Front porch furniture ideas pictures
10 stylish, functional spaces |
(Image credit: Gray Malin)
Your front porch furniture ideas determine how this prime outdoor space gets put to use, so it's important to choose a setup that works for your lifestyle and your personal style.
While rocking chairs and porch swings are the quintessential furnishing choices for a wide, covered porch, they aren't the only options. Outdoor conversation sets are just right for entertaining neighbors on a summer evening, while a bistro set can take dinner for two outdoors.
However you plan to use your space, there's a front porch idea to suit it, so long as you have the right furniture setup.
Front porch furniture ideas that blend style and function
Why not sit and stay while? These front porch furniture ideas will encourage you to do just that. Perfect as outdoor living room ideas, they will make your space purposeful and beautiful.
1. Create conversation
(Image credit: Serena & Lily)
A ring of outdoor armchairs fosters conversation, turning the front porch into a go-to gathering spot for summer catch-ups with friends and neighbors.
'In the South front porches are more than a place to drop a package or be protected from the rain passing to the front door,' says Atlanta-based interior designer Tish Mills. 'The front porch is a gathering spot to watch neighbors go by or watch the children play in the front yard. I typically include some sort of seating whether it be a full seating arrangement or a bench. It not only welcomes a visitor and sets the tone for the home, but also serves as a place to sit a while.'
2. Create symmetry
(Image credit: Gray Malin)
On a traditional home, create symmetry by choosing the same furniture setup for either side of your front door, which reflects the refined nature of classic architecture.
At the former home of Gray Malin , the artist chose a rattan Serena & Lily bench for each side of his front porch, adding a touch of variability with mismatched pillow sets.
3. Choose rocking chairs
(Image credit: Grandin Road)
There's a reason for the term 'rocking chair porch.
' A large front porch just begs for a row of rockers (for a small front porch idea, one or two chairs works just as well) that can be used to take in the neighborhood or admire the gardens on a summer evening. For added comfort and style, finish the look with cushions and lumbar pillows that complement the colors of your home.
4. Incorporate wicker
(Image credit: Serena & Lily)
Wicker is the classic choice for outdoor furniture, and has been a front porch staple for decades. It's beautiful and durable, and suits a variety of porch styles.
For a more modern look that doesn't feel like something passed on from your great Aunt, choose wicker pieces with clean lines and streamlined silhouettes, and pair them with contemporary accent furnishings.
5. Hang a porch swing
(Image credit: Kate Anne Designs)
Besides rocking chairs, a porch swing is the quintessential choice for front-porch furniture. For a uniform look, choose a swing style that suits the architecture of your home.
'My favorite layouts [for front porch furniture] would be a simple lounge area with either of the following pieces, Adirondack chairs, swinging chairs which hang from the home, or two chairs and one sofa with cushions,' says Kate Anne Gross, of Kate Anne Designs , who used this rope-style swing for a client's California porch.
6. Try bamboo furniture
(Image credit: Evans Architects)
Bamboo furniture is another outdoor classic, with distinctly vintage vibes. It adds character and contrast to a new construction home, like the one by Evans Architects, above. At the same time, the look can easily complement a boho craftsman cottage, a classic Georgian home, and various porch paint ideas and colors by choosing cushion fabric or throw pillows that suit your home's style.
7. Hang a daybed
(Image credit: The Fox Group / Scott Zimmerman)
Give the classic porch swing an upgrade with a hanging daybed, instead. The larger space invites lounging (perfect for summer afternoon naps), and creates more room for decorative throw pillows and cushions, which helps turn the swing into a style feature, too..jpg)
For a nautical look, skip the chains and hand the swing by sturdy rope, instead.
8. Use Adirondack chairs
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Want to enhance your beach house decor, cabin decor ideas or a rustic Craftsman house? Then you can't go wrong with Adirondack chairs. Adirondack chairs are comfortable, long-lasting, and low maintenance on a front porch. Plus, you can tailor the look to your home's exterior depending on the color of chair you choose.
