Small front porches
45 Small Front Porches With Big Style
Inspired by Charm
Even the smallest front porch is a luxury that deserves as much attention to design as your interior space. Check out these modestly proportioned front porches that don't skimp on style, demonstrating the power of maximizing bonus outdoor space, enhancing your home's curb appeal, and helping to create a welcoming landing pad for both you and your guests.
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Pastel Pink
Most Lovely Things
Connecticut-based blogger Annie Diamond of Most Lovely Things and her family have lived in 15 houses. "In every house we have made sure that the entryway is welcoming," she says. "Your entryway is the first impression that people have when visiting.
I hope mine says, come on in... the door is always open!" Diamond uses Edison bulbs in her lanterns to create a warm and inviting glow, and keeps things fresh by swapping out plants, rotating seasonal decorations, and changing the front door paint color on a whim.
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Double Benched
Design by BASE Landscape Architecture
The small front porch of this 1920s Portland, OR house BASE Landscape Architecture is flanked with simple pale wood benches on either side of the enclosed landing space that add a modern touch to the space, with its vintage pendant light, arched windows, and elegant painted black and white moldings.
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Leafy and Romantic
Design by AHG Interiors / Photo by Nick Glimenakis
This 10x12-foot Catskills tiny house from AHG Interiors has a generous open front porch that creates extra outdoor living space. Classic decor choices and a tangle of climbing ivy create a lush, romantic setting.
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Mini Victorian
Design and Photo by Sandra Foster
This fairy tale Victorian 125-square-foot cottage in the Catskills of New York is the stuff that tiny house dreams are made of, with its room-of-one's-own proportions and romantic all-season feel. The petite but open front porch painted white to match the home's exterior sets the tone for the frilly French-Nordic decor on the inside of what owner Sandra Foster calls her "shabby streamside studio."
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Small Swing
Design by Chamberlain Interior / Photo by Kacey Gilpin
A hanging porch swing, rattan chairs, and blue and green throw pillows give this small front porch from Chamberlain Interior a natural sense of ease.
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Ready for Company
Inspired by Charm
Blogger Michael Wurm Jr. of Inspired by Charm created a cozy sitting area on this small front porch with its black wrought iron detailing by adding a bench and hanging plants.
"I love me a big front porch," he says. "However, after living in an apartment for a while, I realized you can make any space look beautiful. The size of the space doesn’t matter." -
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Asymmetrical
Design by Kate Marker Interiors
A small bench and some plants make this cottage front porch with its asymmetrical roof from Kate Marker Interiors feel homey and inviting.
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Backyard Front Porch
Design by Six Four Five A / Photo by Ashlea Wessel
A small front porch makes even a diminutive garden studio more inviting, as evidenced by this minimalist backyard front deck from Oliver Dang of Toronto-based architecture and design studio Six Four Five A. The front porch is crafted from the same cedar strips and matching wood boards used for the fence and studio, creating a seamless look. A deck chair provides a place to take a break, and a little garden gnome by the door adds a touch of whimsy.
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In the Navy
Design by AHG Interiors / Photo by Nick Glimenakis
The little front porch on this modern Cape Cod from by AHG Interiors is designed to practically disappear into the facade, with a stone floor that matches the winding path to the front door, and a small bench painted in the same deep navy color as the rest of the house.
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Low Slung and Shaded
Design by Searl Lamaster Howe / Photo by Tony Soluri
Chicago-based architects Gregory Howe and Pam Lamaster of Searl Lamaster Howe designed the Lawless Retreat on the edge of a state park in central Michigan with a "shaded and low-slung front porch" that acts as an intimate landing space that opens into an interior with expansive views of the surrounding woods. The house and front porch are clad in both untreated and charred cedar and obsidian lap siding. A pair of rosy deck chairs adds a warm dose of color.
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Neutral
Design by Mindy Gayer Design Co.
Neutral shades of white, gray, and black, a wire pendant light, and tall oversized planters make this Newport Beach front porch from Mindy Gayer Design Co. feel modern and the Dutch doors makes it feel inviting.
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Country Styling
Cedar Hill Farms
Blogger Anita Joyce of Cedar Hill Farms created a French-inspired front porch with a classic vintage bistro table and chairs dressed up here for fall.
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Bistro Table
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Amy Neunsinger
A bistro table and chairs and an unexpected framed print hung casually beneath the outdoor sconce give this small front porch from Leanne Ford Interiors an effortless dose of chic.
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Venice Beach
Design by White Sand Design Build
This cheerful Venice Beach, California Spanish-style bungalow from White Sand Design Build has black-and-white patterned floor tiles, a tall drought-friendly cactus, blond wood frame posts, and a candy-colored pink door.
