At a glance it can be a challenge to envision just how to make the most of a small front porch space, but there are several clever design tricks to maximize its curb appeal. Adding touches of charm like a porch swing or highlighting architectural features can add hints of grandeur without overwhelming the space.
These design and décor ideas will create a big impact from a small front porch.
Stream Line the Design 
(Photo Credit: COMO Magazine)
One of the most iconic pieces of fashion advice will also serve you well when it comes to home décor. Coco Chanel famously said “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.”
The sentiment, of course, is that less is more. And it’s especially true for small space design.
Before you add a single flower pot to your front porch, consider what is already in place. Take an inventory of the items on your front porch. Consider their function and if any clunky items might be weighing down the space.
If it’s not serving a specific purpose — of sparking joy as Marie Kondo would advise —consider moving it to another area of the home. If the item does serve a purpose, but it’s a tad clunky, like an umbrella stand, then it’s time to get creative. Mounting hooks, for example, can serve as the idea storage solution for those soggy umbrellas while still keeping the floor space open.
Where possible, look to add accessories that can help incorporate symmetry. Symmetry makes any design feel complete and well-balanced no matter the size of the space. A streamlined design helps a small front porch appear larger, according to the experts at Better Homes and Gardens.
They suggest outfitting a small porch with a pair of simple chairs accessorized with matching pillows on either side of the door or flanking the front steps with identical potted plants to achieve a balanced look that draws the eye without appearing too busy.
Welcoming Seating
Less is more when it comes to designing a small front porch, but that doesn’t mean you should have to go without. Half the joy of having a front porch is enjoying it with friends and family.
Adding outdoor furniture is one of the best ways to enhance a small front porch because it creates a space for gathering while setting a welcoming tone. Sticking with one or two larger pieces achieves a cohesive look and feel without going overboard.
Bonus points if it’s stylish and multifunctional. The Organic Swing is a modern take on the traditional wooden porch swing. Not only does it add instant curb appeal, its interchangeable backrest allows it to be transform from the perfect solo-lounger to a shared- seating arrangement for face-to-face conversation when guests come to visit.
Made from high-quality cypress wood, Organic Swing withstands the elements and pests. Simply throw up a few cozy outdoor pillows to create a comfortable retreat right on your own front porch.
Practical & Pretty Décor
(Photo Credit: Worthing Court Blog)
The Organic Swing is the perfect example of smart small porch design because it is beautiful and functional. That concept can be applied to all small porch décor and accessories to maximize the layout and the time spent enjoying the view.
Outdoor curtains, for example, can provide privacy and protection from the sun while creating a breezy and elegant atmosphere. Better Homes and Gardens suggests using a mirror or artwork to hide an unsightly exterior wall and help visually expand the space.
Hanging flower baskets are another great way to add freshness and vibrancy without taking up floor space.
Refresh with a Fresh Coat of Paint
Small front porches — particularly ones that are enclosed — have a tendency to be dark, which can set an unintentionally uninviting tone. Lighter paint colors work wonders as a baseline home exterior. Tones on the gray scale are trending, but crisp white never goes out of style.
Prevent your front porch from looking sterile with tasteful pops of color to inject the perfect amount personality and vibrance. Limiting the bright color to one feature of the porch ensures the color adds the right amount of visual intrigue without being overwhelming.
Brush on an eye-catching color to the front door for a pop. Subtly cheery soft yellows are a popular choice for a front door. Vivid royal blue, whimsical pink, and romantic red are also top trending front door colors for 2021.
If you prefer a natural wood look, or painting a door isn’t your style, you can still add color without going all out. Instead, paint post caps or railing spindles for extra pop. Select complimentary hues to the body of your home. (Read this Better Homes and Gardens article to prevent a color clash).
Architectural Interest
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Highlighting existing architectural features of a small front porch with paint certainly creates a pop when you pull up in the driveway. Most small porches, however, lack charming architectural details, which can make the façade feel flat.
To incorporate visual interest, consider adding architectural details that can transform an overlooked porch into an eye-catching entrance. An uncovered porch with a pergola, for example, adds dimension and curb appeal. DIY pergola kits are available at most home improvement stores and create the sense that the space is larger than its square-footage.
Columns can also elevate the look. Traditionally, columns are installed to support a roof but decorative columns add a finished touch without having to do any heavy lifting. Non-structural columns are available in a wide array of sizes and styles to match any aesthetic, from classic to modern.
If you’re not up for a large-scale change, small architectural upgrades can also have a big impact without a lot of extra work. Swapping out dated post caps or refinishing railing posts with fresh paint or stain are fast and simple ways to add polish to a small front porch.
Seasonal Shoutout
Swapping out your small porch décor as the seasons change is a fun and effective way to create warmth and spread cheer. It’s hard not to smile when you walk up to a home with festive holiday lights in the winter or pumpkins in the fall.
This doesn’t have to mean setting up a singing Frosty the Snowman for Christmas or a mounting a cackling witch for Halloween — unless you’re in to going all out for the holidays! Selecting subtle elements reflective of the time of year keep the front porch fresh and well-kempt.
Wreaths adorned with seasonal flowers, such as sunflowers in the summer, or changing out planters, such as adding pastel hued pottery in the spring, capture the season without going overboard.
A small front porch can still pack as much charm as its more spacious counterparts. Thinking creatively can go a long way in designing the welcoming front entryway of your dreams. By adding touches of charm like a practical and beautiful porch swing or highlighting existing architectural features with a fresh stain or paint color brings out the most in a front porch.
