35 Front Porch Ideas

There's more than just doormats!

The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but the front porch is just as important. After all, it's where you greet guests and probably what they notice first about where you live. Plus, some front porches can actually act as a bonus room where you can entertain friends and family, read, snooze, or simply sit and enjoy a glass of lemonade on a summer's day. But to take full advantage of this highly adaptable area, you might want to spiff it up first with one of these impressive front porch ideas. Because let's be honest—no one (not even you) is going to want to hang out on a dusty front porch lined with dead leaves.

To help you get your front porch looking ready for company we've gathered up all our favorite welcoming signs, comfortable chairs, cute displays, and DIY projects. We have suggestions for everything from the best types of outdoor furniture to spring decorating ideas and holiday wreaths. Looking for advice on porch flooring or how to add accessories to the space? We've got that, too! In fact, with the help of these inspiring ideas, you're sure to make your front porch the envy of the whole neighborhood. And then you can move right along to organizing your garage or pantry!

Nothing welcomes guests into your home—or onto your front porch—like a pretty wreath on your front door. Best of all, you can easily DIY your own by starting out with a basic grapevine base and adding seasonal-specific decorations, like flowers, ribbons and more.

See more at Amber Tysl.

SHOP GRAPEVINE WREATHS

You can't go wrong with adding a bit of bling! From the shimmering pots on the steps to the gold polka-dot pillow (and even the house numbers), these sparkly touches help warm up your outdoor space.

See more at Homemade by Carmona.

Here's an idea we can all get behind: you don't have to wait for Independence Day to fly the American flag from your porch. More than mere décor, it makes a meaningful statement no matter the season.

SHOP AMERICAN FLAGS

Adding a bench to a front porch is pretty much a no-brainer—it not only gives you a special place to relax and enjoy your morning coffee, it also encourages your neighbors to come over and sit for a spell.

See more at Inspired by Charm.

SHOP BENCHES

Even if you have more of a stoop than a big front porch, good lighting is crucial. This blogger replaced an old, beat-up fixture with this handsome lantern that looks like it was lifted straight from the French Quarter in New Orleans, and it upgraded the appearance of her home's entire entry.

See more at The Turquoise Home.

SHOP HANGING LANTERNS

If you have enough space on your porch you can create separate "rooms," much like the interior of a house has. This porch features two such areas, one a cozy nook made for chatting, the other a more contemplative space, with rockers that face out into the garden rather than toward each other.

There's no rule saying the floor of your front porch needs to be plain old cement, wood, or brick. Think about making a serious statement with bold patterns and brightly-colored tile instead. With its daring designer look, your home will definitely stand out from the crowd.

See more at Lovely Indeed.

If you don't want to commit to tile, painting your front porch will give it a quick and thrifty, but still satisfying, refresh. Start with the floor (you can even paint a pattern) and then maybe move on up to the ceiling, using a contrasting color. You won't believe the difference!

See more at Sugar & Cloth.

Pretty as a picture, this little porch boasts a pergola overhead. It allows greenery to grow up and over, framing the door and increasing the visual appeal of the whole house. We want one!

One of the easiest (and most fun!) ways to keep your front porch looking fresh is to swap out décor with the seasons and holidays. You don't have to spend a bundle doing it, either. Here, pumpkins, candles and wheat wreaths make a simple, yet elegant statement for autumn.

See more at Room for Tuesday.

SHOP WHEAT WREATHS

It's almost impossible to have too many plants on and around your front porch. Flowers in particular bring both beauty and vitality to the "room," especially when placed in DIY whitewashed clay pots, which add a bit of farmhouse flair to the scene. (Just be sure to use shade-tolerant plants if your porch doesn't get much sun.)

See more at Tidbits.

SHOP TERRA COTTA POTS

To give your porch some real zest and zing, don't be afraid to use a pop or two of bright color. Here, the fire engine red bench ties into the stripes on the rug, keeping the look tidy, but bursting with energy.

See more at The Homes I Have Made.

A gorgeous garden is key to a successful, enjoyable front porch. After all, wouldn't you rather sit gazing over a green space bursting with blossoms and fabulous foliage rather than a few lackluster bushes or a lowkey lawn? Tip: plant shrubs and perennials with different bloom times so you'll always have brilliant color in front of your home.

Is there anything better than relaxing in a rocker on a summer day? One is fine, but if you've got the space, two is divine! That way, you'll always have room for a friend to join you.

See more at Lia Griffith.

When creating a comfy, cozy "room" on a porch, don't neglect the element that can tie the whole room together: a handsome rug. If your porch isn't enclosed, there is a wealth of outdoor carpets on the market designed to last long without fading or staining even in harsh weather.

See more at Holland Avenue Home.

SHOP OUTDOOR RUGS

Greet guests to your front porch with this cute DIY galvanized metal sign that uses interchangeable words to spell out what's on your mind. The tutorial includes all the directions you need to craft one for your home.

See more at A Wonderful Thought.

The right door color isn't just important for the look of your front porch, but also to the whole dang house! Check out this blogger's post to see what happens when a door color goes horribly wrong. It ain't pretty, but her new door, pictured here, sure is.

See more at The House That Lars Built.

Don't be afraid to get creative and have a little fun with your front porch. Here, the tropical print-patterned pillows play off that distinctive red front door, as well as the tropical plants artfully arranged around the chairs. The jungle motif doesn't overwhelm, so it stays tasteful and doesn't clash with the home's interior.

See more at Centsational Style.

If you have a double door at your entrance, consider highlighting its symmetry by placing one chair on either side of the doors, and then continuing the look with matching flower pots on both sides of the steps. The sconces also tie into this theme, keeping the porch looking nice and neat.

Blue and white is definitely having a moment. The popular color scheme, which is perfect for everything from casual coastal to classic contemporary interiors, also lends a smart, sophisticated look to front porches.

See more at Abby Organizes.

Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.

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