52 Ways to Style Your Covered Porch

Covered porches are a luxury for several reasons. One, if you have a covered porch, you likely live on land because a porch needs space. Two, if you have a covered porch, you likely have a corner for a chair, perfect for coffee and reading.

Three, a covered porch extends your decorating opportunity beyond your front door.

Covered porches aren’t just for southerners sipping iced tea. They come in various sizes and shapes, providing a space for socializing outside the confines of our homes. Just like you decorate your living room for guests, why not create a welcoming porch for friends, neighbors, and anyone in need of a place to relax?

Here are 40 porch styling ideas, regardless of the size of your porch.

Porch Makeover Ideas

If you’re struggling to come up with a porch transformation plan, these makeovers can provide inspiration. Begin with a simple change, such as painting the front door with a new color that complements the frame. For example, a dark gray with subtle blue undertones can create different shades depending on the lighting.

Another element that enhances this porch, showcased on satoridesignforliving, is a stylish planter filled with seasonal selections.

Sometimes a new color for the front door isn’t enough. The entire porch may need a makeover. Add paneling to the walls, cover the floor in tiles or another material, redo or replace the planters, and consider adding furniture and decorations such as a sconce for lighting, a small table with chairs, and some pots and plants.

For more ideas, visit tatertotsandjello.

A porch transformation featured on shadesofblueinteriors showcases an impressive change in color for the wall and door, along with a new flooring design. The support columns, which were originally wooden posts wrapped in white metal, have been stripped down to reveal the natural wood, creating a more aesthetically pleasing look.

Speaking of columns, here’s an interesting makeover idea for them. This porch originally had round aluminum columns which looked slender but dated. The new square columns are more robust and change the look of the porch.

It’s only an aesthetic change, and the original columns are still in place but with a better frame around them. Check out keepingitcozy for more about the transformation.

A change in style and design for the flooring can rejuvenate an old porch. For a concrete floor, use paint and stencils to create a tile or rug-like appearance and transform the look with minimal time and cost. Visit cuttingedgestencils for inspiration.

A beautiful porch enhances curb appeal and should look great from both a distance and up close. This was a complete makeover, as the original porch was in bad shape with many boards beyond repair and outdated fixtures. The overhaul included replacing the old pillars, installing new flooring, replacing the lattice with plywood siding, adding a custom stair railing, covering the concrete steps with wood, and more.

See the full transformation on farmhouseonboone.com.

Many elements can enhance a porch’s appearance. For example, updating the window shutters with a new color and style can greatly improve its exterior look. Additionally, incorporating a nature-inspired design with wood, plants, and greenery can create a visually appealing and refreshing atmosphere.

Check out radiobutlers for an inspiring porch makeover that embraces this design concept.

Screened porches require more work when undergoing a makeover due to the increased number of surfaces. However, this also provides more opportunities for different styles and additional areas for details. A recent example on gardenista showcased a porch with a new color palette consisting of dark shades.

This change contributed to a cozier atmosphere, which is always desirable.

Simply cleaning the porch and repainting the floor can change the overall look and feel of this space. Check out chippasunshine for the steps to repaint a concrete porch. First, clean it with a pressure washer.

Then remove the old paint using various methods. After that, etch, prime, and paint it. It may take time, but it’s worth it.

If you’re unsure about the style to choose, consider a cottage-style porch design. It can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and you can enhance it with rugs and cushions for character and color. Check out this porch from repurposeandupcycle, which also includes a swing seat, adding a cool touch to your outdoor space.

A little sprucing up and the old porch can look amazing. It doesn’t have to be a long and costly project. You can keep the existing furniture and repaint it to trigger a change in the overall color palette. Another effective way to transform a porch is by adding an outdoor rug, bringing in an accent color and an interesting pattern.

Details like accent pillows and a planter can complete the new look. Visit honeybearlane for more ideas and inspiration.

