There's a reason why they call it curb appeal. Porch ideas set the tone for your home's style and décor from the minute someone pulls up or drives by.
Maybe you want to keep up with the Jones' in a swish neighborhood, or perhaps your front porch ideas are just falling short.
With a little extra TLC, your front porch will not only impress the mailman, but it can also serve as a cozy hangout for you and your community.
Plus, personal touches will make you smile as you arrive home from a long day's work. So whether it's a potted plant, swing chair or warm lighting, we've rounded up these great front porch ideas to incorporate now.
Pretty front porch ideas to impress the neighborhood
1. Clear your mind with a minimalist porch design
'If you look at the photo of this front porch attentively, you can see how minimalist it is without actually looking minimalist. There are three rattan chairs, a small table, and a vase with a neat plant in it. Even the floor is free from stitches and patterns.', says Ronnie Collins, independent contractor and founder of Electro Garden Tools.
'Such an effect was achieved due to the right combination of colors. The walls of the house are painted black, which makes them visually heavy and space-shrinking. At the same time, the flooring of the porch is a monolith piece of even concrete.'
'This element balances the heavy walls and prevents them from shrinking the space too much. A pastel red door creates a bright accent to justify the use of natural bright-brown rattan furniture and helps create a fuller composition.'
'There was a choice between a pastel pale mint door and a red one, but the second option won because of the tree with red flowers near the house. They play together exceptionally well when you approach the house from a distance.'
2. Opt for an outdoor garden room vibe
'Before we extended the porch, we had our swing and a single rocking chair. It wasn't very comfy out here and it certainly wasn't used by all of us.', says interior consultant Julia Reynolds.
'We had to have our front stone steps repaired and while they were doing that, the workers extended the porch and removed the railing. The porch extension took out two feet of our front 'yard' which made me nervous. But I was reassured by the designer that it would look like it was always this way.'
'I'm very happy with the chairs and concrete table. Once in place, it looked a little bit like they were sitting in our landscaping so I added the potted plants as a buffer.'
Like the look of this outdoor scheme? Start off by shopping for the same style at Colonial Mills. The exact all-weather wicker and acacia chairs can be found at World Market and bring the look altogether with this beautiful concrete table from English Elm. The decorative cushions from Target will keep you comfortable and add texture to the space.
3. Too hot to relax? Cool down with a porch fan
'It’s been stupid hot in Alabama, too hot to even sit on our porch some days...until now. I’m absolutely in love with our new outdoor fan from Progress Lighting!', says interiors enthusiast, Aliana Casey.
'That stylish little light fixture holds a powerful fan that cools off our porch in an instant. So happy to be able to enjoy my porch swing again, even during hot summer days!'
Part fan, part chandelier, this fashionable 'fandelier' will keep you cool on the most humid of days. And, if you have the space, a swing is simply a must. Where else will you sip your sweet tea and gossip about the neighbors?
4. Create a colorful space that's perfect for family time
Extend your living room ideas to the outdoors by adding plenty of seating, a rug,
some bright pillows, and side tables so you can comfortably hang out all night.
With plenty of space and places to pop drinks and snacks, you can create the perfect place to play board games on a balmy evening.
So whether you choose Monopoly or Uno, you're sure to find out who has the biggest competitive streak! Adding a ceiling fan will help keep you cool on the hot summer days. To stay warm on the colder days, opt for a small patio heater instead.
5. Hang out with a suspended egg chair idea
Equally instagrammable as it is functional, a hanging egg chair adds comfort and style to your front porch decor, while also delivering seventies-inspired style.
Hairdresser Laura Khesin of Arlington, Massachusetts finds solace in this space. She says: 'Every day after work, I try to sit out here for 10-15 mins before coming inside to be a mom. Since I have basically no commute this moment has become necessary for my sanity!'
6. Create a space to laze about with a book or two
Is there anything better than reading a book outdoors on a sunny day? Whether it's the warmth of the sun on your skin, or a cool, gentle breeze that provides respite from the heat, basking with your fave bit of literature can be a joyous way to spend an afternoon.
Carve out a corner of your front porch to accommodate a hammock or lounge chair where you can get lost in a tasty title or catch a quick catnap - not forgetting your SPF! Add a side table to this reading nook idea to hold your books or a cold drink to sip on while you settle down.
7. Want to create privacy? Use curtains in your design
Got nosy neighbors or want to sunbathe with dignity?
One way to add more privacy to your front porch is to opt for window treatments such as outdoor curtains that you can close when you are entertaining or want to deter mosquitoes. Try adding hanging planters to help create a more secluded area while displaying more of your favorite flowers too. Win-win we say!
Why not try these front porch ideas by Wayfair?
8. Don't be afraid to mix and match seating
'Adding seating to your front porch will give it a welcoming vibe. Keep in mind, all of your seating does not have to be the same.', says Nadia McCowan Hill, resident style advisor for Wayfair.
'Try mixing different styles of chairs, like a wooden rocking chair with a hanging swing. You can also select lounge chairs and ottomans to create different seating options.
