Find out why these wraparound porches are a classic part of American architecture.
Wraparound porches are a highly romanticized element ofAmerican architecture, from Midwestern Victorian-era homes to grand Southern estates.
ADAM ALBRIGHT
What Is a Veranda?
Credit:ADAM ALBRIGHT
A veranda is a deep, wraparound porch attached to a house.
At most, a veranda may feature railings for style and safety.
In the United States, verandas had the benefit of providing convenient and necessary outdoor living space.
Credit:Dane Tashima
Hospod also points to the opportunity for homeowners and pets to spend more time together outdoors on a veranda.
One aesthetic trait common to many veranda styles is ahaint blue painted ceiling.
But it’s the function of the veranda that is central to its styling.
Credit:Stacy Zarin Goldberg
The depth and length of verandas allow for multiple gathering places.
During family and friend gatherings, we tend to create groups of conversations, says Hospod.
Structurally, that may include adding lighting or fans to the veranda ceiling.
It can also mean thoughtful seasonal planning.
Stacy Zarin Goldberg
How Is a Veranda Different from a Porch or Pergola?
The words veranda and porch are often used interchangeably, though they’re technically not the same.
Simply put, a veranda is atype of porch.
A porch can be any size, can be wholly or partially enclosed, or not at all.
It can be a small extension from the main entry to the house or something larger.
A veranda has more specific characteristics, including a larger scale and mandate for outdoor living.
Veranda, however, is often a more formal term or regional term associated with porches on Southern homes.
Pergolas are another common outdoor structurethat may be confused with verandas.
Although both cover exterior spaces around the home, a pergola does not require a solid roof.
They are often latticed and can be freestanding orattached to the house.
