Our Favorite Front Porch Ideas for Summer

Summer is almost here, and there's no better time to spruce up your front porch than right now. Whether that means repainting your porch rails or installing a swing, a welcoming porch is essential to laidback summer living. "Summer is all about being outside," says Rebecca Hawkins, head buyer at Celadon Home. "And your porch is a prime spot for entertaining and hanging out." That's especially true now, in the age of COVID-19, when the safest form of socially-distant visits happen outdoors.

So, what can you do to update this space now so that it's ready for a summer of use? Start by looking at ways to ensure your porch is inviting and charming. "Above all else, a well-decorated summer porch should be a relaxing place to be," says Hawkins. "It should feel like you've brought the warmth of your interior outdoors."

A summer porch should also be a place where you can comfortably gather family members and friends. "Dining al fresco on the porch is a great excuse to step up your outdoor table setting and create an oasis where your guests can kick back in," Hawkins says. "Look for dining tables and chairs composed of solid teak wood that naturally weather into a beautiful grey patina when exposed to outdoor elements over time." Of course, no summer-friendly porch would be complete without plenty of lush greenery. "Whether you hang up planters or plant hydrangeas in pots, the more greenery on your porch the better," Hawkins says.

Searching for some more ideas for updating your porch this summer? Here are some foolproof ways to turn your porch into an outdoor oasis in no time.

Nothing says summer quite like a good old-fashioned porch swing. Bring your current seating off the ground by hooking it to the roof of your porch with some rope and heavy duty hanging hooks, or invest in a brand-new swing to make your whole porch feel light and airy.

Few things are as pivotal to enjoying a front porch in the summertime as a ceiling fan. Incorporating one into your porch's décor is key to enjoyable outdoor entertaining. 

There's no such thing as too much greenery when decorating your porch for summer. Layer in as many plants as possible to forge a naturally lush and seasonal porch.

Not working with a ton of space to set planters on your porch? Do yourself (and your porch) a favor and make your very own wire hanging baskets so you can show off your houseplants in style.

What's more relaxing than lounging outside on something soft, cool, and comfy? Instead of traditional outdoor seating, invest in an all-weather daybed with a canvas mattress cover so you can read, nap, and drink frozen margaritas on your porch all summer long.

"Update the throw pillows on your porch for an instant refresh," Hawkins says. "Rotate them out seasonally, showcasing brighter colors during the summer."

A reliable sitting stool can provide some much-needed seating when entertaining guests on your porch this summer. Make your own customized camp stool to forge a convenient seat that doubles as a side table for your porch.

"Bring some indoor elements outside by adding an outdoor rug to your porch to help define the space," Hawkins says. "Rugs made of 100 percent PET, a recycled plastic, are fade resistant and easy to clean. You can even spray them down with a hose!"

Whether you choose to DIY or buy one, a fire pit is the perfect addition to any front porch. 

A crisp coat of exterior paint can go a long way when updating your porch for summer. Whether you repaint your trim and window shudders or just touch up your porch rails, a fresh coat of paint will make your whole porch look brand new.

Transform a traditional porch trellis into a sparkly summer oasis with nothing more than string lights. Wrap a few strands around your porch's post columns for an instant touch of drama or cover your entire trellis in hanging lantern lights to soften up your porch lighting for summer.

Never underestimate the impact of well-placed topiaries on your front porch. Employ a pair on either side of your front door to make a sleek (and symmetrical) statement without overpowering the rest of the area, or make your own for a fun summer DIY project.

Painting a porch ceiling can actually make the space feel bigger and brighter, as long as you choose the right color.