Unfished wood options work well for cabins and craftsmen, while white or blue suits coastal homes.
9. Create a dining area
(Image credit: McGee & Co)
Traditionally, front porches are used for small conversation areas or rows of rocking chairs, but if your front porch is your best outdoor living area, there's no rule that says you can't use it as a dining space.
Looking for advice for outdoor dining ideas? For a larger area, opt for an all weather, full size dining table, and for smaller spaces, try a bistro table and a pair of coordinating chairs.
10. Swing in style
(Image credit: Serena & Lily)
A bench-style porch swing might be the classic choice, but a bamboo hanging chair offers just as much fun with an updated look. The popular porch chairs are guaranteed to the coveted seat when guests come over, so hang a few in a row to accommodate your crew, and create greater visual impact.
What furniture looks good on a front porch?
There are a few key considerations that will help you choose the best looking furniture for your porch.
For one, your front porch furniture should be proportionate to the scale of your front porch. So, if you're looking for small front porch ideas, you'll want furniture that is more compact, like a bistro set, or a rocking chair with a small side table.
If your porch is larger, then you'll want to go for pieces that fill out the space. A single bistro set would look insignificant in this case, but a row of three or four rocking chairs, a dining set, or a set of cushioned arm chairs placed in a ring will match the scale of your space.
Additionally, you'll want your porch furniture to go with the architecture of your home, as well as your front porch lighting ideas and porch railing ideas. If you live in a midcentury ranch, traditional Adirondack chairs will feel clunky, for example. Instead, you'd opt for an Acapulco-style chair, or an outdoor bench with tapered legs.
For a traditional home, classic wooden rocking chairs or a shaker-style porch swing would be a natural fit.
What color front porch furniture should I get?
Aside from the size and style of your front porch furniture, you'll also want to consider color. The color of your porch furniture should complement the colors found on your home and in your yard. If you have a black front door and a white front porch you might choose black rocking chairs to give the porch some contrast while also playing up the color of the door.
On the other hand, if you know your front porch flower beds bloom in shades of purple and red, choose furniture and accent pieces that tie in these hues.
Another option? Choose colors from inside your home to bring out onto the front porch. 'I tend to accent the front porch with a main color from the home to give a glimpse of what’s to come,' says Mills.
Kaitlin Madden Armon is a writer and editor covering all things home. Her work has appeared in Real Homes, Architectural Digest, Martha Stewart Living, Refinery29, Modern Luxury Interiors, Wayfair, The Design Network, and lots more. She graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in journalism and currently lives in Connecticut with her husband, three kids, and black lab.
82 Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas
David Hillegas
These days having guests over indoors can be a fraught experience, which is why many of us are moving our hosting events outside. You might have been dreaming up plenty of great backyard ideas for entertaining (or just relaxing when the weather is warm) but don't forget that there's plenty that you can do with even an relatively small front porch! The special space is really just an extension of your house itself—which means it's equally as important.
In fact, because your porch and patio are the first things your guests are likely to see when they arrive, it might even be doubly important.
In that spirit, we've put together a comprehensive list of our favorite front porch ideas. These inspired displays, tutorials, and DIY projects are intended to elevate your home's curb appeal without requiring you to break the bank. And even if you don't plan on hosting guests anytime soon, you might find a personal reason to update your porch or back patio. Maybe you'd like to create a cozy corner for sipping your morning coffee, or maybe you're interested in the relaxing benefits of installing a porch swing. Whatever you choose, you're bound to have fun getting the job done—and an even better time enjoying the fruits of your labor with these best front porch ideas.
Feeling inspired? We've got tons of other ideas for front yards and backyards, including landscaping ideas, small backyard ideas, vertical garden ideas, and more.
