If you have a front porch but find it to be lacking and boring, you might be wondering how to add some life to it. It may feel overwhelming but there are some things to try to increase curb appeal and make this area of your home more welcoming and comfortable. Here are a few ways to make your front porch more inviting:

1. Build a Better Front Porch

If your home doesn’t currently have much when it comes to a front porch, building one can make a big difference in the overall exterior of your home. Not only does this help increase your home value and boost curb appeal, but it also can help make your entryway more comfortable and inviting. If the front porch will be big enough for seating, then you also have the added bonus of a new functional outdoor living space.

2. Dress Up or Replace Your Door

If your door is showing wear and tear, is outdated or damaged, or just doesn’t match your home, these are all signs your door needs to be replaced. Not only does a new entry door protect your home better, but it also improves curb appeal and can help make your front porch more inviting.

While you can replace your door year-round and summer is a great time to replace your doors and windows, it’s not necessary to replace it if it doesn’t need to be replaced. It could be that your door just needs a little extra care and attention.

If you’re looking for a noticeable change, you can paint your door. Choose a contrasting trim around the door so the door pops. If you need inspiration, take a drive through your neighborhood and pay attention to door styles on similarly-styled homes.

If you don’t want to paint, you can add some new hardware to your door for a subtle upgrade. Changing out your door hardware for something trendier or higher quality is an affordable way to add a personal touch. Plus, adding exterior decorative details in this way is a popular home renovation trend.

3. Change Light Fixtures

Lighting is so important in making your front porch feel more inviting and it’s a popular exterior home remodeling idea. Proper outdoor lighting can add to the outdoor living experience in the evening. Make sure to layer different lighting to ensure the right level of lighting for any situation.

A porch that is well-lit is also an important safety measure as it prevents tripping and stumbling in the dark and it may also help to prevent possible break-ins. You might also want to think about adding pathway lights leading up to the front porch. Adding some outdoor lighting like motion sensors is a helpful home security tip.

4. Fix or Add Railings

Railings are important for porches to keep everyone safe. If your railings are old and in need of repair, upgrade this part of your porch. Cracking, splintering, and loose posts are all signs it’s time to replace porch railings.

Replacing or adding extra railings adds a level of security to your home. For long-lasting railings, think about vinyl railings. This type of material is durable and comes in many styles and color options. Easier maintenance is also one of the benefits of vinyl railing.

5. Expand Your Porch

If you have a small porch but would like a larger area, think about expanding the porch. Adding more space to your porch is a popular summer home improvement project that can give you a better outdoor living area. A bigger porch with more space will create an inviting place to entertain.

You can even ask to expand your current porch so it wraps around the side of your home. This will allow you to create zones of living space. Make sure you have plenty of comfortable seating available. Not only is this a popular outdoor living trend, but it gives your porch a lived-in atmosphere, inviting people to relax.

6. Add Seating

Provided your porch has the space for it, one of the top ways to make your front porch more inviting is to add seating. Depending on how much space you have available and how you want to use your front porch, you can create a cozy, comfortable corner for chatting or a larger more social entertainment area. Adding new patio furniture or upgrading to more comfortable seating are ways to upgrade a patio that you can use to make your front porch more comfortable as well.

7. Add More Shade

Whether a backyard patio or a front porch, adding some sort of cover makes a big difference and can make a front porch more inviting. In addition to shade and some relief from heat, a cover over your front porch also provides weather protection.

These are all benefits of aluminum patio covers that also apply to other solid roof options for your front porch. You can add a permanent cover, extend the roof for a more seamless look and feel, or even explore awnings. Permanent covers or roof extensions tend to be more common for front porches, but it all depends on what’s right for your home and your porch.

8. Upgrade Steps

If you don’t have much in the way of steps leading up to your porch or your current steps are causing issues, upgrading your steps can go a long way in improving your front porch while also making it safer.

And, if you’ll be having a contractor work on your steps anyway, you can take the opportunity to make additional improvements. Perhaps you’ve always wanted wider, deeper stairs or stairs that aren’t as steep? Maybe you want to add or extend a walkway?

These are also ideas for deck stairs that you can consider for your front porch steps. Starting on a project like this is a good opportunity to take a moment, consider your steps and your home, and then work with your contractor to get something you want and really like.

9. Add a Ramp

If you’re already considering upgrading or replacing your steps, also consider whether you would also want a ramp. If you’re already planning to overhaul your front porch, a ramp can help make your home more accessible, more inviting, and more comfortable.

One option is to add a ramp in addition to continuing to have steps. Another option is to turn your steps into a ramp. If this is something you want, your contractor can work with you to help you determine what options you have and what would work best for your needs, home, etc.

10. Consider a Porch Swing

If you have the room for it, a porch swing can be a great addition to your front porch. You’ll want to make sure a porch swing is properly and securely anchored. If this is something you want while overhauling your front porch, make sure your contractor is aware so they can take it into consideration and make sure you have what you need.

If you don’t want to worry about securely hanging a porch swing, you can opt for a hammock with a base if you have the space for it. This will give you the porch swing feel without having to worry about anchoring from the ceiling.

11. Decorate!

Once you have the front porch you want and no more construction or remodeling is required, decorations are fantastic ways to make your front porch more inviting. Welcome mats and front door decor are popular front door decor ideas and are classic front porch decorations. Even simply replacing house numbers can make a big difference.

You can add planters and plants for a touch of color and greenery. You can include decorative lanterns for ambient lighting that add a unique look. Switching out or adding some seasonal decor can also improve the overall look and feel and make your front porch feel more inviting and comfortable.

If your front porch has a good cover and you’ll be including seating, you can also add outdoor rugs. If you are planning to kick back and relax on your front porch, an outdoor rug can add some serious comfort. It can also double as decor if you choose rugs with pops of color or interesting patterns.

Upgrade Your Front Porch With Zephyr Thomas

These are just a few ways to make your front porch feel more inviting. Hopefully, these ideas inspire you but if no amount of decorating makes your house feel like home, you might want to consider a remodeling project. If you think you’re ready to begin a home improvement project, give Zephyr Thomas a call at 717-399-4708!

Take a look at the video below to see the Zephyr Thomas team adding a small front porch to this home!