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Front porch ideas are still home owners’ favorite and most practical frontier to their private space, where they receive and greet their guests, shake off umbrellas, chat with their neighbors, or simply soak some summer sun with a cold beer and a newspaper.

And all this considering the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21th century discontinued the tradition of front porch designs, but that doesn’t mean people are any less fond of them.

Put into perspective, front porch plans are both beautiful and practical, especially with all dimensions and configurations considered properly.

Farmhouse-by-David-Watson-Architects Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: David Watson Architects

Are you ready to start your porch remodeling project? In order to help you, we gathered some of the best front porch decorating ideas and tips for creative home owners.

Guide and front porch ideas

The width of the front porch

The width of your front porch will depend on several factors, among which its intended use, your budget, and the scale of your house. The best front porch décor ideas always work around open and clear areas that highlight and frame the house’s entrance.

In a neo-shingle house with front porch and a 36 inches door (approximately 91 cm) with 30-46cm sidelights, you should use double 7-8 ft columns to frame the entrance whose width is 5-6 ft.

Craftsman-Front-Porch-by-Lawrence-and-Gomez-Architects Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Lawrence and Gomez Architects

To complete the breadth of the porch, set up two more outset columns with slightly less space between them.

The depth of the porch

The recommended depth for front porches is 6 feet (1.8 meters), despite of 8 feet (2.4 meters) being perceived as ideal. This way, you will get enough space to place rocking chairs and pot plants facing the street without obstructing people passing by.

In case you opt for a shallower structure, use smaller front porch furniture, so that you can move around without problems.Exterior-by-Donna-Mondi-Interior-Design Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Donna Mondi Interior Design

Traditional front porches

Classical, traditional, and craftsman houses are by default accompanied by beautiful porches which suit just perfectly their homey an inviting architecture. In fact, a farmhouse or a traditional countryside mansion is impossible to imagine without a porch.

How do traditional porches look? The ideal distance of the columns to the walls is 7 feet (2.1 meters), wrapping up both sides. These columns are usually 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall with the compulsory cap details and referenced base, and measure approximately 8 inches (20 centimeters) square.

Wright-by-Siena-Custom-Builders Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Siena Custom Builders

The beam used to span the columns and to hold the rafters of the roof (a lintel or a header) is positioned centrally on top of both columns. This concept may not be feasible in your case, but as trivial as it sounds, it references classical roots quite correctly.

Have in mind that the roof of your porch is considered as an entity different than the form of the house, and should sit lower than the top of its principal walls.

Modern front porch designs

Modern houses look as good with a porch as their traditional counterparts. Those porches will, nevertheless, look a bit different. The scheme in this case supports clean and sharp lines, a decked platform landing and broken sidewalks.

Traditional-Front-Porch-by-Highland-Homes Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Highland Homes

With the entrance door being drawn backwards for at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) more, there is more space to decorate with comfy chairs and larger tables. The entrance door wall measures approximately 6 feet (1.8 meters), while the width of the deeper niche is 9 feet (2.7 meters). Such scale allows an effortless transition you’re your private to the public space.

Classical front porches

Front porches design is often inspired by classical, ancient architecture, and reflects all of its beautiful details. This is why we often see porches reminiscent of monumental Greek and Roman templates alike those built even 2000 years ago.

The-Ford-Plantation-by-JT-Turner-Construction Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: J.T. Turner Construction

The key in classical porch design is proportion, where the order depends entirely on the scale of separate parts. If you opt for a classical porch, you should do a detailed research first, and familiarize with the ideal ornaments, column support details and roof transitions (entablature), and make sure that there is enough space between the columns.

Wraparound front porch ideas

Wraparound porches are typical for Victorian-styled houses, and represent some of the most elaborately decorated and detailed pieces of their kind.

The minimal depth for them is 6 feet (2.1 meters), while the recommended depth is 8 feet (2.4 meters) known to look and function better. Keep in mind that Victorian-inspired porches require more breadth to look well.

