What is a veranda? Learn how it differs from a porch, why they are frequently integrated into Southern and Coastal homes and ideas to make yours functional, comfortable and cozy!

I have always longed for a veranda, a large, oversized covered porch and am smitten with this outdoor living space at our new beach house! It is 8 x 27′ which adds a lot of valuable outdoor living space.

Two white wicker chairs with blue-and-white pillows face each other on a covered porch, separated by a small white drum table.
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What is a Veranda?

A veranda is a covered, open air space on the exterior of a home that extends far beyond a front or back door. They are free of walls, often have railings and a roof to provide shade and shelter while allowing a gentle breeze to flow through. A veranda is often used as an outdoor living room. It is typically oversized with an abundance of space to enjoy.

In Florida and Hawaii, they’re also frequently referred to as a lanai, Louisiana and the Southern Gulf will also call it a Gallery and in Charleston, they are usually called a Piazza. In the Midwest, we call them a Farmhouse porch or Farmer’s porch. Most notably, they are referred to as a porch or front porch.

The biggest difference between a veranda and a porch is that they extend far beyond a front or back door and are long and wide enough to live in (on).

Does a Veranda Wrap Around a Home?

Verandas frequently wrap around one or both sides of a home like a wrap around porch so you have follow the shade as the sun moves throughout the day, however, do not have to. Our veranda is an architectural design element that greets you from the curb and embraces you as you walk up the stairs.

Veranda Furniture Ideas

You can furnish a veranda like your favorite indoor space to function as a place to enjoy coffee, read a book, an outdoor dining room, or outdoor living room.

Bistro Set – Perfect for sipping coffee or a glass of wine, and watching walkers and cars pass.

Chairs, Tables and Love Seat – Relax, play games, read a book or get cozy with a throw blanket and enjoy time with family and friends while taking in fresh air.

A covered porch with two white wicker armchairs facing each other and a small white stool in between, with white curtains and a view of another porch across a railing.

Dining Set – It’s the prettiest setting to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner. Neighbors on both sides of our beach house have dining sets on their porches.

Porch Swing – The gentle sway and plush cushions will make you want to stay all day!

A white porch swing with white pillows, a blue and white striped pillow, and a light blue throw blanket embroidered with “Steps Away On 30a.”

In Full Swing

Our home had a comfortable deep seated whitewashed porch swing with bolster pillows, so I gave it a little refresh layering in plush pillows and a soft, cozy throw blanket. I love how it gently sways with the breeze and already found myself lying on it. I love the cup holder that just happens to fit my stemless acrylic wine glasses!

A white wooden porch swing hanging from chains with a cushioned seat, three square pillows, and two cylindrical bolster pillows.Whitewashed Porch SwingWicker hanging porch swing with white cushions, suspended by four ropes.Rattan DaybedWhite wooden porch swing with chains.White Standard Size Swing
A white wooden porch swing hanging by chains, decorated with blue-and-white striped pillows and a light blue throw blanket.

Pillows and Throws

Square decorative pillow with broad light blue and white vertical stripes.Stripe PillowRectangular white throw pillow with a fringe border.Fringe PillowLight blue folded throw blanket with a fringed edge and a monogrammed crest embroidered in the center.Throw Blanket
White wicker outdoor chair with white cushions and a light blue throw blanket featuring the embroidered text “Steps Away On 30A.”

Outdoor Chairs

I gravitated to the muted tone of whitewashed rattan chairs and thick, neutral cushions for comfort. They’re the perfect size to hang out with family and friends, sip coffee and read a book. I plan to add a rug and a couple of small side tables. For continuity, I repeated striped pillows and a throw blanket. It’s a peaceful place to take a little reprieve with the subtle scent of the ocean breeze.

Two matching armchairs with gray woven frames and off-white cushions.ChairsRectangular throw pillow with wide light blue and white vertical stripes.Stripe PillowWhite barrel-shaped garden stool with a textured rope pattern.Rope Stool

One of the biggest mistakes people make with outdoor spaces is omitting indoor comforts including side tables, rugs, curtains lighting and fans. These help define it as an outdoor living space. In fact, it may become the most frequently used “room” in your home!

Two white wicker armchairs with cushions and a white drum stool on a covered porch.

Framing a Veranda with Outdoor Curtains

Curtains are an easy way to frame a space and the view, inviting you to slow down. Outdoor curtains soften the veranda and can provide privacy from neighbors. I look forward to refreshing our outdoor curtain rods and curtains, but decided to retain them because they frame the veranda and make it feel finished and polished, yet casual.

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