Get the Perfect Porch With These Easy Tips

Did you know that around 58% of adults spend at least half an hour outside each day? Being outside provides you with so many benefits. You’ll feel more relaxed and at peace as you soak in the sunshine. 

Spending time outside doesn’t have to involve a major activity like hiking or mountain biking. Drinking a cup of coffee or enjoying your lunch on your porch is a great way to spend time outside. You can spend time on your porch, whether it’s hot or cold, depending on how you set up your outdoor space. 

Today we’re going to talk about our top tips on how to get a perfect porch. Create an outdoor oasis where you and your family enjoy spending time. 

Add Plenty of Throw Blankets and Pillows

Blankets and pillows are wonderful for adding a touch of comfort and softness to your porch. They’re just as useful as they are pretty to look at. Sometimes you might need a light blanket over your legs if you’re hanging out on your porch in the morning or evening. 

You can also add pops of color with pillows and blankets. Whatever colors you add should complement the exterior of your house. 

Most outdoor pillows are made from traditional cotton. You can treat the pillows with a water seal that’s designed for fabric. The water seal will repel water and reduce how much humidity the pillow absorbs. Wash your pillows before spring starts so you know that they’re ready to enjoy for months to come. 

Make Sure You Have Enough Shade

While your porch should have a roof above it, there are ways you can add more shade for you and your guests. Sunlight might stream in from the side or front of your porch. Your porch’s roof won’t be able to help from that type of sun. 

One easy way to add shade is with a retractable awning. You can work with Cherry Hill retractable awning companies to find a fabric and design option that fits your aesthetic. Retractable awnings are a good choice because you can use them as you need them. 

Explore Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is key for your front porch. You want to make sure you have enough light to see when you come home in the evening. Various outdoor lighting options help you set the mood and enjoy being outside when it’s dark. 

Don’t be limited by the usual sconce you see by the front or back door. Install chandeliers and other lights onto the ceiling of your porch. You can also get a ceiling fan that also functions as a light. You can use it to cool down your patio as well. 

Candles are another good way to add more lighting while giving your space a romantic, cozy feel. Clear string lights come in a variety of lengths and styles. You can hang them from the beams along the side of your porch. 

Add a Wreath to Your Front Door

Wreaths add pizzazz and personality to your front door and porch. You can make a wreath yourself or buy one at your local crafts store. A great thing about wreaths is they can get customized to fit the seasons. 

Hang a wreath full of bright blooms on your door during the summer and spring months. Swap it out with a wreath made from evergreens and twigs when it starts to get cold. You can personalize your wreath even more by adding a wooden letter that matches your last name. 

Create Comfortable Seating Spaces

Having comfy places to sit on your porch is one of the most important things you need. Before you start buying furniture, think about what you want to use your porch for. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I need spaces for daytime naps?
• How many people will be sitting out here?
• Will I need to table to eat or work off of?

You can create multiple seating arrangements, depending on how big your porch is. Design intimate gatherings where you and your loved ones can spend time together. 

Take the time to sit on the furniture before you pull the trigger. If you want a soft, comfy settee to sink into, you might not want to purchase wicker furniture. Think about your needs and goals for the space first. 

You should also make a space to serve food and drinks. While you could have a table for you and your guests to eat off, it might not be large enough to fit your plates and serving trays. Explore having a small hutch or side table nestled in a corner where you can place food. 

Plant Lots of Greenery and Flowers

Your porch won’t be complete until you add flowers and greenery. Plants and flowers add texture and life. Like with pillows and blankets, you can incorporate personality and color into your space by planting a few things. 

Porches are a great place to hang baskets from the rafters or beams. You can plant some trailing flowers or greenery, such as:

• Calibrachoa
• Lobelia
• Bacopa
• Fuchsia
• Begonia
• Verbena
• Petunia
• Tomatoes
• Strawberries
• Creeping Jenny

In addition to hanging baskets, you can also scatter pots and planters around your porch. Just be sure to read how much sunlight or shade your plants need. You don’t want your plants to fry in the sun or freeze during the winter. Many flowers you might choose will be annuals, so they’ll die at the end of the season. 

You can also install shelves on the walls of your porch if you have enough space. This gives you another place to put pots or other decor items. 

Design a Beautiful Porch to Fit Your Lifestyle

You should give your front porch as much attention as you give the rest of your house. Your porch needs to be an extension of your living space. Take advantage of the additional square footage by creating an oasis for you and your family to enjoy. 

Did you find this blog helpful? DIY Daddy has countless tips on projects you can do with you and your family to improve your home. Check out another one of our articles for inspiration.