Porches have been an integral component of the majority of homes for centuries. The simple, yet refined architecture has always evoked a sense of comfort and warmth. Despite the disproportionate focus that other parts of the house get and the constant changes in home styles and designs, the porch has never truly gone out of style.
If you think that adding a porch is too much of an inconvenience, you should know that the benefits that it offers are simply invaluable. Besides its undeniable aesthetic quality and ability to seamlessly enhance the front of your house, a porch provides a wide array of advantages that make it a worthy investment for any house.
The first one is probably the main reason why most people choose to add it: extra space. Your porch essentially serves as an extension of the interior of your house and provides you with additional storage space for a host of items, as well as an extra sitting area. Other convenient benefits include serving as an extra line of defense in the case of an attempted break-in, and as an air retainer that prevents heat loss from the inside of the house.
Building a new porch is not a process that should be rushed. In fact, you need to consider a number of variables before committing to the project. More importantly, you should consult an architect or an experienced contractor in order to avoid any structural issues that might arise when you’re designing your porch. The first step of the project is to know the main options that are available to you:
- Open Porch: This is the most common and easily recognizable type of front porches. It has the widest range of design options and it’s extremely effective when it comes to creating a rustic and spacious setting.
- Wraparound porch: This style is popular in country houses and can still be seen in some older homes in cities across the western world. The main design distinction of this type is the fact that it spans two or more sides of the home.
- Screened porch: This type is popular in places with seasonal variations. It consists of structure outside of the house that has been covered by a layer of window screens. This is done in order to prevent insects, dust, and debris from getting into the porch, especially during the summer.
- Covered porch: This type is also known as a rain porch and is mostly found in the eastern part of the United States. Much like the screened porch, it’s designed to shield the inside from exposure to a wide range of elements; namely rain, and snow. This structure features a roof and columns that reach the ground and extend past the deck.
Now that you know everything that there is to know about front porches, it’s time to delve deeper and take a look at some beautiful designs. Here are some of our top front porch ideas:
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1 – White Traditional Porch
You can never go wrong with a traditional white porch. This design is both soothing and eye-catching and never really goes out of style. Additionally, this color possesses the unique ability to blend in with any type of house paint.
2 – Retro Porch with Contrast Green and Red Walls
As you have probably guessed by now, our list is going to feature a lot of traditional style porches. This design, in particular, is simply exquisite. Green and red are two complementary colors and their juxtaposition creates a beautiful effect that will make your house stand out.
3 – Large Column Porch with Chairs and Hanging Swing
This porch style is perfect if you have enough space in the front of your house. This setup is very comfortable and can provide a great escape from the confines of the indoors when the weather allows it.
4 – Wooden Porch with Rocking Chairs
Wooden porches have been a mainstay in country homes for centuries. If you want to bring that vibe to your own house, a set of rocking chairs and an artisanal wooden floor can do the job.
5 – Mediterranean-Style Front Porch
Mediterranean homes are known for their refreshing contrast of blue, light green and white colors. This style also incorporates a number of exquisite elements such as traditional handmade pillows and colorful chairs.
6 – Front Porch with Bright Colors
When executed properly, a porch that employs a multitude of bright colors can really become the highlight of your house. This particular porch uses an effective mixture of orange, three different shades of green, and vinyl floor tiling.
7 – Porch with a Hanging Swing and Pot
Minimalist, simple, and straight to the point, this design features the basic elements that we like to see in a nice suburban home. Sometimes less is more, and this porch is the perfect example of that.
8 – Covered Front Porch with a Rustic Bench
This covered front porch style boasts a number of basic elements that complement each other perfectly. The rustic bench adds warmth to the whole setting and gives the front of your house a welcoming look.
9 – Front Porch with an Antique Bench
Everything about this style of porch screams class and elegance. The antique bench goes well with the smooth surface and the wide mahogany door. Moreover, it’s the perfect way to showcase your eclectic taste to your visitors.
10 – Porch with Flower Pots and Comfy Seating Area
This porch feels very cozy and warm and is ideal for people who like to relax outside their home for an extended period of time. This setting puts an emphasis on comfort and you can expect your guests to want to join in on the relaxing experience.
11 – Wooden Porch with Red Rocking Chairs
This is another case where the color contrast is simply impressive. The red chairs feature exquisite backlines that complement the wood floor and the brick wall.
12 – Front Porch with Hanging Plant Pots
The use of plants is one of the best ways to enhance the décor of your porch. Hanging pots, in particular, are perfectly suited for outdoor settings such as patios and front porches.
