15 Stylish, Welcoming Front Porch Decorating Ideas for the Summer and Beyond
Designing a welcoming, stylish front porch might seem like a tough project to tackle, as it’s hard to know exactly where to start. Whether you’re wondering how to add affordable outdoor furniture to a small front porch, or you’re looking to incorporate some clever summer decor ideas without spending a ton in the process, you’ve come to the right place. The pros are here to help with these 15 fantastic real-life setups. Get inspired to make one or more of these design upgrades now so that you can fully enjoy your porch all summer long and well into the fall.
1. Try a fun folding chair.
Short on space? Make like designer Clara Jung and place a folding chair on the front porch instead of a bulkier Adirondack. You’ll still have room to kick back and read or sip a beverage. And best of all, folding chairs offer so many fun fabric options — I love a cheerful floral pattern similar to what’s shown here.
Buy: Mirimo Naif Summer Flora Sling Chair, $149.99 from Target
2. Hang a swing.
Let this sweet setup by designer Kate Marker inspire you to add a playful touch to the front porch with a hanging chair. Kids and adults alike will be fighting over who gets to enjoy this VIP perch.
3. Bring out a bar cart.
Bar carts aren’t just for the indoors. Take a cue from Bria Hammel, who designated her front porch as the ultimate entertaining space with the help of a cute rattan cart. Offering ample storage and style, a bar cart like this one would also look great housing plants and gardening supplies, if that’s more your speed.
Buy: Pamapic Outdoor Patio Wicker Rattan 2-Tier Serving Bar Cart with Wheels, $109.99 from Walmart
4. Make use of a coffee table.
If space allows, style your front porch the same way you would a living room to make it ultra-entertaining-friendly, like Hammel did here. A full-sized coffee table gives guests plenty of room to set out plates, cups, and more, making it easy for visitors to come by and stay a while.
5. Get textural.
Layer various textures and patterns onto your front porch to add visual interest, as design blogger Carmel Phillips did in her space shown here. Rattan is a trusty pick for the porch; it evokes a relaxed, beachfront feeling and is timeless. Stripes and checks are also ideal summertime patterns and will make your furniture pop.
6. Think secondhand.
Design blogger Cami Graham’s dining setup proves going the vintage route by sourcing a secondhand bistro set can add so much charm to any porch. This wooden table, which expands as needed, brings a touch of rustic flair to her outdoor space and makes it easy to enjoy meals al fresco.
7. Upgrade your lighting.
The right front porch lighting can make all the difference. So part ways with anything existing that looks super-dated and go all in with a refresh, like blogger Cara Newhart did. Consider your desired aesthetic (modern, farmhouse, cottagecore, etc.) and scope out fixtures that speak to you and your desired design style.
8. Add some curtains.
Replicate this summery look from design blogger Cara Newhart by hanging curtains on the front porch. Breezy panels provide a little extra privacy whenever you crave it. Opt for a simple, sheer fabric so that you can still enjoy the sunlight streaming in — it’ll be like you’re curled up in your very own cabana!
Buy: Sun Zero Sailor Indoor Outdoor UV Protectant Room Darkening Grommet Curtain Panel, starts at $25.49 per panel from Bed Bath & Beyond
9. Stencil underfoot.
Give your existing porch flooring a majorly stylish makeover with the help of some paint and stencils. The pattern you pick is entirely up to you; this checkered look design blogger Breanna Bertolini chose is contemporary and chic, but you can find any print that speaks to you and choose colors that make you happy.
10. Cluster your planters.
For a bold and colorful floral display, group together a dozen or so plant pots on your front porch, just as design blogger Becky Dempster did. Vary the sizes and colors of your planters for a collected look that’s full of personality.
11. Lay down an eye-catching rug.
If you’re unable to alter your existing porch floors, don’t worry. All you have to do is roll out an eye-catching geometric rug instead, like this one design blogger Brittni Melhoff picked for her space. The pattern is reminiscent of funky floor tiles, but provides a temporary solution for renters or those who like to change their decor often. Her exact rug is discontinued, but this style has a similar palette and design.
Buy: Brooklyn Rug Co Catja Geometric Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug, $193.49 from Bed Bath & Beyond
12. Hang lanterns for extra ambiance.
Not sure how to fill that empty corner on the front porch? Hang some outdoor lanterns, like Bertolini did, to draw the eye upward by bringing in some additional texture. Think odd numbers here; groupings or clusters of three to five lanterns hung at varying heights will look dynamic.
Buy: Solar Lanterns, $42.99 from Amazon
13. Style a rocking chair.
Rocking chairs and front porches just go together. Embrace this type of seating on your own porch, as seen here in design blogger Kristen Bieri’s space. If you’re after a coastal farmhouse-inspired look, a rocker’s essential — and Bieri’s exact design is just a touch over $150 and totally timeless.
Buy: Wallings Outdoor Rocker Chair, $156.99 from Wayfair
14. Go big with greenery.
Why settle for small planters when you can make a bold statement with oversized pots, like designer Linda Hayslett did? Larger vessels will make your front entrance look extra grand and are ideal for those looking to keep it simple. When you go big with your planters, often there’s no need for any other porch decor.
15. Adorn the walls.
Get creative with your front porch wall decor. Here, Dempster chose to display some golden bells that create a farmhouse vibe on her front porch.