When it comes to the overall impact your home has on the world, your front porch packs a big punch. Yet many of us don’t know what to do with the space, leaving our porch bare and neglected – and, even worse, leaving us without the option to enjoy it.
While the origins of the American porch 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’ve got one, but aren’t quite sure how to put it to its best use – you’re in the right spot. Keep scrolling for our top 10 easy porch upgrades you can do today to get the most you can out of your exterior spaces. And even if your “porch” is more of a fire escape 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.
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1. Add a potted plant or two. 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.
2. Thrift or purchase new 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 loooong time on a porch, so you do have some flexibility. Try to be creative and definitely scour Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and secondhand shops for castaways.
3. Throw down an exterior rug. There are many exterior rugs on the market now made out of materials that can weather the storms and – let me tell you from experience – they 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. Though a sisal or jute natural rug can bring an understated elegance that is also quite appealing. Whatever your choice, be sure to buy some sort of outdoor rug tape or velcro strips, as rugs that are not completely weighted down have a tendency to move around – especially when picked up by the wind.
4. Get creative with your table tableau. As mentioned above, interior furniture can do quite well on a covered porch for several seasons (though will never be “use it inside” condition again). So you can get really creative with your side tables. Think nesting tables for small porches or upcycled tables from thrift store finds. If you’re going for a more naturalistic look, a stump table would be totally on-theme. (Also note that anything with drawers comes in handy for extra bulbs and batteries.)
5. Let there be light! Speaking of bulbs, lights are key to a great porch experience. String up some Edison bulbs or holiday lights for a classic, sure-to-please look or plug in a more traditional statement lamp to bring the living room out. Hanging or floor lanterns come in a variety of materials sure to suit any style. Candles flickering in hurricane glasses are another light source that is warm and welcoming – especially when using battery-operated ‘faux’ wicks. Use lights to set the vibe you want; you’ll be surprised how different it can be based on what you choose.
6. Let there be shade!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 make your own in the short-term. Over the long-term, think about planting some trees. Taking any of those steps will dramatically increase porch usage and enjoyability, but if you really want to get fancy – you could even add some misters.
7. Share your flair. If you’ve got an artistic side, a porch is a great way to share it with the world. Stencils and murals are both extremely in right now, and both very cool ways to show off your skill. Enlist some friends to help and make a party of it (though perhaps hold off on the adult drinks until the paints have been put away). You’ll end up with an incredible and unique porch – and memories to match.
8. Update your door. But while you’ve still got the paint out . . . A dinged up 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. (That’s the saying isn’t it?)
9. Branch out. If your front door faces a thoroughfare, you can take the friendly porch vibe one step further by adding a Free Little Library right in front. People can drop off books and share books they don’t want anymore, and you can interact with them (if you so choose) from the comfort of your newly refurbished porch. (If people aren’t your thing but dogs are, consider a stick library for our little woofer friends.)
10. Play that funky music. Our last tip is to add a hidden or well-placed Bluetooth speaker to your front porch. Music can do so much to set the mood, and it’s an often overlooked aspect of outdoor socializing. Today’s new technologies means portable, cordless speakers are controlled by phones, so the options are limitless. Of course, be mindful of your neighbors. No one wants to hear Metallica at 8 in the morning. No one.
Your porch is part of your home. It should reflect your personality. And it should be a welcoming place that you feel comfortable and relaxed in. Spend some time thinking about how you could better make your porch reflect your personality and the ways you would like to interact with – and present yourself to – the world around you.
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