13 – Vintage Porch with Railings, Columns, and Hanging Light
This porch features all the components of vintage homes; Victorian style columns, Roman railings, and a hanging pendant light fixture. Your neighbors and visitors won’t be able to miss the undeniable air of luxury that this elegant porch exudes.
14 – Traditional Country-Style Porch
Old country-style porches have long been an inspiration for a huge number of home designers. A simple design like this one effectively combines the simplicity of traditional railings with a minimalist wood floor.
15 – Porch with White Rocking Chairs and Matching Columns
A design that utilizes the color white in a harmonious manner is always effective when it comes to highlighting the front of your house. The columns of this porch draw a lot of inspiration from Roman architecture and are guaranteed to set your house apart from neighboring homes.
16 – Concrete Porch with Brick Trim and Wooden Railings
This style of porch has a sturdy feel that is quite different from that of an average wooden porch. While not as eye-catching as some of the other designs in this list, this style is evergreen and goes well with any type of architecture.
17 – Wooden Porch with Brick Columns
This porch features a seamless combination of heavy-duty brick columns and artisanal wooden chairs, railings, and floor. The setting is eye-pleasing thanks to the uniformity between the different shades of brown that are used in each element of the porch.
18 – Small Porch with a Garden Bench and Brown Door
Just because you have a small house doesn’t mean you don’t get to enjoy a beautiful and relaxing porch. This basic design makes the most out of the available space and doesn’t waste an inch on superfluous decoration.
19 – Covered Porch with Yellow Exterior
This is another compact porch that was specifically designed for small houses. The yellow exterior enhances the character of the porch and boosts its appeal while the matching light fixture and pot add an element of uniformity to the layout.
20 – Long Turquoise-Style Porch with Wooden Rocking Chairs
Turquoise is one of the colors that have proven effective in improving people’s mood state. This design uses it in a clever manner, combining it with different shades of green and applying it subtly to parts of the porch that are bound to attract visitors’ eyes.
21 – Large Front Porch with Flower Pots and Ceiling Lights
This porch incorporates everything that you would expect to see in a luxurious porch. The railings and floor are made from high-quality wood and flower pots are placed in a way that ensures maximum decorative effect. More importantly, the spaciousness of the sitting area allows for a relaxing and comfortable escape from the indoors.
Portico
This is the smallest out of the front porch types. It usually covers the stairs leading up to your front door, and maybe have a little room for a chair or two.
Farmers Porch
- Amish Century Farmhouse
This type is also called the open porch, which is the more popular style if you want extra living space. It’s wider with distinct supporting pillars or beams and may extend to wrap around the sides of a house not just its front.
Screened in Porch
This one is obvious in its name. Much like an open porch when it comes to the big space it provides, but it’s screened in instead of being open-air. That way you get a bit more of a confined area while keeping out annoying bugs and insects.
33 More Front Porch Ideas
Swing Away
Who says a swing belongs only on a playground? A single swing or a swing bench is a fantastic way to add some fun to your front porch. It can be simply installed and is available in many designs and colors to suit your scheme.
See through
Window detailing is a nice way to let your front porch stand out. Sort of a window frame around your door doesn’t only look elegant, but it also lets more light in. Getting to peek out and see who’s there is definitely a plus.
Stone Age
They were really onto something back at those times! Stone siding is such an eye-catching design with a raw feel. It gives off a sense of power and class like no other.
Go Green
Plants are and will forever be a safe go-to when it comes to decoration. Adding freshness and a cheerful manner to your front porch. This particular spiral design is what I would describe as both creative and classic.
Is it a balcony? Is it a porch?
The crossover between a porch and a balcony just screams modern style. It adds a sense of security while keeping an open view of your surroundings.
Bonding Time
Creating a bond between you and your kid is one of the most rewarding feelings out there. A good place to start is to include them in your furnishing plans. As an example, lots of chairs are available in a variety of sizes for both adults and younglings to join the relaxation session.
Keeping Traditions
Sometimes a good ol’big red door and strong pillars are what you’ve been missing all along. The traditional American style is a timeless go-to design that’s always an eye-pleaser.
Create more Space
Want to add more space without remodeling your entire porch? Have no worries, a glass entrance door is an excellent way to give you the illusion of a wider area. It also brings summer vibes to your life all year round.
Mix it Up
There’s no rule against stepping out of the conventional front porch color schemes. Feel free to express yourself with contrasting colors, as you see, the results are breathtaking. A little blue and pink never hurt anyone!
Back and Forth
We’ve all seen them old grandpas in movies sitting on their rocking chairs just chilling and having the time of their lives. Well, you can easily experience this first-hand by adding a few rocking chairs to your property. Rocking chairs are calling you to relax so don’t miss out!
