Turning My Screened-In Porch Into A Bohemian Oasis: Complete Step-By-Step Guide

My screened-in porch was a dumping ground for three years. Old patio furniture nobody wanted to sit on. Random storage boxes. Spider webs everywhere. I walked through it to get to the backyard but never actually used the space.

Last spring, I decided to turn it into something I’d actually want to spend time in. I’ve always loved bohemian style but thought it required expensive furniture and a design degree. Turns out it doesn’t. Boho is actually the most forgiving style because it embraces mixing patterns, thrift store finds, and collected pieces.

I spent six weekends transforming my 12×10 screened porch into a space where I now drink my coffee every morning. Total investment was about $420. Most pieces came from thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and DIY projects. People who visit ask if I hired a designer.

Here’s exactly how I created my bohemian porch oasis, step by step. You don’t need my exact space or budget. The principles work for any screened porch and can be adapted to whatever you want to spend.

Step 1: Clear Everything Out And Deep Clean (The Unglamorous Part)

I started by removing absolutely everything. The sad furniture went to the garage temporarily. The storage boxes moved to the basement. The actual garbage went to the curb.

Then I spent an entire Saturday deep cleaning. Swept the floor twice to get all the cobwebs and dirt. Washed the screens with a soft brush and soapy water. This made a shocking difference in how much light came through. Scrubbed the floor with deck cleaner.

The porch looked worse after cleaning because it was completely empty. That’s normal. You need a blank slate to reimagine the space.

I also checked the condition of everything structural. Screens intact? Floor solid? Any rot or damage? My porch needed two small screen patches. I bought a screen repair kit at Home Depot for $7. Fixed both tears in 20 minutes.

This unglamorous step matters more than anything decorative you do later. A dirty, damaged porch will never feel like an oasis no matter how much stuff you add. Start with clean and functional.

Step 2: Define Your Color Palette (This Guides Every Purchase)

Bohemian doesn’t mean random. The best boho spaces have an underlying color palette that ties everything together.

I chose warm earth tones with pops of rust and sage green. Specifically: terracotta, cream, burnt orange, olive green, and natural wood tones. Having this defined palette meant I could shop thrift stores with confidence. If something fit my colors, it worked. If it didn’t, I passed.

Popular boho color palettes:

Warm desert: Terracotta, rust, cream, camel, burnt orange Cool oasis: Sage green, dusty blue, cream, gray, white Jewel tones: Deep teal, burgundy, mustard, plum, navy Natural neutral: Cream, beige, tan, natural wood, soft white

Pick 4-5 colors maximum. Write them down. Take photos of paint swatches on your phone. Reference this when shopping. This single decision will make your space feel cohesive instead of chaotic.

I made a Pinterest board before shopping. Saved 20-30 images of boho porches I loved. They almost all used similar color palettes to what I’d chosen. That confirmed my direction.

Step 3: Layer Multiple Rugs For That Collected Bohemian Feel

Layered rugs are essential to boho style. They add warmth, define seating areas, and create that “collected over time” vibe.

I started with a large 8×10 jute rug as the base layer. Found it on Facebook Marketplace for $40. The seller was moving and needed it gone. Jute rugs are perfect for screened porches because they’re durable, natural, and handle moisture well.

On top of the jute rug, I layered a smaller vintage Persian-style rug (5×7) in rust and cream tones. Got it at a thrift store for $28. It had some wear but that added to the bohemian aesthetic. Perfect wear is not the goal here.

The layered look immediately made my porch feel cozy and intentional. It’s a styling trick that costs less than buying one expensive rug but creates way more visual interest.

Budget rug layering options:

• Base layer jute rug: $40-80 on Facebook Marketplace or $60-120 new
• Top layer vintage or patterned rug: $20-50 at thrift stores
• Alternative base: outdoor rug in solid neutral color

Some people ask if rugs get gross on screened porches. Mine stay relatively clean. I shake them out monthly and spot clean as needed. Once a year, I hose them down outside and let them dry in the sun. They’ve looked great for over a year now.

Step 4: Create A Comfortable Seating Area With Mixed Furniture

Boho style is all about mixing furniture pieces that don’t match. I combined three different seating elements to create a layered, inviting arrangement.

