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7 Ways on How to Design a Small Front Porch

Imagine this—you have a small vacant space right outside your home. Now, you've been thinking of transforming it into a small front porch.

Considering the small space, you wonder if it's worth working on a porch big enough to fit just two chairs. But somehow, the idea of having that spot outside where you could sit down, relax, and catch some fresh air just keeps pulling you back into it.

In this list, there are several ways on how to design a small front porch.

What Are The Benefits of Having a Porch?

To help you decide on whether you should know how to design a small front porch, know that it comes with practical purposes that could surprisingly bring convenience to your daily living.

First of all, the Whiskey Porch mentioned that it is the space between the inside and outside world. This means it can block all unwanted elements from getting into your house so you can inhale fresh air while still inside the house. Small or large, a front porch is a great storage place replacement for outdoor essentials, such as umbrellas, until you want to take them indoors.

Besides functionality, Taylored Restoration stated that the front porch simply extends your living space by providing an outdoor area where you can relax by yourself or mingle with others. And if you're feeling artsy, it's also the most natural location for seasonal decorations to easily personalize and enhance the look of your home throughout the year.

Also Read: Top 7 Best Modern Home Design Ideas

7 Ways on How to Design a Small Front Porch

To make the most out of that tiny space outside your home, here are 7 ways on how to design a small front porch.

1. Symmetrical Design.

To solve the problem of a 'small porch,' you first have to make sure that it will appear bigger. Using symmetrical designs will help as it can speak order to make the space more harmonized. In this way, you can also avoid cluttering up space with too many elements.

A New Entry with Nostalgic Roots

(Photo : Thompson Remodeling / Houzz)

Better Homes and Gardens suggests adding matching chairs and identical potted plants to pull together a cohesive look. For example, you can put two identical planters on either side of the front door. Or identical chairs facing each other. It's your call

2. Use Every Space

Once you look up ways on how to design a small front porch, one of the best advice you can get is to maximize every space you have. Design Times shared that even ancient builders had the same thought, which eventually helped them add historical artifacts in small spaces or stone works.

SCREENED -IN PORCH

(Photo : Sheila Rich Interiors LLC / Houzz)

Now, for a small front porch, you can add several low-profile furniture that can double in functionality. Adding stools that double as either side tables or seating, and armless chairs using round tables allow you to have so much on your porch while having less space.

3. Connect with Nature

As previously mentioned, one of the many ways you can do on a front porch is to inhale fresh air. With the addition of small potted plants or shrubs, you can make this possible.

My Houzz: Coastal Elegance for a 1917 Bungalow

(Photo : Mina Brinkley / Houzz)

According to Better Homes & Gardens, dwarf varieties work great to add natural beauty without overpowering a place. Vertical garden setups with hanging planters will also take up less floor space.

4. Add a Swing

While on your front porch, being lazy and sitting around is encouraged. A swing can take you up on this offer.

Yonson Residence - Winner of 2016 Residential Design Award, AIA Atlanta

(Photo : Brightwater Homes / Houzz)
Sometimes, a small porch swing or compact bench can be a cozy seating option without occupying too much space. However, Southern Living suggests that you must keep enough area to move around but even compact swings create a nook for lounging or morning coffee.

5. Connect everything

Mixing both practicality and aesthetic reasons can also work for your small front porch. After all, connected elements in a porch design make it feel well-thought-out for observers and functional for you by ensuring that the layout works together seamlessly.

Front Porch on Lake of the Isles

(Photo : Amber / Houzz)
Better Homes & Gardens learned that you can connect your small porch with adjacent outdoor areas by using similar plants, color schemes, or architectural elements. For instance, aligning the porch's color palette with a nearby garden helps make the porch feel like an extension of the larger outdoor space.

6. Add your Accessories

It may be outside but it's still part of your home. This is why it's highly recommended that you consider your preferences when looking up ways on how to design a small front porch.

Renovation: Senoia Farmhouse

(Photo : Historical Concepts / Houzz)
However, according to Southern Living, choose lightweight accessories that can also conserve space. A small area rug of your choice or a few pillows in your favorite colors, for example.

7. Turn into a Vertical Space

Should you feel indecisive even after reading the past six ways on how to design a small front porch, using all the mentioned design ideas is possible-only if you take advantage of the height of your small porch.

Tupelo

(Photo : Crowell + Co. Interiors / Houzz)
Southern Living encourages hanging planters, shelves, or even hooks for décor. It keeps the floor clear and is a great vertical way to maximize the space while adding a little bit of charm to the overall design.

Overall, you never need to worry about the small space sitting outside your door. You can turn into something relaxing with these 7 ways on how to design a small front porch.

Related Article: 7 Modern Patio Design Ideas For Small Spaces