30 Pretty Porch Ideas for the Perfect At-Home Escape

David A. Land

Whether you're looking to entertain, dine, or just relax, these porch design ideas are guaranteed to inspire your space. Get ready to enjoy the outdoors in style in screened-in porches, backyard porches, and more.

Start Slideshow

1 of 30

Bring Nature In

Jason Donnelly

The ideal summer entertaining space combines the best of indoors (comfortable and bug-free) and outdoors (green and breezy). This screen porch does exactly that using DIY projects, casual decor, and plants. A trellis made from wood slats painted green supports potted climbing mandevilla plants to obscure what’s outside and still let in light.

Related: How to Install a Porch Screen

2 of 30

Farmhouse Porch Furniture

Edmund Barr

Create a farmhouse porch with casual style, an open design, and cool comfort. Relaxed decor adds style without overshadowing your porch's natural architecture. This porch features black and white rocking chairs, rustic pendant porch lights, and simple farmhouse furniture.

3 of 30

Mid-century Modern Porch Decor

Greg Scheidemann

Covered porch ideas span from cottage style to contemporary. Add a modern vibe to a summer porch design with retro patio furniture and a geometric area rug. A basic mid-century pendant provides lighting for late-night entertaining.

4 of 30

The Pink Moment

Coral color flashes across the Ojai, CA, sky most nights at dusk. It’s called the Pink Moment and, though fleeting, it left an impression in this covered and screened porch. Building on the freshly painted navy-black floors and flat white walls, the space was animated with rosy pink on an exterior door, a rug, and throw pillows.

5 of 30

Light and Breezy

David A. Land

Create airy summer porch decor by incorporating furniture with slim silhouettes. Wicker and bamboo designs are easy to move indoors and outdoors with the changing season, plus they keep small porches bright and lofty. When considering screen porch plans, look for designs with windows that stretch from floor to ceiling to visually expand your space.

6 of 30

The Right Proportion

Greg Schiedemann

The right proportion of fruity pastel furnishings and accents turns this cool, shady porch into a warm, comfy retreat. A 60:30:10 ratio of three neighboring hues keeps the scene tranquil. Light pink covers the largest area for a calm foundation. Yellow appears on roughly a third of the surfaces for a warm layer, and small doses of vivid fuchsia add contrast.

7 of 30

Tons of Texture

Tria Giovan

Add dimension to your porch with different textures and patterns. Lots of wood—in different grains and beam sizes—creates contrast without getting cluttered. Accessorize with common colors but different patterns, like graphic black-and-white striped pillows and geometric porch rugs.

8 of 30

Consider New Colors

Dustin Peck

Porch ideas for summer don't have to be complicated. Sometimes a simple swap of the color palette can make your design feel fresh again. With a neutral base of gray and beige, it's easy to inject little pops of color, like the citrus tones of lemon and lime featured on the seating of this summer porch.

9 of 30

To Dine For

David A. Land

A dream porch should be designed around function. This particular space was built for outdoor dining. Wall-to-wall screens keep bugs at bay, while a vintage white dining set welcomes guests for a cozy summer meal.

10 of 30

Happy Hues

Richard Leo Johnson

Looking for porch paint ideas? Try a pretty mix of pastels. A gray painted floor and white surroundings allow splashes of turquoise, pink, and violet to do the talking. Chippy finishes give this summer porch pretty patina.

11 of 30

Boho Porch Inspiration

Ann VanderWiel Wilde / The Wilde Project

If you're decorating a patio for summer, look for materials that can withstand rain, mist, dew, and humidity. Covered front porch designs, as well as screened-in porches, allow for more variety in fabrics. This bohemian-inspired open porch features a Mediterranean rug, leather pouf, wooden room divider, and macrame lighting for interesting texture.

12 of 30

Pretty Porch Swing

Adam Albright

Pretty yet practical, porch swings are a fun addition to any outdoor area. Family and friends of all ages will enjoy curling up with a good book or gently rocking to the summer breeze. Add extra appeal to your porch swing with a bright coat of paint—plus some funky throw pillows—to welcome guests before they even step through the door.

13 of 30

Casual Fun

Brie Williams

The vibrant colors on the furnishings and pillows energize the dark wood of this covered porch. The lively mix of colors balances the rich tones of the wood ceiling and shingle siding. A colorful and cozy swing bed keeps the space casual and fun.

14 of 30

High Porch Ceiling

Brie Williams

The view from your porch is breathtaking, so why not enjoy it year-round? The screens on this covered porch make it easy to stay cozy on cooler nights, while a vaulted ceiling keeps you dry. A vintage chandelier adds charm and gentle porch lighting.

15 of 30

Let There Be Light

John Bessler

Consider adding skylights to bring extra sources of light to a dark porch. For extra circulation, vent the skylights to increase airflow. This porch also includes glass-front doors that boost the amount of light passing from exterior to interior spaces.

Related: Porch Lighting Ideas

16 of 30

Create a Theme

Matthew Benson

Bright colors and a weathered patina welcome visitors to this cheery porch. Flea market finds, such as an old stepladder, a detailed mirror, and a pair of directors' chairs, give the space an eclectic vibe. To ensure collected accessories look unified, choose a consistent color palette and stick to it throughout the entire space.

Related: More DIY Porch Ideas

17 of 30

Natural Extension

Robert Brinson

Create a seamless transition to an outdoor sitting area by paying the same attention to detail as you would when decorating indoors. Here, the variation in tile size adds interest and a subtle hint of pattern to this clean porch design, columns add architectural support and a classical vibe, and a beaded-board ceiling adds texture. Two porch ceiling fans circulate air and keep the space cool and refreshing.

