From Drab to Fab: Front Porch Ideas You’ll Love

Your front porch is the first impression visitors have of your home, so why not make it welcoming and stylish? In this post, I’ll share creative and effective front porch ideas that will take your entryway from drab to fab. From simple updates to bold changes, there’s something for every style and budget.

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Inspired Front Porch Ideas

Hey there, friend! If you’re anything like me, you know the front porch is the first thing people see when they come to your home.

It’s your home’s greeting card, its first impression, its “hey, come on in and stay awhile” vibe. And if you’re looking at your current porch and thinking, “Ugh, this is a little embarrassing,” don’t worry – I’ve been in the same boat.

I’m ready to reveal my own front porch refresh makeover which I tackled through a fantastic collaboration with Lowe’s. I’m here to share some amazing front porch decor ideas that can take your entryway from drab to fab in no time!

Start the video journey HERE!

Front Porch Ideas Start with a Clean Slate

Before we get to the fun stuff, let’s talk about cleaning.

In the twenty years that we have lived in our house, we have diligently cleaned the siding each spring.

But sometimes that is not enough. Our front porch faces north and, despite our midwestern clear air, there was a definite layer of pollution that had built up on the siding.

The porch siding had a dingy, almost yellow cast to it. No amount of power washing or scrubbing made a significant difference.

So we took the step of having the siding professionally power-washed. They used specific chemicals (safe for the surrounding environment!) that turned the siding from dingy to dazzling! I couldn’t believe the difference!

We will continue to power wash the house ourselves each spring but will plan to have it professionally cleaned every few years or so.

Whether done professionally or by yourself, giving the exterior of your home a nice power wash is one of those easy ways to make a big impact. It’s like getting a fresh start with a clean slate.

Get rid of dirt, grime, and cobwebs that have built up over time. You’d be amazed at how much cleaner and brighter your front porch can look with just a good power wash.

Trust me, it makes the rest of the exterior of your home look 10 times better too!

Continue the video journey HERE!

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Love what you see? If you’re feeling inspired by these ideas and want to check out some of the products I used, head over to my Lowe’s Storefront! It’s like a little treasure map to everything that helped bring this front porch refresh to life.

Say “Welcome!” with Your Front Door

The front door is the most important element on your front porch. It’s the first thing you and your guests see when coming to your house, so it deserves a little love.

And our old front door was the reason we started this makeover in the first place!

The oval etched glass insert really dated the door (Hello 1995!) I read an article a few years ago (sorry I can’t find it now.) that stated that this style of door is one of the most dated looks for a porch. Ever since then, I have been on a front-door replacement mission!

But there were more reasons to replace than just style. The paint was peeling (This door has been many different colors over the years!) and the door handle was really glitchy and hard to open.

So, with a little help from Lowes, I went shopping and found the perfect new door!

I still wanted glass windows in the door to let light into the front entry. But I wanted a classic door style that would stand the test of time.

I chose this Therma-Tru fiberglass door with beautiful glass panes. I could have ordered the door factory painted. But by ordering the door in white, I was able to paint the door myself and stay within my budget.

The installation team arrived at 7 am sharp and did a fantastic job installing the door. Even Bentley thought so!

Choosing the right paint color is key. And believe me, I went back and forth trying to decide on my choice.

I love a charming front door with a strong pop of color. But I ultimately chose a shade of black so that any wreath or door hanging would really “pop” against the black from the street.

But if you want a door with a strong pop of color, go for it!

I used HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams paint to give the door a fresh coat of paint in Tricorn Black. This is my favorite shade of black paint and I loved how easily it went on.

I was able to get both side of the door and sidelights painted in just a few hours!

If you’re feeling extra creative, think about adding a new welcome mat or even swapping out your house numbers for something modern and stylish. These simple things can make your front porch design ideas really shine.

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Check out the door install and painting process HERE!

Frame Your Windows with Shutters

Adding or replacing shutters is a simple way to give your front porch and the rest of the exterior of your home a stylish and polished look.

I swapped out our faded louvered shutters—which were not only dated but also starting to pull away from the house—with sleek new vinyl black flat-panel shutters.

Honestly, the transformation was instant and amazing!

The new shutters frame the windows perfectly. Just like the way a great eyeliner and mascara combo frames your eyes.

They add a crisp, tailored look that dramatically enhances the home’s curb appeal. They’re the perfect decorative element to tie together the design elements of this welcoming porch.

Install Outdoor Sconces and Lighting

Now, let’s talk about lighting. If you’ve ever had one of those dimly lit porches, you know how important outdoor lighting is for setting the mood.