Vanity-Ideas-by-Artistic-Renovations-of-Ohio Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Artistic Renovations of Ohio

The height and depth of the porch’s steps

The common scenario with porches is to lift them few feet from the ground, and install steps to reach them. The size of those steps will depend on what you need, but the most suitable scenario is to go for 6 inches rise and 12 inches tread (run).

The treads can be shorter for steeper risers, and vice versa. For example, you can opt for 4 inches as the minimal rise, and couple it with 18 inches tread. Before you decide, check local codes and provisions to make sure you’ve followed all rules.

Modern-Farmhouse-by-Hendel-Homes Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Hendel Homes

A railing – yes or no?

Guardrails for porches higher than 30 inches (76 centimeters) are prescribed as compulsory by the majority of local building codes, and recommended even for porches whose drop is lower than that. The best way to decide whether you need one is to think of who is about to use the porch, and for which purposes.

According to building codes, guardrails should be at least 42 inches (107 centimeters) high, unlike older provisions which prescribed 36 inches (91 centimeters).

Hartman-House-by-Willow-Homes Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Willow Homes

In case you’re building a higher porch, or require a higher railing for whatever reason, you should contact a professional and ask for permission.

The importance of details

In order to ‘polish’ your porch and improve its final appearance, you should pay attention to details as well. The floor, for example, will look way better with wood plank decking than tiles or concrete, and a ceiling finished with bead board available in different sizes and textures.

The bead board should be 8 inches wide and 2 inches narrow, and have any details you find appealing.

The final look of the columns and the railing will depend on the architectural choices you made with the main structures, so make sure you pick the right materials. The most common choices are cable, wrought iron, and steel.

Front-Porches-by-Georgia-Front-Porch Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Georgia Front Porch

Why is proportion so important?

Modern houses look the best with smaller, but well-decorated porches, especially such where the purpose is clearly visible, and where the user applied the right front porch lights and furniture.

To do that, pay attention to functionality rather than aesthetics, and decorate the porch only once you’ve handled the main details.

Connections to the road

Once you’ve projected your future breathtaking porch, you should think of the last, but not least important detail – its relationship to the outer area. You won’t always be as far from the main road as you would prefer, so the best choice you’ve got is to lift the porch a bit higher, and preserve in such way the feeling of privacy.

Those lucky enough to have their porches spilling straight onto beautiful lawns will be comfortable with all heights and depths, and can afford generous-scale designs that are both protected and open to the public.

Common front porch problems and how to solve them

We all opt for front porches to improve the quality of our home, and that does come on a price. Before you’ve even considered building a porch, you should be thinking of sun exposure, proximity of neighbors, the property layout, and many, many similar details.

A-Transitional-Home-by-J-Banks-Design-Group Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: J. Banks Design Group

Let us help you address at least some of these problems:

You need more seats for casual gatherings

You can’t possibly know in advance how many guests the porch is going to accommodate, so despite of the limited space, look for some extra seating solutions. We suggest bump-out corners, planter seating, or even comfy cushions for the stairs where you can transfer unexpected and informal gatherings.

DAO Architecture’s leading designers Joann Le and David Horsley showcased the concept of informal gathering on their own backyard porch, where they hanged cedar and powder-coated steel benches directly on the railings.

In order to make these benches and the porch floor damage-proof they used a special marine-grade finish made of strong spar urethane (you can get some at any hardware store or paint shop).

Classic-American-Dutch-Colonial-by-Ron-Brenner-Architects Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Ron Brenner Architects

Your porch is too exposed to sun, and you need extra shade

The top-rated choice of porch owners is wood matchsticks and bamboo blinds, coupled with some porch-adjusted curtains made of durable materials. You can make such yourself, using any weather-proof fabric such as woven, dyed acrylic, or vinyl-coated polyester.

These materials won’t fade despite of excess sunlight, and will provide you just enough shade to feel comfortable during warmer seasons. In case your porch is surrounded with suitable plantings (high trees, shrubs, and leafy plants) this problem will be solved in advance.

