Tiny Porches and Patios That Are Giving Us Major Inspiration

By Patricia Shannon
March 27, 2017
Credit: Hector Sanchez
While we love the look and feel of spacious porches, 500-plus square feet isn’t a prerequisite for a true Southern porch. These little stunners will make the case for living small and loving every square inch of your space.
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Coastal Patio

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

A recessed, built-in window seat doesn’t take up valuable real estate on this little patio. Garden stools that serve as side tables are an ideal choice for a small spot—they can be moved easily and double as extra seating.

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Permanent Paver Patio

Credit: Laurey W.Glenn

This patio was previously a rickety deck that lacked a feeling of permanence. Now, it’s a beautiful dining space.

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Utility Patio

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Think outside the box. This small patio is used as a beautiful utility space thanks to a stunning galvanized sink.

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Landing Spot Turned Patio

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Even what might be perceived as a small landing spot can be transformed into a outdoor perch. Keep containers small so they can be relocated in a pinch.

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Screened Overflow Porch

Credit: ERICA GEORGE DINES

A small table in the center of this screened-in porch serves as the focal point. It’s right off the kitchen making it a great spot for overflow when entertaining.

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Farmhouse Swinging Porch

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

A swing and small bench are all this Texas Farmhouse porch needs.

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Porch Party for Two

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

A consistent color scheme keeps this porch from being busy. Two wicker chairs and a simple vintage table make the space perfectly suited for a party of two.

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Screened-In Lounge

Credit: Hector Sanchez

This comfortable porch is the perfect spot for sipping a glass of wine on a breezy, warm evening.

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5 Southern Front Porch Musts

We spend a lot of time on our front porches, whether socializing, entertaining, relaxing, or eating. For this reason, it's important that our porches get just as much attention as the other parts of our houses. We think these five porch staples – including plenty of seating and a strategically placed ceiling fan – are a must for any Southern home.

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Light and Breezy Loggia

Credit: Melanie Acevedo

The blue and white palette of this loggia keeps things breezy and gives the appearance of more space.

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Simple Deck

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

This deck keeps things simple. Two Adirondack chairs are all you need when the views are this good.

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Latticed Porch

Credit: Helen Norman

To create a cozy porch, the designer enclosed the entrance of the house with a white lattice. Two small garden benches on either side of the door make the perfect spot for sitting.

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Porch with Plenty of Seating

Dueling porch swings provide plenty of seating. In a pinch, the wide front steps can also work as a place to perch.

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Patio for Two

Credit: Hector Sanchez

This tiny patio is dressed up with striped outdoor drapery panels. A small bistro table and folding chairs provide the perfect spot for sipping early morning coffee.

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Cozy Cocktail Porch

Credit: Laurey W.Glenn

This 130-square-foot screened porch was too small for a dining table or sofa, but just the right size to be a cozy cocktail porch. The furniture arrangement facilitates conversation.

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Woodsy Two-Chair Porch

This small back porch only fits two chairs and a small table but, with views this pretty, that’s really all you need.

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Salvaged Brick Porch

A bed swing provides plenty of seating on this brick porch. A vintage mantel hung above the swing acts as a shelf for displaying decorative objects without using up valuable square footage below.

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Rustic Dining Porch

Dining alfresco is an elegantly rustic affair on this porch. Twinkle lights and beautiful views are the stars of the space.

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Cohesive Screened Porch

The furniture keeps with the color palette of the house. The cohesive palette makes the porch seem like a continuation of the home—giving the appearance of a larger space.

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By Patricia Shannon