Double Front Porches Stack Up Comfort
Twice the space, twice the outdoor pleasure. A double front porch lets you enjoy views, fresh air and company that much more
Kristy Woodson Harvey and Beth Woodson
June 21, 2012
We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic (www.mydesignchic.com).
We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic.... More
The front porch is often considered the quintessential element of Southern architecture — it has long been the perfect place for enjoying the view, catching a breeze or simply setting a spell, as they say in the South. Front porches were the original social networking tool, a pretelephone way for neighbors to commune, visit and catch up without ever leaving the comfort of their own homes.
If one porch is good, two must be better — especially when an expansive view is involved. The tradition of building double front porches in the United States goes back to the first settlers. But if you ask us, it's an architecture staple worth holding onto. Here are a few things to consider when tackling the double front porch.
If one porch is good, two must be better — especially when an expansive view is involved. The tradition of building double front porches in the United States goes back to the first settlers. But if you ask us, it's an architecture staple worth holding onto. Here are a few things to consider when tackling the double front porch.
Any pair of porches is a great addition to the front of a home, but if they wrap around, all the better. Wraparound porches guarantee plenty of space for sitting areas, dining spots and of course, that all-important hammock for catching an afternoon nap.
The column is a crucial feature in the front porch, both structurally and aesthetically. Traditionally, the front porch column is large, cylindrical and features an ornate capital.
The ceilings of front porches old and new have long been painted blue for a variety of reasons. Tour guides in Charleston, South Carolina, claim that the color keeps the bugs at bay and was originally introduced to keep spirits away. Some claim it extends the daylight hours. Some simply like the color, since it reminds them of the sky.
In the South, the perfect front porch color is referred to as Haint Blue. Fortunately, most of the major paint companies have a formula for that perfect shade, making finding the right color easy.
In the South, the perfect front porch color is referred to as Haint Blue. Fortunately, most of the major paint companies have a formula for that perfect shade, making finding the right color easy.
Ceiling fans enhance the already fabulous breeze off this pair of porches. They are great on balmy summer nights.
Settlers of the South began building double front porches, mimicking the look of their Palladian ancestors. Two symmetrical floors with columns became the look of the day. The tradition has stuck, as evidenced by this 2006 Southern Living ideahouse built on Charleston's Daniel Island.
Choosing a proper porch railing is almost as important as picking the porch itself. Straight spindles, curved spindles or even wrought iron are all varieties of porch railings that give a home a distinctive look.
Of course the orientation of the home dictates the orientation of the porch. Before the days of air conditioning, houses were ideally built facing south, so that they could benefit from winter light to heat the house while still capitalizing on the breeze and shade that's so necessary for summer.
For year-round enjoyment, a screen on one of the porches helps keep bugs out and adds a bit more privacy.
Read about more porch pleasures
Read about more porch pleasures
Related Stories
Most Popular
What to Know About Adding a Deck
Want to increase your living space outside? Learn the requirements, costs and other considerations for building a deck
Full Story
Landscape Design
Natural Swimming Pools: More Beauty, No Chemicals
Keep your skin and the environment healthy with a pool that cleans itself, naturally
Full Story
Edible Gardens
How to Grow Your Own Sweet Summer Crops
This guide will help any gardener get started on growing the freshest warm-season veggies and berries for summer
Full Story
Most Popular
How to Start a Cool-Season Vegetable Garden
Late summer and late winter are good times to plan and plant cool-season crops like salad greens, spinach, beets, carrots and peas
Full Story
Simple Pleasures
Simple Pleasures: Savor a Starry Evening
See how magical moonlight can be by relaxing outdoors after the sun goes down
Full Story
Standard Measurements
The Right Dimensions for Your Porch
Depth, width, proportion and detailing all contribute to the comfort and functionality of this transitional space
Full Story
Feel-Good Home
The Contemplative Garden: A Place for Quiet Reflection
These 10 elements can bring a meditative quality to your garden
Full Story
Landscape Design
5 Ways to Make Your Concrete Patio More Attractive
These design ideas can liven up your paved outdoor space
Full Story
Porches
10 Ideas for Decorating Your Summer Porch
Watch the world go by from a porch decked out with comfy furniture and inspiring accessories
Full Story
Front Yard Ideas
10 Ideas for a Front-Yard Edible Garden Your Neighbors Will Love
Choosing attractive, well-mannered plants and sharing the bounty will go a long way toward keeping the peace
Full Story
wow loveeeeeeeeee it. my dream house looks exactly the same. porch porch and lovely porch