You are concerned about privacy

Roll-down canvas shades and louvered shutters can help you construct a more secluded porch. A more affordable alternative is movable room screens and vine trellis, which will look attractive, and protect your privacy at the same time.

It is difficult for you to set up the right temperature at your porch

Many home owners are concerned because of their porch being too hot or cold. The reason is usually that the porch was constructed using concrete slab, in which case you can heat it with electric radiant.

For a more romantic and elegant setting, you can install a fireplace instead. In order to cool it, on the other hand, you can consider decorative ceiling fans which look just cut for front porches.Craftsman-Front-Porch-by-Commonwealth-Home-Design Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Commonwealth Home Design

Homeowners’ favorite types of front porches

Modern-Bungalow-by-Structures-Inc-1 Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Structures Inc

The decision is made – you want to beautify your home with a brand new front porch. The next thing you should be thinking about is how that porch is going to work, which will end up determining its looks.

There is more to front porch design than setting up a wooden platform and roof, as the mere presence of that porch will curb the appeal of your entire home’s exterior.

Which types of front porch designs should you consider?

Open vs. screened porches

This first big dilemma of prospective porch owners is whether to make their porch private or more open to the public. Interestingly enough, the more popular option is open porches, as those are perceived as more welcoming, and enhance the inviting and homey effect.

Home owners still perceive them as an extension of their living space, taken into account that all activities performed on these porches will depend on the weather conditions.

Screened porches, on the other hand, are chosen by those looking for more privacy, and are usually met in the backdoor area rather than the entrance zone. These porches will indeed extend the livable space of their owners, and serve all purposes from cooking, gathering with friends, or even sleeping during warmer seasons.

Flora-Residence-by-Christian-Rice-Architects Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Christian Rice Architects

This is why they are always equipped with fans and heaters, and protect their owners from pests and bugs unlike their open counterparts.

Wraparound, box, and two-tier porches

As indicated by their name, wraparound porches will indeed wrap up a portion of the house, making it look way bigger and just as elegant. With a wraparound porch, you will eliminate the common problem of sacrificing the pleasant architectural and aesthetic charm of your home, and still get enough space to perform outdoor activities.

The main problem with them, however, is price, as you have to choose an adequate corner to install them, and be ready for different types of complications. Of course, there will be contractors and professionals who will prevent any type of damage, but as we said before, it may cost more than you think.

Another way to approach this concept is to make a two-tiered porch, usually recommended for backdoor areas, and as breathtaking top-level components for dining rooms and master bedrooms.

Design considerations

In order to choose the right porch design, consider relating it to the elevation that is already in place, and get rid of all ideas that won’t look as integral parts of your house. Next, consider the proportion, and measure well the space you have available.

Osprey-Oceanfront-by-Island-Architects Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Island Architects

  • When selecting materials, adjust your choice to the overall design of your house. This means using matching finishes and architectural features, or, if possible, the very same one used to build the house. In this regard, you should pay specific attention to windows, doors, and brickwork. The two common porch formats are half-glazed (UPVC, timer, or brickwork) or fully glazed ones (UPVC or timber only). Before you’ve chosen any of the two, remember that porches are expected to have more glazing than masonry.
  • The key feature you should be looking at is the material and design of the porch door, as this will be the new official entrance to your place. An idea is to use UPVC designs that serve to detract attention from the house’s overall appearance.

This, however, is not a completely safe solution: sometimes, UPVC porches have a negative impact on the visual perception of your property, in particular when the house façade or window frames are made of different materials.

Same goes for the glass you’re using – with un-patterned windows all around the house; it won’t be the best idea to contemplate a porch with lead-effect Elizabethan glass.

  • The porch’s size should be, as designers like to put it, compatible with the building, and should not be projected much forward of its bay. Being too large, the porch will impose forced dominance over the rest of the house.
  •  The roof of your porch can be flat, lean, or pitched, depending on the age and overall style of your house. For instance, pitched roofs work well with houses whose bay windows are large, gabled, or even two-story.

