These Small Front Porch Ideas Will Help Maximize Your Space

Caroline Biggs
·5 min read

No matter what size porch you have, know this outdoor space is teeming with design opportunities. While it may feel difficult to do a lot with a small porch, there are still plenty of ways to make it a space where you enjoy relaxing, working, and even spending time with loved ones. From something as simple as hanging a light fixture to a more involved project, like adding suspended seating, you can easily maximize your small front porch with the the right furniture and décor.

Related: 8 Gorgeous Front Porch Landscape Ideas That Will Add Some Serious Curb Appeal to Your Space

front porch with stylish swing, table with refreshments and surrounding plants and greenery
front porch with stylish swing, table with refreshments and surrounding plants and greenery

Add Hanging Seating

A comfy outdoor lounge chair can turn a small porch into a cozy nook in no time. "Opt for one great chair versus a subpar pair," says Megan Hopp, founder and principal of Megan Hopp Design. "A small porch will look so much cleaner with one sizable chair to fill the space that is a dream to sit in, as opposed to squeezing in two smaller, less comfortable seating options that no one will end up wanting to land on."

For a small porch-friendly chair that's every bit as comfortable as it is stylish, you can't go wrong with a swing chair or hanging bench. "A hanging chair helps free up space for a side table and décor accessories, as well as additional seating," says Lauren Lerner, principal director and CEO of Living with Lolo.

Hanging Baskets with ferns hang from a porch with white columns.
Hanging Baskets with ferns hang from a porch with white columns.

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Add Plants

No outdoor living space would be complete without a little greenery, and a small porch is no exception. "Along with providing shade and decorative interest, voluminous plants help create a sense of privacy on a small porch," says Dominique Fluker, founder of DBF Interiors. "Hanging planters work great for this, especially when paired with big leafy, vining plants."

If you don't have a porch ceiling to hang a planter from, show off your plants in decorative planters to elevate the scene. "You can choose one color or style of pot or container to maintain consistency and uniformity," says Tracy Gould, co-owner of LT Design Studios.

woman holding paint brush, about to paint front porch
woman holding paint brush, about to paint front porch

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Paint Your Floor

While it may be tempting to cram your screened-in porch or sunroom with furniture, it's best to be realistic about what can fit. This is especially true if the porch isn't fully open-air and feels less expansive. If you've already maxed out room in this area of your home, try painting the floor to elevate your space rather than adding more furnishings or decorations. "We love a painted porch floor in a fun color or graphic pattern," says interior designer Liz MacPhail. "If you're DIY prone, check out an online tutorial video on how to paint a graphic design on your porch floor for a fun accent."

Decorate With Vintage Pieces

If you have a small screened-in porch that protects your furniture from most of the elements, you can get creative when it comes to how your furnish your space. Adding a few vintage treasures to this area of your home is one way to decorate.

"Iron table and chairs with an upholstered cushion in a fun fabric, a rattan daybed with a newly refreshed mattress slipcover, or a small antique side table—that serves as an easy place for morning coffee—are all great ways to incorporate vintage and add personality and impact to a small space," says MacPhail. This is also a great way to furnish your porch on a budget, so check out your local flea market or visit a yard sale for antique finds.

beautiful sunny front porch with bistro chairs and table to conserve space
beautiful sunny front porch with bistro chairs and table to conserve space

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Use Slender Furnishings

When you're working with limited porch space, it's important to find functional furniture pieces that won't further cramp up the area. "Look for chairs and side tables with slim profiles but that are made of durable, outdoor-friendly materials, like powder-coated metal," says Carneil Griffin of Griffin Direction Interiors. "This way, you can integrate more furnishings into the space without creating visual clutter.

front porch with lanterns, flowers on each side of the door and brown doormat
front porch with lanterns, flowers on each side of the door and brown doormat

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Add a Rug or Mat

While you may not have space for a table with an eye-catching centerpiece, you can instead add décor to the walls or floor. "You can integrate a colorful outdoor rug or doormat to brighten things up without taking up valuable space," says Ariel Okin, founder of Ariel Okin Interiors.

bright lantern on white porch with white columns
bright lantern on white porch with white columns

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Add Lighting

No porch is complete without lights. Although it's a small design detail, lighting will receive a heightened level of attention in intimate spaces. For that reason, it's best to opt for a petite, single-socket wall light that keeps with the overall size and scale of your small porch. "Smaller spaces don't mean you have to sacrifice on design," says Bryan Johnson, CEO of Shades of Light. "On the contrary, in today's market, the range of styles for smaller, one-light porch lights has grown way past the utilitarian designs of the past."

Use Multi-Purpose Furniture

If space is limited, it's smart to use furniture that can serve multiple purposes. "A console or side table can easily double as a small dining table if selected right the first time," says Lauren Robbins, interior designers of Lauren Robbins Interiors. "Ottomans, poufs, and stools can slide under coffee or side tables, making themselves easily available when additional guests need a place to sit." For an extra nice touch, consider keeping slipcovers for these pieces that can be easily changed out with the seasons.