My seating pieces:

Rattan papasan chair: Found at Goodwill for $35. The cushion was stained and terrible. I made a new cushion cover using outdoor fabric from Joann Fabrics ($18 for 2 yards) and a round pillow insert from Amazon ($22). Total chair cost: $75.

Wooden bench with cushion: Got this on Facebook Marketplace for free. Someone was giving it away. I sanded it lightly and stained it with leftover wood stain from another project. Added a bench cushion from Target clearance section ($24). Total cost: $24.

Floor cushions: Made two large floor cushions using fabric remnants from Joann ($12 total) and poly-fill stuffing ($8). Each cushion cost about $10 to make. Total: $20.

My entire seating arrangement cost $119. It looks like I spent ten times that because the pieces are interesting and comfortable, not matching or boring.

The key to boho furniture mixing is varying heights and textures. I have a low floor cushion, medium-height bench, and high papasan chair. This creates visual interest and gives people seating options.

Step 5: Add Tons Of Throw Pillows And Textured Blankets

You cannot have too many pillows in a bohemian space. I have eight pillows scattered across my porch seating. They add color, pattern, comfort, and that essential “sink into this space” feeling.

I bought exactly zero matching pillow sets. Every pillow came from a different place. Two from thrift stores ($4 each). Three from Target clearance ($6-8 each). Two from TJ Maxx ($12 each). One I made from a vintage scarf I found at an estate sale ($3 for scarf, used a pillow insert I already owned).

Pillow mixing tips:

• Vary sizes: 18×18, 20×20, and 12×20 lumbar pillows
• Mix patterns: geometric, floral, solid, textured
• Stay within your color palette
• Include at least 2-3 textured pillows (macrame, woven, tasseled)

I also added two throw blankets. One chunky knit throw from Target ($25). One vintage Mexican blanket from a thrift store ($8). Having blankets available makes the space usable during cool evenings.

Total pillow and blanket investment: about $85. This layer of comfort and color is what makes the space feel like an oasis instead of just a porch with furniture.

Step 6: Hang Plants At Multiple Heights (The Bohemian Essential)

Hanging plants are non-negotiable for boho style. They add life, movement, and that lush jungle vibe. I hung plants at three different heights to create layers.

My plant setup:

Ceiling hooks: Installed four heavy-duty ceiling hooks ($2 each at Home Depot). Hung two large ferns in macrame plant hangers.

Macrame plant hangers: Made two myself using YouTube tutorials and cotton cord from Amazon ($12 for enough cord to make 3 hangers). Making these was easier than I expected. Each took about an hour.

Ferns: Bought two Boston ferns at Lowe’s for $18 each in spring. They grew huge over summer.

Ladder plant stand: Found a vintage wooden ladder at a flea market for $15. Leaned it in the corner and placed potted plants on different rungs. This creates vertical interest without taking floor space.

Plants on the ladder: Three potted plants from Walmart ($8-12 each). Mixed pothos, spider plant, and a succulent arrangement.

Floor plants: Two large plants in baskets. A snake plant ($15) and a fiddle leaf fig I propagated from a friend’s plant (free). The woven baskets came from Goodwill ($3 each).

Total plant investment: about $110 including pots, hangers, and the ladder. The impact is massive. My porch feels like an indoor jungle.

People always ask how I keep so many plants alive. Honestly, I don’t do anything special. I water when soil feels dry. The screened porch gets filtered light which most plants love. It’s actually easier than keeping indoor plants alive because conditions are more stable.

Step 7: Install String Lights And Lanterns For Ambient Evening Glow

Lighting transforms a porch from daytime space to evening retreat. I layered three types of lighting to create that warm bohemian ambiance.

String lights: Bought warm white Edison bulb string lights on Amazon ($26). Hung them along the ceiling perimeter using small cup hooks. The vintage-style bulbs give better ambiance than regular string lights.

Moroccan-style lanterns: Found two at TJ Maxx for $18 each. Placed one on the floor in a corner with a battery-operated candle inside. Hung the other from a ceiling hook.

Candles: Bought a set of pillar candles from Walmart ($12). Use them on the side table and floor for extra glow during evening hangouts.