Structures-Building-Company Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Structures Building Company

Bay windows, in fact, won’t necessarily be the basis for your porch design, and you can still get a canopy that genuinely coincides with the character of your place and your lifestyle.

  • For houses that have single-story rectangular bays, a beautiful porch can be added by simply extending one of the bay’s side walls, and enclosing the area. This way, however, you will have to pay extra attention to the glazing and frameworks that match the windowing, and decide carefully in order to avoid a disconnected look both for the property and the surroundings.

Important details

When choosing the porch’s roof, choose one that will match the roofing style of your house. When possible, use pitched or sloping roofs positioned in the same angle as the main roof.

Where appropriate, you should try to preserve a visual break between the bottom of the first floor windows and the top of the porch’s roof. The distance between them will depend on the angle of the roof, and the overall depth of the porch.

For homes where brickwork is already in place, you should use the same bond and mortar. The details applied around the windows, doors, eaves, and soldier courses should appear on the new porch as well, and the styles and shapes should match as well to ensure full balance.

Velasco-by-Bella-Vista-Company Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Bella Vista Company

If possible, you should exclude all porch details and features that don’t appear in the original house, in particular ornate columns on relatively new and modern properties.

The door, of course, should be proportional to the size of the porch, which is why most such porches don’t have large gates and double doors. If you can, get a door ideal to the one of the main entrance.

Had you considered to infill a recessed doorway, do so as far from the front as feasible, even if all you’ve got are few centimeters.

Foundation & flooring

Solid foundation is the beginning of every successful porch story. Foundations, nevertheless, count as integral structures attached to the house, and will thus be expected to meet local provisions and building codes.

Basically, you will only be allowed to apply the foundation prescribed for your region.

The reason for such strict engineering are external factors, such as soil, geology, and climate, namely issues you should address way before you’ve purchased and installed your foundation.

Waterfront-Estate-by-Jodi-Foster-Design-Planning Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Jodi Foster Design + Planning

Choosing the right porch foundation: To-do list

  • Before you start, slope the soil gathered under the porch to ensure that water will be directed away from it. This way, you can eliminate mold and floor damage issues regardless of the climate conditions you’re dealing with.
  • Consider ornamental vents and lattice skirting to support enough air flow under the porch. This way, you won’t face rot and mold problems once it starts to rain.
  • In order to keep pests away, make the porch higher; place some mesh or other hardware cloths behind the lattice skirting.
  • Prime the sides (edges included), and vent all newel posts and vent columns on all materials you’re using.

Front porch flooring

Porch flooring is another of your main decisions. It has to be durable and weather-resistant, and complement at the same time the appearance and function of your living space.

Luckily enough, flooring options are not prescribed by law, and vary depending on the needs and preferences of buyers. You can opt for any material between composite decking, wood, stone, bricks, ceramic tiles, and concrete, depending on the location, intended use, and the foundation you have in place.

Each material has its good and bad sides, so choose the one that works the best for your needs.

Exteriors-by-Dalrymple-Sallis-Architecture Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Dalrymple Sallis Architecture

Here is what you should remember when choosing your porch floor:

  • The most common option is natural fir, but you shouldn’t skip even mahogany, cedar, or Brazilian Ipe.
  • To make the floor more eye-catchy, you can mix laying boards and woods and obtain the desired texture or pattern.
  • It is possible to have a durable, damage-proof, and easy-to-maintain floor at a friction of the price wood-composite options would charge. For instance, you can use tongue-and-groove wood fiber flooring and plastic resin, and still get that adorable natural look. When installing those, however, stick to the instructions, or ask for professional assistance.
  • Other popular options for those who’re not on a budget are brick, tile, stone, and masonry floors, all of them water-resistant and easy to maintain. The only problem here is the weight they add to your porch’s foundation, and because of which you may be required to install additional support.
  • Stamped and poured concrete will also look nice, especially when covered with high-grade paint that matches the color of the house.

