Outdoor spaces increase your home’s livable square footage, so it’s important to take advantage of the extra room. Even if you have a small porch, there are great opportunities to turn your porch into a beautiful living room. Turning a small porch into a stylish and functional outdoor space is very doable; it’s about knowing what to place where in the most visually appealing and effective way. Front seating ideas, plants, accessories and decorating ideas on a budget can all help you maximize your outdoor space. Here are 12 neat ideas to help you get the most out of your small porch.
1. Embrace symmetry
A streamlined, symmetrical design can help a small porch look larger. Outfit the space with a pair of simple chairs with matching cushions on either side of the door. Flank the front steps with identical potted plants to achieve a balanced look that draws the eye without appearing too busy.
2. Use every inch of your small porch
Limited square footage should not hold you back from creating an inviting sitting area on the porch. Even if you only have a few extra feet next to the door, you probably have enough space for a cozy conversation corner. Choose lightweight, low-profile furniture that can be easily moved as needed, and use dual-purpose items such as stools that can double as side tables and extra seating.
3. Scale down outdoor furniture
For residents with small porches, oversized patio furniture can keep a space from feeling overwhelmed. Look for accent-sized round tables (no angles mean better traffic flow). For seating, choose comfortable chairs without arms to reduce visual bulk or sectional sofas that can be pulled apart as needed.
