Front porch furniture ideas – 10 ways to a stylish, functional space
2. Create symmetry
On a traditional home, create symmetry by choosing the same furniture setup for either side of your front door, which reflects the refined nature of classic architecture.
At the former home of Gray Malin, the artist chose a rattan Serena & Lily bench for each side of his front porch, adding a touch of variability with mismatched pillow sets.
1. Create conversation
A ring of outdoor armchairs fosters conversation, turning the front porch into a go-to gathering spot for summer catch-ups with friends and neighbors.
'In the South front porches are more than a place to drop a package or be protected from the rain passing to the front door,' says Atlanta-based interior designer Tish Mills. 'The front porch is a gathering spot to watch neighbors go by or watch the children play in the front yard. I typically include some sort of seating whether it be a full seating arrangement or a bench. It not only welcomes a visitor and sets the tone for the home, but also serves as a place to sit a while.'
3. Choose rocking chairs
There's a reason for the term 'rocking chair porch.' A large front porch just begs for a row of rockers (for a small front porch, one or two chairs work just as well) that can be used to take in the neighborhood or admire the gardens on a summer evening. For added comfort and style, finish the look with cushions and lumbar pillows that complement the colors of your home.
4. Incorporate wicker
Wicker is the classic choice for outdoor furniture, and has been a front porch staple for decades. It's beautiful and durable, and suits a variety of porch styles.
For a more modern look that doesn't feel like something passed on from your great Aunt, choose wicker pieces with clean lines and streamlined silhouettes, and pair them with contemporary accent furnishings.
5. Hang a porch swing
Besides rocking chairs, a porch swing is the quintessential choice for front-porch furniture. For a uniform look, choose a swing style that suits the architecture of your home.
'My favorite layouts [for front porch furniture] would be a simple lounge area with either of the following pieces, Adirondack chairs, swinging chairs which hang from the home, or two chairs and one sofa with cushions,' says Kate Anne Gross, of Kate Anne Designs, who used this rope-style swing for a client's California porch.
6. Try bamboo furniture
Bamboo furniture is another outdoor classic, with distinctly vintage vibes. It adds character and contrast to a new construction home, like this one by Evans Architects. At the same time, the look can easily complement a boho craftsman cottage, a classic Georgian home, and various porch paint and colors by choosing cushion fabric or throw pillows that suit your home's style.
7. Hang a daybed
Give the classic porch swing an upgrade with a hanging daybed, instead. The larger space invites lounging (perfect for summer afternoon naps), and creates more room for decorative throw pillows and cushions, which helps turn the swing into a style feature, too.
For a nautical look, skip the chains and hand the swing by sturdy rope, instead.
8. Use Adirondack chairs
Want to enhance your beach house decor, cabin decor or a rustic Craftsman house? Then you can't go wrong with Adirondack chairs. Adirondack chairs are comfortable, long-lasting, and low maintenance on a front porch. Plus, you can tailor the look to your home's exterior depending on the color of chair you choose.
Unfished wood options work well for cabins and craftsmen, while white or blue suits coastal homes.
9. Create a dining area
Traditionally, front porches are used for small conversation areas or rows of rocking chairs, but if your front porch is your best outdoor living area, there's no rule that says you can't use it as a dining space.
Looking for advice for outdoor dining ideas? For a larger area, opt for an all weather, full size dining table, and for smaller spaces, try a bistro table and a pair of coordinating chairs.
10. Swing in style
A bench-style porch swing might be the classic choice, but a bamboo hanging chair offers just as much fun with an updated look. The popular porch chairs are guaranteed to the coveted seat when guests come over, so hang a few in a row to accommodate your crew, and create greater visual impact.
These front porch furniture ideas blend good looks with practicality to help you create the ultimate outdoor space this season.