There’s an old saying that never fails to make me laugh, mostly because it’s true: “Here in the South, we don’t hide crazy. We parade it on the front porch and serve it a cocktail.” No matter how you deal with the crazy in your life, I think we can all agree that in Wilmington, NC and throughout the South, the front porch is a quintessential part of our culture. A screened-in porch gives us a place to sit in the evenings and watch the world go by; it provides a mosquito-free sanctuary to enjoy that elusive cool night breeze; and it keeps us connected to our neighbors who are just a friendly wave away.
Now that the weather is beginning to improve and spring is just around the corner, it’s time to dust off your screened-in porch, back deck, patio, or sun room. To maximize your enjoyment of these unique outdoor spaces, and to make the most of those warm, relaxing nights, here are some of our favorite window treatments for porches and patios.
Window Screens: First things first: screen it in! Adding screens to the windows and walls of your porch is an easy, inexpensive update that will have the most impact. It’s easy to enjoy a screened-in porch year round, even when the mosquitoes are at their worst, and the see-through nature of screens won’t affect your view of the great outdoors.
Curtains and Drapes: If you’re looking for flexibility when it comes to your screened-in porch, then curtains are the way to go. You can open them wide in the daytime and chat with the neighbors passing by. When you want to serve a romantic dinner al fresco, or take a mid-afternoon nap in your sun room, pull those curtains shut and enjoy a little outdoor privacy.
Sun Shades: The only downside of a porch or patio is that in the summer, when temperatures are reaching triple digits, you’re more likely to be found inside, soaking up the A/C. Keep your porch cool so you can enjoy it all summer long with the help of solar shades. Make sure to choose a durable fabric such as acrylic or polyester, which can withstand any weather. These energy efficient shades will also block most UV rays while still allowing airflow. With solar shades on your side, August won’t stand a chance.
Bamboo Blinds and Shades: A screened-in porch or back deck is a living space connected to the great outdoors, so it makes sense that your décor should also be inspired by nature. Bamboo is a stylish, natural, and beautiful solution for these open-air spaces. Whether you choose bamboo blinds or bamboo shades, they’re an effective and attractive way to break up sunlight and create privacy.
No matter how you want to deck out your porch, patio, or sun room, Strickland’s Home has the solution. Visit us today and find the perfect fit for you!