williams
Regional Porch Materials
The bricks that built Savannah. This porch sits on a raised foundation of Old Carolina Brick Co.’s hand-formed Savannah Grey bricks, made using traditional techniques to resemble the millions of bricks crafted by slaves at the Hermitage Plantation, on the Savannah River in Georgia, in the 1800s. The original bricks got their distinctive grayish color from the composition of the river’s mud. They were widely used to rebuild the city of Savannah after a fire destroyed 463 structures in 1820, and again during Reconstruction.
Bricks reclaimed from these old buildings are among the most sought-after building materials in the South for historic preservation and home renovation projects, according to the Savannah Morning News. And the bricks inspired by them are an Old Carolina bestseller.
The bricks that built Savannah. This porch sits on a raised foundation of Old Carolina Brick Co.’s hand-formed Savannah Grey bricks, made using traditional techniques to resemble the millions of bricks crafted by slaves at the Hermitage Plantation, on the Savannah River in Georgia, in the 1800s. The original bricks got their distinctive grayish color from the composition of the river’s mud. They were widely used to rebuild the city of Savannah after a fire destroyed 463 structures in 1820, and again during Reconstruction.
Bricks reclaimed from these old buildings are among the most sought-after building materials in the South for historic preservation and home renovation projects, according to the Savannah Morning News. And the bricks inspired by them are an Old Carolina bestseller.
The concrete that comes from oysters. These Old Carolina Savannah Grey bricks step down to a porch paved in tabby. This coastal concrete — made by burning oyster shells to create lime and then mixing it with water, sand and broken oyster shells — has been used in the South since the 16th century.
In the antebellum period, the labor-intensive process depended on slaves, who then poured and tamped the tabby into wood forms called cradles and allowed it to dry. Tabby was made into bricks, used like mortar and used like concrete for floors, foundations, columns and roofs.
In the antebellum period, the labor-intensive process depended on slaves, who then poured and tamped the tabby into wood forms called cradles and allowed it to dry. Tabby was made into bricks, used like mortar and used like concrete for floors, foundations, columns and roofs.
Today, what appears to be tabby often is Portland cement with shell applied to the surface or, as with these porch piers, wood-framed walls with a tabby stucco veneer. Although repurposing oyster shells as a construction or garden hardscape material beats throwing them away in the landfill, residents of many states are being asked to recycle them to help rebuild decimated oyster reefs.
Charleston green paint and a small act of rebellion. A green so deep that it appears in many lights to be black is a popular color for exterior trim and outdoor furniture in Charleston and beyond. Legend has it that the U.S. government sent gallons of basic black paint to help the city rebuild after the Civil War, but rather than use it as it was, the proud residents added a touch of yellow or green to make it their own. The formulas vary, but most paint companies offer a version of Charleston green. Sherwin-Williams, for example, offers Greenblack.
On this porch, Charleston green paint coats the shutters and handrail. The ceiling, handrail and two-by-two pickets are cypress, a wood native to the Southeast that’s moisture- and insect-resistant. The floor is tongue-and-groove ipe.
8 Rot-Resistant Woods for Your Outdoor Projects
On this porch, Charleston green paint coats the shutters and handrail. The ceiling, handrail and two-by-two pickets are cypress, a wood native to the Southeast that’s moisture- and insect-resistant. The floor is tongue-and-groove ipe.
8 Rot-Resistant Woods for Your Outdoor Projects
Haint blue paint and an old superstition. It’s common to see the ceilings of Southern porches painted what’s known as haint blue — again, not a specific color, but rather any number of soft, pale blues, from aqua to periwinkle. The name is said to have originated with descendants of enslaved Africans living on the coast and coastal islands of the Southeast. (They’re known as Gullah in the Carolinas and Geechee in Georgia and Florida.) In their folklore, evil spirits called haints can’t cross water, and painting porch ceilings and doorways the color of water was a way of tricking the spirits into leaving the house alone.
As time went on, the color also took on the reputation of being able to repel wasps and mosquitoes, perhaps because paint back then sometimes contained lime or indigo, known insect repellents. In any case, painting a porch ceiling sky blue is a charming way of blending the indoors and out.
Max Crosby Construction of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, used Sherwin-William’s Piazza Blue for this ceiling. It has been discontinued, but other Max Crosby haint blue favorites are Sherwin-Williams’ Atmospheric and Blue Horizon.
Lantern: Carolina Lanterns; raised-panel shutters: New Horizon Shutters
As time went on, the color also took on the reputation of being able to repel wasps and mosquitoes, perhaps because paint back then sometimes contained lime or indigo, known insect repellents. In any case, painting a porch ceiling sky blue is a charming way of blending the indoors and out.
