Cozy Furniture Layout
This laid-back porch from @pieandpicketfences proves that with the right layout, even small porches can comfortably fit plenty of seating.
A love seat and an armchair are the main furniture pieces. But she also managed to squeeze in a coffee table, a plant stand and even a cute desk for plants (with an ottoman underneath, which provides another seat!). The striped rug is a clever choice that makes the space look wider.
Fairy Lights
Change the whole ambiance of your porch with one simple addition — fairy lights! A curtain of them hangs on this front porch by @designedwithgraceandjoy, adding delicate light and making the seating area feel more secluded. Because the lights add a visual element to the porch, keep the furnishings and rug simple so the overall look isn’t too busy.
Southern Charm
This charming porch by Porch Daydreamer makes us want to sit back with a glass of lemonade! The rattan furniture and light textiles keep the space airy and welcoming, despite its small size.
To successfully mix patterns like this, keep the size of the print in the pillows and rug consistent and in the same color family. (Did you spot the adorable little dog?!)
Sweet and Symmetrical
If your small front porch also doubles as your entryway (like this example from @emily_soto), make your front door part of the décor — in this case, by painting it pink! Matching rocking chairs and plant stands flank the pastel door. And the symmetrical layout keeps the entry tidy yet inviting.
Swing It
Swinging benches, like those on this porch designed by @tinaramchandani, are not just fun to sit on. They look great on a small porch because no legs clutter up the floor. Matching white side tables and an array of blue cushions complete the look with modern-coastal style.
Patterned Tile
We’re stretching the definition of porch here, but even if yours is more of a stoop, it can have big impact with patterned tile. The modern black and white tile used here by @blankslatereno completely transforms the entry.
When using tile outdoors, be sure to choose something durable to withstand frequent foot traffic and the elements. If it snows frequently where you live, protect the finish and color with a waterproof sealant. Go with a high quality, invisible, fully breathable impregnating sealer for non-slip protection.
Painted Stripes
This tiny, open “porch” from Julia of Cuckoo 4 Design is a tropical oasis with fun black-and-white stripes painted directly on the concrete! This technique brings in pattern and color without an outdoor rug or expensive tile.
Here’s Julia’s tip for achieving perfect, crisp lines: After painting the base color (white), tape off the stripes. Then, before applying the second color (black), paint along the tape lines with the original color (white). This seals the tape so that black paint can’t seep under the tape!
Rainbow Accents
Here’s a bright and cheerful porch from @digandhang that takes little time to set up!
The rocking chair and hanging hammock provide seating, but the secret to this happy porch is color! Don’t hold back when choosing colorful cushions, wind chimes and other accessories to make your porch pop. This is a clever solution for decorating a porch if you’re a renter — no permanent changes needed.
Minimalist Front Porch
Less is more with this modern coastal home from @dilly.shack. The front porch is every minimalist’s dream, containing just a single potted palm. The focus is on the pretty pink door and bright, white siding and tile stepping stones.
Keep a few simple folding chairs in the front closet for when you want to sit outside. The overall effect is like a breath of fresh air.