DIY Design Ideas to Revive Your Narrow Porch
If you have a small, tired-looking front porch, don't despair. With some simple DIY projects and budget-friendly finds, you can give your narrow patio a whole new look.
Transforming small spaces can feel overwhelming, but small front porch ideas on a budget so you don't have to break the bank. Focus on a few clever updates like adding pops of color, maximizing vertical space, embracing textures, and working with what you have instead of starting from scratch.
Prepare Your Porch for a Makeover
Before decorating, prep your porch by cleaning thoroughly, making any needed structural repairs, and painting or staining the floor and railings.
- Drop cloths
- Paint brushes
- Paint/stain
- Wood filler
Prepping your surfaces properly and choosing budget-friendly paints or stains will save you money while still allowing you to refresh the base look.
Paint vs. Stain Considerations
When deciding whether to paint or stain, consider the current condition of your surfaces, your budget, and the look you're going for.
Paint provides more dramatic color transformation while stain enhances the natural wood grain. Weigh durability for high-traffic areas too.
Refresh the Look with a Bold Front Door
Giving your front door a fresh coat of paint in a vivid hue kicks your curb appeal up a notch without much effort or money.
Opt for a hue that complements your home's existing color scheme. Rustic red barn doors are trending for a reason--nothing says "welcome" like a pop of crimson!
Choosing a Complementary Color Scheme
Refer to the color wheel when selecting a door shade that works with your home's exterior colors. Analogous schemes use hues side-by-side on the wheel for harmonious combinations. Try bold but balanced triadic schemes instead for extra contrast.
For small porch ideas on a tight budget, a simple accent color for the door and a neutral exterior facade keep costs down.
Introduce Height with Vertical Greenery
Strategically placing plants, flowers and vines instantly livens up narrow porch spaces.
Install wall hooks, rods or trellises to showcase trailing greens. Position taller potted plants in the corners to soften hard edges and boundaries.
Good Plants for Narrow Porches
- Ivy
- Ferns
- Spider plants
- Jasmine
Aside from adding natural beauty, houseplants purify the air while vertical gardens maximize your square footage for a secluded bistro feel.
Use Lighting to Set the Mood
Outdoor lighting serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. Evaluate ambient mood lighting versus task lighting needs for narrow porch layouts.
Affordable Lighting Ideas
- Solar pathway lights
- Battery fairy lights
- Mason jar string lights
Creative string light ideas, like crisscrossed bunting or lattice patterns, add whimsical flair either day or night. Position solar pieces to illuminate steps and pathways.
Tap into small front porch decor ideas on a budget with inexpensive solar and LED collections available at most major retailers.
Add Style with Thrifted Decor Finds
Scope out secondhand stores and flea markets for one-of-a-kind porch accessories. Upcycling materials into new uses stretches your redecorating dollars creatively.
DIY Project Ideas
- Ladder turned plant stand
- Crates made into shelves
Give tired furniture or flea market finds new life with a coat of paint or stain. Mismatched chairs and tables tie together nicely with patterned cushions unified by color.
Incorporate Visual Interest with Textures & Colors
Work with the narrow proportions by decorating vertically. Paint ceiling beams or install wood-planked walls above the railing line.
Budget-Friendly Textures
- Coarse woven rugs
- Decorative patterned pillows
- Painted/stained wood crates
Echo colors from patterned cushions and pillows in your floor coverings. Flatten small spaces with consistent wall colors but add interest with natural textures and furnishings.
As you put final accents in place, clear away tools and leftover items. Stand back to evaluate sightlines and cohesion in your design choices before enjoying the fruits of your budget-savvy labor!