Outdoor porch rails
30 Porch Railing Ideas for a Stylish Outdoor Area
By
Farima Ferguson
Farima Ferguson
Farima Ferguson began her career at HGTV where she worked with designers to write about home design. Her work has appeared in HGTV, Insider Reviews, Travel Channel, and more.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Published on 06/03/22
Design by Kate Marker Interiors / Photography by Stoffer Photography
Even though a porch railing's main purpose is for safety, it is a great opportunity to enhance your home's curb appeal. With so many options to choose from, from sown wood balusters to nautical rope details, you have many options to choose from no matter what your home's style is.
If you're wanting to upgrade your porch's design, choosing the railing is a great first step since it usually spans the entirety of the porch. To help you choose the right railing for your home, we share 30 porch ideas to help inspire you.
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01 of 30
All the Blues
K Shan Design
Blue may not be the first color you think of when it comes to your home's front entrance, but this home proves that decorating in a variety of blue shades creates an inviting entrance. This traditional house now has a fresh look that has curb appeal.
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02 of 30
Flower Box Railing
Design by Jessica Nelson / Photo by Carina Strobecki
A porch should complement its natural surroundings. A flower box is installed one side of this porch in lieu of railing all around to help make the garden feel more lush and add extra color to the outdoor space.
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03 of 30
Red and White Design
Jon Lovette / Getty Images
The classic look of this white porch railing will stand the test of time. To give this home more color and interest, the railing is paired with red accents on the ceiling and porch swing.
The 8 Best Porch Swings of 2022
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04 of 30
Rustic Minimalism
Tyler Karu Design
If you want to combine both rustic and minimalist, this porch railing is the perfect combo. The cable porch railing is simple and still allows you to enjoy the view while the wood handrail adds a rustic touch.
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05 of 30
Modern Glass Design
Maite Granda
Glass is often seen in modern style homes because of its clean, minimalistic design. The porch railing of this modern home mixes two textures - glass and wood that add interest while still staying true to elements of modern style.
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06 of 30
Cottage-Style Railing
Maremagnum / Getty Images
This cottage-style home features a green shed style roof, and the color is carried through to the shutters and porch handrail for a cohesive look.
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07 of 30
Symmetry is Key
Maite Granda
A traditional house often has symmetrical design elements like this wrought iron porch railing that goes from wide to more narrow for a more grand entrance. When wrought iron is treated, it is a durable railing option that will last for years to come.
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08 of 30
Palm Spring Vibes
The Home Consultant
This home designed by The Home Consultant features clean lines, smooth stucco and a stunning wood garage. The detailed breeze block porch wall adds depth and gives the home a beachy Palm Springs look.
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09 of 30
Sawn Baluster Railing
Mint Images / Getty Images
Of course the red exterior of the home takes center stage, but the sawn baluster porch railings really pull the whole look of this home together. The detailing in the railing is carried through to the roof, which resembles a gingerbread house.
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10 of 30
One Sided
White Sands
Only one side of the home's front entrance features a traditional railing, while the other is the home's exterior wall.
The asymmetry helps the citrus plant stand out, while the door and sconces add a dose of symmetry to balance the space out. 30 Outdoor Lighting Ideas to Brighten Up Your Yard
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11 of 30
Side Entry Porch
Finding Lovely
The porch of this home is on the side of the house, but that doesn't mean it's short on style. The pillars for the white columns are also the porch railing and have a Victorian look with a beautiful cutout design that repeats throughout the length of the porch.
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12 of 30
Bold Red Flower Boxes
Perry Mastrovito / Getty Images
This home has an Americana look with its red, white, and blue color palette. The traditional white porch railing is spruced up with bright red flower boxes that enhance the home's curb appeal.
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13 of 30
Geometric Design
Design by Kate Marker Interiors / Photography by Stoffer Photography
This geometric porch railing design combines traditional with contemporary and helps make this porch feel larger.
