There are two reasons why people want to cover their porches. First, it is done to improve their house’s exterior look. Second, house owners want to appreciate nature and fresh air without bugs attack. Either way, they deserve best installation that hit both look and functionality points. Have any idea yet?
Read also: How to Decorate Old Porch Swing.
1. Canopy Patio Awning
Not all house owners realize how important a canopy is. Thus, they already have a nice house but without any canopy to spend the afternoon. Don’t worry; they could always install a canopy patio awning. It comes in several colors, so feel free to pick one that compliments your wall tone.
You could get either hip roof or pyramid roof. Both are available. If installed properly, this patio awning could last at least 15 years. Note that it is a permanent fixture. Best decoration option would be replacing the awning fabric or painting its frame. Otherwise, it will be quite hard to make this awning prettier.
2. Retractable Awning
Those who live in limited space area will be used to have retractable items. Could porch get something retractable as well? Of course, yes. The way this awning is build is quite unique. Its framework has to be nailed permanently to the wall. For diagonal support, models usually have removable arms.
Another option of removable arms is hidden arms. House owners could pull them out to set a perfect awning. On a airy day, they could fold the awning fiber and enjoy the day as it is. Some models have manual system, which means you have to pull by hand. Some others offer more advanced option; motorized arms controlled by electric button.
3. Portable Canopy
Who says canopy cannot be brought anywhere? Some house owners don’t want any installation to their walls. In this case, installing portable canopy will be a great idea. It is available in any home centers, affordable, and easy to set up. Basically, this portable canopy consists of four posts and a pointy roof.
Its weight is not too much to be lifted alone. You could even take this portable item directly to the spot and build it there. Once it stands, you could move some furniture under. It is also possible to add some decorations like curtain or carpet. In short, portable canopy allows you to arrange your own version of perfect porch canopy differently.
4. Plant Based Canopy
Without doubt, nature provides best shade than commercial products. Then why don’t you make one for your porch? Remember that any plant based canopy require porch located close to fertile soil. Using a pot won’t give great result than planting on soil directly. Be careful when choosing vine plant or flowers; the more the petals and leaves, the more cleaning work you must do during fall.
For the pillar, you could take small wood logs. They help vines to climb up. Every three days, you have to check plants’ growth. New branch should be twisted on the logs immediately. Otherwise, they will fall to the ground. Don’t forget to water the roots and pour some fertilizer. Pruning should be done once in a month.
5. Wood Porch Pillars
Need another idea for natural porch canopy? Then take a look at this wood porch pillars. You will surely love the way it supports stone walls. Note that wooden pillars take some space. Houses with small porches are not recommended to take this model. They might end up using most spaces for pillars.
Choose brighter wood shade for classic style. Darker coating will make your house look elegant. This porch pillars are best pair to stone-like walls. Their colors complement each other. If you are planning to match wood with other look, give it a careful thought. Usually wood cannot find its match easily. Consulting to more experienced people will help.
6. Bamboo and Twigs
A lot of people describe “shade” differently. One might say that shade should be solid coverage of an area. Some others disagree and think that shade could have blind curtain effect as well. If you agree with the second opinion, then the above idea might be perfect for you. Combining bamboo and twigs, a porch could be lovelier than ever.
First, you need to connect ceiling frame to bamboo frame. This bamboo set up has empty squares. Later on, twigs will be tied to these squares. Each twig should have similar gap. When sun shines, this setting will create a nice ambiance. You won’t get direct heat but still enjoy enough sun light. Isn’t it a win-win solution?
7. Metal Canopy
For some reasons, people omit canopy from their houses. As the result, they get the blinding sunlight during daylight. In order to cover at least little portion of door, you could always have metal canopy. While most canopies have 45 degree installation, this metal canopy has flat surface. The supporting arms then installed on the wall.
People love the modern look from this canopy. In addition, it costs less, as the canopy uses to supporting pillars. Also, this type of canopy takes less space, which perfectly fits for small houses or office. Moreover, you could always paint it to blend well with the door frame and wall tone.
8. Blind Curtain Effect
This is another option for those who love blind curtain. Instead of installing them inside the house, you must try to install it as a porch canopy. Before that, installing a flat frame is important. It will support whole canopy and become place to stick blind curtain.
You may choose either bamboo or plastic curtain. Bamboo will pull up canopy’s aesthetic look, while plastic curtain has less cleaning requirement. Remember that blind curtain might not last long. Thus, you must be prepared to replace the old curtain with the new one.
9. Porch in a Box
Do you want to have one of a kind porch? Then try this porch in a box! It is basically covering certain area with glass. Pillars will have additional function as glass frame holder. This setting won’t allow any dust or bugs to enter the area. However, it might require regular cleaning.
