| Choosing just the right decor for decorating your front | | | | which by nature resist moisture damage; this type of |
| porch or sunroom requires a combination of two things: | | | | floor covering works best in sheltered outdoor spaces. |
| Style and functionality. | | | | Another possibility is indoor-outdoor carpeting, which |
| What you can use depends on how rigorous the | | | | can be left outside all year long. |
| weather is on the furnishings. In a relatively | | | | Fabrics: Cushions and pillows with fillings that allow |
| moisture-free hot climate, for instance, sun resistance | | | | water to drain through them take very little care. Add |
| is the quality you want to look for, but mildew | | | | to this a wide range of new fabrics-acrylics, woven |
| resistance is not essential. In other areas, both sun and | | | | vinyl-coated polyester, laminated cotton that feels like |
| moisture (caused by dew at night) can damage the | | | | uncoated fabric-and almost anything is possible. Look |
| goods. Select products specifically resistant to mold | | | | for these fabrics at tent, awning, or fabric stores, as |
| and mildew and ultraviolet rays. Choices abound for | | | | well as the porch and patio sections of department |
| products that work well in a protected outdoor | | | | stores and pool-supply stores. Don't overlook clear |
| environment. Here's some guidance on which are | | | | plastic to protect some fabrics, and go ahead and use |
| suitable for the outdoors. | | | | conventional fabrics that catch your fancy if the area |
| Shades and Blinds: Simple matchstick or rattan rollups | | | | is protected. Store pillows when the weather turns foul. |
| can protect furnishings from some rain and sun. Other | | | | Fabrics treated for stain resistance are more |
| treatments might include fabulous see-through screens | | | | expensive but wear better. |
| and blinds that block ultraviolet rays while allowing | | | | Lighting: Outdoor ground-fault circuit interrupters |
| breezes to waft through the space. Shower curtains | | | | (GFCIs), built-in lighting, and fans make all the difference |
| or simply made fabric curtains are decorative solutions | | | | for nighttime use of porches and sunrooms. Avoid |
| that add privacy as well as beauty. (Bed sheets are | | | | conventional indoor lighting unless your space is |
| an inexpensive alternative to fabric.) Remember, | | | | attached to the house. And be kind to your neighbors: |
| however, if the fabric isn't sun resistant, the curtains will | | | | be sure lighting does not encroach on their space. (The |
| fade over time. | | | | same goes for any noise you create, such as from a |
| Flooring and Rugs: Tile, slate, concrete, and | | | | television, radio, or stereo system.) Don't over-light, but |
| weatherproof painted wood are floor choices that | | | | do provide adequate transitional lighting from inside to |
| require minimal care. Soften the look and the feeling | | | | outside, allowing eyes to adjust. |
| underfoot with natural-fiber rugs, such as sisal or hemp, | | | | |