The Top 100 Best Screened-In Porch Ideas – Home Design and Style
Close your eyes and imagine sitting under a swirling fan, cold drink in hand, and enjoying the breeze pass through an amazing screened-in porch on a perfect summer day. That’s what you can expect from these screened-porch ideas.
A screened porch is a perfect marriage between outdoor living space and indoor living comfort. Where else can you relax under a sturdy roof while enjoying fresh air and protection from insects? A screened porch provides additional living space that you can enjoy much of the year. Sometimes called a three-season porch, you can enjoy these outdoor living spaces on all but the coldest days.
Screened in porch ideas can merge the best features of your favorite indoor rooms. Turn this outdoor area into a second living room or dining room, or create separate zones for different activities. A screen porch playroom is a perfect addition for families with small children. Your porch design should include every element needed to personalize your outdoor gathering place.
Because most screened-in porch areas are so well-protected from the elements, you can use indoor furniture for luxurious comfort. Add a fireplace for a cozy autumn ambiance and a ceiling fan for hot summer days. Enjoy these images of our favorite screened porch design ideas and learn the differences between an Arizona room, sun porch, lanai, and veranda.
1. Arizona Room Screened-In Porch Ideas
Arizona rooms get their name from how popular they are in the Grand Canyon State. This type of outdoor room usually features large screened windows that can open completely. The Arizona porch design provides a cool sleeping porch before air conditioning existed. Now, during the hotter months, the windows can close and the room cools by A/C.
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Unlike some traditional screen porches, an Arizona room will appear integrated with the rest of the home. They’re usually accessible from the living room or kitchen, often through French doors. The Arizona enclosed porch enables residents to enjoy the beauty of nature without fear of encountering venomous scorpions or rattlesnakes.
As the Arizona room design looks like an integrated living space, it’s common to see indoor décor features. For example, they frequently have a vaulted ceiling, a skylight or two, a TV, and a fireplace. However, because they’re a multi-purpose room, you can feel comfortable integrating outdoor space features. Hang a porch swing from the rafters and place old-fashioned front porch rocking chairs next to your plush sofa.
Arizona room flooring can match the rest of the house or consist of different materials. If you have tile throughout your home, it’s logical to use the same in the Arizona room. Laminate flooring or hardwood decking can also work, or use an indoor/outdoor carpet. Brick, stone, slate, and other masonry materials also make an attractive Arizona room floor.
2. Lanai Screened-In Porch Ideas
Lanai is a Hawaiian word for porch, patio, or balcony—essentially, an outdoor area to rest and relax. They first appeared in Hawaiian architecture in the mid-1800s, and remain popular there and in other warm climates. When most people think of a lanai, they think of a porch with a roof. As such, it’s easy to turn an open lanai into a screen room by installing screen panels and supports.
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An under-truss lanai is a screen porch plan built into the home’s original blueprint, instead of adding on later. Because its screened porch panels secure to the roof, this type of lanai is more durable during severe weather. Even though lanais are a warm-climate structure, they often feature a fireplace. Your lanai can take any form of additional living space, from a living room to a dining area, or even a sleeping porch.
Other screened porch decorating ideas work for lanais, too. Wicker furniture, green plants, succulents, and even artwork all look beautiful in a lanai’s natural light. Roll out a brightly colored outdoor rug and pile plenty of colorful cushions on your wicker furniture for extra comfort.
3. Veranda Screened-In Porch Ideas
Just the word “veranda” brings to mind summertime in the south. It conjures memories of wooden rocking chairs under a covered porch, slowly rocking while enjoying the scents of fresh roses and honeysuckle blooms. The modern screen porch veranda follows the classic design of extending across the entire back—or sometimes fully around—the home. On a wrap-around porch, usually only the rear portion is screened in.
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Like most other screened porch ideas, the veranda’s roof and ceiling are what makes it different from a roofless deck. However, you may find composite decking or another common deck material on a veranda floor. In most cases, a veranda is not just a small porch. Wide, roomy, outdoor living space designates the veranda from other types of screened porches.
Certain decorating ideas are key to creating the perfect southern veranda atmosphere. More than one ceiling fan is a must, and comfortable wicker sofas and chairs give a nod to traditional style. Ideally, lush landscaping surrounds your porch area with ferns and other potted plants accenting the porch.
A classic hinged screen door provides the perfect entryway between your veranda screen porch and garden. Cover your existing porch ceiling with beadboard for a traditional, old southern charm. Or, install stained wood shiplap on the porch ceiling for a rustic farmhouse or cabin vibe.
4. Sun Porch Screened-In Porch Ideas
Traditionally, a sun porch and a screened porch are two different things. A sun porch usually has exterior walls made from solid glass windows, while screen panels enclose a screened porch. Both types of back porch ideas expand your living area outdoors, but one is better for cold climates and the other for warmer areas.
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Now, a hybrid screened-in sunroom is a popular porch idea. It features screened windows that you can open when the weather is pleasant or close when it’s not. Interchangeable screen and glass window panels offer the same flexibility.
Proper heating and air conditioning keep a traditional sun porch usable year-round. This is true for hybrid screen/sun porches as well. However, being able to open windows and circulate fresh air cuts down on the amount of energy used for heating and cooling this zone.
Although pricey, some homeowners feel that a four-track window system provides the best marriage of screen and glass. You can slide these windows up or down, depending on how much fresh air you want. Learn more about installing four-track stacking windows in this short video:
5. Other Screened-In Porch Ideas
When a rarely-used patio or deck transforms into a screened porch, it will quickly elevate the popularity of that space quickly. By definition, a deck or patio lacks a roof (but not always) and screening to protect from the weather and insects. However, a screen porch or sunroom includes these elements, making it a more practical outdoor living area.
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Every home style can benefit from even a small screened porch, as its design is easily tweaked to fit individual design styles. An elevated screened deck allows unobstructed views from a beach or lakeside cottage—it also protects you from mosquitoes. A modern home benefits from a sunroom’s floor-to-ceiling windows that bring nature inside. A stained wood screened porch is perfect in a log cabin or other rustic home.
If you have a swimming pool, building a screened cover turns your entire pool deck into a protected outdoor living zone. Popular in Florida and other warm climates, these screened pool enclosures protect your pool from tree debris, animals, and pests. They also protect you and your guests from biting and stinging insects. Because they don’t have a solid roof, you can still enjoy the sun on your skin.
Screened-In Porch FAQs
Is there anything I can do to puppy-proof a screened porch?
Screened porches are wonderful outdoor spaces for every family member—including the ones with four paws. Nevertheless, ordinary screen material doesn’t hold up well to a dog’s energetic jumping and playing. Try one or more of these things to puppy proof your screen porch:
- Choose a sturdy screen material designed to hold up to anything dogs or cats can dish out. Look online specifically for “pet screen” or “pet-proof screen” material.
- Add screen grills over the lower half of each screen panel.
- Install a pet screen door that allows your dogs to go in and out on their own. This can help keep them from pawing at the screens.
Watch this video to learn how to make a simple screen dog door:
Are screened porches difficult to maintain?
Not at all! Screen porch maintenance is similar to cleaning any other room in your home. Sweep the porch and dust all the surfaces once or twice a week. Mop the floor every week or two and vacuum furniture cushions as needed.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
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Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
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This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
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This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
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This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
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If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
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If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
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Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
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Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
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For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
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For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
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This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
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Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
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The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
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Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
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Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
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This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
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Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
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Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
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Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
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Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
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This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
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Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.