'To keep it cohesive, opt for neutral colors. If you want a pop of color on your porch, you can add different colored throw pillows that you can change with the seasons.'
9. Add a fun and subtle glow with string lights
'Add extra lighting to your porch with string lights. They cast a dim light which can help enhance the intimate setting. String lights are perfect for giving your front porch a glow during small dinners or hangouts at night on the porch.' says McCowan Hill.
10. Opt for furniture that serves a dual purpose
'Look for pieces that can double as furniture as well as a storage idea, like a deck box or bench. A deck box can be used as a coffee table to give your porch a comfortable vibe while storing your outdoor porch accessories.', says McCowan Hill.
11. Decorate a front porch with the seasons
It goes without saying really, use your front porch to go to town with the festive feels. From fall porch ideas to seasonal holiday touches, it means that you can up your game in terms of decor, and maybe even start a little competition with your neighbors...
And, if you need tiny porch inspo then we would say keep things simple, a scattering of small pumpkins and some orange foliage could be all you need to give the space a fall makeover. If you have seating on your porch, switch out the soft furnishings on that too for some more autumnal hues such as orange and brown.
12. Make a porch feel like an extension of your lounge
All you need to make your porch feel like an extension of your living room is some seating and possibly a small coffee table for perching a hot cup of java.
A compact swing seat works well even in smaller porches because they are off the floor, allowing light to flow around it so it won't look too bulky. Decorate your porch with cozy pillows and throws, even put down a rug to the intimate feel.
13. Add lantern-style lights for a classic porch style
The best porch lighting can ensure your home's curbside aesthetics sing at night and provide you with security by deterring potential intruders (be it human or animal).
Be sure to focus not only on sconces flanking the front door but also overhead lighting so you can sit out on your porch in the evening hours. Be sure to choose a look that complements your home's architecture and personal aesthetic — like vintage, traditional, or industrial.
14. Add greenery to your porch with stylish planters
High-quality planters may feel like a splurge, but it's important to invest in a style that can last for years while standing up to the elements. Place one on either side of your front door, and then style them with seasonal plants and blooms.
Think tulips for spring, hydrangeas in the summer, autumnal mums, and boxwoods come winter. With quality planters, you can simply pick what you love at the garden center and plant them in your urns, instead of swapping cheap pots every season.
'As with everything design-related, the ultimate decisions should be your personal preference.', says Andre Kazimierski, CEO, Improovy.
'Just because a certain style or design is popular or recommended does not mean that you have to do it - go with what makes you happy when you walk up to the front of your house.'
'My favorite thing to do to really enhance a front porch is to add plants. If you have a larger porch, try having tall, symmetrical plants on both sides of your door. This will make the house appear elegant and expensive. You can also add varying plants in asymmetrical spots to add character and life to the porch.'
15. A really easy porch idea? Switch out your doormat
What's better than an adorable doormat? Answer: two adorable doormats. The latest trend among home decor bloggers is to layer a patterned or textural outdoor rug under a slightly smaller, traditional doormat.
The concept adds personal style to your front porch while presenting the opportunity to swap out your look every season.
A buffalo plaid and kitschy autumnal style are great for fall, and you can trade the top layer for something festive come the holidays. When spring arrives, perhaps you choose a floral rug underneath topped by a monogrammed mat.
16. Don't forget to personalize your front porch space
If you're into the idea of trading out your doormats for the season — or whenever the mood strikes — a monogrammed style must be part of your rotation. When guests arrive, they will know they've come to the right place. You get to choose the style and color for an extra personal touch, as well.
17. Swap an old mailbox for something that'll deliver style
Your mailbox may seem inconsequential, but it's probably one of the few things in your home you touch every single day. Swap out the basic black box for something more reflective of your personal style.
Choose something that will only get better with age, like this oxidized metal model. Or, if you have a long driveway, choose a freestanding style that can coordinate with your front porch decor from afar.
18. Hang new house numbers
House numbers, often basic black metal, have the opportunity to be jewelry for your home! Vintage house numbers are great flea market finds, but there are a ton of chic contemporary styles available as well (like these cast brass numbers from Anthropologie).
Just make sure that when hanging them you are focusing not only on aesthetics, but also on visibility from the street so they are equally fashionable and functional.
How can I make my front porch look nice?
'People are spending more and more time at their homes, so naturally, people want their homes to be aesthetically pleasing and comforting living spaces.', says Leonard Ang, CEO of iPropertyManagement.
'I advise people to make their front porch a welcoming and comfortable space for everyone in the household. Invest in a swinging chair, weather-resistant furniture, and perhaps a nice rug or two.'
'The front porch is a perfect area to wave to neighbors or relax with a glass of wine. Make a vision before you start your front porch renovation, and stick to it as best you can!'
'If you love the minimal, clean look but are stuck on front porch decoration ideas, opt for clean-lined pieces like a sleek, retro chair or rectangular planters' says McCowan Hill.
'Choose geometric light fixtures to add an extra touch of modern decor to your front porch. Use your house number as decor by choosing slim numbers to enhance the modern look.'