The lighting setup cost about $74 total. This might seem expensive for lights, but it’s what makes the space magical after sunset. I use this porch more in the evening than during the day now.

Step 8: Add A Low Coffee Table Or Pouf For Functional Surface Space

Boho spaces need surfaces for drinks, books, and plants. But traditional coffee tables can feel too formal. I went with a poufy ottoman that doubles as a table and extra seating.

Found a large round woven pouf at HomeGoods for $35. It’s made of natural jute with colorful woven details. I put a round wooden tray ($12 at Target) on top when I need a stable surface for drinks.

This setup is more flexible than a traditional table. I can move the pouf around easily. It adds texture and doesn’t visually block the space like a solid table would.

Alternatives that work for boho style:

• Vintage trunk or suitcase: $20-40 at thrift stores
• Moroccan-style metal tray table: $30-50 at HomeGoods
• Large floor cushion with tray: $25-40 total
• Tree stump coffee table: free if you have access to fallen trees

Step 9: Layer In Bohemian Wall Decor And Textiles

Screened porches have limited wall space, but use what you have. I added three textile elements that transformed the solid walls flanking the door.

Large woven wall hanging: Made this myself using a branch I found in my yard and chunky yarn from Michaels ($18). Followed a YouTube tutorial. Took about three hours to make. Looks like something from Anthropologie that would cost $150.

Macrame wall hanging: Bought a small one at TJ Maxx for $16. Hung it next to the door.

Vintage tapestry: Found this at a thrift store for $6. It’s got some age to it but that’s perfect for boho style. Hung it on the wall opposite my seating area.

Total wall decor cost: $40. The textiles add warmth and soften the hard surfaces of the porch structure.

Step 10: Add Personal Finishing Touches (The Details That Matter)

The final step is adding personal elements that make the space uniquely yours. These shouldn’t be afterthoughts. They’re what prevent your boho porch from looking like a catalog copy.

My finishing touches:

Books: Stacked vintage books with interesting covers on my side table. Got them at a library book sale for $1 each. They add color and make the space feel lived-in.

Incense holder: A ceramic holder I bought in Mexico years ago. Burning incense while sitting on the porch is now part of my morning routine.

Crystals and rocks: I collect these. Display them on the windowsill and side table. They catch light and add natural elements.

Dried flowers: Made bouquets from flowers I grew in my garden and dried. Put them in thrifted vases ($2-3 each). Free seasonal decor that fits the boho aesthetic perfectly.

Vintage finds: A brass candlestick ($3), a wooden bowl ($4), a ceramic vase ($5). All from thrift stores. All add character.

These personal touches cost maybe $30 total. They’re the difference between a styled space and a space that feels like mine.

My Complete Budget Breakdown

Here’s every dollar I spent on this transformation:

Rugs:

• Jute rug (base layer): $40
• Vintage patterned rug (top layer): $28

Furniture:

• Papasan chair with new cushion: $75
• Wooden bench and cushion: $24
• DIY floor cushions: $20

Pillows and textiles:

• 8 throw pillows: $60
• 2 throw blankets: $33

Plants and hangers:

• Plants, pots, baskets: $85
• Macrame supplies and ladder: $27

Lighting:

• String lights: $26
• Lanterns: $36
• Candles: $12

Furniture/surfaces:

• Woven pouf: $35
• Wooden tray: $12

Wall decor:

• DIY wall hanging materials: $18
• Macrame hanging: $16
• Vintage tapestry: $6

Personal touches:

• Books, vases, accessories: $30

Cleaning and repair:

• Screen repair kit: $7

Grand total: $590

Wait, that’s higher than my initial $420 estimate. Let me be honest. I forgot to count the lighting and some accessories in my original mental math. The real number is $590. Still reasonable for a complete room transformation, but I want to be accurate about costs.

