Let your front porch make the right first impression
A front porch is the last thing you see when you’re leaving your home and the first thing you see when you come back. Adding decor to this space makes an impactful first impression, and allows you to showcase your personal style, making this an extension of your home’s interior. From various front porch aesthetics, flowers and greenery, trendy decor, and furniture and lighting, check out some front porch decorating ideas to inspire your outdoor space.
Take a look at these overall design concepts to fit your style and aesthetic.
Give your porch a rustic and welcoming feel by embracing the craftsmanship style. Pull up two Adirondack chairs to complement the home’s craftsman-style door and beams. Opt for warm-toned paint and furniture pieces to bring a cozy element to the space.
Want to honor tradition while staying current? Take on the modern farmhouse style for your front porch. Modern farmhouse styling blends the old with the new, and ties together trendy and rustic, to create an environment that gives you the best of both worlds. This front porch combines a quaint bistro set with chic concrete planters, against a black-and-white backdrop for an elegant yet comfortable feel.
Opt for a nautical theme for your front porch—even if you don’t live near the beach. This breezy porch swing with exposed rope gives you the perfect place to relax and unwind. The oversized cushions and white-and-blue color scheme lend themselves to a serene afternoon spent taking in the sights and sounds of your neighborhood.
Lean on the architectural beauty of your home when planning your porch design, and be intentional about the decor you pick to provide a simple and clean look. This porch is adorned with only a few strategically placed modern planters for an exterior that’s easy on the eye.
Check out some different ways to incorporate flowers and greenery into your front porch decorating scheme.
A hanging basket is a classic front porch idea that can fill in any empty vertical space and draw the eye upward. Suspend the flower basket from the edge of a covered porch so that it’s low enough to water, yet high enough that you and your guests won’t run into it. You can keep it in the original container from the store, or find a more decorative pot.
Break up empty space and give your front porch a focal point by adding shelves to house your potted plant collection. Play around with different textures and sizes, and even try planting potted herbs in terra cotta containers to incorporate fresh ingredients into your cooking on an al fresco evenings.
Another way to incorporate floral arrangements into your outdoor living space is to hang flower planters from a deck railing. These planters use natural fibers, and can break down over time for a way to store your plants that’s more environmentally friendly.
Instantly promote curb appeal and symmetry on your front porch by adding topiary trees on both sides of the front door. Sturdy-based planters placed under two outdoor wall sconces can provide just the right amount of balance to your outdoor living space.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box (or outside the basket) when dreaming up your front porch decorating ideas—there are ways to use traditionally ornamental items more deliberately and creatively. For example, this outdoor rattan basket looped around the door handle serves as a flower holder to evoke a French provincial feel.
Browse through some various decorative items that can be easily added to elevate your front porch space.
Create dimension and visual appeal when choosing a welcome mat for your front door. Layering an oversized weather-proof rug under the welcome mat brings more textures and patterns into your outdoor room. For example, this black-and-white rug provides a versatile backdrop for any welcome mat that you may choose to swap out throughout the year.
Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big impact. Line the pathway leading to your front door with pinwheels to add some fun and interactivity to your outdoor space. Not only will the kids love it, but these ornaments can add a point of interest on a breezy summer day.
Pick out an entryway welcome mat that is both functional and stylish. A coir door mat is a good option, as it is made from a natural fiber material that traps dirt (without showing it) to keep the outdoor elements away from your indoor space. A simple saying on the front provides a warm welcome to anyone who may stop by.
Pick up some garden statues from your local home improvement store or garden center to add some charm to your front porch. These white stone statues enrich the floral display on the front porch, and they can hold up well in most weather conditions.
Large and modern house numbers not only help friends and family identify your home, but they can serve as a visual point of interest for passersby. Contrast the house numbers from the background paint so the numbers are easy to see from the street.
Find ways to highlight your personality and style when decorating your front porch. These red-and-beige striped throw pillows tie in the white rocking chairs and bright red vase on the cocktail table, promoting cohesion in the space.
Another cost-effective porch decorating idea is to fill empty lanterns with foliage or faux pumpkins and pine cones. Look for some lanterns from your local marketplace or thrift shop, repaint them a color that blends well with your outdoor space, and fill them with items that can be found in nature or at most craft stores. You can even rig them up with fairy lights, and line the steps with them for an illuminated addition to your porch.