Columns and posts

Columns and posts won’t only provide the essential vertical support for your porch, but also make it look more beautiful. You should carefully consider their size, location, and number, depending on the character of your project.

Columns and posts are also object of local building legislations, so make sure you contact the department in charge, and familiarize with the minimal size and spacing you can afford.

Another person that can help you is your architect, who will likely find a way to abide to those provisions and still make the porch look the way you imagined it.

Stairs and railings

You may have neglected them so far, but stairs and railings are a key element in your porch project. Once again, you will be facing local code prescriptions and recommendations, so check those before you make a decision.Fredericksburg-Cottage-by-Bonterra-Build-Design Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Bonterra Build Design

The usual scenario is that porches higher than 30 inches require a guard system around them. Prescriptions and special codes exist also for balusters, vertical pillars, and open railing systems.

As the person in charge of the project, you will most likely prefer stairs and landings perfectly aligned with the front door, or even two separate entrances with railings on different sides. You can even ask the architect to project ramps that blend perfectly in the design of the porch and the house.

  • Porch railing systems are also known as balustrades, and usually run between the two posts and far from other components to ensure maximal safety.
  • Railings can also be made of wood, in particular white oak, redwood, cedar, or any highly-processed and pressure-treated material.
  • You can also combine different materials for the balustrade, and replace wood with synthetic alternatives that require less maintenance, but still offer the same durability (vinyl or synthetic materials). Makes sure you go through the warranty and installation guide before you begin.
  • You can always give your railing an additional purpose – make it extra deep, and you will be able to place drinks inside instead of using a table. This is a great idea for small and shallow porches.
  • Steps should ideally be made using the same material as the one of the floor, but with the right choice of colors and textures, you can opt for a more affordable option.
  • Porch stairs are not only supposed to be practical, but also beautiful and inviting. This is why we recommend concrete, stone, and bricks, as these materials always have a positive effect on visitors, and integrate easily with every landscape.

Chatham-Residence-by-Kotzen-Interiors Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Kotzen Interiors, LLP

Ceilings and roof options for front porches

With the right roof in place, your porch has the ideal shelter, and looks amazing thanks to the brand new, nicely textured ceiling. For a classic scenario, you can consider a drop ceiling or a stained bead board, while a more modern alternative is an open ceiling with only few rafters to support the roof.

This can also be considered a rustic choice, in case you’ve chosen to use planks that contrast the exposed rafters, and make your porch look larger and more interesting.

The roof pitch will also look magnificent followed by a vaulted ceiling, especially with the right finishing materials on the rafters. This type of ceilings is used to make porches look and feel larger, but also more dramatic and weather-resistant.

Regardless of the type of ceiling you want to have, you must consider function first. The roof should protect you from all negative influences, and thus have the right size, shape, and then style. What you should do, in short, is to choose materials that work well with the pitch of the roof.
MA-Farm-House-by-Crisp-Architects Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Crisp Architects

Shallow-sloped roofs, as a rule, don’t work well with cedar shingles and asphalt (metal roofs would be a smarter alternative). Yet, this won’t be your only option: clay tiles, slate, concrete, and cedar also qualify for a steep-sloped roof.

Here are some ceiling suggestions:

  • Owners of enclosed porch ceilings should install vents to clean their roof’s cavity from moisture.
  • Those considering installing a ceiling fan in their porch should consider it when deciding on the height of the ceiling.
  • A budget-friendly way to protect your roof from the weather and to open the porch for some extra light is to install glass/durable plastic panels on the roof.
  • The type of roof you’ve chosen won’t matter – what will matter is to protect it, and make sure it is properly prepped to resist water and ice incursion.

Porch walls considerations

Walls matter, so don’t overlook them. At the end of the day, they may set the overall tone of your porch, so in case they are worn and full of cracks, all of your effort will be in vain. Taking care of them, on the other hand, will give your porch the cozy and clean appearance you will love.

