Verandah facts for kids

A beautiful veranda, perfect for relaxing outdoors.

Imagine a cool, covered outdoor space attached to a house – that's a veranda! It's like a long porch with a roof, often supported by columns or pillars. You'll usually find a railing around the edge, making it a great spot to relax. Verandas can stretch across the front and even the sides of a building.

Where Did the Word "Veranda" Come From?

The word 'veranda' traveled a long way to get into the English language! It came from India, but its roots are actually in Portuguese. The Portuguese word varanda means something like a 'long balcony' or 'terrace'.

Verandas in Different Building Styles

Winifred Rawson nursing her son on the verandah of The Hollow, Australia, around 1873.

Verandas are a big part of how buildings look in many places around the world.

• Australia: In Australia, verandas became very popular in buildings during the 1850s. They were an important feature of colonial homes, helping people stay cool in the warm climate.
• New Orleans, USA: In New Orleans, Louisiana, you'll see many old houses with beautiful, large verandas. These are especially common on what are called Creole Townhouses, adding to their unique charm.

Related Outdoor Spaces

• Awning
• Canopy
• Deck
• Loggia
• Patio
• Terrace

• See more verandas in the Becoming Queensland online exhibition

See also

In Spanish: Veranda para niños