David Tsay
1 of 82
Stone Path
Here, a beautiful stone path leads the way to an elevated patio. It's a great way to upgrade the entrance to a home that's a little bit out of the way.
SHOP STONE PATHS
David Tsay
2 of 82
Vintage Tins Decoration
Terra-cotta pots are lovely, but why not opt for something a little more original this year? These particular tins once held potato chips, and their bright, cheerful colors make for a beautiful addition to this porch.
SHOP VINTAGE TINS
Helen Norman
3 of 82
Grapevine Wreath
Who says you have to save wreaths for the holiday season? Made with a base of grapevine, the oversized one pictured here can be left up all year long — or customized with the colors of the month.
SHOP GRAPEVINE WREATHS
Tim Furlong Jr.
4 of 82
Painted Ceiling
Yes, colorful chairs and pillows are lovely enough all on their own. But why not take things up a notch with a painted ceiling? We love this inspired, out-of-the-box idea.
SHOP TEAL PAINTS
Helen Norman
5 of 82
Rocking Chairs
There's a reason rockers are one of the most popular choices for front porches: They're weather-resistant, they require little to no cushioning, and they're fun and relaxing too!
SHOP OUTDOOR ROCKING CHAIRS
HELEN NORMAN
6 of 82
Flower Power Porch
Country Living regular Nancy Fishelson, pictured here, has a longstanding affinity for whites and neutrals. But, to offset her upstate New York front porch, the renovation extraordinaire gives guests a warm welcome with vibrant hydrangeas and matching topiaries.
SHOP FAUX TOPIARIES
DAVID TSAY
7 of 82
Vintage Furniture Display
There's no rule against showing off your favorite antique pieces from the safety of the porch rather than inside the house—they are the first things guests will see, after all. Make a worn table your new outdoor serving station.
SHOP DRINK DISPENSERS
Aaron Colussi
8 of 82
Fall Flair
It doesn't get much cozier than this Colorado farmhouse, where lanterns, plenty of seating, symmetrical plants, and seasonal wreaths all contribute to an overall homey vibe.
SHOP LANTERNS
DAVID TSAY
9 of 82
Family-Friendly Hangout
One dinner-party-obsessed California couple translated their love of entertaining onto their vineyard retreat's patio. A long dining table and string-light-adorned pergola make this the ultimate hosting hotspot.
SHOP STRING LIGHTS
RACHEL WHITING
10 of 82
Countryside Chic
This homeowner and mother of three wanted to call it quits on city life, and thus moved to the English countryside. With a patio this exquisite—decked out in a rose arch, box balls, and benches—the pastoral shift makes perfect sense.
SHOP CLIMBING ROSES
ERIC PIASECKI
11 of 82
Covered Porch
An old-meets-new Idaho farmhouse boasts one particularly classic design—awnings. Porch covers popped up in the 1800s to give farmers a shady spot to unwind.
SHOP ANTIQUE PORCH BENCHES
David Tsay
12 of 82
Second Floor Galore
Who said anything about porches being confined to the ground level? If you're constructing your own from scratch, consider the setup of this incredible garage-turned-weekend-home, which boasts a wraparound porch atop two sets of breezy swing doors.
HELEN NORMAN
13 of 82
Muted Patio
The best way to subtly contrast a white palette? Gray and black undertones, which this Orchard Park, New York patio implemented through seating and stone tiling.
SHOP BISTRO SETS
ROGER WADE
14 of 82
Quaint Porch
Mossy window and door frames, along with an assortment of florals, give this cozy Washington cabin extra curb appeal in the porch department.
SHOP HANGING FLOWER BASKETS
DAVID TSAY
15 of 82
Pot Shed Patio
If your patio backs up to your potting shed (or she shed!), complement the outdoor nook with an assortment of galvanized pots and old French beach chairs. This California-based family also laid Calstone pavers to match the plant storage and amp up the style.
