Once headed towards obsolescence, the screened-in porch is seeing a modern revival in homes across America.
Gaining popularity in the early 20th century, screened-In porches, or three-season rooms, became popular because of their abundance of fresh air. According to The Boston Globe, “the trend was fueled by the common belief that sleeping in the fresh air was an essential way to ward off tuberculosis.” These quaint and functional home additions fell out of style later, and not without the help of the AC industry. Climate and air control technology made the need for more simple climate solutions obsolete.
Like most fashions, this one is coming back around. And just like their inception, the resurgence of screened rooms is being driven by some very simple, practical needs. They keep both pesky, dangerous bugs and unnecessary electrical gadgets at bay.
The rise of diseases Lyme disease, West Nile and others that are transmitted by insects are a good reason to hang out as far from ticks and mosquitos as possible. Fresh air has countless benefits for body and mind, but nature comes with a whole of bugs and critters. Some of them can cause more harm than others. A screened in porch gives you the best of both worlds; plenty of fresh air and protection from bites.
Another health hazard that is sweeping the nation is a collective addiction to being connected to everything but nature. For many Americans, smartphones and social media apps consume a startling amount of time each day. The backlash has begun. More and more people are purposefully scheduling weekends in off-the-grid Airbnbs and wireless hideaways. A screened-in oasis in the woods is the exact fix you might need if you can’t put your phone down.
Whatever the reasons, it’s pretty clear that screened-in porches are in style again. And while a three-season room might not be your only solution to air quality and weather concerns anymore, they sure do make getting “outside” fun, relaxing and itch-free again.