Give your outdoor entry space some wow factor with these amazing porch decor tips.
29 Front Porch Ideas and Décor for a More Welcoming Space
![hanging plants on front porch](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/shutterstock_124813753.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Use All Available Space
These homeowners could have stopped with the perennials and annuals in front of the porch. But by adding hanging planters, they effectively use more space. This also helps connect the house and garden visually. And, of course, it adds more ambiance for those seated on the porch itself. Check out our small-space landscaping ideas.
![seat](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/shutterstock_212360077-seat.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Have a Seat
Even if you never use it, a chair or bench by an entryway has a psychological benefit. It says, “Welcome! Why don’t you sit a spell?” Go ahead and hide the chair in the photo with your thumb and see if the scene doesn’t immediately seem less inviting. That’s what seating does for curb appeal. If you want some more inspiration to help you liven up your home entrance, then these entryway plants are perfect.
Plus: Check out our favorite front door decor ideas you can DIY.
![porch with plants](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/dfh17jun044-2-shutterstock_1564679.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Set Out Plants
A little greenery goes a long way. Whether you pick up a few young seedlings at the nursery or fill hanging planters with cascading flowers, porch plants can change the whole feel of the space. Rather than putting potted plants directly on the porch floor, place them on risers so air can circulate below the pot, reducing the risk of rot to your flooring.
![outdoor pillows accessories](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/dfh17jun044-9-shutterstock_380399284.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Accessorize
The best porches look like an extension of the indoor living spaces. To achieve a comfortable, homey look, set out a few accessories to liven up your outdoor space. Colorful pillows and cushions pack a big punch—look for high-performance indoor/outdoor material like Sunbrella. Layer on candles, lanterns, wreaths and seasonal décor for an extra boost of personality.
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Latticework Porch Trellis
![DIY Porch Swing](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fh02mar_02402_001.jpg)
DIY Porch Swing
![Clever Console](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dfh17jun012_02.jpg)
Clever Console
![Bright Colors](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dfh17jun012_04.jpg)
Bright Colors
![Day Bed](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dfh17jun012_05.jpg)
Day Bed
![Intricate Ironwork](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dfh17jun012_07.jpg)
Intricate Ironwork
![Cedar Stain](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dfh17jun012_09.jpg)
Cedar Stain
![Beachy Vibe](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dfh17jun012_10.jpg)
Beachy Vibe
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/FH06MAR_466_52_102.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Screened-in Porch
![porch bed](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/swinging-porch-bed.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Tropical Lanai
This second-story lanai allows for a different type of vantage point than your typical ground-level view. An exposed-beam ceiling, cypress columns an of course, a swinging day bed make for a dreamy space in which to chill out.
Photo: Courtesy of Grand Floridian Builders
![porch](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/porch.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Treehouse Screen Porch
The architects behind this unique design sought to create a more intimate connection with nature. To do so, they introduced natural materials and organic, rounded shapes. Much like the tropical lanai, this treehouse screen porch is situated high in the sky, with a view of the surrounding forest. Get inspired to make a treehouse of your own with these 50 DIY treehouses made from reclaimed materials.
Photo: Courtesy of Omar Salinas, HiTech Photo, Inc.
![lake porch](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lake-porch.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Modern Lake House Screened Porch
When there’s a beautiful view right outside your home, it would be an injustice not to invite it in. The design of this home takes advantage of southern lake views and solar exposure. The result is a sunny, warm and serene space, including the screened porch that’s equal parts modern as much as it is rustic. Getting inspired? Here’s how to build a screened in patio.
Photo: Courtesy of Susan Teare
![front porch](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/front-porch.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Cedar Porch
This slightly more urban home takes advantage of the backyard trees by creating a cedar wood screened porch that allows you to feel a little touch of outdoor paradise while still protected from the elements. Here’s how to build an outdoor living room so you can enjoy the outside from inside too.
Photo: Courtesy of Brandon Webster Photography
![dome](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/dome.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Domed Lakehouse Room
This lake house room makes for one sweet space to chill out with the massive domed ceiling overhead. The natural materials make for a very comfortable area, while the windows bring the outside in. If you love remote nature homes, check out these 16 amazing cabins.
Photo: Courtesy of Northcape Design Build
![white porch](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/white-porch.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Over-water Porch
Located in La Parguera, Puerto Rico, you can actually rent this home that’s situated over the water. The wooden structure, that can accommodate eight people, features a brilliant view of the water from the porch. The massive back porch is covered, allowing you to shade yourself from the sun while still taking in the stunning water all around you.
Photo: Courtesy of VRBO
![pool](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/pool.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Indoor Pool Room
This gorgeous estate, situated in Cantabria—an autonomous region on Spain’s north coast— s done in classic Mediterranean style with a very castle-like feel. Among the best features is surely the indoor pool room that offers incredible natural light to make it feel like it’s outside, but without the elements to get in the way. If you think castles are dreamy, check out these 50 extremely remote castles.
Photo: Courtesy of Estudio Zugazarte
![cabin](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/cabin.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Rustic Family Room
This Big Sky, Montana log cabin mansion has one inviting rustic family room that brings the mountains in. If you don’t live in the mountains but would like a backyard stream that looks like you do, check out this one-weekend, low-maintenance fountain.
Photo: Courtesy of LOHSS Construction
![garden](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/garden.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
French Country Greenhouse Room
This remote home tucked in the woods offers a room perfect for the plant lover. An ode to a typical greenhouse, you can get your hands a little dirty even on a rainy day. If you love this look, here’s how to build a mini greenhouse with an old window.
![indoor pool](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/indoor-pool.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Poolside Lanai
Swimming pools contained with a lanai are particularly popular in Florida. Not only does the design permit some privacy, but also protects the pool, patio furnishings and toys. Check out these amazing backyard swimming pools.
Photo: Courtesy of E.W. Tarca Construction
![Enclosed Patio](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/covered-patio.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Enclosed Patio
An enclosed patio lets you use the space even on rainy days. Turn your backyard into a space as comfortable as any other room in your home by building a screened in patio.
Photo: Courtesy of Dayton Deck Builder
![patio table](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/master-SAV8178.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Collapsible Furniture
Nothing screams small patio designs like collapsible furniture. A foldable table is the ideal way to save space.
You can even grill on your small patio with this fold-up grill table.
![flower pots](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/shutterstock_226459387.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Potted Plants on Wall
If you want to surround yourself with plants while you read a book on your patio but don’t have the floor space for the pots, grow vertically! The sky is the limit, literally. Simply fasten some potted plants to a wall or fence.
Make your wall colorful! Check out these 14 inspiring DIY flower walls.
![patio](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/patio-privacy-screens.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Vertical Garden Privacy Screen
Just because your patio or porch hugs the neighbor’s house or looks out onto the street doesn’t mean you can’t have a bit of privacy. Simply decorate a privacy screen with vines or lush plants.
![terrarium](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/learn_do_how_to_make_a_terrarium_coffee_table_horiz.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Table Terrarium
If the only thing your small patio designs really have room for is a table and chairs, but you want some greenery, simply combine your needs with a terrarium coffee table. Martha Stewart has a great DIY project for you to follow.
![Bench](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Convertible-Bench-3-copy.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Convertible Bench
It’s a bench, a 2-seat bench, a table, a love seat and even a chair with an end table, all in one piece of furniture! That’s an efficient use of space.
If you prefer a classic garden bench, here’s how to build one.