SHOP GALVANIZED BUCKETS
LISA ROMEREIN/RIZZOLI
16 of 82
Marvelously Modern
Take a page from Diane Keaton's book—the star's Pinterest-worthy residence is an exposed brick-lover's dream come true.
While the outdoor area is rooted in rustic allure, black French shower doors (even on the fire pit, mind you) give this space a refreshingly contemporary nod.
SHOP FIREWOOD BASKETS
Ryann Ford
17 of 82
All Reclaimed Everything
This Texas facade, created by two antique dealers, is about as rustic as it gets. The homeowners pulled repurposed materials, like the metal sliding and iron trim, from barn roofs and a Victorian-era farmhouse in Iowa.
ANNIE SCHLECHTER
18 of 82
Outdoor Urban Nook
City slickers, know that you can still seamlessly meld cozy and metropolitan, no matter how cramped your outdoor space is. These New Yorkers used climbing greenery, terra cotta pots, and matching rockers to turn their terrace into the ultimate cozy outdoor oasis.
SHOP KIDS ROCKING CHAIRS
Liz Marie Blog
19 of 82
Church Pew Porch
The sky's the limit when it comes to porch seating, as evidenced by this church pew installation.
We're also loving how the statement piece ties into this monochromatic scheme.
See more at Liz Marie Blog.
SHOP CHURCH PEW BENCHES
Susan Handler
20 of 82
Blue and Gray Hues
For longer porches, designate one corner as a spacious seating area. Cool-colored chairs and decor will make the section feel inviting year-round.
See more at Saw Nail and Paint.
SHOP OUTDOOR RUGS
David Hillegas
21 of 82
Nature-Inspired Palette
This Low Country porch finds color inspiration (predominantly blues, browns, and greens) from the natural surroundings.
SHOP WICKER FURNITURE
Brian Woodcock
22 of 82
Party-Ready Porch
Get your porch ready for summer parties, last-minute get-togethers, or casual hangouts with rocking chairs, ample storage, and a long table to display food and small bites. Then, set the scene by adding green garland and comfy floor pillows.
Be sure to have a cooler ready to go (a wheel barrow also works!) and your favorite sangria recipe on hand.
SHOP OUTDOOR TABLES
David Tsay
23 of 82
Al Fresco Dining
An umbrella from a French flea market, lush greenery, and a rustic farm table help the patio of this charming California home feels like it's in the French countryside.
SHOP ANTIQUE-STYLE BEACH UMBRELLAS
Helen Norman
24 of 82
Retro Seating Area
A metal porch glider, a pair of retro chairs, and a table that doubles as a two-seater bench easily accommodate a half-dozen guests on the porch of this backyard cottage.
SHOP VINTAGE-STYLE OUTDOOR SEATING
David A. Land
25 of 82
Seasonal Touches
Round zinc baskets are lined with sheet moss, then filled with soil and dried angel vine, which, like a flower frog, helps hold things in place. From there, anything goes on this Connecticut home's porch.
SHOP DRIED ANGEL VINE
Gridley + Graves
26 of 82
Wall of Windows
In the far corner of this porch, battered windows portion off a seating area and provide respite from the lakeside wind.
Buff Strickland
27 of 82
Picture-Perfect Porch
With ceiling fans, rocking chairs, symmetrical planters, and a loyal dog, this Texas home's porch couldn't be prettier.
SHOP ROCKING CHAIRS
Annie Schlechter
28 of 82
Warm Welcome
Max Kim-Bee
29 of 82
Bright Colors
Add some punch to your porch by painting the exterior and ceiling contrasting colors and adding a bold striped rug.
Gridley and Graves
30 of 82
Chic Garden Sitting Area
Hinged together, salvaged French doors add decorative oomph to the outdoor seating area outside this gorgeous garden house.
SHOP CHANDELIERS
Best patio furniture ideas
Every owner of a private house or mansion outside the city thinks about how best to equip the veranda and terrace. The range of outdoor furniture in stores is a pleasant surprise. However, this does not mean that choosing outdoor furniture is easy. There are many nuances to be clarified:
- Moisture level on the terrace.
