When it comes to the overall impact your home has, your front porch packs a big punch. If you enjoy entertaining guests or simply spending time outdoors, your back porch deserves just as much attention. Yet many don’t know what to do with this space, leaving the porch, screened in or not, bare and neglected. Even worse, this leaves us without the option to enjoy it.
While the origins of the porch as an architectural feature are a topic of debate among scholars (some believe they were invented during the Greek and Roman empires while others believe they got their beginnings in Equatorial Africa), the benefits are clear. They help us commune with nature, connect with our communities, and take in the world around us rather than the one within our four walls. They can also provide relief on nights when the outdoors is cooler than the indoors (which anyone who’s slept on a screened-in porch can tell you).
So, if you have a porch but aren’t quite sure how to put it to its best use – you’re in the right spot. We have easy porch upgrades you can do today to get the most you can out of your exterior spaces, including guidance on how to style your space and pick the right décor for your porch. And even if your “porch” is more of a landing or back patio than a traditional porch, these tips apply just the same. It’s all about making what you’ve got work better for you and your lifestyle.
Clean Your Space
A bright, welcoming, and clean porch starts with a plan. Follow these steps for cleaning a porch to prep, clean, and protect your space so it stays inviting all season. Think of it as cleaning your porch to refresh the space from top to bottom.
Declutter Your Porch
- Donate or sell furniture and décor you no longer want
- Only keep existing pieces that fit your space and style
- Remove everything from your porch while you clean
Clean Surfaces, Furniture, and Décor
- Start by clearing leaves and old plants from your porch
- Sweep and remove all dirt or mud from floors and walls
- Clean waterproof furniture like tables, chairs, and rugs with a hose and soap
- Gently clean smaller décor pieces
- Identify any spots requiring deep cleans or furniture repairs
Protect, Style, and Store
- After cleaning, put back furniture and décor you’re keeping
- Anything seasonal you don’t want out, put into storage
- Consider using a storage unit to hold seasonal items or rotating items
- Storage lockers are good for small décor, while regular units can hold furniture items like chairs and tables.
Choose a Porch Theme & Aesthetic
Your porch is clean, but now it’s time to pick a style that matches your vibe and vision. Look at what furniture and décor you already have and the bones of your existing porch to get started. Or start totally fresh and pick something new below.
Style ideas for your porch:
- Thrifted and Colorful
- Slowly curate furniture and décor only from thrift and secondhand stores
- Search for colorful pieces with character
- Mix and match patterns and palettes
- Green and Floral
- Focus on decorating with live (or fake) plants
- Find furniture with natural finishes like wood or wicker
- Install flower boxes or trellises for greenery
- Clean and Calm
- Pick furniture that is comfortable and perfect for lounging
- Find neutral colors and simple patterns to keep things calm
- Match your colors, décor, and finish with your porch’s existing vibe to stay cohesive
Porch Décor Ideas
Now that you’ve picked your aesthetic, let’s dive into what you can change right now on your porch, whether you have a blank space or existing décor to work with.
Porch Furniture
No matter your best intentions, you’re just not going to hang out on your porch unless you have comfortable furniture, so plan to spend a little time – and maybe even a little cash – on this one. The good news is that even some interior furniture can last a long time on a porch, so you do have some flexibility. Try to be creative and scour Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and secondhand shops for castaways.
Porch furniture that can refresh your space should be:
- Chairs, for dining or lounging
- Tables, either dining or end tables
- Swinging chairs (if you can safely hang them)
- Functional storage like ottomans or chests
When picking porch furniture, make sure it’s:
- Easy to clean
- Matches your aesthetic / theme
- Comfortable enough that you’ll use it repeatedly
Potted Plants and Flowers
It’s amazing what a beautifully potted plant can do to an environment. Make sure that the ones you pick are well-suited for the shade or sun that your porch gets and put them in pots that drain well and match the other elements on the porch. A cute look is old crockery tubs or other antique ceramics on the steps.
Plant ideas for your porch:
- Planter boxes for your railing
- Hanging plants that drape
- Potted plants to put on the ground or on stands
- Climbing plants on a trellis for privacy
Rugs and Mats
There are many exterior rugs on the market now that are made from durable materials designed for outdoor use and are great at hiding a multitude of problems with your floors. Interior and exterior. These pieces can add a real flair to a porch, especially when they have bright, bold colors and patterns.
