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Landscape Design

Porch Chat: Sleeping Porches

Catch some z's and a breeze in these open-air spaces that make the most of your home's living space

Becky Harris March 26, 2012

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected." I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More

Comment10

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We’re continuing our porch series this week with sleeping porches. Traditional sleeping porches were located on the second floor of a house, often atop a covered porch below. They were especially popular during the Arts and Crafts movement and were common in the American South as well. These porches usually had some rustic cots or bunks and served a very important function: They were the coolest spot to sleep at night on hot, summer nights in the days before air conditioning. These days they are a fun and nostalgic place to grab a nap or a night’s sleep with a fresh breeze. Some of the porches below are also outfitted for enjoying much cooler nights.

Michelle Fries

The screened-in porch off this log cabin has cozy, rustic appeal.

TK design build

Bunks and double beds provide room for as many people as possible so that everyone can benefit from the breeze on a hot night.

Ropes and weathered wood have coastal-cottage appeal.

Bluetime Collaborative

Unless you've got survivor gear, you may want to save an overnight visit to this Vermont pavilion for warmer seasons. It looks like a wonderful place to get away from it all that is more sheltered and comfortable than a tent.

Joie Wilson

This porch is what I'd deem a napping porch. Not only does it provide shade and protection from bugs, but it also comes with the relaxing sound of ocean waves lapping on the shore.

Michelle Fries

Sleeping quarters are integrated into this screened-in porch, as well as canoe storage and a warm stone hearth.

Prior

This vintage iron bed is fitting for a farmhouse feel.

One way to maximize a regular screened-in porch is to arrange a daybed that can be used as a sofa during the day and a breezy respite at night.

Jeffrey Post

Suspended beds are a popular trend; they take the fun of a porch swing and apply it to a bed.

MCM Design

This bed will gently rock with the breeze, whether you're catching a few winks or settling in for the night.

A large round hanging bed protected by mosquito netting is a tropical delight.

Frederick + Frederick Architects

This wonderful home is full of porch spaces and three-season rooms. This sleeping porch has the feel of a master bedroom.

Frederick + Frederick Architects

Here's a peek at the exterior of the previous house. The entire home has a very strong relationship to the outdoors and takes full advantage of the views and the climate.

While technically not a porch, this bedroom has the lofty feel of a sleeping porch and a view of a lake through the woods. If you're building a new home, consider a sleeping porch feel, especially if it's a lake, beach or mountain home.

See the rest of this home

More:
Wraparound Porches Have Curb Appeal Covered
Screen Porches for More Living Room (Almost) All Year
12 Ways to Prep the Porch for Summer

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Vintage Porch Swings LLC

Sleeping on a porch can be very special. We have custom handmade bed swings that are made in Charleston SC. Checkout VintagePorchSwings.com for our selection of swings. Each has some special details, you select a vintage finish and the accessories such as larger rope and details. Check us out on Facebook or on the web to see more of what we do... We sell the feeling or way of life.