- Furniture resistance to temperature changes.
- Reliability.
- What are the weight limits?
- Will the new purchase crack in the sun, will it dry out after the rain?
We have prepared a detailed guide on which terrace furniture is customary to choose, what advantages each type has. We will also tell (and show) how you can make garden furniture with your own hands without much effort.
Contents
- 1 Overview of materials and details of choice
- 2 Garden furniture made of wood
- 3 Metal garden furniture
- 4 Stone garden furniture
- 5 Rattan garden furniture
- 6 Plastic garden furniture
- 6.1 How to care for plastic?
- 7 How to make wooden patio furniture yourself?
Overview of materials and subtleties of choice
In the photo on the Internet, the verandas look so magnificent and luxurious ... We assure you - with the right approach, your backyard territory will look just as good.
Choosing furniture for verandas and terraces, be guided by both the external appearance of the site and the facade of the building. Agree, wooden furniture for the terrace country-style house will look much better than metal. It is not cheap, and not every homeowner can afford such a purchase. The way out of the situation will be a product with imitation "under the wood." Modern manufacturers have achieved brilliant results in the manufacture of plastic products that imitate wood.
A stone-lined country house in need of appropriate decoration. A perfect option would be furniture made of stone. Artificial stone is not as durable as natural stone. But it is much more accessible.
Wicker tables and chairs are bought for arranging areas with a brick facade, siding, plastic panels. There are no strict rules, and the only limit is your imagination. Having planned the budget, you can choose the best furniture for the veranda.
At your dacha there will be a comfortable area for rest and relaxation. You will be able to receive guests and meet the morning with a cup of tea on the street, have family conversations and celebrate celebrations.
Now let's take a closer look at the positive and negative qualities of the materials listed above.
Wooden garden furniture
Agree, outdoor recreation in an environmentally friendly chair is the perfect combination. It has a long service life, is absolutely harmless to humans and the environment, and is relatively resistant to temperature extremes.
When choosing wooden outdoor furniture, pay attention to the quality of fittings, the presence of a protective coating. Tables and chairs must be treated with an antiseptic to prevent rotting.
It is desirable to refresh the paintwork over time. The frequency of such manipulations directly depends on how often the furniture is used, whether it is under the direct rays of the sun, whether it gets wet in the rain.
- Durability. High-quality outdoor furniture is made from teak, coniferous wood. Do not forget to regularly update the surface using paint or varnish.
- Mobility. On sale there are both stationary and more convenient mobile models. The second option is preferable. Is it winter? Has it rained heavily? In a few minutes, the seats and tables are brought into the garage. Photos clearly demonstrate how you can combine wooden furniture with plastic, rattan and metal.
- Price. More expensive than wooden furniture is perhaps products made of natural stone. However, such an investment will pay off handsomely. Indeed, in return, the homeowner receives true pleasure from rest for many years.
- Burnout. When the furniture is covered with a special varnish, it is practically not afraid of exposure to sunlight. And it will be necessary to update tables and chairs only in 3-4 years.
- Moisture resistant. Even taking into account the special paint and varnish coating, the moisture resistance of wooden products leaves much to be desired.
Under the influence of rain, the tree swells quickly, and eventually becomes covered with small cracks. The most severe damage can be puttied or painted over with paint.
Don't know how to care for wooden furniture? Use mild soapy water for cleaning. Special funds are available for purchase. They are designed to clean wooden surfaces. 2 times a year, the material is rubbed with a special oil that prevents drying.
Metal garden furniture
If wooden furniture - is a classic for real aristocrats, then metal is chosen by fans of modern design trends. From the point of view of style, a wrought iron chair or table is universal. Such furniture is not afraid of deformation. It is stable and durable, for a long time retains its "marketable" appearance.
