Embrace Symmetry

A streamlined, symmetrical design can help a small front porch appear larger.

Outfit the space with a pair of simple chairs accessorized with matching pillows on either side of the door.

Look for round, accent-size tables (no angles mean better traffic flow).

house with gray siding and charcoal door and white columns

Credit: Brie Williams

A small area rug underfoot gives the space a cozier feel.

Here, thepillow fabricsrepeat the horizontal lines of the floor while sticking to a classic blue-and-white color scheme.

Perch them on aporch swingor other seating as an easy update.

orange chair on porch with blue doors

Credit: Richard Leo Johnson for Atlantic Archives Inc

Luckily, small front porches can utilize the same principle.

Have a few square feet in a corner?

Tuck in two comfortable chairs and put down a petite area rug for a relaxing conversation nook.

Porch with table, chairs, blue vase

Pay careful attention to plant labels at the nursery or home improvement store and opt fordwarf or midsize options.

Those scaled-down plants add restrained structure and beauty to a small front porch.

Use similar plants, color schemes, or architectural details throughout to connect the spaces.

flea market project on porch

Credit: Laurie Black Photography

A small table can offer personality-driven color as well as a practical spot for glasses and plates during meals.

Use soft window treatments to create intimacy andblock any unsightly views.

Use appropriate sizes of containers orhanging basketsto help.

Porch swing with pillows and flowers

Credit: Adam Albright

Plant trailing flowers in hues that tie together your color scheme andblend the hardscape with landscape.

Pastel colors are a natural fit to foster a light, open feel.

Add a Porch Swing

Motion furniture makes lazing away the day so much more enjoyable.

Front porch with outdoor seating and pillows

Credit: Gordon Beall

And can you think of a better spot for morning coffee or a chat with a good friend.

Secure your porch swing to the ceiling joists.

Just arrange threeoutdoor armchairsin a U shape around a small coffee table and voila.

bright yellow front door on house with blue siding and plants

Credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

That’s exactly what fabric designer and gallerist Teresa Roche did for her South Carolina porch.

home exterior porch flower landscaping

Credit: Tria Giovan Photography, Inc.

Porch with wicker furniture and rolling coffee table

Credit: Marty Baldwin

Porch with cactus, rolling cart

Credit: Kim Cornelison

Front entryway with pillars and stone walkway

Credit: Gordon Beall

white exterior with green door

Credit: Brie Williams

porch-yellow-swing-bold-patterns-colors-decor-cb06571c

Credit: Blaine Moats

Teresa Roche on front porch

Credit:Brie Williams; Interior design: Teresa Roche