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14 of 30
Wood and Metal
kirsten.diane / Instagram
You aren't limited to just one material when it comes to picking porch railing. Kirsten's porch features a wood and metal railing that has a clean look and lets in plenty of natural light.
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15 of 30
Matching Wood Panels
Mint Images / Getty Images
The rustic wood porch panels of this two-story Seattle home have inlets that mirror the arches of the front entrance of the home for a cool design. The wood panels are also carried through to the home's balcony to help draw the eye up and make the home feel grand.
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16 of 30
Glass Balcony
Maite Granda
When you live in a high rise, the balcony is the only outdoor area you have. Maite Granda livened up this simple balcony glass wall with futuristic neon furniture and dishware.
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17 of 30
Black and White
Kate Marker Interiors
The black iron railing up to this house plus the flooring are a beautiful contrast with this home's white exterior and traditional white porch railing and columns.
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18 of 30
A Variety of Textures
PC Photography / Getty Images
This home's front entrance features a variety of textures that instantly make the home feel inviting. The dark metal railing provides a beautiful contrast with the white door, porch ceiling and stone facade.
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19 of 30
Keep It Natural
The Home Consultant
The original railing on this home was wrought iron, which didn't fit with the tropical style of the home. The Home Consultant removed the middle section of the railing, painted the remaining parts white and added natural wood railing which is more true to resort-inspired style.
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20 of 30
Nautical Design
Hans Neleman / Getty Images
What's more synonymous with nautical design than rope details? This beach house in the Virgin Islands features a simple rope railing that fits perfectly with the rest of the home's nautical design.
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21 of 30
Coastal Cool
The Home Consultant
This house combines California cool and coastal styles.
The stark white home exterior stands out against the black metal railing, while the wood details and custom rope railing bring a nautical vibe. -
22 of 30
Beach House Views
Eric Audras / Getty Images
The appeal of a beach house is to be right on the beach to enjoy the sight and sounds of the ocean. To help from obstructing the view, a half glass wall provides safety without blocking the view.
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23 of 30
Private Porch
Design by William Hunter Collective / Styling by Emily Henderson / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
If your porch is large, you can transform it into an outdoor dining area. A half concrete wall gives some privacy while providing a spot to place extra potted plants.
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24 of 30
Whimsical Design
s.u.s.a.p. / Instagram
The thick wood porch railing feels clunky on this small porch, but s.u.s.a.p. added a sheer white sheet with twinkle lights and candles on one side to help soften the look.
Now, this is a relaxing place to lounge. -
25 of 30
Exterior Siding
irina88w / Getty Images
We love a home that has a cohesive look, including this one that used the home's exterior as a porch railing and pillars for the traditional white columns. The look is polished and sophisticated.
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26 of 30
Separating Two Properties
White Sands
A porch railing isn't just for safety and aesthetic purposes, but it can also serve as a barrier between two properties if you're close to your neighbor. This short wood wall separates two houses but doesn't take away from the home's design. The coloring in the wood is carried through to the stone facade of the first level of the home for a complete look.
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27 of 30
A Dark Finish
SDI Productions / Getty Images
White porch railings are often seen on traditional or coastal style homes, but if you want more of a rustic look, a dark finish will do the trick.
This home's earthy tones, from the dark shutters to the dark wood porch railing, give it a rustic look. -
28 of 30
Brick and Wood
Marie Flanigan Interiors
The brick pillars of this Craftsman style home are what gives the home its curb appeal, but what helps the brick stand out even more is the classic white wood railing.
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29 of 30
Wrought Iron Railing
Design by Emily Henderson / Photo by Tessa Neustadt
If you have a lush garden, you don't want to obstruct your view. A wrought iron railing blends seamlessly with a garden background and still gives you safety. Plus, if you have a stenciled patio floor, it will help enhance the design without overpowering it.