Do not forget about the characteristic feature of metal furniture - its legs go deep into the ground. That is why the installation of wrought iron patio furniture is recommended on a stone surface.
Another feature of the metal is strong heating in summer. Well, in severe frost, it cools so much that you simply cannot do without warm substrates. Removable soft pillows are especially convenient. When it rains, you can remove them and then take them back out again. Plus, they can be washed in a regular machine.
- Price. One of the most expensive on the market. But such furniture is almost eternal and is an economically viable option.
- Burnout. Forged furniture for terraces and verandas is not afraid of the sun at all. Feel free to write this feature as a plus.
- Moisture resistant. You are unlikely to be able to completely protect the metal from corrosion. And over time, it will begin to manifest itself in all its glory. On the other hand, painting with a special substance will allow you to forget about rust for at least 4 years.
How to care for metal? Metal furniture is undemanding to care.
She is not afraid of cleaning products containing alkali. It is better to refrain from abrasive substances. They can leave noticeable scratches on the forged product. And in the future they will grow.
Stone garden furniture
Sofas made of stone look luxurious and monumental. Still - the stone is considered one of the most durable materials.
- On the one hand, the stone is not affected by snow, water and sun, on the other hand, it needs an additional warm lining. By the way, in summer the stone heats up quite strongly.
- Mobility. Even minimal transportation requires decent effort.
- Price. Since such outdoor terrace furniture is literally bought for centuries, it is the most expensive.
How to take care of the stone? When stone tables are installed in the country house , you don’t have to worry about leaving at all. To wash stone products, a hose with water is enough. You don't need to protect them from the weather.
Rattan garden furniture
The advantages of a material such as rattan abound. It is hardy, durable, perfect for weaving. Almost all wicker furniture is made from it. Both in the photo , and in real life the rattan looks very nice. In addition, he is not at all afraid of water. So, you can leave chairs even on open verandas.
We also note the low weight of the products - they are practically weightless. Easy to move from one place to another.
The disadvantage of rattan is deformation under the influence of the sun, too dry air and snow. Make sure that terraced wicker furniture is not exposed to direct sunlight for a long time.
How to care for rattan? Ease of use is one of the strengths of wicker furniture. It is enough to wipe it from time to time with a damp cloth.
Plastic garden furniture
A few words about plastic.
Definitely the cheapest of all the options. And if there is also a sale , you can buy furniture for your own dacha for a penny. The advantages of plastic are very tempting:
- Light weight. This means that it is easy to carry from one place to another.
- Compact. Doesn't take up much space.
- Mobility.
- Presentable appearance.
- Large selection of colors. In addition, modern plastic models (chairs, tables, even shelves ) perfectly copy wicker and rattan products.
How to care for plastic?
Chemical resistant material. If the plastic is of poor quality, under the influence of sunlight it may lose color brightness. To wash the furniture, it is enough to use ordinary soap and water.
How to make wooden patio furniture yourself?
Each owner has a couple of good boards. You can use them to build a sturdy bench, chairs with backs, or even a full table. Such a set of furniture is a must for every veranda.
Purchase only dry, well-finished hardwood boards. Lucky for those who live near the forest. Feel free to go looking for material! Both stumps and solid logs will do. From additional materials you will need pressed boards and plywood.
Hastily knocked together logs will look spectacular on any terrace. In this case, the chairs with the table look like furniture from the cartoon about the girl Masha and the three bears. The elements are attached to each other using wooden planks, metal joints, nails and self-tapping screws. Primer, stain, too, will not be superfluous.
Pallets and pallets are interesting in their own way. In fact, they are construction waste. But if you show a little imagination, you can even make bookcases, bookcases, sofas. "Junk" material is characterized by ease of use and versatility.
- For the coffee table, you will need two pallets, legs on wheels, nails and self-tapping screws.
- Pallets are interconnected with fasteners, legs with wheels are screwed on from 4 sides.
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