Max Crosby Construction of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, used Sherwin-William’s Piazza Blue for this ceiling. It has been discontinued, but other Max Crosby haint blue favorites are Sherwin-Williams’ Atmospheric and Blue Horizon.
Lantern: Carolina Lanterns; raised-panel shutters: New Horizon Shutters
Porch Fixtures
Screens against bugs. A more reliable route to keeping mosquitoes and gnats off the porch is the use of screens. They also allow the space to be used for sleeping on warm Southern nights. Considerations include screen material and panel size.
Screens against bugs. A more reliable route to keeping mosquitoes and gnats off the porch is the use of screens. They also allow the space to be used for sleeping on warm Southern nights. Considerations include screen material and panel size.
Shades against sunshine. Shades don’t do much to fend off pests, but they’re easier to install, provide privacy and shade, and contribute to a layered look.
Roller shade construction: West Awning; shade fabric: Manhattan Fog, Sunbrella
Roller shade construction: West Awning; shade fabric: Manhattan Fog, Sunbrella
Shutters against hurricanes. Although shutters are mainly used decoratively today to maintain a traditional architectural style, operational ones are invaluable in the South for controlling light, offering privacy and providing protection during storms.
Old-time lanterns to light the night. Baltimore in 1816 became the first U.S. city to get gas lights, and it wasn’t long before they moved down the coast to Charleston, where their dancing flames still adorn many houses in historical neighborhoods, from Upper King to South of Broad. If you don’t have ready access to gas, you can get a similar look with lanterns that have energy-efficient flame-effect LED bulbs.
An even easier way to extend your porch time with atmospheric lighting is by using hurricane lanterns — candles protected by glass chimneys. They’re useful during storms too.
Floor paint: Northern Cliffs, Benjamin Moore; browse hurricane candleholders
Floor paint: Northern Cliffs, Benjamin Moore; browse hurricane candleholders
Ceiling fans to beat the heat. The gently rotating blades of a ceiling fan or two help many a Southerner withstand summer’s sweltering heat. The electric ceiling fan arrived in the late 1800s, and by the 1920s it was in widespread residential use. Sales slowed with the introduction of home air-conditioning systems in the 1950s, only to speed up again during the 1970s oil crisis. Not only are ceiling fans energy-efficient, but they add romantic ambiance to boot.
Porch fans that risk coming into direct contact with water should be rated for wet locations.
Ceiling fan: Islander, Fanimation; find outdoor ceiling fans
How to Choose a Ceiling Fan for Comfort and Style
Porch fans that risk coming into direct contact with water should be rated for wet locations.
Ceiling fan: Islander, Fanimation; find outdoor ceiling fans
How to Choose a Ceiling Fan for Comfort and Style
Porch Furniture and Accessories
Rocking chairs’ endurance. The rocking chair is as American as apple pie, gracing porches around the country in Shaker, Mission, bentwood, wicker and more contemporary styles. The rocking chairs on this wraparound screened porch are made in North Carolina by Troutman Chair, which mills local logs at its own sawmill and uses Shaker construction techniques.
Mississippian Greg Harkins selects and fells the trees for his handcrafted rocking chairs, which he has made for, among others, five U.S. presidents and a pope.
Ceiling fan: Hunter; sconces: Magnolia, Barn Light Electric; dining chairs: Lloyd Flanders; paint: Harbor Fog (ceiling) and Ozark Shadows (floor), Benjamin Moore
Rocking chairs’ endurance. The rocking chair is as American as apple pie, gracing porches around the country in Shaker, Mission, bentwood, wicker and more contemporary styles. The rocking chairs on this wraparound screened porch are made in North Carolina by Troutman Chair, which mills local logs at its own sawmill and uses Shaker construction techniques.
Mississippian Greg Harkins selects and fells the trees for his handcrafted rocking chairs, which he has made for, among others, five U.S. presidents and a pope.
Ceiling fan: Hunter; sconces: Magnolia, Barn Light Electric; dining chairs: Lloyd Flanders; paint: Harbor Fog (ceiling) and Ozark Shadows (floor), Benjamin Moore
Joggling boards’ comeback. Now, a rocking, bouncing bench — that’s a truly Southern thing. The story goes that the joggling board debuted in the early 1800s at Acton Plantation in South Carolina. Mary Huger, the sister of the plantation owner, suffered from rheumatism, and concerned kin drew up plans for a device that would give her a bit of exercise while simulating the motion of her beloved carriage rides. The long, springy wooden board supported at the ends by stands on rockers went out on the porch so that she could get some fresh air.
