Springtime is on the horizon—we’re all ready to get out, embrace the longer days, and breathe in that fresh air. If you've been filling Pinterest boards with outdoor decorating tips and DIY projects all winter, we have some fantastic spring front porch decor ideas to add to your inspiration list.
Furnishing your front porch with accessories and seating made from sustainable materials is a great way to show your love for the planet. Style Adirondack chairs and accent tables made from recyclable plastics atop a jute rug, then hang solar-powered string lights overhead that will brighten the space come dusk. Finish the look with bright annuals fitted in matching planters.
Bonus: When the weather warms up, you can transplant your flowers in your yard to make room for new blooms.
Nothing symbolizes springtime better than blossoming flowers. To bring this beauty front and center, use front porch planters, window boxes, and hanging baskets filled with your favorite blooms. Annuals like pansies, verbena, and sweet potato vines thrive in containers and will last into the summer months with the proper care.
POLYWOOD’s collection of all-weather planters fits porches of all shapes and sizes. Tall flower containers to bookend your front door, long planter boxes to hold kitchen herbs, and even planters with connecting benches—all crafted with Genuine POLYWOOD™ lumber that resists fading, mold, and mildew, and never needs refinishing.
Add plant-based privacy to your porch by filling the surrounding landscaping with dense bushes and shrubs. Red twig dogwoods, arborvitae trees, lilacs, and other greenery keep your solitude and style intact.
4. Dark and Light Front Porch Color Palette
Make a bold statement with a monochromatic outdoor color scheme. Black rocking chairs complement the dark hues of the brick and window trim, which contrasts nicely against this home's bright white exterior. The planters' pop of color and texture adds an extra level of intrigue to the scene.
Fun, funky, and a prime conversation-starter, bohemian style is perfect for any place where family and friends gather. Rocking chairs can imbue this eclectic—just be sure to shop for colorful, all-weather styles. Accent the space with macrame art, soft cushions, and patterned rugs to add texture.
6. Outdoor Lighting
A well-lit front porch lets your family relax in the fresh air after the sun goes down. Here are some bright ideas:
Browse thrift shops and flea markets, and buy from local artisans and small businesses to find the perfect porch decor. You can find one-of-a-kind treasures: patio tables, outdoor lanterns, urns, area rugs, and even pottery. With this approach, the journey is just as fun as the destination.
PRO TIP:
Try shopping at home. Using what you already have is another easy way to stick to your budget while minimizing waste. Give the wooden ladder in your garage a second chance as a cute new display, or create a green wreath with leafy branches and other natural elements found in your backyard.
8. DIY Decorations
Roll up your sleeves, folks. It's arts and crafts time for adults. Here are a few front porch ideas to warm up your imagination.
Stencil your house numbers on flower pots filled with bright yellow blooms.
Got an old chair with a missing seat? Fill the empty space with soil and flowers to create a whimsical planter
Construct rustic wall art using old window frames.
Transform pre-loved shutters or wooden pallets into vertical container gardens.
Fill glass jars with fairy lights or flameless candles to cast a delicate glow from your coffee table.
9. Vertical Gardens
If your porch is on the smaller side, grow a vertical garden on the wall. The streamlined system occupies minimal floor space while adding life and color to your outdoor look.
PRO TIP:
Use a POLYWOOD rectangle box planter as the base for your vertical garden—its durable design can easily handle the weight of the trellis, plants, and soil.
10. Front Porch Ceiling Decor
If your front porch is covered, take advantage of the added ceiling. Suspend an outdoor swing from a sturdy beam or joist, install hooks for wind chimes and hanging planters, or put up strings of outdoor lights. If your porch is not covered, install a retractable awning to have shade whenever you want.
11. Front Door Decorations
Decorating your front door is a fun way to make a statement on your porch. You can complete this project in one weekend and enjoy it all season long. Give it a new wood stain or white paint coat, and flank the doorframe with potted plants. Once the door is fully dry, hang a cheerful welcome sign or spring wreath for a pop of color.
The days may be getting longer, but the spring weather can still be iffy. Take precautions by investing in furniture with built-in storage space. When the April showers start, you can quickly stow your blankets, cushions, games, and lightweight decor.