Walls reflect the first and most serious signs that there is something wrong with your porch, such as bug intrusions and water leaks. In cases like these, have the walls professionally checked before you continue to work.
If there are no major issues to worry about, take matters in your hands, and do the following:

May-River-Custom-Home-by-Hansen-Architects Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Hansen Architects

  • Replace the broken/damaged parts yourself, and repaint the wall.
  • Bricks containing efflorescence (a common powdery deposit) can be easily brushed with water. For more serious problems, ask for professional assistance.
  • The cracks and bumps on stucco walls will require some chalking before you paint them.
  • Put accessories and furniture into action to hide the smallest and most isolated cracks.

Painting considerations

All details aside, it is the color and paint type you’ve chosen that will dictate the attractiveness of your porch. On the safe side, it will be a color that matches the rest of your home (and neighborhood), but that doesn’t exclude the possibility to use your favorite shade.

What designers always recommend is a nuance you will enjoy, and one that may contrast the rest of your place, but yet speaks in favor of who you are and what you like.

There are many online tools that can help you make the right color combinations, so take advantage of them. Better yet, contact a local paint shop to ask for paints that are exclusively produced for decks and porches.

Southern-Living-Showcase-by-Stone-Acorn-Builders Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Stone Acorn Builders

This is how you can paint your porch:

  • Replace small paint swatches with sample jars, and paint several independent sections to see how each color works during different times of the day.
  • Prepare the walls before you paint them. This may require cleaning, priming, and even total repair to ensure that the paint will last.
  • You can use non-skid compounds to facilitate movement and improve traction on the stairs during rainy or snowy seasons.
  • Once you’ve painted the floor of the porch, give it about seven days to dry before you start placing furniture or moving around.

Doors, lights, and fans for front porches

Front porch doors

When a porch door is chosen carefully, it will serve a variety of purposes. To start with, it will be the prominent entry of your home that looks welcoming for your guests, but also protect the house from unpleasant outdoor influences, and give it just enough light and air as it needs.

Narrow porches with restricted swing space can benefit from a gliding door, while large and entertaining spaces should always have a bigger door where you can move trays of food and beverages easily. The size of the door, nevertheless, is directly dependent on the siding.

Old-Hill-House-by-Sellars-Lathrop-Architects Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Sellars Lathrop Architects

How to make your porch door perfect?

  • Get some new hardware, or repaint the existing porch door.
  • Your first choice should be energy-efficient and durable doors that guarantee weather resistance and high-performance insulation.
  • Use the porch door to make a personalized statement, by simply painting it with a color that contrasts your trim.
  • Use screen doors if you wish to let more sunshine and air inside.
  • A good course of action to make your porch door attractive is to use beveled and frosted glass, or any similar glazing option.

Front porch lights

Front porches can’t go without good lighting, so take this for a rule. Sometimes, it will be enough to install a single ceiling fixture, but more often, you’ll need a comprehensive scheme with task and accent fixtures (light layering), to make the porch safer and more functional.

The good thing with front porches is that they handle all sorts of experiments, and lighting is no exception to that rule. You can keep the traditional ceiling lights and still install sconces and lanterns on the sides to soften the glare and to avoid impractical shadows.

346-Project-by-Lynn-Bryant Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Lynn Bryant

Another great suggestion is a stylish and glamorous chandelier, in particular for families used to dine on their porch.

The ideal lanterns for front porches are such made of frosted glass, as they will be obscuring rather than bright, and still provide enough light for you to navigate easily.

The task lights should ideally be placed close to tables and porch chairs, so that you’d benefit from them while reading, eating, or playing a game. If the porch is intended to be your entertaining area, you can also install dimmers for recessed lights, and control their level at any moment of time.

Make sure you choose only fixtures suitable for outdoor usage.

Ceiling fan ideas

Ceiling fans are very welcomed by front porch owners, as they won’t only cool them down, but also make them look more beautiful. There are many different types and styles to consider, varying from wide rattan paddles inspired by tropical bars to oil-rubbed bronzed fans met in country houses.