For Wood Lovers
No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you, that’s an all wooden front porch. A bit directed towards people with a certain appreciation of the rustic and rugged look, this porch is perfect for more secluded houses or cabins. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get inspired by it if you live in an ordinary neighborhood.
Go Big At Home
If you’re a fan of giant windows, then this idea is right up your alley. A big window can totally transform your front porch. Not only does it add a cool modern yet classic aesthetic, but it also allows you to have a full view of the house interior. Crack that baby open and you can join in on the conversation inside.
The Tables Have Turned
A wonderful thing to do is to set up a table on your porch, the possibilities are limitless with this one. You can eat outdoors, layout refreshing drinks or play a game of cards. Talk about multi-purpose.
Show off your Antiques
If you’re a collector of priceless pieces, aka antiques, why not let them have their own spotlight? Displaying a piece of antique that you can also make use of on a porch, such as an antique bench, is an excellent way to add a touch of your tasteful personality.
Door-ception
If you like the sound of having an extension to your home, then consider installing a door to your covered porch. This will make you feel like you added a new area that is both enclosed and open. Such a design gives a safe shelter from the summer’s heat as well as the winter’s cold while still being able to enjoy the view of the season.
A Different Welcome
One of the simplest most basic ways you could decorate your front porch with is the all too familiar welcome doormat. Well, let’s put a spin on it and go with hanging a welcome sign instead. This adds a sprinkle of creativity and life to your front porch.
A touch of Wood
Lots of front porch settings introduce wooden furniture to the mix, but did you think of a wood bench? This addition shows your admiration of craftsmanship and It’s sure as heck sturdy.
For small spaces
Even small sized homes can have a front porch. A simply styled portico covering those steps will give the house a bigger look and a nicer feel.
Country vibes
A rather popular style that many house owners lean towards is the country-fashioned front porch. Lots of space, a huge door, and hardwood flooring make up the recipe for this high-end look.
Outside the box
Who said front porches stop at wood, marble or cement? Several materials can be used including bricks. The brick-front appearance brings a raw cozy tone to your home and sets the mood for hearty gatherings.
True to your Roots
Among the objects that really put an authentic touch to your front porch is an American flag. Especially if you want to show off your love for the country and bring out your patriotic side.
Fifty shades of flowers
Why stick to a single color of flowers when you can go full blown rainbow? The energetic uplifting mood multi-colored flowers bring to the table is certainly worth a try.
International Taste
If you’re into the alluring and charming kind of design, you’re in luck! Going with an Italian style seriously brings a romantic air to your place. It’s rather unique as well.
The More The Merrier
Got a big porch on your hands? Make use of the spacious area and get a long dining table placed out there. Having more friends and family over is always a blast!
Let it Shine
Sometimes you just want to allow more light inside while staying modern-looking on the outside. A full glass front is an ideal way to achieve this exact goal.
Lighten the Mood
Let your inner sarcastic spirit make an appearance with an anti-welcome doormat or sign. Crack a smile or earn a chuckle out of anyone who sees it and thinks you’re just joking. Or are you?
Old school Class
Using dark themed colors like the black and burgundy combination you see here is a favorite of many. The vintage design will surely paint a classy posh image of your front porch.
Always at the park
Do you ever have the urge to just go chill at the park? Well, how about you bring that home with a cute yet practical park bench. That way you never have to get a rain check on your day out.
Opposites attract
Life is not black and white. But your front porch can be! The classic color combo is the universal synonym for a sophisticated chic look, making it a reliable choice to fall on.
And…Scene!
For the movie fanatics out there, this one’s for you! This straight out of a film-style will indeed strike your fancy with its high column, rails, and hanging pendant. Your front porch will quite literally be out of this world.
Floating Flowers
Flowers undoubtedly make a beautiful decoration that lots of people use on their porches. However, getting creative and hanging flowers instead of just putting them down really turns your front porch into a rather unique show stopper.
Fence it
Going after a more casual and cheerful atmosphere for your front porch? Look no further as fencing is precisely what you need. Casing your front porch with a vertically slatted fence is guaranteed to give an approachable outdoorsy feel to your home.
Christmas Spirit
We all know and love traditional Christmas decorations such as wreaths. If you want to go for a less mainstream direction, you can use lanterns on your front porch. The deliver a magical fascinating aura, a killer look, and lighting!
The front of your home is the first thing your guests and neighbors see, that’s why creating a warm and welcoming design is a must. We hope that you can draw inspiration from these front porch ideas to give the front of your house the remodel that it deserves.
Want more backyard design ideas? Check out our Landscape Border Ideas, Pergola Ideas, 70 Backyard Design Ideas, Rope Light Ideas, Fire Pit Ideas, and Goat Fence Ideas articles!