If your mail and packages are delivered directly to your door, style a pretty post box on your wall and a container for large parcels beneath it. They’ll keep your items out of the rain (because no one likes picking up wet envelopes) and offer another outlet for creativity, as you can paint them to match your porch color scheme.
14. Doormats
Lay a durable doormat before your front door to welcome guests while keeping dust and dirt outside. Many styles are available, so you can pick one that matches your porch theme and shows your personality. Have fun here by choosing a design sporting a cheeky phrase or spring-inspired floral pattern.
15. Rocking Chairs
It’s hard to beat the timeless look of a rocking chair. The gentle back-and-forth motion keeps you comfortable for hours, so you can continue to watch the spring flowers bloom and enjoy their scent in the breeze. But scenes like these are better when shared, so set up a rocking chair set and take in the view alongside a loved one.
A few seat cushions and throw pillows will add color to your porch and bring extra comfort to your furniture. Not sure where to start? Here are a few hue combinations our team is loving for spring:
The soothing sway of a large daybed swing beckons you to settle in, slow down, and take it easy. With plenty of snuggle-up space bolstered by supportive cushions, this substantial swing will turn your porch into a cozy outdoor dreamscape.
These entertaining essentials play many roles, from drink holders to plant stands. If you have a cozy corner on your porch where your family loves to read or study, invest in an Adirondack set with a coordinating side table—an ideal spot for lamps, snacks, or drinks. For added convenience, place a side table by the front door. This offers space to set items down and easily open the door.
April showers bring May flowers and mud. If you don’t have a mudroom, and the front door is your most-used entrance, place a bench or two on your porch where guests can sit and take off their shoes. Pick benches in all-weather materials that clean easily with a quick spray from your garden hose.
20. Adirondack Chairs
While Adirondacks are the unofficial chair of summer, that doesn’t mean you can’t start enjoying them earlier. With reclined backs you can lean into, wide drink-ready armrests, and body-hugging contours, these seats will transform your front porch into your happy place.
Thoroughly cleaning your outdoor spaces is an essential step to take before starting any decorating projects. Give your porch a once-over to see if it needs some TLC, and use the checklist below to get it back in tip-top shape.
Clean and sanitize outdoor furniture.
Spot clean outdoor pillows and cushions.
Dust ceilings, walls, fans, and lights.
Wash windows and light fixture covers.
Dust and rinse window screens.
Sweep floors and outdoor rugs.
Scrub floors, walls, and doors.
Tidy up landscaping.
FAQs
How do you protect outdoor decor?
To protect outdoor decor, it’s essential to use waterproof and fade-resistant materials. For wooden furniture, apply exterior paint and sealers that can withstand the elements. For fabric items like cushions and pillows, consider spray-on sealants that guard against moisture and UV damage. Investing in durable outdoor materials, such as metal, plastic, or treated wood, can also reduce the need for protective measures.
What do you put on a front porch?
Your front porch should be inviting and functional. Consider including comfortable outdoor seating, vibrant pots of flowers, a welcome mat or sign, and possibly a water fountain. These elements create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests.
How do you make a front porch look inviting?
To enhance your front porch’s appeal, try these ideas:
Incorporate inviting seating like rocking chairs or swings.
Add a basket of blankets for cooler days.
Use colorful plants in unique pots for added charm.
Install outdoor lanterns or string lights for soft lighting.
Layer a large outdoor rug to add warmth and texture.
What can I hang on my porch?
You can hang several decorative items on your porch to enhance its appeal, including:
Baskets filled with seasonal flowers
Wind chimes
Outdoor lanterns
Decorative signs
String lights or fairy lights
Wind spinners
Does a front porch add value to a home?
Yes, adding a front porch can significantly boost your home's curb appeal and overall value. It not only extends your usable living space but also provides a functional area for enjoying the outdoors, even in less favorable weather conditions. Front porches are often seen as desirable features by potential buyers.
Cait is an Indiana-based creative content writer who has been with POLYWOOD since 2020. She’s a Purdue alumna, a proud logophile (word nerd), and an advocate of the Oxford comma. In her free time, Cait loves gardening, cooking, running, camping, and spending time with her husband and four fur children.