Doing some landscaping around the porch would be great if you’re redoing the entire space. Check out this transformation from shadesofblueinteriors. It included power washing the brick and gutters, painting the floor, adding new plants in the flower beds, replacing small trees, adding more planters, building a pergola with curtains, a bench, poles for hanging string lights, and various accessories like pillows and furniture.

Covered porch design ideas

Small Porches

When designing a small porch, start with the basics. Before choosing decorative items like flower pots or garden gnomes, evaluate the porch’s details. Check the condition of the sconces and the ceiling, and consider adding beadboard if necessary.

Also, select the ideal color for the front door. This foundation should be your primary focus.

Every home needs house numbers. You could choose the classic versions or something big and bold to make a statement. When you have to have it, give it character.

Most porches have lighting because no one wants to come home to a dark doorway. Instead of keeping the basic sconce that your porch came with, consider upgrading to a stylish and unique option. Even a cheaper one can give your covered porch a new look.

Some small porches have railings in the classic spindle style. However, railings can now be more unique. Choose a patterned and popping railing instead of a basic and lined one.

Whatever you add to your porch will look amazing through that grid.

Now we can focus on styling, specifically pots and plants. Choose two planters and fill them with large ferns. These bushy plants thrive in shaded areas, making them perfect for your covered porch during the summer.

Ferns aren’t the only leafy greens that complement a small porch. Trees planted in galvanized buckets will give your covered porch a farmhouse look. Choose a good color for your front door because those trees will catch everyone’s attention.

When you want large porch planters, it’s easy to become intimidated by the price. Don’t be fooled. Use wood and paint to build your own box planters for your small porch.

Then you’ll have no qualms painting them since you build them yourself.

Small porches don’t need large plants. Pots with colorful flowers can brighten up a dark porch. Spend your evenings on the front step, watching the wind ruffle the petals.

Do you have a blank flat wall on your small porch? Utilize that space! Hang a sign to give anyone who approaches a good feel for your family.

Whether you make it or buy one, you’ll love seeing your favorite set of lyrics or house rules when you get home from work.

Anyone who decorates small spaces knows that layering is key. Start with tall shutters or rustic wood in the back and add seasonal pieces and lanterns on top. This will create a mini vignette on your covered porch that will be perfect for Instagram.

When there isn’t much space on your porch, it’s easy to prioritize plants over seating. However, you should try small porch sitting. Two chairs in the corners can create a cozy nook for coffee sipping and chatting with loved ones.

Wicker furniture has a quaint English feel. To bring that feeling to your front porch, consider filling the space with a wicker seat. Add cushions to create an inviting spot in your home.

Sometimes a small front porch is long and narrow instead of short and squat, making a bulky wicker seat unusable. Instead, opt for a simple long wooden bench. It serves as a great seat for sitting and enjoying ice cream, while also allowing you to place plant pots around the edges for a cozy look.

Your small covered porch can still be decorated for each season. During the fall, wrap corn stalks around the porch pillars. Add a few pumpkins and a bright mum for a charming porch that will stand out in the neighborhood until November.

Christmas decor is essential for your porch. Dress up your small porch with vintage pieces, mini trees, red berries, and a green wreath. It will perfectly capture the festive atmosphere.

Everyone dreams of a large covered porch, a charming space to relax and escape the summer heat. Enhance the southern porch aesthetic by adding a row of rockers. Flowers can then serve as stylish accents.

When your porch overlooks a view, you want to create a comfortable space for sitting. Instead of rockers, use cushioned lounge chairs. You can enjoy sitting there evening after evening in good weather and beautiful sky.

Every porch sitter enjoys a swing. They come in various shapes and sizes, and with a little research, you can find the perfect one for your porch. Whether you prefer a classic white swing or a woven bohemian style, you’ll appreciate the chance to relax on your porch.

Blessed with a deep porch? Hang a daybed for napping pleasure. Now everyone will know where to find you on lazy afternoons.

Maybe you can’t swing a daybed on the porch. No problem. Give yourself a hammock instead.

