12 Low-Budget Porch Makeover Ideas Just in Time for Summer
Create the ultimate outdoor retreat you'll never want to leave.

With summer on the brain, it's hard not to start dreaming about a porch makeover. But unless you have an unlimited budget, these makeovers can often cost quite a bit of money. However, even with a limited budget, there are still some quick and easy updates you can do that will have a big impact on your porch, like this gorgeous makeover from designer Brian Patrick Flynn.

Tomas Espinoza
We've put together a list of our 12 favorite low-budget porch makeover ideas for you to steal this summer. Dive in!
Add Some Hanging Plants

Studio Jaki Photography
You may already have some plants or flowers on your porch, but adding some hanging plants can really help draw the eye up. This pretty porch from Wake + Loom features a grouping of hanging planters in one corner of the porch. They created visual interest by using a variety of materials and mixed metals for the planters they chose.
Paint the Ceiling

Jamie Rector
Painting the floor is a great way to change up the look of your porch, but have you ever considered painting the ceiling? On this lovely back porch, the homeowners chose to paint both the floor and the ceiling. The floor features a geometric pattern, and the ceiling offers up a fun, bright splash of color. If you'd like to paint both your porch floor and ceiling, consider choosing two coordinating colors to hit a really bold note.
Say 'Yes' to Throw Pillows

Tomas Espinoza/Flynnsideout Productions, 2016, HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Throw pillows are an inexpensive way to quickly change the look of your porch. Between the comfy furniture and abundance of throw pillows, this porch from designer Tiffany Brooks almost looks like an outdoor living room. However, pillows are a great idea even if you have simple chairs or a swing.
Hang Outdoor Curtains

John Bessler
Outdoor curtains can bring a stylish and pulled-together look to an outdoor space. On this beautiful back porch from Heather Garrett Interior Design, she uses sheer curtain panels in each column to help define and frame the space. Even in areas where there's inclement weather, you can use outdoor curtains during the summer hung from tension rods that can easily be removed once the cold weather returns.
Add a Swing

Jim Tschetter
No matter what style home you have, you can rest assured that a swing will always look great on your porch. This simple, wood swing on a porch designed by Linc Thelen Design is the perfect complement to this minimalist design scheme.
Designate Seating Areas

Christopher Luker
If you have enough space on your porch, consider designating various seating areas. On this contemporary-rustic porch from Jeffery Dungan Architects, chairs and small side tables spread throughout the space establish small, intimate conversation areas.
Add Extra R+R Space

clfryphoto.com
Setting up space on your porch where you can eat, enjoy some morning coffee or even play a game of cards is a great way to make your space more functional. On this back porch by Tim Brown Architecture, a simple, metal cafe table and chairs add extra hang-out space for this family.
Install a Ceiling Fan

Paul Warchol
If you already have access to electricity on your porch, this could be a fairly easy upgrade to make. This screened-in porch by designer Tamara Eaton features a simple, modern fan to cool off the space. If you’re able, you may want to consider installing several fans in various spots around your porch.
Make It Look Good

clfryphoto.com
If you can’t dedicate too much of your budget to your actual porch, you can focus on updating the area directly in front of your porch. Here, we see another angle of the porch by Tim Brown Architecture, and we can see how they updated they yard by adding gravel in the area directly outside of the porch. This helps to visually separate the space from the rest of the outdoor areas, as well as define the boundaries of the space.
Use Colorful Blankets

Molly Winters Photography
Much like adding throw pillows, using colorful blankets and throws around your porch can also really help to update the look of the space. These Mexican blankets, on a porch designed by Kim Lewis, add such a fun splash of color. You can try adding blankets to the back of your chairs, swing or hang them directly on your railing.
Replace Your Front Door

Rachel Whyte
Replacing your front door can be a bit more costly depending on the door you pick, but it can also increase your curb appeal. If you aren’t quite ready to replace your front door, you can simply choose to paint your existing door. Design by Joanna Gaines
Refresh Your House Numbers

Alexis Manfer
Another easy way to update the look of your porch is to switch out your house numbers. These modern numbers, paired with a black exterior light, really make this house stand out. For a bolder look, try large numbers mounted vertically to your house.