What furniture layout do you recommend for my screened-in porch?

Question

We have a nice-sized screened-in porch, but I feel like the current furniture layout is not optimal. The challenge: there's an existing light fixture which we don't want to move, and it seems to make the most sense to have it hanging over the table. We have too many chairs, which I'd like to Craigslist and then purchase a loveseat {?} to place against the windows. I need more practical seating, because the chaise is awesome but not exactly conducive to conversation. The black console table is currently used as a bar/drink station when we entertain, so I'd like to keep that.
Any recommendations for me? Thank you so much!
Aimee
sixteenfourteen.weebly.com

Any recommendations for me?  Thank you so much!
Aimee
sixteenfourteen.weebly.com

KMS Woodworks · Answer

I would look at setting up two primary 'zones' one a conversation place. that would include casual seating around a smallish coffee table type space...this would all be face to face seating.  The second zone would be the dining type space.  Having a lot of chairs would be needed for both of these ideas...so I would hold off on unloading some on craigs list....you have an odd mix of chairs.  I would use the high backs for the dining and other short backs for the seating area.

It looks like you have two tables stuck together as there are extra 'legs' that don't match.  Keep the bigger table and rotate it 90 degrees then set up the other coffee table space

The Space Between · Answer

What an awesome space!!!  What about this ... put the bed up against the house facing the back yard to enjoy the view and then move the table over closer to where the bed is now?  Then the table is closer to the grill area and you can create the dining 'zone' ( could you swag the light fixture over a new location without having to rewire?) and accessorize the other corner by the bed with a few chairs, creating a relaxing zone.  Have fun with whatever you choose.

Sixteenfourteen · Answer

@KMS Woodworks, thank you!  You're right, I have two tables stuck together because we entertain quite a bit, and need a really large table.  Are you suggesting I get rid of the smaller dining table? Or maybe I could move it to another corner and use it as a drink station, except when we need it for dining?

@The Space Between, thank you too!  I'll have to look at the light fixture to see if I can swag it.  And I guess it doesn't *have* to be over the dining table, as long as it hangs over something? I rarely use it anyway, because we light candles instead. I love the idea of moving the bed/chaise so it faces the backyard!

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Aimee...yes I think the space is a bit cramped if you rotate both tables...moving it closer to that wall would open up more space toward the door that goes out to your BBQ deck...the 'informal' coffee table could be set up in front of the french doors.  In a pinch your extra guests could use the lower table too.

Linda @ it all started with paint · Answer

Aimee, Here are two inspiration porches that might spark some ideas. You have an amazing space there! http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/an-affair-of-the-heart http://betweennapsontheporch.net/a-photo-tour-of-the-porch-and-decks/

Eclectically Vintage - Kelly · Answer

Lucky you to have such a fabulous space to work with!  I agree with KMS.  It's all about zones and conversation areas.  By separating the long dining tables into two separate areas, you'll have a cozy space to entertain.  I'd love to see the after pics!

Becky H · Answer

What a wonderful porch!  Such a nice size for entertaining.  Divide your spaces as mentioned by earlier posters.  Walls can be created w/potted trees and plants to divide these spaces.  I would also think you would wish to move the bar to a location convenient between the patio and porch..........so I'd move it to the opposite end of the porch or to the middle.  You could back that up to a living wall as well if you wish.

Sixteenfourteen · Answer

HUGE thanks to everyone for all of your great advice!  I'll come back and post pictures once I've implemented the changes you recommended.  Thanks again.

Aimee

Pat S · Answer

Everything looks 'under arrest' and disconnected.  Paint the extra chairs or make a bench out of 2 or 3 and they can still be used at the table but otherwise a grouping....use the rug to anchor either the conversation area or the dining area... use blues as you've started for the chairs and bar.  Some wall hangings... great space to play with!!

Bernice H · Answer

I love this porch! And yes, what a great space to play with.  How about some fabric curtain hanging at the Poles,( porch supports), with a ... oohh help me here, chain or something to cinch them to the posts. So they dont take away from the view or interfere with light, but just softening the area a little. Help me Susan, or Lee Anne..dont know what I am calling this. Then maybe some LED lights  in mason jars(?) hanging from rafters for ambiance.
Please do keep us up to date on the revamp. Some of us porchless live covetingly through others!  sigh
And maybe paint the chairs , all of them, fun colors! I love the idea of making a bench out of the 3!    Someone posted a picture on Ht I think!   Yep, and some greenery!

Good gravy, how I would LOVE to have your problem ..on what to do? Just have fun!

Esther D · Answer

your space is huge...

What about  solar lights...they can work as light bouquets. we repurpose them behind furniture and in vases .. so we use them as ambient light  and  delay turning on the grid until later...   the  chaise can be angled ...thank you for sharing

Victoria S · Answer

Very nice screen porch....would love one!  You have some great ideas....like the one about painting the chairs different colors.   Maybe make a coffee table from old doors?

Michela M · Answer

Lucky you with such a great porch!  An idea I saw in a magazine that I loved: They hung 2 wooden doors vertically using chains attached to the 4 corners to hang it from the ceiling bed-heigth. Mattresses were put on top with lots of toss pillows and the hanging bed were made up wiith linens and quilts. Day beds to lounge in or read on a lazy summer afternoon or extra space for guests or grandkids.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Great ideas. I wouldn't line chairs in a row.

Pat Cobb · Answer

I wish I had your problem. The porch is beautiful. Just keep checking this web site, everyone is so helpful. You're headed in the right direction. One piece of advice don't do anything to cover up your beautiful view!

Cyndi · Answer

Center the table in the middle of the room on the carpet. Place the couch by the screen door and the other seating across where the cameraman is standing. This keeps all views to the yard and windows open.

Lori · Answer

This post is old, so what did you do?  I would have turned the table cross ways and still down in that end, turned the chaise kiddycorner where it is, joined two ot the webbed ladderback chairs together side by side and made a cute stuffed cushion to make it like a love seat size.  Love to see what you did though.

Beatrice Tangeman · Answer

Hi Aimee, who built it? It's a great space, I would love to talk to you about it, and get some direction for building one of our own. (:

LindaK · Answer

I'd use the Chaise flat if possible like seating. Pull those arm chairs away from the table near the chaise. Center the table on the rug, and remove the leaf to reduce the size for everyday use. Mix up the six chairs around the table, maybe paint to unite them.

Susannekbullis · Answer

I agree with LindaK, center the table on the rug and turn the rug 180 degrees. The small metal light fixture is great and you could swag it over with chain to center over the table. Remove a table leaf or two for everyday use too. Maybe flatten the chaise and turn into a day bed with pillows around it, or sit it up all the way with pillows or a long round tailored pillow for the back. Placing a small table in front of chaise with one or two of those low backed table chairs would make a great conversation area.

Pam2193947 · Answer

I would love to see a big round table or even two round tables.  I would use outdoor lawn type furniture. Wait to find it on sale.

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Set table in middle of Carpet!

Mogie · Answer

I would make the area screened in the eating area and outside for lounging. Provide more serving room. By that I mean an area just for additional areas to hold areas for storing additional items like glasses, plates, etc. Perhaps even include a bar for mixing drinks. If you don't drink the bar could be a coffee bar soda station.

Don't just push the furniture up against the walls. Instead use the furniture to define different areas.

What furniture layout do you recommend for my screened-in porch?

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What furniture layout do you recommend for my screened-in porch?

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