And for reading a book…or finding your keys…or not tripping over the Amazon boxes just delivered!

This porch does have multiple can lights which would be very helpful if I were performing surgery on the porch…way too much light!

So I added some fresh, stylish wall sconces that were perfect for this outdoor space.

These sconces added instant charm, and the best part? They have the nicest “candle glow” that gives enough light but looks so warm and inviting. Plus, they didn’t break the bank!

Whether you’ve got a small porch or a large front porch, lighting is an essential element. And there are many budget-friendly options with loads of style!

Add Outdoor Rugs for Comfort and Style

One of the best front porch decor ideas I added was a new outdoor rug.

Actually, that would be rugs! (because why not?)

It’s the perfect way to add some texture, warmth, and color to your outdoor living space. Plus, rugs are a great way to define your seating area.

You’d be surprised how much of a difference this simple way of decorating can make. I went for blue and white striped mat rugs that added a classic feel to the space but also left plenty of room for a pop of color with throw pillows and potted plants.

Include Cozy Outdoor Seating for Relaxing

Speaking of the seating area, let’s dive into what’s perhaps the best part of any porch—comfortable seating.

Now, I fully realize that not all houses have large spaces for outdoor furniture. But a bench or chair in a small space is a great idea for a touch of function and style.

There are so many options for seating. Try a rocking chair or Adirondack chairs beside a small table…perfect for kicking back and enjoying a good book or sipping your morning coffee.

If you’ve got extra seating space, why not add a porch swing or a small table for those lazy afternoons when you want to entertain or just enjoy a quiet evening?

If you’ve got enough room on your new porch, adding outdoor furniture like a long table or coffee table can really elevate your outdoor living space.

Since there is enough porch space on either side of the front door, I decided to create two different seating areas.

To the right of the door, I chose this cozy, comfy outdoor sectional. We love to sit on it and I am always quick to grab “dibs” on the part with the ottoman!

For me, the cozy corner with a throw blanket and a few throw pillows turned my front porch into my favorite place to unwind after a long day.

On the other side, I added conversation seating with a couple of wicker chairs and a table. Perfect for front porch chats and waving at neighbors as they walk by!

Don’t be afraid to add actual furniture to your front porch space. It doesn’t take much to turn a porch into a great place to spend time!

Planter Pots and Potted Plants

Let’s not forget the touches of nature! Plants and flowers are a total game-changer when it comes to sprucing up your porch.

Because of the time of year, I went for a mix of potted plants. Next spring, I will have some fun planting flowers. Perhaps some tall ones for height, some hanging ones for a whimsical feel, and of course, beautiful flowers in bright colors!

I spent a lot of time looking for just the right pots and these beauties from Lowes are definitely it!

The scale of the pots works well with our porch and they even have a built-in irrigation system within the pot! (In case I forget to water!)

And I love the simple design of the pots. They make a statement but don’t detract from the door.

A planter pot doesn’t have to be fancy—just make sure it complements your color scheme and adds a personal style touch. You’d be amazed at how decorative elements like these can completely transform your space.

Small Touches That Make a Big Impact

Finally, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

Adding a new door handle is like adding jewelry to the perfect outfit. With so many keyless entry lock options, your front door can be both stylish and functional, offering modern convenience without sacrificing charm.

If you’re feeling extra creative, take the step to add a new welcome mat, throw pillows for a chair, or even swapping out your house numbers for something modern and stylish. These simple things can make your front porch design ideas really shine with extra curb appeal.

Down the road (perhaps next summer), we might add some ceiling fans. There is enough room and ceiling fans are a game-changer during the warmer months for keeping the air moving.

Remember, small front porches can pack just as much punch as large front porches with a little creativity.

Additional Front Porch Design Ideas for Every Style

Want more front porch design ideas? Here are a few finishing touches to make the front porch your perfect place to sit and unwind:

• Hanging planters for additional greenery or flowers
• Add a porch swing and grab a tall glass of lemonade!
• A long dining table for those summer nights when you’re entertaining. Place it in front of the porch if there is no room on the porch.
• Little square feet of space to work with? No problem! You can make a cozy corner with a comfortable chair and a small table.

Your New Porch Awaits!

So there you have it, friend! From power washing to potted plants and everything in between, these front porch ideas are a great way to transform your space into a cozy, welcoming retreat.

Whether you’re working with a small space or a large front porch, there are great front porch ideas for every size and style.

Special heartfelt thanks to Lowes for making my front porch dreams come true!

See the video full reveal HERE!

Your new porch is ready to welcome you into the outdoor space of your dreams.

Make your porch special. Make it your own.

And enjoy every special moment you spend on it!

Cheers!

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