When choosing one, pay attention to the material rather than the looks, as the fan has an important function to perform, and has to last.

There is an UL list of ceiling fans suitable for wet and damp locations, so finding a durable one won’t be that much of a challenge. What will be more difficult to adjust is size: for porches that are 144 square feet wide, you should choose a fan with 40-44 inches blade span.

Casa-Corbino-by-Merzbau-Design-Collective Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Merzbau Design Collective

For all larger scenarios (up to and above 225 square feet), we recommend a blade span between 50 and 56 inches. Before you make a purchase, have a compulsory look on the dimensions of your porch.

For the purpose of hanging an adequate fan, you should also pay attention to the height of the ceiling. In order to ensure top circulation, comfort, and safety, hang the ceiling 8-9 feet away from the entrance door.

Note that ceiling fans with lights should have two separate switches installed in the porch, so that you can trigger both functions independently. For fans like these, you will likely be enabled to control speed, in which case you can get a handy remote to save some useless moving around.

Front porch furnishing & accessorizing

People’s first idea of an inviting front porch is one that has rocking chairs and relaxing swings, but that shouldn’t be your main guideline. Instead, you should be considering your own style and needs, and choose furniture in line with them. The main cues hide inside your house, as the porch has to be just as inviting and comfortable as your living room.

The number one choice of satisfied owners is furniture made of natural wicker, as this stylish synthetic material works well with many materials, and is less prone to weather damage than any similar alternative. Many porches also use Adirondack and wooden chairs and swings, all of which, of course, are properly painted and sealed.

Lot-855-by-JH-Designs Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: JH Designs

Formal porches in elegant household scenarios look perfect with wrought iron furniture, but you must remember such pieces are expensive, heavy, and difficult to replace. A more lightweight choice could be aluminum, which also looks good on causal porches, and adopts seamlessly all of your outdoor rugs, throws, and pillows.

Wandering across hardware and gardening stores and web shops, you will come across different porch sets and suitable furniture, but before opting for one, check the local garage sale or flea market for more affordable alternatives.

Quite often, you will find the perfect coffee table or vintage birdcage where you least expect it, and refresh your porch on a price way under your budget.

As Nicole likes to put it, details matter the world to porches, and there is nothing wrong with breaking design rules and mixing materials and patterns. It will even be OK to combine florals and stripes, or to hang a large mirror that will reflect your beautiful surroundings. Let your creativity loose!

Coastal-Chic-by-Laura-Engen-Interior-Design Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Laura Engen Interior Design

Front porch ideas and accessories

If looking to work with galvanized and stainless steel, you can afford the delight of having porch swings. The same accessory can be made of rope (ideally polyester or marine braided nylon) but it may require frequent replacement.

  • Once your porch is ready to use, define the seating area with rugs and suitable furniture. A unique way to adjust seating is to turn the chairs towards the house.
  • Front porches wouldn’t be so special without terra-cotta pots filled with colorful flowers, and some woven basket to support the distressed feeling.
  • If looking to infuse more color on a neutral porch backdrop, use throws and pillows in vibrant nuances and made of mildew-resistant, outdoor-friendly fabrics.
  • Feel brave to combine furniture, as that’s exactly what will make your porch feel personal and different from other porches.

Woodvale-Road-by-Allison-Knizek-Design Front Porch Ideas: Plans, Furniture, and Decor
Image source: Allison Knizek

Ending thoughts on front porch ideas

‘I don’t want to extend my property!’ said no home owner ever, but most of them skip it afraid of all risks and considerations this process involves. Front porches and elevated decks, for instance, can either make or break the beautiful appearance of your property, and also affect the looks of other houses in the neighborhood.

When handled with care, however, front porches do an amazing job highlighting the entrance of the house, and give you some additional lobby space.

Depending on their location and size, you can use them for all sorts of activities, and turn them into your home’s most memorable an prominent feature.

I hope the front porch ideas presented in this article are what you were looking for.