Refresh Your Small Front Porch With These Clever Enclosure Ideas

Has your small front porch seen better days? Are you looking for ways to refresh this outdoor space and make better use of it? Enclosing your porch is an excellent option for adding valuable living area to your home while also making the space more comfortable and usable.

Read on to learn how you can add style, functionality, and weather protection to your porch!

Benefits of Enclosing a Small Front Porch

Before jumping into the enclosure ideas, let's look at some of the great benefits you'll gain by enclosing your small front porch space:

• Added living area - Even a small enclosed porch adds usable living space to your home, giving you more room for seating, dining, or activities.
• Weather protection - Keep out rain, wind, pollen, and more with a protective porch enclosure.
• Temperature control - Make the space comfortable in any season by adding insulation, fans, or heating.
• Noise reduction - An enclosed porch buffers exterior noises from traffic, neighbors, etc.
• Insect protection - Screens or glass windows prevent bugs from invading your new hangout.
• Security - Lockable doors and windows bring extra security to this entrance of your home.
• Aesthetic improvements - From stylish curtains to glass walls, enclosures let you update the look of your porch.
• Added value - An enclosed front porch can increase your home's value by adding usable square footage.

Outdoor Curtains and Drapes

One easy and affordable way to enclose your small front porch is by adding curtains or drapes. This soft enclosure option provides certain advantages:

• Wide selection of styles - Choose from sheer, layered, blackout and more curtains to match your decor.
• Adjustable sun/wind protection - Open or close curtains to control shade and block wind.
• Inexpensive option - Outdoor drapes start at around $10-$20 per panel.
• Easy installation - Hang curtains just like indoor ones with clip rings or rods.
• Cozy aesthetic - Drapes lend a soft, cozy vibe to your porch space.

When choosing outdoor drapes, look for weather-resistant fabrics like polyester or acrylic. Allow for airflow to prevent mold and mildew growth. The more lightweight the fabric, the easier it will be to open and close the curtains as needed. If your porch ceiling is high, consider installing a motorized curtain track.

Wall-Attached Patio Enclosures

Another enclosure option for a small front porch is to install a wall-mounted patio enclosure kit. These kits are designed to easily fit on existing porches that already have partial walls:

• Fast installation - Minimal construction is needed since the framework attaches right to your walls.
• Extra living area - The kits add a fully-enclosed extra room on your porch.
• Weather protection - Doors, windows, and roof panels keep the elements out.
• Customizable - Choose window placement and roof options to suit your porch layout.

The cost of porch enclosure kits ranges from about $2,000 on the low end to $4,000 or more for higher-end builds with more windows and customization. Be sure to check your local permitting requirements before installing one of these kits.

Deck Enclosures

For elevated front porches, a deck enclosure is a great option to create a fully-enclosed outdoor living space. The enclosure includes:

• Roof - Shingles, metal roofing, or clear corrugated panels.
• Windows - Glass or screened windows around the perimeter.
• Entry door - Access the enclosed porch via a exterior door.
• Customizable - Tailor the structure to perfectly fit your porch.

Deck enclosures provide excellent protection from harsh weather and insects. Make sure to build an adequately supported frame to bear the weight of the roof and walls. There are many possibilities for siding material too - from natural wood to vinyl. Heating and cooling the enclosed space is something else to consider depending on your climate.

Three Season Rooms

Three season rooms are partially-enclosed porch structures designed to be used most of the year except winter. These rooms create an inviting new living area and provide weather protection:

• Windows/screens - Large windows encircle the room while providing ventilation.
• Doors - French doors or sliding glass doors often connect the porch to indoors.
• Climate control - Some temperature regulation can be added with fans, baseboard heaters, etc.
• Flexible usage - Enjoy the breeze in spring and fall or add blankets in winter.

Three season rooms range from DIY plastic panel kits to customized builds using weatherproof windows and doors. HVAC systems can be incorporated for more complete climate control. Building permits are often required as well.

Do-It-Yourself vs Hiring a Contractor

For any porch enclosure project, one of the first decisions is whether to DIY it or hire a professional contractor. Here are some factors to consider:

• DIY skills - Assess your own abilities for construction, wiring, HVAC, etc.
• Permits - Many areas require permits for porch enclosures.
• Complexity - Custom builds are best left to experienced contractors.
• Budget - Contractors charge widely varying rates but provide expertise.

Even if you DIY aspects of the project, you'll likely need a contractor for critical steps like pouring a foundation. Get quotes from at least 3 companies before selecting who to hire.

Decorating a Small Enclosed Porch

Once your new porch enclosure is constructed, it's time to add furnishings and style to maximize the cozy small space. Here are some great decorating ideas:

• Loveseat or settee - Comfortable for two without taking up too much room.
• Small table and chairs - Bistro sets work well in a compact area.
• Bench seating - Use backless benches along the walls for flexible seating.
• Plants - Hanging baskets, small potted plants, and window boxes liven up the space.
• String lights - Wrap porch columns or walls with twinkly string lights for ambiance.
• Storage - Mount shelves or a cabinet to corral outdoor essentials.

Carefully choose durable, weather-resistant furnishings able to withstand the porch elements. Focus on pieces with a small footprint. The right cozy decor will soon make your enclosed porch a favorite gathering spot!

Enclosing your small front porch opens up a whole new world of possibilities! You can now comfortably enjoy this outdoor space in any weather while adding beauty and valuable square footage to your home. With the clever ideas we covered, you can enclose your porch in a style that fits your taste and budget.

Just imagine sipping morning coffee from the comfort of an elegant new three season room or curling up with a book on the loveseat in your new curtained porch nook. By implementing one of these enclosure options, you'll be able to refresh your front porch into the perfect tranquil retreat you've always dreamed of. Get ready to fully embrace and enjoy your small front porch all year long!