Not everyone can enjoy the luxury of a wrap-around porch. Those guys need very little to look majestic anyway.
However, size doesn’t always matter. A small porch or an entryway can look just as enchanting. With a bit of creativity, you can create something all your neighbors will be jealous of.
Another challenge is doing it on a budget. But don’t worry about that, we’ll figure things out as we go. Now, let us take a look at some interesting small front porch ideas that people have shared online.
A Better Color Palette
Credits: Instagram @harlowhousedesigns
There’s nothing too special about the decor elements in this picture, at least in the terms of what’s present. A wreath and a set of planters are standard issue in front door decor, but guess what makes this combo look so lush?
You’re right, it’s the color! Most would expect to see greenery with wood or stone planters, but these whites and pinks are a true treat for the eyes.
You can copy this idea at any budget, and with any color for that matter (I bet that brownish facade would look great with turquoise as well). Only make sure that the decor colors don’t clash with the exterior of the house.
But if you miss the green…
Credits: Instagram @stayhomestyle_
There’s nothing wrong with going old school. You don’t want to throw money on a new wreath and planters? No problem. Now, let’s talk composition.
The easiest way to make a design more dynamic is to make it asymmetric. All pieces in this picture are rather ordinary, and you could probably pick them all up at a flea market for next to nothing. But the way they are arranged makes this simple concept so eye catching. Plus, because the garland doesn’t hang more traditionally, so it doesn’t look like a Christmas decoration that someone forgot to take down.
If you don’t like the welcome sign, feel free to go without it. However, place something else that’s shorter than the bar chair and the planter. Another planter will work (this time without a chair), or the item we’ll talk about next.
The Magic Lantern
Credits: Instagram @tea_mama_b
Vintage and antique-looking lanterns have been used regularly in outdoor decor forever. But it’s what this Instagram mom chose to do that makes a difference.
Her modest porch can’t house a full-sized Christmas tree, so she filled the lanterns with ornaments. Brilliant. It’s not only interesting and unique, but practical as well. Plus, this idea can work year-round, as long as you change the contents of the lanterns.
Pro tip: don’t buy those pricy lanterns at big box stores. Go to your local flea market and browse around. There will always be something there and if you can’t find a matching pair or a set, no problem. The mismatched look will be even better!
Let There Be Light!
Credits: Instagram @mariahmetzger
Credits: Instagram @craven_haven
Fairy lights are not only for Christmas. If you don’t go overboard, you can use them year-round. A good rule of thumb is to use half or fewer than you would use for the holiday season.
This decor element provides more impact in winter when nights are longer. They will work in summer as well, but make sure that they are in harmony with the daytime look.
Both pictures here are a depiction of Halloween and Christmas decor, so they are still a bit over the top. But remember, if you cut the number of those lights in half, the porch will be bathed in light without looking like you’re too eager to have Santa over for cookies.
A Sea of Flowers
Credits: Instagram @empress_eyes_design
Credits: Instagram @shoppingfinds.andmore
Flowers are never a wrong choice. And if you can grow them from seeds instead of seedlings, they are super budget friendly.
Now, I know that the first picture doesn’t show a small porch. Its job is to show you how different kinds and colors can create that wonderful English cottage feel even when they are bound to planters.
The second image is to show that you can go for a variety of plants and not just one, even when the space is at a premium. The picture would look even better if it were as colorful as the first one.
If you have a brown thumb instead of a green one, let me recommend the lovely moss rose. In some European countries, it’s called “defiance” because it can live anywhere and outlive anything. Plus, it comes in a rainbow of colors, so it will look impressive even if you have only enough space for a single planter.
A Small Porch but a Big Lawn
Credits: Instagram @littlewhitecountryhouse
Even if you have a tiny patch of green that you can call your own, you can use it to create a beautiful and welcoming entryway to your home.
In this image, we see a tiny porch wrapped in wildflowers. with no additional elements but a comfy chair. As long as you have a couple of extra feet of soil surrounding the porch, you can plant flowers. Let me remind you, if you start with seeds and not seedlings, they will be a lot cheaper.
