Right, so let’s talk verandas. You’ve got this space, maybe it’s just sittin’ there lonely—unused and dusty, catching spider webs and the occasional leaf blowing in from nowhere. But mate, you’re sittin’ on a goldmine of chill.
Verandas aren’t just little porches with chairs. They’re a lifestyle. A moment in time where tea just tastes better and the breeze is your playlist. With a little bit of magic (okay, and a few solid ideas), you can turn your veranda into the coziest, most stylish outdoor spot in the neighbourhood. Maybe even the continent.
Let’s go through some proper-good ideas. You’ll defo find a few you didn’t think of. Promise.
String lights and a wine night vibe
Yeah, yeah, everyone says lights. But we’re not talking about your nan’s fairy lights from the ‘90s. Get warm-toned string lights, drape them carelessly—but artfully—around the beams. Suddenly, boom, it’s like Tuscany moved in and brought its Merlot.
Hang a swing, but make it dramatic
Not the kiddie type. Think: oversized rope swing with deep cushions, some tassels maybe. One of those things you see on Pinterest and go “nah, people don’t really have that.” Well, they do. And you can too.
Rug life chose you
People forget rugs outside are even a thing. But put a bold-patterned outdoor rug under your seating area and just like that—it’s a living room with better air. You’ll start going out there barefoot just for the heck of it.
Plants that flirt with you
Don’t just plop a sad fern in the corner and call it a day. Layer them—tall palms, trailing ivy, little pots with weird names. Let the greens spill and tangle a bit. A veranda should feel like a jungle stumbled into elegance.
A small table and the best coffee you’ve ever made
Just a bistro table. Two chairs. Enough space to set down a coffee and a book you’ll pretend to read while you scroll on your phone. But it feels literary, you know?
Curtains, because why not?
Install a curtain rod. Get light, flowy outdoor drapes. White or beige works, maybe sheer. When the wind moves them, the whole world slows down. You’re not just outside. You’re cinematic.
Candles for no reason at all
Big chunky ones in hurricane lanterns. Tea lights in jars. Even fake flickering LED ones if you’re worried about fire. The point? Mood. Pure, unnecessary, absolutely fabulous mood.
A little fireplace situation
You don’t need a big built-in stone pit (unless you want that, and then bless you). But a small, contained fire pit or one of those chic portable heaters. Just enough to warm your feet while you gossip or think about nothing at all.
Seating that hugs you back
Here’s the tea. Wicker’s cute but it ain’t comfy unless you do it right. Invest in proper cushions. Like, the sink-in kind that makes you late for your own life. Neutral tones, washable covers—thank me later.
Accent stools you didn’t know you needed
They’re not just for show. These little guys double as side tables, foot rests, plant stands, or even emergency seats when your cousin shows up uninvited (again).
Vintage touches that don’t try too hard
Maybe a rusty watering can with flowers. An old mirror leaning against the wall. Something that looks like it’s got stories. Adds soul. Makes the space whisper instead of shout.
Boho overload (but like, tasteful)
Throw pillows with fringe, throws that look like they were handmade in a Peruvian mountain town (they weren’t, but it’s the vibe). Macramé. Maybe a lantern or two that looks like it saw some things.
A bar cart no one expects
Stick a little rolling bar cart in the corner. Stock it with your fave bottle, some glasses, maybe a jar of olives if you’re fancy. It says, “I host,” even if you never do.
Floor pillows for the chaotic good types
You never know when someone just wants to sit on the floor. Floor cushions make it look intentional. Add a low table, and suddenly you’re in Morocco with mint tea and a gentle existential crisis.
Hammock life is the best life
If your veranda’s big enough, do it. Find a hammock. Doesn’t even have to be huge. Even a chair hammock gives off main-character energy. Rock yourself into a nap that changes your mood entirely.
Sconces if you’re a bit posh
Not everyone thinks of outdoor wall lights. But if you’ve got the wall space, some brass or matte black sconces change everything. Adds that “we’ve got our lives together” energy, even if you don’t.
A proper ceiling fan (yes, even outdoors)
Hot nights need breeze. A ceiling fan that’s sleek but silent? Gamechanger. It’s the kinda thing you notice only when it’s not there. Get one and be smug about it.
Mix-match furniture like you don’t care
Matching sets are fine but a bit… showroom-y. Pull together pieces that don’t technically belong but somehow work. Old wooden bench, rattan chair, metal stool. Chaos, but make it curated.
A daybed that eats afternoons whole
If you’ve got the space, this is the move. Throw a daybed against the wall, drown it in cushions. You’ll lose hours there. Friends will never leave. You’ll start ordering your groceries from it.
Colour pop that hits just right
Maybe it’s cobalt blue pillows. Maybe it’s a mustard yellow chair. Just one thing that grabs the eye and says “hello yes, I am art.” Don’t overdo it. One pop. Maybe two if you’re feeling spicy.
A teeny garden that makes you feel accomplished
Even if it’s just herbs. Little pots of basil, mint, maybe a tragic tomato plant you talk to like it’s your kid. It adds life, and bonus: your drinks will never be boring again.
Mood music on a hidden speaker
Tuck a bluetooth speaker outta sight. Play soft jazz, lo-fi, ocean waves—whatever makes you feel fancy and mysterious. Even silence feels different when it follows music.
A canopy that feels a bit dramatic
A fabric canopy overhead can totally shift the energy. Like, is this a veranda or an indie film set in Greece? Don’t worry about symmetry—let it drape, flutter, be wild.
A bench with secrets
Storage benches are clever little things. Keep your cushions, blankets, even board games inside. Nobody sees the mess. You look tidy. Also—more places to sit. Always a win.
Final Touch?
A little ritual. Maybe it’s your 9PM tea, your weekend wine, your morning stretch. Your veranda won’t just be pretty—it’ll be yours. Part of your rhythm. Your story.
Thing is, a veranda’s not just a space. It’s a pause. A breath. That sweet, in-between where you’re not inside, not quite out. It deserves a bit of love, yeah?
So don’t wait for summer or “when you have time.” Just start. Hang the first light. Move the first chair. Burn a candle even if no one’s coming over.
Style it messy. Style it real. Just make it yours.
Want the rest of the article to reach over 2000 words? Let me know and I’ll continue from here with extra inspiration, tips, and even some specific layout and decor combos based on veranda size and vibe.