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30 of 30
Consider Safety
Jon Lovette / Getty Images
Wrought iron railing is more durable than wood, so it's a great option for households with children or elders. The look of this porch is softened with shabby chic style furniture and fresh florals.
20 Beautiful Porch Railing Ideas
White Sands Design/Build
At first thought, porch railings serve a strictly utilitarian purpose. After all, nobody wants to tumble off of their porch and have all their outdoor furniture go right down with them. But, in reality, style matters when it comes to your porch's railing.
Not only does it act as that perfect finishing touch to that small, outdoor space that's right next to your front door, but it can also set the tone for your interior design style. But, with so many materials and styles to choose from, finding the right porch railing for your home can feel a tad overwhelming.
To help, we're sharing 20 beautiful porch railing ideas. Thanks to these examples, you'll be able to take your outdoor space to the next level.
01 of 20
Finding Lovely
Want to give your front porch a historical edge? Add a set of sawn baluster railings. Originally designed for Victorian homes, this porch railing style features a decorative pattern that repeats.
While sawn baluster railings could look good with just about any color palette, we particularly love how Jackie Hempel of Finding Lovely paired hers with a cheery teal door. The candy-coated scheme and old-fashioned railings style harken back to those classic Queen Anne abodes.
02 of 20
Farmhouse on Boone
If you're looking for a porch railing style that can withstand time and trends, you can't go wrong with a classic vertical wooden style. Not only can it make your porch appear larger and airier, but it can also act as a blank canvas so it won't upstage your plants and outdoor furniture. Don't believe us? Just take a look at this idyllic iteration from Farmhouse on Boone.
03 of 20
Design: Liz Marie Blog; Photo: Liz Marie Galvan
Looking for a subtler trip down memory lane? Consider adding a turn baluster style to your porch. At first glance, this style looks incredibly similar to that traditional, vertical railing type—however, the slight ornamentation gives this option something extra.
Another perk: it's surprisingly versatile. Check out this space from Liz Marie Galvan, who regularly decks out her porch with seasonal decorations.
04 of 20
Design: 3 North; Photo: Kip Dawkins Photography
For an innovative option that bridges the gap between old and new, check out Chippendale porch railings. Named after a famous furniture maker called Thomas Chippendale, this style prides itself on a cool, geometric repetition—and, more times than not, Chippendale porch railings create a cool, X-shaped pattern.
While this type of porch railings can be used with any type of architecture, they deftly juxtapose a colonial space. Let this home from 3 North show you how it's done.
05 of 20
Design: Greyhouse Design; Photo: Tim Furlong
Gretchen Black of Greyhouse Design found the perfect Chippendale railing style that's classic and modern in equal measure. The geometrical pattern hits a sweet spot between modern farmhouse and Art Deco glamour.
06 of 20
Bria Hammel Interiors
When in doubt, X marks the spot. Designer Bria Hammel offers plenty of Southern hospitality, thanks to this criss-cross railing style.
"A front porch is the first impression guests have of your home," she explains. "We wanted to make sure that ours drew our family, friends, and neighbors in so that they felt comfortable to sit, chat, and even enjoy a glass of lemonade or a cocktail. I’m always drawn to the Southern style and aesthetic, so we wanted to keep that in mind when designing this outdoor extension of our home. It’s everything functional and beautiful."
07 of 20
White Sands Design
A vertical porch railing might be undeniably classic, but it can slip into ubiquitous territory quite easily. If you're looking for a way to offset this traditional type, pair it with a larger porch. For example, this wraparound porch from White Sands Design strikes a happy medium between subtle and statement.
08 of 20
Design: A Small Life; Photo: Melanie Gnau
Anyone whose design taste falls on the subtler end of the spectrum will find a lot to love about a cable porch railing.
This style—as seen in A Small Life's One Room Challenge—is slim, but will pop against your home's facade. For a rustic take on this classic style, take a cue from Melanie Gnau, who paired the cable with tonal slabs of wood.
