We're sorry, but we could not fulfill your request for /2013/04/stripping-painted-furniture.html/ on this server. An invalid request was received from your browser. This may be caused by a malfunctioning proxy server or browser privacy software. Your technical support key is: 36b3-fe9c-1756-6707 You can use this key to fix this problem yourself. and be sure to provide the technical support key shown above.1. Have Seats Talk to One Another A row of rockers is great for watching the parade go by but requires neck-craning if you want to converse. Here, vintage furniture is arranged to encourage an easy exchange while offering varied views of the landscape. For all-weather wicker seats, try International Caravan's Chelsea four-piece Conversation Furniture Set in Antique Moss, about $540; Area rugs can suggest distinct "rooms" without walls. Here, one rug channels visitors toward the front door while the other signals a gathering spot. Shown: Color-bound Natural Sisal Rugs, from $59 each;
3. Add a Statement Light A covered porch offers the advantage of a solid ceiling to protect an eye-catching chandelier, such as this Arts and Crafts stunner. Invest in a high-quality fixture and it can last for decades. Similar to Shown: Alameda Mission Single-Pole Art-Glass Chandelier in Black Enamel, about $1080; 4. Connect With Potted Plants Container gardens can bridge the gap between a porch and its lush surroundings; these glazed ceramic pots also reinforce the porch's red and green scheme. Similar to Shown: Festive Large Red Planter, about $28; 5. Echo Exterior Colors 6. Hang a Swing This wicker one, made from woven resin, offers vintage charm with little maintenance; just hose it down a few times a year, no need to repaint. Similar to Shown: International Caravan's Chelsea Wicker Resin and Steel Outdoor Porch Swing in Antique Pecan, about $270; 7. Let Pieces Do Double-Duty When space is at a premium, seek out multitaskers like this rustic green bench.
When not in use for sitting or for setting out wine and cheese, it's a plant stand. Similar to Shown: Painted Cottage Bench in Light Sage, about $140; 8. Make it Comfy Throw pillows and blankets can turn a sturdy outdoor seat into a cozy lounge. Here, pillows with cases of naturally weather-resistant wool kilim offer back support, and a quick-dry, easy-clean polypropylene rug warms up the floor. Similar to Shown: Kilim Throw Pillows, about $40 each; Grandin RoadDamask Bordered Indoor/Outdoor Rug in Terracotta, about $240; 9. Add a Vivid Accent On a cool, gray day, this painted table, scored at an antiques shop, offers a bit of sunshine and a focal point. Customize your own vintage piece with spray paint. Krylon indoor/outdoor enamel in glossy Sun Yellow, about $8; 10. Assemble a Set Mismatched furniture looks harmonious when painted one color, especially if the materials, scale, and shapes are similar. Glossy white unites these three seats. Find old wicker chairs for as little as $25 apiece on Craigslist.
Flower baskets skirting the porch roof act as a green screen. Here, one basket is set off by the oval "window" of a neighbor's trellis. Consider cascading-type begonias for their showy flowers and Boston ferns for their arching fronds. Hanging Basket Begonia Collection of 10 plants, about $60; Breck'sBoston fern in a 10-inch basket, about $17; 12. Keep it Cool The air on even a shady porch can get stagnant on a hot day. A ceiling fan keeps it breezy while thwarting mosquitoes—their little wings are no match for a mighty wind. Choose an outdoor-rated version with a light so that you can linger after dark. We like the Hampton Bay Seaport 52-inch White Indoor/Outdoor Fan, about $120; 13. Sidle up an Extension A grilling island alongside the porch adds a sense of enclosure while moving both cook and guests outdoors. This custom version boasts prep space and storage below. Kits make DIYing easier: Cal Flame's 6-foot Outdoor Kitchen Island Frame Kit has steel panels with cutouts for the grill, a fridge, and door—you supply the appliances and cladding.
14. Perk up the Floor Instead of going with brown planks underfoot, borrow the blue that's traditionally overhead. Then mix in cobalt accents to really liven it up. Similar to Shown: Porch and Floor Enamel in Undercool and Blue Chip, about $57 per gallon; 15. Plant a Perimeter Trees may start out as scrawny saplings, but they provide privacy once they fill in. Trawl the garden center for compact ornamental trees that won't threaten your roof with overhanging limbs, such as a 5-foot kousa dogwood, about $100 at Brighter Blooms. 16. Set up a Snooze Spot A chaise longue or a hammock is great for naps. Here, a more substantial, vintage wrought-iron daybed is even more inviting. To keep the mattress fresh and mildew-free, use a waterproof cover. Protect-A-Bed's Plush Fitted Protector is softer than the zip-up vinyl versions, and it's machine washable. About $70 for a twin; 17. Add Style With Salvage Period architectural details lend patina to a new porch and can boost the historical cred of an existing one.
This stained-glass window, set within an open wood framework, provides the illusion of a windowed wall. Find similar stained glass for less than $300 at Historic House Parts. 18. Go for Weathered and Worry-Free The rust and chipped paint on this iron bed and wood table give the space a relaxed, lived-in vibe. Leave surfaces exposed so that they'll wear even faster, or freeze them in time by spraying on a few coats of clear sun- and moisture-resistant varnish, such as Cabot Satin Spar Varnish Aerosol Spray, about $9 for an 11-ounce can; Shopping Cart is Full You cannot add any additional items to the Shopping Cart Site will log you out You are leaving the BEHR® Consumer website. You will be logged out. Ask an Expert by Email Thank you, Your email has been sent to our experts. Enrich your home with color, inside and out. Find your perfect paint, stain or floor coating color. How to Prepare a Room for Painting How to Paint a Wall How to Paint a Ceiling