Top 10 Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Fall

Originally Published on October 1, 2018. Last Updated on September 19, 2023.

As we bid farewell to summer and say hello to changing leaves and pumpkin-spiced everything, fall decorations are top of mind. Whether your style leans rustic or you prefer something more modern, the possibilities are endless for transforming your home’s exterior into an autumnal oasis.

And the perfect place to start is with your front porch. Here are our favorite decorating ideas that boost curb appeal and celebrate the season of coziness.

1. Modern Farmhouse Flair

For a minimalist approach to seasonal decor, try a modern monochrome palette with subtle winks of fall throughout. This elevated styling moment feels oh-so inviting thanks to farmhouse-inspired rockers, tan accents, and sage green flourishes.

Eva Shockey with POLYWOOD Braxton 3-Piece Porch Rocking Chair Set in Black — Featured: Braxton 3-Piece Porch Rocking Chair Set in Black
Photo Credit: Eva Shockey | @evashockey

2. Ornamental Pumpkins & Gourds

POLYWOOD Vineyard 3-Piece Deep Seating Rocking Chair Set in Teak/Dune Burlap — Featured: Vineyard 3-Piece Deep Seating Rocking Chair Set in Teak/Dune Burlap

An autumnal icon, pumpkins are always an easy, low-cost way to decorate your front porch for fall. While you can’t go wrong with classic orange, try incorporating heirloom and hybrid varieties for visual intrigue. With its salmon hue and spooky texture, Galeux d’Eysines is as whimsical as they come. Blue Lakota, baby boo, and fairytale pumpkins come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors that mix and match beautifully.

3. Fall Florals & Foliage

POLYWOOD Vineyard 3-Piece Rocking Set in Vintage Coffee — Featured: Vineyard 3-Piece Rocking Set in Vintage Coffee

When talking about decorating with fall foliage, (chrysanthe)mum’s the word. These beauties boast a variety of colors and bloom shapes to add dimension to your front porch. Line your steps with assorted planters, put them directly in the ground, or place them in window boxes. You can also layer in other annual fall plants, including flowering kale, purple fountain grass, crotons, dianthus, and black-eyed Susans.

4. Wreaths That Wow

Making your front door the main focal point is an easy way to decorate your porch for fall. Add a wreath and flank your door with coordinating bouquets in statement vases. To add some extra flair, frame the door with a matching garland.

Head to your local home goods store to find premade options or take the DIY wreath route and make your own. If you want a fun outdoor activity to do with the kids, that project definitely fits the bill.

5. Lanterns

Lanterns make a striking accent for any fall-themed front porch. You can fill yours with gourds, mini pumpkins, leaves, nuts, and other seasonal materials or add ambiance by placing pillar candles or fairy lights inside. We love grouping different heights and styles together for a display that feels effortlessly organized.

Fall Lantern Decor — Featured: POLYWOOD Vineyard 3-Piece Deep Seating Rocking Chair Set in Teak/Dune Burlap

6. Hay Bales

If you’re looking to add a rustic touch to your porch, hay bales are the way to go. Place a hale bale near your door and display the carved pumpkins your kiddos created. You can also use hale bales as extra seating or to rest your feet after apple picking or raking leaves. And when it’s time for a photo op, they make a festive prop for your Instagram grid.

7. Corn & Corn Stalks

Bring the harvest party to your front door by mixing dried corn decor in with your pumpkins and fall foliage. Ornamental varieties come in various hues, from indigo blues and dark reds to multicolor options, to give your porch that extra pop.

Corn stalks are versatile fall decorations that provide height and texture to any vignette. A few strategically situated by the front door greets guests with a warm, festive welcome.

8. Cozy Textiles

Blankets, pillows, and cushions are perfect for bringing warmth and texture—the key elements of fall style—outdoors. They also allow you to infuse fresh seasonal hues and patterns. Soften up seating with cushions and pillows then set out coordinating blankets to grab when the temperature drops.

POLYWOOD Jefferson Woven Rocking Chair in White/White Loom, Two Shelf Side Table in White, and Outdoor Lumbar Pillow in Buffalo Plaid Grey Mist — Featured: Jefferson Woven Rocking Chair in White/White Loom, Two Shelf Side Table in White, and Outdoor Lumbar Pillow in Buffalo Plaid Grey Mist
Photo Credit: Sean Litchfield | @seanlitchfield

9. Fall-Hued Furniture

For the ultimate fall front porch look, look to nature to determine your furniture palette. Highlighting the season’s unofficial color, orange Adirondack chairs styled with potted mums (or any of the aforementioned autumnal accents) are the perfect place to relax with a mug of hot cider or greet trick-or-treaters.

POLYWOOD South Beach Adirondack 3-Piece Set in Tangerine and 16″ Outdoor Pillows in Glacier Spa — Featured: South Beach Adirondack 3-Piece Set in Tangerine and 16″ Outdoor Pillows in Glacier Spa

10. Layered Doormats

Doormats are a porch essential, but take it one step further by styling yours on top of an outdoor rug. Neutral rugs with minimalist patterns or stripes are timeless and play well with most doormats, whether it’s printed with a friendly phrase or a colorful fall design. This layered look acts as a welcome committee while also keeping your hallway free from dirt and grime.