Looking for the best small front porch ideas? If you fall into the category of having boring, bland front porches and want to improve the vibes then you’re in the right spot. This post is all about the best budget friendly small porch decorating ideas for any personal style.
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If you’ve got a small front porch, most ideas you find online are pretty unattainable. Not to mention they cost a fortune! I’m here to give you easy things you can add that don’t break the bank. Let’s give those porches a small front porch makeover.
Even if you have a small space for a front porch, you can add a few things to make it look pretty. While there’s always the obvious for fixing up a porch (applying a fresh coat of paint, replacing the light fixtures, etc.) I wanted to share some things that were SUPER easy to do.
This post is for you if you were hoping to just buy a couple of things and spend 2 minutes putting them out there. We’re not doing any major renovations or tackling front porch remodeling projects that will take an entire day.
Add a Wreath
Oh, hanging a wreath on the front door is one of the best ways to instantly improve your front porch. It’s like giving your porch an instant facelift with minimal effort. Wreaths aren’t just for holidays anymore. They can be a year-round statement piece!
Imagine a beautiful floral wreath with vibrant seasonal blooms in spring and a white snowy wreath in winter. It sets the tone for the entire porch. It’s welcoming, adds a personal touch, and can be easily switched out with the seasons. Or, like I prefer, just grab a wreath that is suitable year round for ease.
Decorative Wheelbarrow and Wagons
Decorative wheelbarrows on the porch? Yes, please! These charming pieces add a touch of rustic tone and can really elevate your outdoor space.
You can keep it simple and let the wheelbarrow itself be the star, or you can fill it with a burst of colorful flowers for an extra pop. I feel like you could keep your eyes peeled at flea markets or on facebook marketplace for something similar to put a small flower bed into.
Front Door Welcome Mats
Switching out your front door welcome mats is a game changer for porch decor. It’s such a simple way to refresh the look of your entrance without much hassle. There’s nothing like a stylish outdoor rug! Start with a clean slate and toss your old, dirty mats. It’s time for some new ones!
You can go for a bold, statement mat that reflects your style or choose something seasonal to keep things festive.
And here’s a style tip – layer two mats together! Start with a larger, patterned rug underneath and then place a smaller welcome mat on top. This adds depth and visual interest, making your front door area look thoughtfully put together. Plus, it’s an easy way to mix and match textures and colors.
Planters with Artificial Plants
A front porch planter with a faux plant is a great way to add some greenery without any upkeep. Grab a stylish planter with a realistic looking faux fern or a neat topiary. It keeps your porch looking fresh and lively all year round. The thrift store might even have some nice urns!
Faux plants look really real now and can handle any weather without fading or drooping on a small covered porch. They make such a huge difference! Plus, you can easily swap them out if you want a new look. It’s an easy way to bring some nature to your porch without the fuss.
Of course you can use real plants but let’s be real – faux plants are just way easier. Unless you have a super green thumb you’ll prefer the lower maintenance of fake plants. Potted plants are just a no brainer.
There are so many different plant stand options out there! For a fresh look, take a power washer to your existing planters if you own them. Cleaning them up will make them look so much better. If you don’t have any planters already, you can check garage sales or Amazon for affordable picks.
Ambient Lanterns
Placing some lanterns on the floor is a fantastic way to add an inviting touch to your porch. You can choose lanterns of different sizes and styles to create a varied look. String lights are also fun if you want more lighting, but I feel like those do better on the back porch vs. the front.
Fill them with candles for the evenings or use battery operated lights for an easy option. You’ll have a beautiful front porch
in no time!
They look great on their own in the front porch area or paired with other decor items like plants or decorative baskets. It’s an easy way to make your porch feel welcoming and stylish. Home Depot might be another great place to look for lanterns.
Bench Seating
Say goodbye to old patio furniture and grab a bench instead! Adding a bench to your porch is a smart move, especially if you don’t have room for a full table and chairs. A bench provides extra seating without taking up too much space, making it perfect for smaller porches. You don’t need a ton of outdoor furniture if you’ve got a small front porch so these are perfect.
You can dress up the beautiful spaces with some comfy cushions and a throw blanket to make it cozy and inviting. Now you’ve got a bit of a seating area on your little porch. If you’ve got the room for it, a porch swing instead of a bench is also an option.
Wooden Welcome Sign
A tall wooden welcome sign is a great way to add warmth to your porch with a small change. You can place it right next to your front door or lean it against a wall for a great option.
The rustic charm of wood adds a cozy feel and you can even customize it with your favorite bold colors or a seasonal message.
I’ve even seen some of these signs for sale that are just solid wood with no paint yet so you can make it a DIY project with a fresh coat of spray paint. I’m trying to keep it easy though so I’m sharing some premade ones that you just put down on the porch floor and go.
Rocking Chairs
Adding a rocking chair or two to your porch is a classic choice for a welcoming front porch. Rocking chairs are perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or unwinding in the evening. It’s fun to get new furniture!
You can go for a traditional wooden style or a more modern design, depending on your taste. Last year I scored a pair of rocking chairs off facebook marketplace so you can look there, too!
Pair them with some soft cushions and a small side table for the perfect setup. It’s an easy way to make your porch a favorite place to relax. If you want to add a pop of color you could try a light blue or coral rocking chair.
Update Throw Pillows
Updating your throw pillows with new colors and patterns is an effortless way to refresh your porch look. Not to mention it’s an inexpensive way to spruce things up in the front of the house. It’s amazing how much of a difference a few new pillows can make!
You can choose vibrant colors for a lively feel or go with softer hues for a more relaxed vibe. Last summer I scored some outdoor use throw pillows from Home Goods. They are a great place to source front porch finds to make a big impact on a budget.
Plus, it’s an easy and budget-friendly way to keep your porch looking fresh and seasonal. Just swap out the pillows whenever you want the look of a new porch!
Outdoor Wall Decor
Outdoor wall decor can really personalize your porch and make it feel like an extension of your home. I love adding one of these personalized options to the look of our front porch. An American flag is also a great decorative element and focal point.
Think about adding a personalized name sign or a welcome quote hand-painted on a canvas. These pieces add a unique touch and can be a great conversation starter.
You could also consider metal wall art, wooden plaques, or even a vintage inspired piece. These elements will up the home’s curb appeal!
Hanging Plants
Hanging plants are a fantastic way to bring some greenery to your porch. You can choose from a variety of plants, like trailing ivy, ferns, or colorful petunias.
Hanging baskets are great for small porches because they don’t take up floor space. Plus, they’re easy to switch out with the seasons or whenever you want a new look.
Use Statues
Adding statues to your porch or front yard is a great idea. Think about cute animal statues, little plant shapes, or anything else you like. Even if you don’t have a lot of square feet, you can squeeze one of these cuties in!
These can be fun and make your porch look unique. You can place them by your plants, near your chairs, or even by the steps to greet people towards the front of our house. It’s a simple way to add some personality to your porch and bring in different shape and textures.
Conclusion
And there you have it – some creative ways and fun ideas to make your compact porch a welcoming and stylish space. Even if you have a small or large porch, you can use these tips! From hanging wreaths and switching out welcome mats to adding benches and cute statues, there’s something for every style and size of porch. Since they are just a little project that will take less than 5 minutes, everything is totally achievable!
Remember, your porch is the first thing people see, so it’s a good idea to make it reflect your personality and make it inviting. Whether you go for a cozy vibe with rocking chairs in different colors and lanterns or add a touch of greenery with natural elements like hanging plants and planters, these ideas can help transform your porch in the easiest ways!