Rugs and mats good for porches:
- Welcome mats with seasonal or fun sayings
- Rubber mats for holding dirty shoes or yard supplies
- Large outdoor area rugs to cover sun damaged porch floors
- Accent outdoor rugs in bold styles to add color
Seasonal Décor
Seasonal décor is a great way to decorate your porch, but it looks the best when you switch it out for the right seasons. Check out our easy seasonal décor recommendations below, but don’t forget to make a plan for how you’ll store your seasonal décor that’s not in use.
Easy seasonal décor for your porch:
- A faux wreath for every season
- Reusable faux florals that match (and will survive) the weather
- Holiday specific figurines and table décor
- Flags for your favorite sports teams
Lighting and Warmth
Lights are key to a great porch experience. Use lights to set the vibe you want; you’ll be surprised how different it can be based on what you choose. This includes lighting from an actual flame (if it’s safe and legal in your area) like outdoor fireplaces.
Porch lighting options to brighten your space:
- String up some Edison bulbs or holiday lights for a classic look
- Plug in a more traditional statement lamp to bring the living room out
- Hanging or floor lanterns add vertical interest
- Candles flickering in hurricane glasses are warm and welcoming
Shade and Cover
Equally important to light is shade. A porch isn’t fit for relaxing without it, so if it doesn’t come your way naturally, you should hang a strategically placed curtain, sun sail or awning to create your own shade. Taking any of those steps will dramatically increase porch usage and enjoyment, but if you really want to get fancy – you could even add some misters to cool down in the summer months.
Easy ways to shade your porch:
- Umbrellas if your porch is uncovered
- Trellises with plants or other coverings
- Curtains that double as privacy in busy neighborhoods
- Retractable (or permanent) awning covers
Door Décor
A dinged door can take away a lot of curb appeal, while a nice fresh layer of paint or two can really amp up the value. Bonus points if you use a fresh new color like hot pink or bright yellow. Glossy hardware in whatever the “metal of the moment” is can also be a relatively cheap and quick way to make an old door do new tricks.
Ways to spruce up your front door:
- Add a seasonal wreath
- Paint it a bold accent color
- Include a unique door knocker for function and style
While we think the above tips are applicable to any porch, we know that depending on the size and location of your porch, it can be tough to know where to start. Below are our summarized (and new!) tips for decorating your porch depending on its size and location.
Front Porch Ideas
Create cohesive curb appeal with coordinated colors and durable materials that stand up to the elements.
- Choose a weatherproof rug to anchor the seating area.
- Pair a bench or rocking chairs with fade-resistant cushions.
- Flank the door with matching planters or wall sconces for symmetry.
- Keep clutter contained in a lidded storage bench.
- Use dusk-to-dawn lighting for safety and a welcoming glow.
- Swap wreaths, doormats, and pillows seasonally to keep the front porch fresh year-round.
Back Porch Ideas
Transform the back porch into a flexible retreat by defining zones and layering comfort.
- Designate a dining zone with a weather-resistant table and chairs.
- Create a conversation area with an outdoor sofa, chairs, and a low table.
- Layer ambience using string lights, lanterns, and a dimmable pendant.
- Add outdoor curtains or lattice screens for privacy and shade.
- Install a ceiling fan or portable fans to improve airflow on hot days.
- Incorporate a bar cart or storage cabinet for grilling tools and games.
Small Porch Ideas
Make every inch count with compact, multifunctional pieces and vertical accents.
- Choose foldable chairs, a bistro set, or a single lounge chair to save space.
- Use a slim side table that doubles as a plant stand or extra seating.
- Go vertical with railing planters, wall-mounted shelves, and hanging baskets.
- Brighten the area with light-colored rugs.
- Keep décor minimal to maintain clear pathways and a tidy look.
- Use for multi-use storage like a cube ottoman or storage stool.
- Select collapsible or stackable pieces for easy rearranging and storage.
Unify your home’s outdoor look by echoing colors and materials across front, back, and small porches. If your space is even smaller, check out our ideas to decorate your small outdoor patio for even more inspiration.
Porch Storage to Keep Your Space Clear
If you’ve gone through these steps and your space still feels cluttered, storage units are a great way to store furniture and décor of any kind, either indoor or outdoor. Consider using a storage unit while completing porch renovation projects, so your items stay out of the elements, or even while you’re in the design phase. Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you to get started.
