Ever wonder what draws your eye to some houses and not to others? Well, a big part of that appeal is the front porch and what adorns it. If you haven’t dabbled in the front porch decorating craze, now is the time to start. Begin your front door transformation with a new porch furniture set, fresh outdoor art, outdoor area rugs, and greenery to inspire friends and family to stop by and stay awhile. Your only wish will be that you had completed the makeover sooner!

Inviting Furniture

No gathering space is complete without a place to take a seat, and your front porch is no exception. Front porch furniture comes in a wide variety of styles and sizes. Ideally, select a set with a minimum of two chairs and a table to create a natural place for people to gravitate toward. Create a laid back feel with an Adirondack chair or set to settle in for a while. Or select a more upright seating option, such as a bistro set, which inspires visions of tea and crumpets served over a good game of cards. After establishing a central seating area, add additional seating to extend the space and add versatility. Don’t forget to make space for the kids, too, with cute adirondack chairs just their size.

Even if your porch area is on the small side, a cozy, welcoming entry can still be achieved with only one select seat to accommodate the space, such as a simple rocking chair. If possible, provide a small side table as well, for a morning cup of coffee, a phone, or a good book.

A front porch bench is also a versatile seating option, allowing two+ people to sit and people watch from their front porch or otherwise relax in their outdoor space. You can choose from versatile styles like transitional cast aluminum benches that look great with any front porch decor.

Central Space

Once you have your furniture selected, look for ways to make the porch more “room-like.” Centering your furniture over an outdoor rug can help bring the ambience of an indoor setting outside. Select a rug that compliments the inside of your house as a way for guests to preview your style and settle into your home’s vibe. If your home features lots of cool colors, such as blues, grays or whites, choose a rug with similar tones. Conversely, if your home basks in warm tones, such as reds, yellows or oranges, find a rug in the same color family to make a cohesive indoor and outdoor experience.

A contemporary outdoor porch seating area can mix and match solids, prints, and stripes, and even textures, to maximize appeal. A patio furniture set featuring solid colors will look great with a complimentary outdoor rug featuring patterns, stripes or a fun texture, or vice versa. Provide the eye a space to rest by selecting either furniture or a rug in solid colors, then livening it up with design in the other. Finish the look with outdoor throw pillows, and maybe even blankets, in a variety of solids, prints, and styles, and you’re on your way to an aesthetically pleasing curbside retreat.

Exterior Extras

Putting a set of furniture alone in a room doesn’t make it homey, and neither does a set of porch furniture complete a porch. After you’ve added chairs, an accent table or two, and a rug, make it your own with some outdoor accessories to make your porch truly one-of-a-kind. Finish off the table with a lantern or a bouquet of flowers. Add art to the walls to continue creating the sensation of a “room” outdoors. Sprinkle a few potted plants amongst the furniture to blend the indoors and outdoors together. And while you’re at it, place a few pieces of garden art amongst the greenery outside for color throughout the seasons.

Small Front Porches

Even small front porches can get in on the front porch fun. Add a wreath to the front door for a splash of color. Layer two different sized, coordinated door mats to create a welcoming front step. Potted plants on either side of the door, or even lining the walk or stairs up to the door, can create a homey feel. In corners, try for a collection of three items, such as three lanterns of the same style but in three different sizes, or three completely different items such as a small chair, a potted plant, and a small artistic birdcage. You don’t need a big space to make a big impression.

A home is lived in, and your front porch should be, too. Create that lived in, homey look with gorgeous outdoor furniture sets, colorful potted plants, comfy outdoor throw pillows, and artistic touches throughout. Get ready for a season of hosting friends and family in your new outdoor space!