There truly are no limits as to what is achievable and customizable with your screened porch. Technologies that improve the overall quality and enjoyment of your screened porch; decorations that are unique and valuable; crafty furniture and devices that enhance the capabilities on the screened porch. Whether you’re looking for ways to creatively better your current screened porch, or you’re building a brand new space that needs to be as innovative and captivating as its surroundings, we’ve got plenty of recommendations to make your screened porch updated with the latest and greatest.

Technological Additions

It’s 2022 - that means you can add any number of technological devices into your screened porch to make it more comfortable and capable for you. Televisions; surround-sound systems; built-in gas fireplaces; dimmable/color-changing lights; the list goes on. While each addition comes with a financial cost as well as a maintenance commitment, many of the benefits outweigh the costs.

Here are some important, need-to-know facts regarding technological additions to your screened porch:

1. The addition of electricity and electrical outlets within a screened-in porch vary; however, the addition of one typical electrical outlet traditionally runs between $150 and $200, depending on the availability of and distance from an interior power source, as well as the age of the house and screened-in porch.

2. Outdoor televisions typically range between $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the make and model of the technology. This price can drop if you buy a standard, indoor television, but doing this is not recommended by virtually any manufacturers and reading the reviews is a must for glare, potential handling of ailments, and temperature warnings.

3. Surround-sound systems are a hefty investment that typically range between $2,500 to $20,000, depending on the span of the sound, the amount of devices incorporated into one given vicinity, as well as the actual technologies used. For smaller areas, such as an average-sized screened porch, an investment between $2,500 to $8,000 is normally more than sufficient in making the space full of sound and ready for hosting.

4. Built-in fireplaces within screened porches, similar to surround-sound systems, are a significant investment, but can be done for a reasonable price. These built-in additions typically range between $3,000 - $20,000, depending on the materials used for the fireplace’s exterior, as well as how much wiring is required and whether or not there is a natural gas hookup nearby. Many contractors propose a good, built-in screened porch fireplace will cost between $3,000 and $9,000.

5. Can lights are fantastic in that virtually all can be made dimmable given the correct light switches and wiring. (They can also be color-changing if you have the correct bulbs installed where you want color). On average, the installation of can lights into a screened porch ceiling will range between $50 and $350, depending on whether or not there was existing lighting, the availability of electrical sources, and the number of lights being installed. The price will vary depending on if you have purchased the lights and materials yourself, or if you expect the contractor to do that for you.

Each technological addition will add value to your home and your neighborhood, as well as make your screened porch space your own.

Unique Decorations

The single best way to make your screened porch feel like your own is by adding decorations and plants into the space. Since we already have done a piece or two regarding great plant additions inside and outside your home and porch, this section is all about the decorations that will make the space uniquely you. Decorations to add to this screened space can be anything from tabletop additions to hanging tapestries, and certainly everything in between. In order to make the porch meet your every need, we recommend choosing 1-3 colors that your scheme will follow, and buying decorative items that fall into those color categories, making sure you meet many different styles and displays.

A great strategy to follow is the 70-20-10 rule. 70% of your decorations should be comfortable to you, your style, and the goal you’re seeking to achieve with this screened porch. 20% of your decorations should be a bit out there for you, but still something you could see yourself enjoying, appreciating, and/or utilizing. 10% of your decorations should be completely out there, and something that you’re hesitant about but still want to try. These items should be the cheapest, as you may decide after a short period of time that you want to change them out and try something new. If you don’t like the 10% “wild card” strategy, stick to a solid 80-20 rule that combines the 10% back into your comfort zone.

Enhancing Furniture

One of the biggest trends today across many generations is furniture taking up as little space as possible while being convertible into large, more comfortable pieces. Whether this means a table that folds into the wall; an adjustable porch couch; a side stool that can be converted into a step-stool; or another custom-built addition that makes the screened porch spacious and individualized. Furniture can truly make the difference between the overall feel and size of a screened porch as well as what it is ultimately used for (hosting, relaxation, parties, etc.).

For custom and/or DIY possibilities, a great resource is our Pinterest account, which features boards on construction, home DIY projects, many different styles of furniture, as well as tricks surrounding remodeling. For furniture that is already constructed, is more standard in nature, or is easier to find and manipulate, a great resource is Lowe’s Home Improvement, be that online or at one of their many physical locations. Lowe’s has many options for screened porch lighting, decorations, and outdoor furniture that will make your screened porch stunning.

Sources

• https://www.designbuildersmd.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-install-an-electrical-outlet-in-a-screenroom#:~:text=Whether%20you're%20building%20a,around%20%24150%20%2D%20%24200%20per%20outlet.

• https://www.techradar.com/news/should-i-buy-an-outdoor-tv

• https://www.earthturfwood.com/landscaping-blog/outdoor-audio-ideas-costs-considerations-for-landscape-design-project#:~:text=Basic%20Investment%20(approximately%20%242%2C600%2D%244%2C000)

• https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/outdoor-living/build-outdoor-fireplace/

• https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/cost-guide/install-ceiling-light/

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