It could be attached to the house or hung by its own stand but either way, you can still swing and nap on your covered porch.

A long porch can be a conundrum for stylists. After creating a seating area and decorating around the door, what do you do with all that empty space? Enter the church pew.

This long seat can be left in its wooden beauty or painted a bright color. Either way, it fills the space and provides seating and styling opportunities.

Another option for long porches is to create smaller spaces for conversation and coffee sipping. A swing on one end and rockers on the other can make the porch feel full and finished.

A large porch provides ample opportunity for adding details. Have you considered painting the porch floor? You can create a bold striped pattern, a small and lacey design, or even a painted rug.

This will add personality to your covered porch.

Let’s talk plants. With a larger porch, it’s easy to fill your space with furniture before including greenery. If you’re despairing over your square footage, breathe deep and look up.

Hang planters from the ceiling to draw the eye upward and create a well-rounded entertaining space.

When your porch is large, you can bring some of your larger indoor plants onto it to create a vintage feel.

Plants aren’t the only things you can take outside on the porch. Putting a cabinet on your covered porch can be helpful in multiple ways. First, it provides storage for all your outdoor entertaining needs.

Second, it adds visual interest to your porch instead of just the back of the chairs. Third, styling cabinets is enjoyable.

Ceiling fans can be a great addition to your outdoor space. They can help you stay cool during the hot summer months when the humidity is high. Installing a ceiling fan on your porch can also create a cozy and inviting ambiance, making it feel like an extension of your living room.

If you’re worried about putting furniture on the porch, think outside the box. Instead of using indoor furniture or buying outdoor furniture, fill your porch with thrifted vintage pieces. Use old and chipped items that you won’t mind if they get damaged.

Less isn’t always more when styling your home. Don’t be afraid to clutter your porch with comfy seats, plants, and a patterned rug. String lights across the ceiling for a perfect porch den that your friends will want to hang out in.

Once you’ve placed your planters and organized your seating, it may be tempting to stop there. However, if your porch has wide steps, give them some attention as well. Small potted plants and lanterns are good options that will fill the edges without obstructing your movement.

Many home layouts have formal living rooms in the front and casual family rooms at the back, just like porches. The front porch is usually comfortable but more formal. A back porch can become an extension of your living space.

An outdoor living room is a great way to bring the whole family outdoors.

Renovating your outdoor space this summer? Consider adding a fireplace to your back porch. From spring to fall, your family can enjoy cozy nights by an outdoor fire.

And even in mild winter days, you can roast marshmallows. It adds a touch of luxury compared to a fire pit.

When you have a covered porch off the kitchen, it makes sense to put a long dining table there. It will give your family a sweet spot for summer pizza nights and make hosting large parties easy.

Do you want to enhance your covered porch with a mini outdoor kitchen? A stationary grill with a countertop will be perfect for entertaining. Add a mini fridge for drinks and you’re ready to host a great barbecue.

If you have an indoor fireplace or outdoor fire pit, the back porch is ideal for a wood rack. Choose a stylish one to keep your logs dry and easily accessible.

Some families are swinging families. They simply enjoy rocking while sitting and relaxing. Hang two swings on your back porch, facing each other, and you’ll create a space that your kids won’t mind hanging out in with you.

Some back porches lack privacy. However, you can increase privacy without spending much on a new property fence. Hang inexpensive curtains on the edges of your porch.

These curtains can withstand the weather. They create a cozy living room atmosphere when open and provide desired privacy when closed.

To achieve a living room feel, furnish your covered back porch with indoor accents. Consider a woven box for magazines, patterned throw pillows, a fruit/snack bowl, and even a table lamp.

Maybe you aren’t an outdoors fan, but you still want a space for fresh air. Screen in your covered back porch to create an inviting, bug-free living area.

Sometimes a back porch is partially covered and partially patio. Feel free to blend the space with seating and decor. Ultimately, anyone will enjoy sitting on your porch, whether in the sun or shade.