As we bid farewell to the long, summer days and say hello to changing leaves and pumpkin-spiced everything, you probably have fall decorations on your mind. So do we, and we have a front porch fall makeover that we’re just pleased as punch to share with you. Whether you opt for a rustic vibe or modern style, the possibilities are endless for transforming your porch into an autumn oasis.
We’ve gathered our favorite front porch decorating ideas for you to create a warm, welcoming entryway this fall.
1 | Pumpkins
Without pumpkins, is it really fall? Pumpkins are always an easy way to decorate your front porch for fall. You don’t have to stick with the standard orange ones either. Incorporate pastel and green pumpkins to add some visual variety. This softer color scheme adds an airy feel to your front porch. Plus, when you start adding more fall elements to your porch, light-colored pumpkins ensure the overall effect doesn’t become overwhelming.
2 | Flowers

We know many of your favorite flowers are no longer in bloom once the summer passes, but don’t neglect the flower tailor-made for the fall — chrysanthemums. Mums boast a variety of colors and bloom shapes, which can add dimension to your front porch. Plant colorful mums in the window boxes on either side of your front door, or fill an assortment of planter sizes that you can place up your porch steps. Read our blog post for other ways to decorate outdoors with mums.
Looking for other great autumn flowers and foliage? Layer in a variety of annual fall plants, including Flowering Kale, Purple Fountain Grass, Crotons, Dianthus, and Black-Eyed Susans.
3 | Wreaths
Making your front door the main focal point is an easy way to decorate your porch for fall. Add a contemporary wreath and flank your door with matching planters. To add some extra flair, frame the door with a fall-style garland.
There are tons of ideas for fall wreaths. Head to your local home goods store to find a premade one for your porch. You can also take the DIY route and make a wreath. If you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity to do with the kids, crafting a wreath definitely fits the bill.
4 | Lanterns
A lantern makes a striking accent for any fall-themed front porch. Create a beautiful autumn display by filling your lantern with gourds, mini pumpkins, leaves, nuts, and other seasonal materials.
Don’t forget that you can light lanterns, too. Put a fall-colored pillar candle inside the lantern to add a festive touch. If you don’t want to deal with real candles, stick with battery-operated LED candles. They still create the perfect ambiance for enjoying a drink while kicking back in your rocking chair and watching a gorgeous sunset.
5 | Hay Bales
If you’re looking to add a rustic touch to your porch, hay bales are an excellent option. Place a hale bale near your door and display the carved pumpkins the kiddos worked so hard on. You can also use hale bales as extra seating on your porch, or as a homemade ottoman to rest your feet on after a productive day of decorating. When it’s time for a photo op, hale bays make a festive prop that helps elevate your fall family photo for Instagram.
6 | Corn & Corn Stalks
Corn is not only good for eating but also for decorating. In particular, dried corn makes an ideal accent to include alongside your pumpkins and other fall flourishes. You don’t have to opt for plain yellow corn, either. Dried corn comes in various hues from vibrant blues to dark reds to give your porch some extra colors.
Corn stalks are versatile fall decorations that provide height and texture to your front porch. Consider using the stalks to decorate your railing, columns, or fence. You can also flank your door with matching stalks to give your guests a warm, inviting welcome as they enter your home.
7 | Painted Welcome Signs
Displaying a personal message like “welcome” or “hello fall” can boost your curb appeal. There are plenty of creative ways to showcase your message, but here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Carve pumpkins with your address number to help guide trick-or-treaters and Thanksgiving visitors.
- Write a cute welcome message or instructions for visitors on a large chalkboard.
- Buy or make a painted wood sign using reclaimed wood.
- Attach marquee light letters to your pumpkins, railing, or somewhere else on your porch that works.
- Hang a stylish pennant banner with your message on it.
Top left, clockwise: Native Range | Cherie Kay Signs | The Broken Board | Pixie Dust Louisville
8 | Pillows, Cushions, and Blankets
When your front porch is designed so that the elements minimally affect the space, you can’t go wrong with some good old-fashioned creature comforts. Blankets, pillows, and cushions allow you to easily change your front porch color palette while making the entrance to your home feel cozy and inviting. A logical place for blankets is to drape them across benches or swings. Bench and swing cushions as well as pillows are also the perfect accessories for a quick pop of color.
Our favorite combinations:
- Adirondack chairs and rocking chairs
- 16″ pillows and cushions
- Deep seating furniture
- 16” and 20” pillows in coordinating colors
- Benches and swings
- Cushions
- 16” and 20” pillows in coordinating colors
9 | Welcome Doormat
Sometimes, the simplest thing can make all the difference. Welcome mats make the ideal finishing touch to any fall-themed front porch. Whether it’s embroidered with a friendly greeting or colorful fall design, your doormat gives any entrance a warm, inviting appeal while also keeping your hallway free from dirt and grime.

If you’re looking to spice up your welcome mat, try layering it with a rug. Neutral-colored rugs with bold patterns or stripes work well but experiment with different styles to see which one complements your décor the best.
10 | Furniture
When it comes to furnishing your front porch, it’s hard to beat the timelessness of a rocking chair. The gentle back-and-forth motion helps provide maximum relaxation and comfort as you watch the gorgeous fall foliage sway in the wind. You can’t get just use one chair, though. Create the ultimate retreat with a rocking chair set and take in the view alongside a loved one.

Adirondack chairs also make a stylish addition to your front porch. The reclined, contoured design makes it easy to kick back and relax with a mug of hot cider.

If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect furniture for your space, Shop our Fall Furniture Favorites. Then head over to Pinterest for more decorating ideas for fall.
Wonderful ideas, I can’t even pick a favorite. We moved to a new house and I will decorate our front porch for the first time. Thank you for sharing this.
Nice article and a bunch of great ideas! I think I like the lanterns idea the best out of all of them.
Thanks.