18 of 30

Year-Round Use

Werner Straube

If you live in a more temperate climate, enjoy your porch throughout the year by adding screens and a fireplace. Here, light-color bricks on the fireplace surround echo the surfacing of the home. The hearth is surrounded by plenty of seating, ensuring a large group of guests can enjoy the comforts of the porch fireplace.

19 of 30

Summer Porch Inspiration

Adam Albright

Make over a covered porch to fit the season by copying this home's summer porch decorating ideas. Bring out colorful pillows and a plush swing cushion for cozy seating. Vibrant flowers and summer patio plants bring nature into the mix. A pallet coffee table on casters allows for entertaining on the fly.

Related: How to Build a Porch Swing

20 of 30

Spark a Conversation

Brie Williams

To be supremely functional, the best-designed front porches have conversation areas—one seat across from another, some facing out to the yard, some facing in toward the house. Those seats should be relaxing and welcoming, as well as suited to your personal preference. This screen porch has the look and feel of a living room with pillow-adorned wicker furniture and a fireplace.

21 of 30

Lay the Plans

Gordon Beall

When planning your porch, consider the style of your house and how you'll want to use the space. Do you want screens? A dining table? How about lighting? Answering all of these questions will help you determine the size, shape, and layout of the porch. For a front porch, plan for it to be at least 8 feet deep and 16-20 feet wide. Have an electrician install any outdoor circuits, outlets, and switches for electronics.

22 of 30

Moving Out Back

Robert Brinson

Bring a party outdoors by extending living space off the back of your home. This simple porch design features beautiful stone tiling and brick trim tiles, classic columns, and French doors. The furniture looks airy with exposed legs, which also helps make the most of the small space.

Related: Best Back Porch Design Ideas

23 of 30

Finding Inspiration

Tria Giovan

Consider your home's architectural style and incorporate those elements into your porch design. The classic design of this porch perfectly complements the home's Italian villa-inspired style. Rounded archways and heavy stone surfacing create a comfortable, rustic setting. Plenty of lighting and a large fireplace ensure gatherings can last well into the night.

24 of 30

Blending In

John Bessler

Capture the beauty of woodland surroundings with a porch built among the trees. This home's woodsy surroundings are carried onto the porch through weathered wooden ceiling beams and furniture built from tree branches and sticks. Simple fabric ensures the focus will be on the great outdoors rather than the porch decor.

25 of 30

Setting a Style

Brie Williams

If you live in an older home, look to the structure's original elements for porch inspiration. Comfortable wicker furniture blends seamlessly with this home's horizontal railings and barn red exterior. The throw pillows keep the color palette consistent and are a welcoming accent to the seating area.

Related: How to Paint Wicker Furniture

26 of 30

Space-Savers

John Bessler

Even if your porch is tiny, you can still make it functional. This small porch design idea makes the most of its narrow space with a long, skinny table and slender chairs. Window screens ensure this beachfront porch can be used all year long, rain or shine.

27 of 30

All in the Details

Emily Followill

Give a plain porch a boost of personality with the right details. This cottage-inspired porch design owes its look to a beaded-board ceiling, cool color palette, and eclectic furniture. To keep the vibe natural, electrical lighting is replaced with a hanging lantern and an army of candles.

28 of 30

Make It Friendly

Cameron Sadeghpour

A porch not only connects your interior with the exterior, but it can also connect your home with the rest of the neighborhood. Make your porch beautiful and welcoming, and make sure to allow plenty of space for you and your company. This porch, outfitted with cheery colors and playful patterns, provides the perfect warm-weather gathering spot for friends and family.

29 of 30

Add It On

Ryann Ford

If your home is located somewhere with a chilly winter climate, adding a sunroom is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Sunrooms add versatility throughout the year since windows can be replaced with screens in warm months. This small sunroom makes the most of a tight space with airy furniture and a neutral color palette.

30 of 30

Sleep On It

Robert Brinson

Allow the sounds of crickets and a cool breeze to lull you to sleep on a calm summer night with a sleeping porch. Extend the comforts of the indoors with indoor-outdoor light fixtures, fabrics, and furniture. Ensure bugs and other critters aren't an issue by installing window screens.

Replay gallery

Account

More

30 Pretty Porch Ideas for the Perfect At-Home Escape

1 of 30

Bring Nature In

1 of 30

2 of 30

Farmhouse Porch Furniture

2 of 30

3 of 30

Mid-century Modern Porch Decor

3 of 30

4 of 30

The Pink Moment

4 of 30

5 of 30

Light and Breezy

5 of 30

6 of 30

The Right Proportion

6 of 30

7 of 30

Tons of Texture

7 of 30

8 of 30

Consider New Colors

8 of 30

9 of 30

To Dine For

9 of 30

10 of 30

Happy Hues

10 of 30

11 of 30

Boho Porch Inspiration

11 of 30

12 of 30

Pretty Porch Swing

12 of 30

13 of 30

Casual Fun

13 of 30

14 of 30

High Porch Ceiling

14 of 30

15 of 30

Let There Be Light

15 of 30

16 of 30

Create a Theme

16 of 30

17 of 30

Natural Extension

17 of 30

18 of 30

Year-Round Use

18 of 30

19 of 30

Summer Porch Inspiration

19 of 30

20 of 30

Spark a Conversation

20 of 30

21 of 30

Lay the Plans

21 of 30

22 of 30

Moving Out Back

22 of 30

23 of 30

Finding Inspiration

23 of 30

24 of 30

Blending In

24 of 30

25 of 30

Setting a Style

25 of 30

26 of 30

Space-Savers