Huger’s board started a trend throughout the South’s Low Country — and not just among the old folks. Young people could converse in relative privacy without a chaperone on the porch, and joggling — even if they started out sitting on opposite ends of a 16-foot board — would bring them together in the middle, perhaps even close enough to kiss.
As lumber costs increased, joggling boards fell out of fashion, but they’re being revived, even in shorter lengths for smaller spaces, by companies such as The Old Charleston Joggling Board Co. and The Joggle Factory.
Huger’s board started a trend throughout the South’s Low Country — and not just among the old folks. Young people could converse in relative privacy without a chaperone on the porch, and joggling — even if they started out sitting on opposite ends of a 16-foot board — would bring them together in the middle, perhaps even close enough to kiss.
As lumber costs increased, joggling boards fell out of fashion, but they’re being revived, even in shorter lengths for smaller spaces, by companies such as The Old Charleston Joggling Board Co. and The Joggle Factory.
Hammocks with a long history. Southern porches often sport a hammock for stretching out. Pawleys Island Hammocks has been making its original cotton rope hammock, which has spreader bars, on the South Carolinian barrier island of the same name for 125 years.
Although this porch already offers plenty of places to sit a spell, the seating-height rail conveniently accommodates overflow guests.
Although this porch already offers plenty of places to sit a spell, the seating-height rail conveniently accommodates overflow guests.
Daybed swings with a bright future. Daybed swings are giving other porch perches a run for their money these days, perhaps because they combine the swaying of rockers and the roominess of hammocks with the comfort of sofas. Their popularity has produced a cottage industry in the Charleston area, where manufacturers include Bulls Bay Bed, Carolina Hanging Beds, Lowcountry Swing Beds, Original Charleston Bedswing and Vintage Porch Swings.
Swing: Original Charleston Bedswing; browse porch swings
Reinvent It: A Houzzer Turns Thrifted Pieces Into a Swinging Daybed
Swing: Original Charleston Bedswing; browse porch swings
Reinvent It: A Houzzer Turns Thrifted Pieces Into a Swinging Daybed
Tables to bring the indoors out. Southerners like to have a coffee or side table where they can set their John Grisham novel (the Arkansas native’s latest is due out in October) or glass of sweet tea. After all, the porch is not only a place for storytelling, but also a place for story reading.
An elegantly set table, whether in a formal dining room or out on the porch, is a hallmark of Southern hospitality.
Greenery to bring the outdoors in. The porch is a place where Southerners can show off their green thumbs with baskets of ferns suspended from a beam; a pair of urns spilling over with flowers by the entryway; or a potted dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor), a shorter cousin of South Carolina’s and Florida’s state tree.
Get the Hang of Hanging Flower Baskets
Get the Hang of Hanging Flower Baskets
Decorative reminders of agrarian life. Decor like a vintage tobacco-drying basket (on the wall at right); coiled sweetgrass baskets, initially made by the Gullah-Geechee to winnow rice; and a cotton wreath evoke the region’s agricultural past. So would pillow covers and table linens dyed in indigo, whose production French-born textile artist Caroline Harper is working to revive in South Carolina.
The Future of the Porch
After World War II, the automobile, air conditioning and television contributed to the decline of the porch, as Americans went indoors to avoid car exhaust, cool off and be entertained. But there are signs that the pendulum is swinging back. The National Association of Home Builders reports that just over 65 percent of newly built homes in the U.S. (and 86 percent in four Southeastern states) have porches, up from 42 percent in 1994. Whether those porches will be used in the same way — or at all — is an open question, one that’s bound to come up at the third annual Conference on the Front Porch, which examines the architectural and sociological importance of the porch in the South. It’s set this year for Oct. 25-26 in Taylor, Mississippi.
Share: Do you have a traditional Southern porch? In the Comments, upload a photo and tell us what it means to you.
More
Read other stories about porches
Find a porch design pro
After World War II, the automobile, air conditioning and television contributed to the decline of the porch, as Americans went indoors to avoid car exhaust, cool off and be entertained. But there are signs that the pendulum is swinging back. The National Association of Home Builders reports that just over 65 percent of newly built homes in the U.S. (and 86 percent in four Southeastern states) have porches, up from 42 percent in 1994. Whether those porches will be used in the same way — or at all — is an open question, one that’s bound to come up at the third annual Conference on the Front Porch, which examines the architectural and sociological importance of the porch in the South. It’s set this year for Oct. 25-26 in Taylor, Mississippi.
Share: Do you have a traditional Southern porch? In the Comments, upload a photo and tell us what it means to you.
More
Read other stories about porches
Find a porch design pro