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Boho Style
Design by Camille Styles
Camille Styles created a modern boho style front porch at her design studio with a rattan porch swing and accessories in natural woven materials, and a fresh coat of white paint.
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Sitting Room
Saw Nail and Paint
Seattle-based blogger Susan of Saw Nail and Paint created an intimate outdoor living room feel in this small sitting area at one end of her front porch with "thrifted, vintage, new, and repurposed" decor.
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Graphic
Clark + Aldine
Michael and Danielle Gutelli of design collective Clark + Aldine used inky black outdoor paint on the front door, porch floor, and outdoor steps to create a graphic counterpoint to the home's bright white exterior.
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Modern
Design by Tyler Karu
The small front landing on this modern Maine house designed by Tyler Karu has warm wood cladding, an assortment of house plants, and a vibrant coral-colored front door.
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Outdoor Reading Room
Our Town Plans
This guest cottage from Peachtree City, Georgia-based Our Town Plans has a front porch perfect for one, furnished with a rocking chair, side table and table lamp that turns it into an alfresco reading room.
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Burnished
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Erin Kelly
This front porch from Leanne Ford Interiors includes gold-toned front door hardware, warm sconce lighting, a natural woven door mat, and painted urns filled with oversize bouquets of dried flowers that add a burnished warmth to the all-white exterior.
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Welcoming Vibes
Coffee, Pancakes & Dreams
A welcome sign and hello doormat reinforce the message that guests are invited to make themselves at home on this small front porch from Coffee, Pancakes & Dreams.
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Shades of Purple
Lily Pad Cottage
Blogger Kelly Rinzema from Lily Pad Cottage uses the front porch as a starting point for seasonal decor.
For this fall arrangement, she embraced the symmetry of the porch itself, flanking the walkway to the entrance with hydrangeas in shades of pink and purple as well as large planters full of kale and cabbage. -
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XXS Front Porch
Tumbleweed Tiny House Company
The classic 1999 Elm tiny house from Tumbleweed Tiny House Company has a portable dollhouse aesthetic that helped launch today's tiny house movement. The tiny but prominent front porch is one of the things that makes this RV tiny house feel like a home.
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Make Me Blush
Most Lovely Things
A palette of black and white warmed with blush-toned throws and an upholstered sectional gives this front porch from Most Lovely Things an indoor living room feel.
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Deconstructed
Design by Brophy Interiors
This small Southern California front porch from Brophy Interiors has a covered entry with built-in lighting and a simple bench to make it welcoming.
To add additional seating, a portion of the front yard has been turned into a patio space with a small fire pit. -
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Texas Farmhouse
Maison de Pax
Blogger Rachel Paxton of Maison de Pax started the redesign of this tiny Texas farmhouse on the outside, painting the formerly burnt orange exterior in matte black and creating outdoor seating and living areas on her front porch with a hanging bench on one side and a rocking chair on the other.
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Greenery
Design by Calimia Home / Photo by Jeanne Canto
Simple greenery and polished symmetry makes the small front porch from Calimia Home feel like more than just a pass-through space.
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Open
Our Town Plans
The wide open step up front porch on this little red house from Georgia-based Our Town Plans has a timeless all-American appeal, thanks to classic black accents on the door and shutters, and a pair of rocking chairs for contemplating the view.
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Suburban
Design by Michelle Berwick Designs
Well groomed topiaries, a black-and-white palette, and a small seating area give this suburban front porch from Michelle Berwick Designs a sense of polish and grandeur.
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Modern Farmhouse
Thistlewood Farms
A simple black-and-white palette, a vintage number plate, and stenciled steps give this simple farmhouse style front porch from Thistlewood Farms a timeless modern feel.
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Renovated Farmhouse
Design by Michelle Berwick Designs
A completely renovated early 1900s farmhouse from Michelle Berwick Designs preserved original features like the classic small front porch, which is furnished minimally with some rattan seating and a warm sconce light.
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California Wine Country
Design by Kendall Ermshar / Photo by Cottage Grove Inn
At the Cottage Grove Inn in California, a series of guest cottages include semi-private outdoor porches that open onto a grove of elm trees.
Interior designer Kendall Ermshar kept it traditional with painted shutters, a basket of firewood for the interior fireplace, and white wicker furniture. -
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Rule of Three
Most Lovely Things
A trio of planters in varying heights on either side of the front door fill this small front porch from Most Lovely Things with a minimum of effort while offering a space to showcase seasonal flowers.
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Stick the Landing
Design by Tyler Karu
If your small front porch is more of a landing, help it make an entrance with a pair of decorative planters like this home from interior designer Tyler Karu.
