The Outdated Outdoor Space That May Be Ready To Make A Comeback

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Some spaces once popular in older homes have fallen out of fashion in modern constructions. Case in point: the sleeping porch. These outdoor escapes were once beloved as an alternative to confined bedrooms. In a time before air conditioning, these porches took full advantage of outdoor breezes and open air. The introduction of electricity and AC led to the ability to sleep comfortably year-round, and these kinds of spaces disappeared.

However, the sleeping porch may be surging in popularity once again. Not only is there a certain charm to sleeping outside somewhere sheltered, but you may be able to lower your energy use — and the monthly bill — if you can find ways to turn up that thermostat a few degrees in the summer. Plus, sleeping rooms can accommodate guests in good weather, or double as an idyllic spot for lounging, napping, or reading in the afternoons.

Usually attached or adjacent to the home, these covered indoor-outdoor rooms of the past were often full or partially enclosed by screens and walls. They protected you from wildlife while still providing that feeling of being outside. Sleeping porches usually contained a bed or daybed — sometimes several for the whole family to sleep on when necessary. While they were really only usable in warm weather, some porches featured glass storm panels and could be used across the seasons.

If you are lucky enough to already have an enclosed porch, it's easy to set up your own sleeping porch in that same space — especially if it is tucked on the side or out the back of your home or off a second story. All you need to add is something cozy to lounge on, a nightstand, and some lighting. Other elements to include, if space allows, are bookshelves, your favorite decor, extra blankets on ladder shelves, and a cozy chair. For a fun spin on a sleeping spot that also offers seating, you could even DIY an adorable porch swing made from an IKEA bed frame.

The important thing is to create a porch you can sleep comfortably in. Make sure that a breeze can flow freely through the space while retaining some sort of protection from rain, sun, and insects. If you live somewhere with really hot summers, you could add ceiling fans to cool the air even more. Or, for something really luxe, add a fireplace for sleeping outside on cooler nights.

Don't currently have an enclosed space to turn into a sleeping porch and are wondering how you can create one for summer? There are ways you can adapt other spaces to create a sleeping porch vibe. Instead of an outdoor sofa on your back porch or patio, add an enclosed daybed. It can double as seating and a sleeping area. If you lack screens on your porch, craft a canopy using insect netting. Nicetown DIY Outdoor Mosquito Drapes cost about $22 for a pack of two panels. To add privacy or shade, look to things like thick curtains, bamboo blinds, and room dividers.

While most sleeping porches of old extended directly from the house, there is no rule stating they have to do so. You can create an outdoor space that feels like a sleeping porch by simply adding a bed and cozy rug to a gazebo or (tidy) garden shed. You could also construct an outdoor daybed that lasts through all the seasons in your backyard — hang curtains or insect netting from the frame to make it perfect for napping.