Styling the Cottage Verandah for Summer Lounging

There’s something about a verandah in summer that feels like a little slice of heaven. Whether it’s for morning coffee, an afternoon with a good book, or a glass of wine at sunset, this space can become the heart of summer living. If your verandah is feeling in need of some love (like ours was). don’t worry. Styling it up for the season is simpler than you think.Recently, we receive a sweet timber bench seat from Rekindle Design Co. So I thought it was the perfect time to refresh the verandah. It’s in constant use during the late summer and autumn months.

Here are the things we did to update the verandah, plus my favorite tips for creating a cozy, stylish cottage verandah that’s perfect for summer lounging:

Let’s Refresh

Before even contemplating styling the verandah for summer, I had to attend to its sad state. We gave the walls. Verandah rails and floor a power wash, then cleaned the windows. Nothing says well maintained like a sparkly window in my book.

The next task was to oil the verandah floor. Since it was laid in 2023, many DIYs have taken place on it, so it needed a quick sand and a couple of coats of natural oil to bring it back to life. Once this was done, we made a trip to the local nursery for new pots for the topiaries and potted colour for the baskets At last, we were ready to style.

Start with Comfortable Seating

A good verandah always has seating as the base layer. Our new bench is perfect to add cottage vibes. If you have a bench or a set of chairs like mine, dress it up with an outdoor cushion or two for extra comfort. A comfy spot to sit is what makes you want to put your feet up for a while. I opted for a vibrant green gingham cushion on our bench seat., It’s colour coordinates perfectly with the other elements. But, summery fabrics such as stripes, florals, or summer inspired patterns like lemons would work just as well. Go with what suits your home. If your furniture is looking a little weathered, a fresh coat of paint or wood oil can work wonders, or even a coat of paint.

Layering and Textures

Layering is key to creating that cozy, lived-in cottage feel. If the summer nights can be cool where you are, as they are here, consider a throw blanket. These can be slung over the back of the seat or on the arm for easy access. A small outdoor rug to define the space would add an extra layer to a more enclosed verandah.. I adore natural textures like wicker baskets or rattan accents to add rustic charm and texture. In my case, that basket of flowers adds just the right touch of texture and color. I love that they can be moved about and the flowers changed seasonally.

Incorporate Potted Plants and Flowers

Summer is the season to go green. Use potted plants, herbs, or fresh blooms to bring your verandah to life. I love using mismatched pots and baskets to keep things feeling relaxed and a little rustic. Old chamber pots (yes ewww, poo) are great planters for any of these an look great next to a door or on a table. Most people dont even know what they are. You don’t need to overdo it thought. sometimes a single pot of cheerful flowers is all you need to make a statement, rather than being overrun by pots.

Light It Up

String lights are a classic choice for a magical summer touch, but lanterns or candles in hurricane jars also add a soft, romantic glow. If you have a covered verandah, hanging a pendant light or a vintage-style fixture can make the space feel more polished. Personally, I love solar fairy lights and festoon lighting. We have festoon lights in the backyard all year sound. And during the summer months, clear bud lights adorn the verandah to add Christmas charm and a make the verandah a special place to sit at the end of the day.

Even with just a few tweaks, your verandah can feel completely transformed for the season. It doesn’t take much to create a space that feels both beautiful and functional, a little styling and some thoughtful details can go a long way.

So, what do you think? How would you style your verandah for summer lounging? Let me know in the comments. I’ love to hear your ideas.