What I DIYed vs What I Bought

DIY projects that saved money:

• Macrame plant hangers (saved $30-40 each)
• Large wall hanging (saved $100-150)
• Floor cushions (saved $40-60 each)
• Papasan cushion cover (saved $50-70)

What I bought used:

• All rugs (saved $150+)
• Papasan chair frame (saved $100+)
• Bench (saved $80+, got it free)
• Most pillows (saved $100+)
• Vintage decor pieces (saved $50+)

What I bought new:

• String lights (needed reliability)
• Some plants (wanted healthy starts)
• Pouf (couldn’t find used options)
• Wood stain and repair supplies

The mix of DIY, used, and new kept costs manageable while creating a high-end look. If I’d bought everything new and ready-made, this transformation would have cost $1,500-2,000 easily.

How Long This Actually Took

Weekend 1: Deep cleaning and repairs (6 hours) Weekend 2: Painting/staining furniture pieces, shopping thrift stores (8 hours) Weekend 3: Making macrame hangers and wall hanging (10 hours) Weekend 4: Hanging plants, installing lights, arranging furniture (5 hours) Weekend 5: Making cushion covers and floor pillows (6 hours) Weekend 6: Final styling, adding accessories, taking photos (3 hours)

Total time investment: About 38 hours over six weeks. Some projects happened on weeknights too. Making the wall hanging was a Netflix-and-craft situation spread across several evenings.

This wasn’t a weekend transformation. It was a slow, enjoyable process. I actually liked having it stretch over weeks because I could adjust as I went instead of rushing and making expensive mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create this look without DIY skills?

Absolutely. Buy ready-made macrame hangers ($15-25 each). Skip the cushion-making and buy pillow covers ($10-15 each). Purchase a finished wall hanging ($30-60). You’ll spend more but save time. The look will be nearly identical.

What if my screened porch is smaller than yours?

Scale down. Use smaller rugs. Choose a loveseat instead of multiple furniture pieces. Hang 3-4 plants instead of seven. Use fewer pillows. The layered, textile-rich approach works in any size space.

How do I deal with bugs on a screened porch?

That’s the beauty of screens. Bugs stay out while air flows through. Check your screens for holes (mine had two small tears I patched). Make sure the door closes tightly. I’ve had zero bug issues using this space.

Do textiles and cushions get moldy on a screened porch?

Mine haven’t. Screened porches have good airflow which prevents moisture buildup. I bring cushions inside during heavy rain just to be safe. In humid climates, choose outdoor-rated fabrics for cushions and store pillows inside when not in use.

What if I live in a climate with harsh winters?

Use your boho porch spring through fall and winterize it. Bring cushions, pillows, and sensitive plants inside. Leave furniture and rugs if they’re weather-resistant. I do this and the setup process in spring takes about an hour.

Can I do boho style on a budget under $300?

Yes. Focus on foundational pieces: one base rug ($40-60), two furniture pieces ($50-80), 4-6 pillows ($40-60), 3-4 plants with DIY hangers ($50-70), string lights ($20-30). That’s about $200-300 and hits all the essential boho elements.

Where do I start if this feels overwhelming?

Start with Step 1 (clean and clear). Then Step 2 (define colors). Then buy one foundational piece (a rug or furniture). Build slowly over months. My space evolved over six weekends. There’s no rush.

How do I keep so many plants alive?

I water when soil feels dry (usually once or twice weekly). Most plants are low-maintenance varieties (ferns, pothos, snake plants). The screened porch environment is actually ideal for plants. Filtered light and good airflow. Easier than indoor plant care.

Can renters do this?

Yes. Everything is removable. I didn’t make any permanent changes. Cup hooks for lights can be unscrewed and holes filled. Furniture, rugs, and plants all move with you. This is completely rental-friendly.

What’s the biggest mistake people make with boho style?

Buying too many new matching pieces. Boho is about collected, mixed, imperfect elements. Shopping only at one store or buying complete sets kills the authentic boho vibe. Mix eras, sources, and styles. Embrace imperfection.

---

Turning my screened porch into a bohemian oasis changed how I use my home. I spend at least an hour out there every day now. It’s my morning coffee spot, my reading nook, my evening wind-down space. That sad storage porch became my favorite room in the house.

You don’t need my exact budget or timeline. Start with one step this weekend. Clear and clean your porch. Define your color palette. Buy one foundational piece. The transformation happens gradually, one layer at a time.

Which step are you starting with? The deep clean is perfect for this weekend. Your bohemian porch oasis begins with one Saturday morning and a broom.