Should I use long white sheer curtains to help lighten a dark porch?

Janice Reynolds
by Janice Reynolds
I have a large, country style, window room porch on the back of my house, it's like a large screen porch with windows. The porch extends into the woods behind the house, which tends to make the porch somewhat shaded. It has dark, indoor/outdoor carpeting and all the walls, ceiling and trim work are rough cedar wood, this too, makes the room darker. I have white porch furnishing, with accents of green prints and burlap fabrics but still, the room seems too dark. I'm thinking about putting long white (floor to ceiling) sheer curtains in the corners only, of the porch. I think/hope this will help give the room height and a much needed lightness. What do you think? Any other ideas?
  5 answers
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Mar 15, 2015
    Is this an all-season porch? Sheers would help. Don't know what your budget is, but I would consider replacing the dark carpeting, and/or painting some of the cedar.
    • Duv310660 Duv310660 on Mar 15, 2015
      @Marion Nesbitt Yes. You can get very long, inexpensive sheers at Ikea, so lighten the floors and the walls however you can, and get the benefit of all three!
  • Janice Reynolds Janice Reynolds on Mar 15, 2015
    The porch does not have heating or air. It is like a large screen porch with windows....16 large windows to be exact. The in door/out door carpeting does very well out there and is still in great condition...would hate to change it at this time.
    • See 2 previous
    • Janice Reynolds Janice Reynolds on Mar 16, 2015
      @Marion Nesbitt I love the rug idea...will start looking for that!!
  • Barbara Votik Barbara Votik on Mar 15, 2015
    It is possible to have the carpet dyed. Be sure you find someone who is qualified - check references and compare procedures.
  • Sherry Oviatt Sherry Oviatt on Mar 15, 2015
    I think the idea is wonderful. Saw it in Savannah Ga and the affect was beautiful.
  • Kayo Frazier Kayo Frazier on Mar 16, 2015
    White sheers ceiling to floor will help quite a bit in lightening the room. You can also add white pillows, white small tables for books, drinks, and food as well as a small 2-3 bookshelf to hold books, or add baskets to hold odds & ends. The white will make the furniture & accents pop off the cedar shingles.