Make Your Small Front Porch Practical and Pretty
Your front porch is the public face of your home
Your front porch should welcome family and guests with a comfortable outdoor sitting area. Even with a small space and a small budget, there’s plenty of opportunity to improve your curb appeal.
Here’s what I started with
I had a very simple sitting area on my front porch, but it never felt inviting. So I shopped my home to create a more welcoming space.
Small front porch
My front porch is small — more or less a 5×10 area — which is why I kept the three-piece sitting set. It’s a good spot for morning coffee, tea, or an evening cocktail. Choose lightweight, low-profile furniture for a small porch: it’s easy to move as needed, and dual-purpose pieces earn their place. To anchor the furniture and warm up the space, add an outdoor area rug.
I kept three items I already had in this area. Can you spot them?
- The white pot with the succulent
- The small round table
- The large clay pot
What I used
A small area can easily look and feel cluttered and uninviting, so only include pieces with a purpose and some charm. To soften the edges, add greenery. Use appropriately sized containers and hues that tie into your color scheme and blend with your landscape.
- Three-piece resin wicker two-person sitting set with cushions (Wayfair)
- 5×7 indoor/outdoor rug (Ross Dress for Less)
- 9′ outdoor tilt umbrella (Walmart)
- Cast iron umbrella stand (Walmart)
- Kimberly Queen fern (Home Depot)
- Coasters (Bed Bath & Beyond)
Front garden
In front of the porch I have a garden bed full of large plants. I want to keep some of the privacy they provide — I love the secluded feeling, a little peek-a-boo behind the garden sitting area. I’m currently working on a plan for the garden itself.
I refresh this porch the same way I transition the rest of the house for fall in Miami — here’s what September really looks like here.
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