Accessorize your front porch with decor that can make your space feel more homey by incorporating foliage from your garden. Place a vase on a patio side table between two rockers, so you can breathe in the smell of fresh Hydrangeas while you’re swaying back and forth.
Make some space for your pet when you’re decorating your front porch. Place a waterproof dog bed in a designated spot, so your furry friend can join in on the outdoor fun.
Don’t forget about adding a flag holder when decorating to your front porch. A flag is an easy way to instantly boost curb appeal and welcome friends, family, and neighbors as they pass by your home.
Make an elegant statement with your wreath and opt for lush green foliage. The simple green leaves pop against the natural wood door, and will make the perfect first impression when added to your entryway.
Add the front porch area to your seasonal home decor rotation to encourage year-round appeal. Use natural elements specific to the time of year—think pumpkins lining the stairs in fall, pine wreaths in the winter, tulip flower boxes in spring, and sunflower stalks in the summer.
The color palette you choose for your front porch area can help to accentuate both your home’s features, as well as complement the landscaping of your front yard.
Go for a monochromatic color scheme for a subtle yet impactful statement. From the chairs, to the exterior paint color, to the foliage, this front porch features different shades of green to promote simplicity. Balance out the monochromatic color palette with bright white trim and neutral accents, and add a pop of color with a basket of perennials that can be enjoyed year after year.
Create a cozy feel by opting for various neutral colors to incorporate into your front porch. Neutral outdoor furniture against natural materials creates a color scheme that’s easy on the eye, so you can focus on the vivid shades of green in the landscaping.
Give your front door a makeover, and paint it a bright color that will stand out amongst your home’s exterior. Use this as an opportunity to bring an unexpected color into your space, such as vivid yellow, green, or red. Incorporate other bright-colored accents, like a welcome mat or hanging flower basket, as a way to tie the color of the door into the rest of the front porch area.
Black is a powerful color that can add drama and depth to your space. Use a matte-black paint color for the door, and add two black chairs and a dark welcome mat to break up an otherwise light-colored exterior.
Make a small front porch feel larger by opting for an all-white color scheme. The lightness of the white furniture and exterior paint color tricks the eye into thinking the space is taller and wider than it actually is.
Go for an earthy vibe by choosing colors that can be found in nature, such as leafy greens, rusty reds, and rich browns. Earth tones make your space cozier, providing a friendly and inviting atmosphere for visitors who grace your front porch.
Add some pieces of furniture and install lighting to create a front porch that also serves as an outdoor living room.
It’s a quintessential piece for front porches—a classic rocking chair that provides a place to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of your neighborhood. Invest in a sturdy rocker that will last for years to come, withstanding the elements. Choose a color that matches your exterior color scheme, and sit back and take in the cool evening breezes as you rock.
Another piece of furniture that provides the ultimate in comfort and relaxation is a bench swing. Suspend it from the porch ceiling, and you’ll be sure to stop and swing before hanging your hat up inside for the night.
With a bistro set, you can make your front porch feel like you’re eating an al fresco lunch on your favorite downtown restaurant’s patio. A wrought iron table-and-chairs set provides old-world charm, without taking up a lot of space. Keep it the original color, or paint it a bright shade so it pops against your home’s exterior.
What’s more tranquil than taking in the sights and sounds of water cascading over natural stones? Adding a water feature to your front porch. This kind of piece offers both serenity and a visual point of interest to your outdoor living space. Opt for a permanent fixture, like this wall fountain, or place a small garden floor fountain near the entryway of your home.
Add a seating area to your front porch for the perfect backdrop for a lazy afternoon read. These conversation chairs and small side table provide just enough space to set your mugs while enjoying your morning cup of joe, or your two glasses of perfectly chilled wine during your own personal after-work happy hour.
Adding lighting to your front porch can illuminate certain features of your outdoor space you’d like to highlight, such as your front door and windows. Moreover, having more lights encourages you to spend more time on your front porch after the sun sets. Check out our Best Types of Porch Lights guide to find the perfect option for your space.