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Tropical
Casa Watkins Living
Your front porch should be decorated to complement the aesthetics of your home, but it's also a chance to give passersby a glimpse of your personal style. This small front porch from Casa Watkins Living has tropical colors and global accents that hint at what's going on inside the front door.
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Coastal Farmhouse
Design by White Sand Design Build
A potted citrus tree, an outdoor rug layered with and a robin's egg blue Dutch door make the minuscule front porch on this oversized Southern California modern coastal farmhouse from White Sand Design Build feel fresh and approachable.
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Set the Tone
A Beautiful Mess
A welcome mat saying "Howdy" on this front porch from A Beautiful Mess sets the tone and puts guests at ease.
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Black and White
Blanco Bungalow
This breezy Spanish-style front porch from Blanco Bungalow has a chic black door flanked with a mismatched pair of plants, a natural door mat, and an industrial style sconce to give it a modern feel.
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Patio Style
Design and Photo by Julian Porcino
This Spanish-style LA front porch Julian Porcino is more like a covered patio, with a wire chair and matching side table under the arched facade and some plants and a pair of outdoor sconces to provide a private spot for morning coffee or an after-dinner drink.
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Mini Living Room
Most Lovely Things
This small front porch from Most Lovely Things has a living room feel with upholstered seating, black-and-white textiles, and warm wood accents.
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Structure It With Planters
Design and Photo by Julian Porcino
Adding a strategic smattering of planters helps define the front porch and side entry door of this Spanish-style home from real estate broker and interior designer Julian Porcino.
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Herb Garden
A Beautiful Mess
A hanging swing decorated with bright-colored throw pillows and DIY herb garden coffee table on this front porch from A Beautiful Mess add up to a feel-good space.
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Covered
Design by Maite Granda
This small covered porch from interior designer Maite Granda has a pale gray door, a simple pendant light, and a short flight of entry steps that is softened with plants and flowering branches that give the Florida home an effortless and warm vibe.
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Symmetry
Design by Whittney Parkinson Design
The small front porch on this large suburban home from Whittney Parkinson Design has a hanging pendant light and a pair of tall double topiaries on either side of the tall black and glass framed double doors that adds a sense of classicism to a new build.
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Mini Garden
Blanco Bungalow
If you don't like the idea of sitting out on your front porch, take a clue from this Spanish-style porch from Blanco Bungalow and turn it into a mini-garden instead.
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Retractable Draw Bridge
Greenmoxie
The off-grid Greenmoxie Tiny House comes with a retractable electric draw bridge deck that serves as a front porch when open and pulls up for stress-free transport.
12 ways to add interest to an entrance |
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Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Mary Patton Design / Molly Culver Photography)
While it may appear challenging to decorate a small front porch area, don't let the diminutive size put you off.
A compact porch offers a unique experience to create something special, making the most of whatever space you do have and, in turn, offering a wonderful first impression for visitors.
From New-England style walk-up porches to a compact and contemporary structure that just about covers the front door, it's important to approach a small porch with thought and create something that works for the architecture and scale of your home. Whether you're looking for a way to decorate a small porch or you're building one from scratch, you'll want your small front porch ideas to feel like a natural extension of your home.
Small front porch ideas
A porch, even a small one, is the ultimate mix of form an function. It adds visual dimension and character to the front of your home, while also offering a place to step out of the elements when opening the front door.
These ideas consider both.
1. Use space wisely
(Image credit: Rejuvenation)
If your home has a small front porch, resist the urge to cram you light fixtures, mailbox, house numbers, doorbell, and flag pole all onto your home's exterior. Instead, give each element some breathing room by mounting your house numbers and/or your flag pole on the porch beams, instead.
2. Stagger planters down the steps
(Image credit: Michelle Cannon Smith)
When you are working with any sort of space constrictions, it's important to make the most of what room you do have. The same goes when deciding how to decorate a front porch. Here, stylist Michelle Cannon Smith maximized her front porch by adding planters to each step. It's the perfect way to make a statement with limited space.
3. Introduce subtle interest with paint and concrete
(Image credit: Future / Noah Webb)
Emphasizing the architectural details of a smaller porch with a crisp white shade works wonderfully, especially if you have a modern home.
You can add interest to the space by choosing a different color for the door. A fresh blue or sorbet yellow will brighten up a grey urban street. Alternatively, a classic wooden door will create a unique contrast to the contemporary structure.
For architectonic interest, create multiple levels with your front yard walkway. Here, floating concrete steps give the illusion of more space.
4. Keep the surrounding area clean and free from clutter
(Image credit: Walls and Floors)
First impressions are everything, so make sure your small front porch – and front door – is a good one. Whatever your space or budget, there are many ideas to make a difference to your own humble porch.
Give the surrounding area a good clean and clear out any items that might be in the way. Even polishing a letterbox or door knocker will do a world of good.
