I have always been very keen on decorating my outdoor spaces since my childhood. Be it just decorating with small pebbles I collect or some small flowers strewn around (I know it sounds crazy, but this is who I was).
And when I had my own home, I had a lot of dreams to make it my heaven, but never got those striking ideas to make it look Instagrammable worthy. I would just try placing some flower pots, here and there or a small rug or a chair with a table.
So I decided now is the time to give my front porch some sprucing.
And here I am now, sharing with you how I have done it (if I can do it, you can to).
And before we even start, let me tell you that any porch is never too small. A porch is a porch and there are umpteen ways to give that fairytale look.
First thing, what I planned to do is to become a little muscular a.k.a. clean up the space. And then I tried to add things that would give it a refreshed look.
But in no way, it meant that I would run out instantly and start buy things. Instead, the best is to make a plan and add a few things each season or each year. This way, you can add items as per season plus, your space would look fresh all the time.
Let’s Start The Sprucing (which I ignored for years)
1 | CLEAN
I know. I know. But honestly this is the first ever step to get things into perspective (being a bit philosophical here). Or when starting any home project, it is better to start first with the cleaning process.
Get the walls and the surfaces ready to either be decorated or painted.
You don’t want to paint on a wall that already has dust settled on it. For the floor, either you can power wash it or use the traditional old broom to sweep up the place.
2 | PAINT
Now, after cleaning up the space, I grabbed a paint brush (you can even pick a roller). Either with the paint brush or the roller, you can paint the front door.
If the colour of your door has chipped off, then you can do a fresh coat or even apply a new colour. If you have a porch that has a roof or a ceiling, then you can even paint the ceiling.
Paint can really do wonders! It instantly transforms any space, whether inside or outside!
3 | INTRODUCE A CHAIR OR A SMALL BENCH
This is how the whole front porch makeover idea started!
I used to everytime think my porch was the tiniest of the space. I used to just keep some earthen pots and some plastic pots, whatever felt would make my space look good.
But I was wrong.
For my space to look more inviting, I added a small bench on the porch. And voila, this cute bench transformed the place instantly.
And to make it more comfortable, I added cushions and 4 pillows. BOOM! This cute bench transformed the place instantly – the exact answer to beautifying my porch.
If you believe your porch is too small, take measurements; you will be pleasantly surprised!
4 | THROW PILLOWS FOR A POP OF COLOR
Pillows on the porch are a MUST!
I mean, come on, how could I put a bench on my porch without placing at least ONE pillow on it, right?
I took up the colourful pillow with tassels and the black and white pillow and placed them on the right side.
They give the space just the right amount of colour and texture.
5| ADD A GARDEN STOOL OR A SMALL TABLE
Your porch doesn’t really need a table if it’s tiny. It just needs to be large enough to place a book and drink down.
If you have unused items around the house, consider repurposing them for your porch décor.
However, avoid placing a wooden coffee table outside, as exposure to cooler months or snow can cause the wood to warp, crack, or wear out over time. It’s better to stick to weather-resistant materials for outdoor furniture
I used a stool (gold one), as it fit well against the bench; that I’ve owned it for years.
6 | HANGING FLOWER BASKETS
Since we moved into this house, one of the amazing things was that we had hooks that were pre-installed. This made my work much easier, as hanging flower baskets became a breezy work.
I added flowers and planned that with every season, would keep changing it. For example, I have tried pink and red contrasts and also some purples.
Nature is so beautiful that anything you start adding, it makes the space look appealing and inviting.
One more thing, I did was that i hung the flower baskets in the front of the home. This area was receving a full sunlight making an ideal spot for hanging flower baskets.
7 | FLOWERS OR PLANTS IN PLANTERS
Simple ferns are my favourite addition to the taller black planters. Ferns provide additional shade, giving the house more cooler effect even during summers.
Usually, all I do is place the plastic pot into my own planter. It fits just right!
But for a real shortcut to a gorgeous look, a florist friend recommended using pre-potted outdoor arrangements – G.E.N.I.U.S.!
8 | FLOWERS IN THE FRONT BEDS
In the front yard, there were several types of flowers, likely planted by the previous owner.
When I began the makeover, I tackled the soil first—a long and tedious process, but worth it in the end. I planted a mix of reds, pinks, and whites to add variety and brighten up the flower beds.
Now, things are starting to take shape beautifully!
This year, however, everything has been blooming at a slower pace due to the harsh weather.
Once my peonies and roses finally opened, I couldn’t resist clipping plenty to place in vases around the house—it’s the most soothing and rewarding therapy!
9 | OUTDOOR RUG
For a number of years now, the layered rug appearance has been extremely popular. A few years ago, I had a black and white polka dot rug.
But this year, I discovered the sweetest welcome mat to for the entrance.
When you enter, it greets you with “HEY THERE.” and when you step outside, it says “TAKE CARE”.
It seemed like such a wonderful rug to meet and bid farewell to your guests!
10 | LIGHTING
I think my favourite tip of all is this one! This year, I installed ALL new lighting on our porch and outside, and WOW! It just looked amazing.
TYPES OF LIGHTING I USED:
- black wall sconces
- black semi-flush ceiling fixture
- LED Solar path lighting
- solar hanging string lights
- solar spot lights
Upgrading the lights completely transformed the look of our house.
In addition to being outdated and chipped, our old, original lights didn’t match my decor.
These new lighting gave the house a more contemporary appearance. They were simple to install and have excellent quality lighting.
I asked the electrician to change the ceiling light on the porch, one on the rear deck, and three wall lights in the front. Well worth the money!
I included two other kinds of lighting as well. Solar light strings were strung from the ceiling, and I also installed solar path lights in the front flower beds next to the porch’s walkway.
I attached the light string using the already-installed hooks and nails. This made the strings hold tight and not droop making it look more neat and not clunky.
11 | FAUX TREE
Although I didn’t think I had enough space for the bench, after it was installed, it needed additional companions!
This fake fiddle leaf fig tree is something I had recently purchased for the hallway, but I really liked it here on the porch. I might purchase a second one, just to give the porch that oomph look.
Since the porch is covered, I believe it should be alright, but I probably wouldn’t leave it outside in extreme weather.
And let me tell you, that this tree is fantastic and can be placed in any room of your house.
12 | CUTE AND ADORABLE LANTERNS
For most of the year, I keep these two copper lamps near the back plants, right by the door. I sometimes add candles, but usually, I leave them empty.
Even though these lamps are from Target and have been with me for years, I’ve linked a few lanterns I’ve been eyeing below.
Mine are starting to crack, so I might need to replace them soon!
I highly recommend incorporating some of these ideas to refresh your front porch, no matter its size. Our own small porch makeover really made the space feel inviting.
If you’re looking for inspiration, feel free to explore the front porch décor links below—I think you’ll find them super helpful!
I’ve realized that front porches are not only functional but also incredibly charming and full of positive energy.
I’m lucky to be able to enjoy my porch year-round, especially living in a warmer climate! I hope this post has sparked some ideas and helps you create a front porch that’s worthy of Pinterest.
