Before we start…essentials are just that. Anything that is absolutely necessary and indispensable. You can obviously take any space that you are designing and do it up next level large or go plain.

COMFORTABLE SEATING

Comfort is key and comfort is king in porch design and these days you don’t have to just go the old fashioned rocker route in terms of seating. A great outdoor sectional sofa if you have the room or a pair of comfy chairs if space is limited are just fine. Look for indoor/outdoor fabrics on the cushions and they will last a lot longer. If you are handy you can purchase the weather resistant fabric and probably save some money, but shop around first because you may not have to bother. The best times I’ve found to shop for outdoor comfortable seating is preseason or postseason and I prefer to go and sit on them in person if it’s a cushy upholstered seating arrangement. That’s just me though, and certainly on-line shopping is a great way to find that perfect set!

DINING

Once again, you don’t need anything fancy and a simple set of folding chairs and a flea market table will do for two. It’s just so lovely to be able to dine outdoors, especially in the summer and under the stars! In our home we don’t have a formal dining room and the dining area is really quite small. When we have guests over and weather permitting having a dining table under the covered porch we often move out there. We have a table and chairs that remains out on the porch all year since it’s covered, so it’s easy to use and just needs a quick wipe down when going outside to eat. In harsh climates like ours the most practical dining table that we found is made of painted cast metal and the chairs covered in weather resistant fabric that wipes clean. Teak is a great option as well as plastic and a GREAT PRICE on these- FRENCH BISTRO CHAIRS right now at my affiliate.

WEATHER PROTECTION

Unless your porch has a massive overhang your furniture and accessories might get wet. Keep this in mind when planning your porch and perhaps pick up some curtains or covers to toss over your furniture. Live where it freezes or snows? You probably won’t be using your delightful porch if it’s that cold so store what you can in your basement or shed.

ACCESSORIES

No room is finished without accessories and a practical porch should have them too! Lanterns, plants, pillows, candles, a birdcage, a clock…these are all things that bring an outdoor room to life. I change our outdoor accessories on a whim and seasonally and sometimes will change just the color scheme with flowers in pots. How about a bar cart to help you serve? Affiliate at a killer price-  FAVORITE BAR CART.

LIGHTING

You’ll probably want to use your porch not just during the daylight hours, so proper lighting is key. There are so many options for porch lighting, but just don’t stop there and go with ambient lighting like you do inside your home. A few lanterns with either candles or battery operated candles are excellent for outdoors as well as string lights for that cafe feel. Make it inviting to your guests and light up the night!