09 of 20
Livvy Land
Or, if your style skews more minimalist, a cable porch railing can still deliver. In this space from Livvy Land, a light wood perimeter and cable weave are paired with woven furniture, plants, and plenty of twinkle lights.
10 of 20
Paper & Stitch
Why settle for one porch railing style when you can enjoy a few? At her former Georgia home, Paper & Stitch blogger Brittni Mehlhoff selected a wood and metal porch railing. "It was one of our favorite spots to sit in the late afternoon with my son and listen to music," she explains. "The footprint was small, so we kept things minimal with the furniture and plants. But, the railings let in a lot of light that made the space feel much bigger than it was.
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11 of 20
Bluebird Kisses
Calling all modernists: you're going to fall in love with glass porch railings. Though glass does require some upkeep—for starters, this material is prone to smudges and scratches—this is a surefire way to give your entryway a modern edge. For Bluebird Kisses' Toronto condo, the glass acts as a blank canvas, letting the slotted wood and brick details do all the talking.
12 of 20
Jenna Sue Design
Another way to rework your traditional porch railing is by experimenting with its finish. White is often the go-to shade for porches, however, raw wood will give your outdoor space a rustic, earthy vibe. Decked out with a dark walnut stain, Jenna Sue's setup takes porch living to the next level.
13 of 20
Once Upon a 1912
We don't know who needs to hear this, but your porch railings don't have to be perfectly symmetrical. Case in point: this stylish space from Kay of Once Upon a 1912.
Since one side porch shares a wall with the home's facade, the blogger adorned only one side with a traditional railing.
But, she offsets the asymmetrical railings with matching loveseats, sconces, and topiaries. The result? A porch that packs on the visual intrigue.
14 of 20
Ursula Carmona of House Made by Carmona
Want to take your porch railing style to the next level? The magic lies in your décor. A few personal touches can transform even the most traditional railing idea into a personal oasis. Ursula Carmona of House Made by Carmona took her porch to the next level with throw pillows and plants. We also love how she used her railing as a back for her bench.
15 of 20
Marie Flanigan
A porch railing style has the power to bring your home's design front and center. Take this home by Marie Flanigan, for example. Here, the designer used a mix of vertical wooden railings and brick pillars to emphasize its Craftsman attitude.
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16 of 20
Decorilla Affordable Interior Design
If you're looking for a classic porch railing style that isn't as ubiquitous as typical slabs of wood, give metal a try.
Not only can metal be treated to hold up nicely against the elements—a must when dealing with anything that belongs outside—but it can also be reimagined in a handful of styles. In this space from Decorilla Affordable Interior Design, the twisted railings offer a villa-esque vibe.
17 of 20
Design: Mindy Gayer; Photo: Lindsay Stetson Thompson
For many, an enclosed front porch is the best of both worlds. The home's adjacent walls define the porch—and take on the role of the railings in the process. This Napa-based farmhouse by Mindy Gayer is the perfect example, proving that less can oftentimes be more.
18 of 20
K Shan Design
Embrace your bold streak with a set of colorful porch railings. Designer Kelly Shan reimagined this turn baluster style into an inky blue hue. The color of the railings matches the home's facade, offering a dash of drama without upstaging the rest of the property.
19 of 20
Calimia Home
Consider a column-clad porch a happy medium between full-on railing and a bare space.
Not only can this style transform your front door into a wow factor, but it also draws the eye upward, creating the allusion of a stately estate. Want to recreate this idea for yourself? Check out this front yard, courtesy of Calimia Home.
20 of 20
RushMeHome
Do you need to have porch railings? Not necessarily. Sometimes, the boldest design move you can make is forgoing the railings altogether. But, just because your porch is bare doesn't mean it has to be boring. Rashmi of RushMeHome decked out her railing-free porch with potted plants, an evergreen wreath, and a charming welcome mat.
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