This time I’ll recommend catmint and bee balm. Both sport a wild meadow look and grow quite tall. Plus, they are good mosquito repellents. One of them will attract other things though, so prepare a huge bag of cat treats.
Mediterranean Chic
Credits: Instagram @leanne.zieglerdesign
This one is a slightly bigger investment, but bear with me. It’s still something that you can DIY as long as you are not too hopeless with tiles.
Honestly, everything would look a bit ordinary in this picture if it weren’t for the enamel pot blue tiles. It makes the entryway look like it was translated from a Greek seaside resort. But it doesn’t have to be tiles, and it doesn’t have to be an elaborate pattern. But if you can introduce this color into the design and pair it with a whitewashed facade and natural or white wood, you’ll get that Mediterranean look in a flash.
You don’t even have to do much of anything else, but I kinda like this idea of using an easel as a planter holder on a small porch.
Cushion O’clock
Credits: Instagram @urbancottageliving
Speaking of DIY, here’s something that you can do from scratch and on a tight budget, but that will look like you spent at least 4 figures.
The trick is that you start with the cushion. If you take a moment to analyze the picture, you will notice that it looks like no expense was spared to find the elements that match the cushion. It’s the same thing you will do, but you will look for spray paint that works with your cushion instead.
Pick one or two neutral and one contrasting shade (or a shade from the cushion fabric), and then off to the flea market to find pieces that you can squeeze onto your porch.
Always a Place for a Swing…
Credits: Instagram @houmedecor
No, you don’t need glasses and yes, it’s a balcony. But it’s a tiny balcony and great for illustrating the point. As long as you have a place for a chair, you have a place for a swing.
I love the look of this one, plus it tends to be very affordable. Even cheaper when you buy it in October or November. It’s also possible to DIY one with some rope and lots of patience.
But once you have the swing (and the matching crochet blanket), you don’t need much of anything else. A side table and flowers like in the picture would look great, but you can just throw a contrasting mat under the swing and call it a day. It will already be impressive enough to make your neighbors go, “Why didn’t I think of that?”
…And a Breakfast Nook
Credits: Instagram @turquoiseandcalicos
It’s a tight squeeze, but if you think you have at least enough for a table and one chair, you should go for it!
The trick is to avoid classic modern bulky patio furniture and think French street cafe. The sets like this one are not the easiest to find on this side of the pond, but it’s not impossible.
We’ll scratch furniture stores from the list. If they have them, they are selling them with that “Continental” or designer mark up. You’ll get a better price at a professional restaurant supply, or if you hit estate sales or the flea market.
If you can’t find what you like, consider building a table directly on the fence and picking up a pair of bar stools. This is also a great solution if you have even less space than in this picture.
Cottagecore
Credits: Instagram @lifeonsummerhill
Or country chic, or whatever you want to call it. It has been a huge trend for years now, so it makes sense to get it on this list as well.
It doesn’t take a lot to infuse your front porch with pastoral vibes. Pick up a milk jug, opt for unvarnished or natural-looking wood, and plant some daisies or lavender. If you can find a vintage mailbox, even better.
But, be careful. Since this is a big trend, a lot of stores will be selling items that fit this image at a premium. It’s a lot more cost-effective to buy a new metal watering can a take a hammer to it a few times. And to achieve that old look, just use something corrosive like vinegar and salt.
Bench or Chairs
One great way to make use of a small front porch is to install a bench or chairs. This will provide you with a place to sit and relax, and it will also help to maximize the space on your porch. If you don’t have room for a bench or chairs, consider installing a small table instead. This can be used as a place to set drinks or snacks while you’re relaxing on your porch.
Full of Flowers
Another great way to make use of a small front porch is by adding plants and flowers. Plants and flowers can add color and beauty to any space, and they can also help to make your porch feel more welcoming. If you don’t have much room for plants, consider using potted plants instead. This will allow you to move the plants around as needed.