How To Design an Entry Patio or Porch

Your front porch is the first thing guests see when they visit. To ensure your home's initial impression is always impressive, it's a good idea to give the space's furniture and design elements careful consideration.

If your entry patio needs a pick-me-up, browse our step-by-step guide to learn how to design a front porch. Decorating tips, style advice, and frustration-free front porch ideas await you, ready to boost your home's curb appeal and welcome family and friends to stop by anytime.

Here are a few inspiring entry patio or porch uses to get you dreaming:

• Cozy breakfast nook
• Outdoor living room
• Open-air office or study area
• Private reading spot

1. Make a to-do list. Determining what needs to be done first helps decide what gets purchased first. If your porch railing is broken, prioritize repairs over decor. If your patio needs a deep clean, put scouring before shopping.
2. Make a need-versus-want list. Place must-have pieces in the "Need" column and items you'd like to have (but can live without) in the "Want" column. Shop the former first and the latter down the road as your budget allows.
3. Research furniture prices. This gives you an idea of how much money you'll have to spend to furnish your space.  
4. Create a buffer. Add up the costs and tack on 10% to cover sales taxes, shipping fees, and unexpected expenses.
5. Record your progress. Arrange all the collected information in a spreadsheet or planner to keep track of your purchases and timelines.

Grab the measuring tape, a pencil, and paper—it's time to get physical. Head out to your entry patio and get the square footage of your floor, wall heights, length of overhead joists, etc. Write down the dimensions and keep the numbers handy when you're shopping.

PRO TIP:
Don't skip this step. Otherwise, you may end up with a too-long area rug that dangles off the edges of your patio or a sofa that dominates your space.

Want to measure your entire property? Open our comprehensive guide to learn how to measure your outdoor space by hand or phone app. 

You've measured your front porch and are approaching the big decision—what furniture you should purchase. Here are some viable options based on the shape of your space:

Deep: If you have a deep and spacious front patio, you have room to play. Go big with a generously sized deep seating set or a line of chaise lounges.

Is your patio floor smooth concrete or uneven stone? Are your walls brick or vinyl? The answers to these questions help narrow down your furniture and decor choices. 

For example, rocking chairs move best on flat surfaces, so you're good to go if your porch floor is poured concrete or tile. Do you want to hang lights or shelves on a wall? Knowing its composition helps determine the tools you need to secure your decor properly.

• Gather inspiration and ideas: Inspiration hubs like Pinterest are great for visual references and ideas from both designers and homeowners. Create your own board dedicated to your dream design and fill it with all the open-air possibilities you find. 
• When in doubt, start with furniture: As the foundation and biggest investment you'll make here, your outdoor furniture should consist of high-quality designs. Then you can accessorize with rugs, cushions, pillows, and throws to transform a standard outdoor area into a cozy retreat that reflects your personal style. 

This happy customer styled both sides of their porch with deep seating and rocking chairs in one cohesive color combination. The black furniture and vivid red cushions paint a bold picture against the light decking, siding, and trim. 

This porch’s moody aesthetic is complemented by deep seating and Adirondacks in our rich, fade-resistant Black lumber. 

This homeowner made good use of the space in their small screened-in porch. Look at how this  Adirondack duo and complementing rocker fit right in. 

Here are seven ways to make your front entrance beautiful:

1. Give it a thorough cleaning.
2. Choose decor that coordinates with your home's architecture.
3. Avoid overcrowding the space with furniture and fixtures.
4. Set the mood with ambient lighting.
5. Reenergize your space with a fresh coat of paint for your front door.
6. Use outdoor-friendly mirrors to make the space look larger.
7. Style planters filled with colorful, eye-catching flowers.

The main difference between a porch and a patio is that the former is attached to a home, and a patio is not. Porches are sometimes covered, raised above ground level, and surrounded by railings. Patios are flat, often paved, uncovered areas that sit flush with the ground.