Small Porch Design Ideas With Big Impact

Maximize those outdoor spaces that live on the petite side with our favorite decorating tips.

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August 08, 2019

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Keep It Simple

There's no need to overcrowd your small porch. Rustic French doors and an Old-World lantern already make a great first impression. Flanking plants add a touch of green, and the rope-and-pulley swing is all that's needed to make this porch feel warm and welcoming.

From: Tiffany Brooks

For the Love of Plants

Just because a porch is tiny doesn't mean you can't fill it with lovely little things. These tight quarters are enlivened with mounted planters bursting with gorgeous greenery all the way up the wall. A simple awning shades the spot while still allowing filtered natural light through.

From: Antonio Martins

Hello There

Stand out from the rest of the homes on your block by painting your front door an unexpected shade. This Craftsman-style door gets a fresh coat of pink, creating a striking contrast against the dark red brick. And then for one more surprising twist, look down. The floor features a repeated stencil pattern that is oh-so-delightful.

From: Rebecca Rowland Interiors

Sit Back and Relax

Nothing beats hanging out in a porch swing. Classic wicker furniture combines with the never-goes-out-of-style palette of blue and white for a cozy porch that's made for swaying the day away.

From: Marian Parsons

Quintessential Coastal

The muted color palette of this home's gray shingle exterior, white trimwork and navy front door is the perfect beach cottage welcome. Subtle stonework around the porch brings earthy texture, while Adirondack chairs paired with seaside-hued pillows are a relaxing place to sit and greet guests. Lanterns full of candles light the stairs when dusk falls.

From: Casabella Interiors

Sitting Seaside

The enclosed porch has uninterrupted views of the shoreline. Acting as an extra living room, the comfy sofa gives guests the opportunity to enjoy the ocean and watch a favorite show. Blue-and-orange pillows add beachy color to the crisp white cushions with navy piping.

From: Casabella Interiors

Waterside Abode

Set on the lake in Austin, Tex., this minimalist porch is designed to truly enjoy its natural surroundings. A couple comfy lounge chairs + a fireplace for cool evenings is all you need to sit and watch the water go by.

From: Furman and Keil Architects

Timeless Architecture

Classics never go out of style for a reason. Traditional white columns surround this porch, which is grounded by bricks laid in a herringbone pattern. Wooden rockers with bright blue cushions are ready to handle all the day's gossip.

From: LGB Interiors

Staying in Motion

Made for conversation, this porch decides to maximize its swing game with two platform swings sitting across from one another. Low wicker tables give you and your guests a place to put drinks and snacks, and overflowing planters provide privacy from the street.

From: Mom's Design Build

Country Charm

Not all porches are designed to be hangouts. This small porch acts as a stopping point on the way inside the house, but it also delivers eye-catching curb appeal to this little bungalow. Urn-style planters with boxwood topiaries flank the glass front door, and the railing mixes wood and metal for a farmhouse-meets-industrial look.

Sitting on the Stoop

Even if your porch is not much more than a stoop, you can still achieve a cozy vignette. This pair of director's chairs take up little room and create a relaxing place to sit. Add a garden stool for setting drinks, a couple potted plants and you have a petite but comfortable spot to enjoy the outdoors.

From: Debbie Talianko

Stretching the Venue

Classic country style with a twist, this porch railing uses horizontal, rather than vertical, boards to visually expand the outdoor space. Brown window casements create an unexpected juxtaposition against the white siding, and wood is used on the porch ceiling to give the wide-open space a more intimate vibe.

From: Allison Ramsey Architects

Made for Entertaining

Transform a narrow porch into a cozy dining spot. This skinny industrial-style table is paired with slipcovered armchairs. Perfect for a small gathering or eating with your family outside, it also makes for a sunny homework spot for the kids or a place to work on your latest project.

Plants Always

Keep your pots full of flowers or greenery. Figure out whether your porch gets full sun, partial or full shade and go chat with a local garden shop about the plants that will work best for your space. They bring instant life and joy to your entryway.

The Right Materials

Use curtains to soften the edges of your porch, provide privacy and block the sun when needed. For all upholstery and curtains, be sure to choose durable materials that can stand up to the weather.

HGTV Urban Oasis 2019 Behind the Design