5. Be at one with your surroundings
(Image credit: The Finish)
It’s important to coordinate the front door with the rest of the house, suggests Rebecca Thompson, Color Designer at Dulux, a UK paint brand.
‘Look closely at the underlying hues within your walls and natural surroundings to ensure they don’t clash. Get inspiration from your neighbors, too, and try for a unified look. A street with complementary tones looks more appealing than a mishmash of clashing colors.'
6. Add interest with color
(Image credit: Future / Dan Duchars)
Being creative with color, a specialist finish or decorative effect is the perfect way to give your small front porch individual style. For an unexpected look, embrace a colorful painted design for your porch ceiling ideas.
It is best to go for colors that make you happy and have longevity. If in doubt, it is often advised that you consult the color wheel.
‘Current paint trends show a real shift towards using bolder and brighter colors outside,’ says Sue Kim, senior color designer at Valspar. ‘When choosing a front porch paint color, don’t forget to look beyond the walls – consider the door and window frames – and how they can be brought into the scheme for a statement look.
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7. Use the same color throughout
(Image credit: Future)
Whether you have a covered porch or one that's open to the elements, choosing the same color for the ceiling and walls will help lift the space and make it feel more expansive.
'It's important to think about the flow, so paint the ceiling and the walls the same color. Also, think about what color you have in the hallway. There should be a thread that follows throughout and complements your hallway paint ideas,' advises Nikki Rees who runs an interior design practice in south west London.
8. Connect with other outdoor spaces
(Image credit: Taylor Lombardo Architects)
If your porch leads to a front garden area, think about how to keep the look cohesive. Use similar plants, choose paint colors that echo nature or speak to your designer about emulating the architectural features seen in your pathway or stonework.
In this California property, designed by Taylor Lombardo Architects , not only does the stonework provide a cohesive look, but so do the plants surrounding the porch.
9. Light it well
(Image credit: Mary Patton Design / Molly Culver Photography)
At the Southampton, New York home, above, by designer Mary Patton , the oversized lantern sconces help provide a visual framework for the small front porch.
'Opt for a pair of wall lights, perhaps to frame your front door or to hover over a standing plant. This will allow for an even spill of light where it's needed most, especially in the darker winter months when outdoor lighting is essential,' advises Rohan Blacker, founder of lighting company, Pooky .
Rohan also suggests using a range of different wall lights to create a lighting feature. 'Play around with the lights’ direction and focal points – illuminate your house number, your brightly painted front door or your favorite porch plant.'
10. Keep it simple
Photography/Polly Eltes
(Image credit: Marian Louise Designs/Kaley Elaine)
Keep everything simple and unfussy in a small front porch.
Don't try to fit in a seating area if there's not enough space. Remove anything that is tired, worn out or not used. Then include things that have a practical or a multi-functional purpose.
'If you do have space, a bench is a great addition to a porch,' advises interior designer, Genevieve Hurley. 'I recently designed a stone-clad bench for a client which could be lifted up and used to store shoes.'
11. Get clever with plants
(Image credit: Arterberry Cooke / Mandy Harris)
Overgrown shrubs can overpower a front porch, so opt for smaller versions and consider symmetry.
'Use plants in pots on either side of your doorway to frame the entrance,' advises interior designer, Genevieve Hurley. 'Whether it's two tall bay trees or lavender in low boxes, planting can help elevate the space. You can also add window boxes to tie the look together.'
12. Add tall decorative elements
(Image credit: Little Greene)
For the space immediately in front of your door, consider decorative elements such as lanterns, plant stands, stone decorations and an umbrella basket – these items are taller rather than wider, so will complement a small porch.
What can I do with a small front porch?
Making your small porch into a functional, yet stylish addition to your home is key.
'Get the balance right, you need to make sure it feels open and spacious, but also allows for a practical space,' advises interior designer Nikki Rees.
If you live in the country, an area for shoe storage might be useful, whereas in urban areas your porch lighting might need to work harder for security purposes. Speak to your architect or designer about the practical elements you need to consider before you start planning the decoration.
How do you decorate a small front porch?
'Keep it as open as possible – it will make the space feel larger,' says Nikki Rees. Avoid fussy details and instead embrace symmetry with simple items placed around the front door. 'Whatever color you choose for your front door, opt for a high gloss finish,' advises Genevieve Hurley. 'Not only is it more hard-wearing, but it bounces light around, making your porch area look bigger.
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Choose lighting that enlarges the space and makes it feel more expansive. 'Use spotlights to highlight dark corners and open up your porch area,' explains Rohan Blacker. 'By using a simple wall light to draw focus to feature elements, this will naturally give your space a larger feel.'
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
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