What is a lanai and how can you organize such an area on your terrace?

While there’s nothing like a tropical vacation, sometimes you don’t have to travel far to feel like you’re relaxing in paradise. If you live in a warm climate area, you may be looking for ways to maximize your outdoor living at home and may be wondering if a lanai is right for you.

Below, we present the basics of what exactly a lanai is and how it differs from a sunroom, patio, and porch. We also explore the benefits of adding a lanai to your home and the variety of ways such a space can be within reach, whether you want to use it for socializing or simply want a space to relax after a busy day at work.

What is a Lanai?Sunrooms are “a type of outdoor room at the back of a house enclosed by walls or windows to keep out insects and debris,” says Kevin Harris.

The term “lanai” has its origins in Hawaii. “Lanais are popular in warm, tropical climates because they provide a way to enjoy the outdoors without being bothered by insects and provide shade and protection from the sun,” adds Harris. But verandas are not always completely screened; Many times, a wall is open and exposed to the elements.

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Lanai vs. Patio vs. Veranda

Since there are so many different types of outdoor living spaces, you may be wondering how exactly to distinguish a lanai from, say, a screened-in porch. Remember that verandas, terraces, porches and porches are part of the same general family, but have different characteristics.

“A porch can wrap around the entire house, while patios and porches are usually smaller spaces that can be found at the front, back, or side of a home,” says designer Colleen Simonds, who runs the eponymous company.

A lanai, however, is designed to function as an “outdoor room” and more of a “hybrid indoor/outdoor” space, he adds. Furthermore, verandas are designed to be usable for much of the year as they are mostly closed.

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“Lanais is your spring, summer and fall space,” notes Sarah Storms.

Why add a lanai to your home?

If you enjoy spending time outdoors or simply want more space to gather and relax, adding a lanai to your home is a great option.

“A lanai offers the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living in a very comfortable environment,” says Simonds. “You can expand the ‘living’ area and suddenly you have more space for fun, relaxation and even work.”

Even if your home is quite small, you may have room to expand it and build a porch that will make it easier to entertain guests.

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How to Use a Lanai

Think of a lanai as an outdoor family room. What better way to unwind after a long day at work than to step into your hybrid indoor-outdoor space and unwind with a good book, a meal, a TV show, or all three?

“It’s the best space for family time,” Simonds says, explaining that often a lanai will have furniture typical of an indoor lounge space, as well as a television. The lanai pictured above also includes a table perfect for entertaining and colorful artwork lines the walls.

“There’s something so luxurious about having a TV in an almost open-air room,” Storms adds. – There’s nothing like it.