Front Porch Makeover On A Budget With Creative Ideas
Join me on an exciting journey as I unveil my front porch makeover on a budget. We’ll explore inventive concepts such as repurposing furniture, estate sale finds, and integrating cost-effective outdoor rugs to enhance our home’s curb appeal.
On my blog WM Design House, I may sometimes use affiliate links, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link. Read my full disclosure policy here.
How to Make Over Your Porch on a Budget
Embracing a fresh coat of paint, our entire house exudes a vibrant freshness, beckoning for a front porch transformation. The challenge? Elevate its charm without spending much money. In this blog post, I’m excited to share how I revitalized our front porch with inventive and cost-effective ideas. Let’s explore ways to create a welcoming front porch, proving that enhancing your home’s curb appeal need not be costly and will make a huge difference.
You can implement these ideas in your outdoor space, whether you have a large porch or a little porch.
Reviving Old Charm: Repurposing Furniture
I had so many ideas going through my head, looking for the easiest ways to accomplish my goals. We had lots of furniture, but now that our house was blue, the black outdoor furniture on the front porch would not look its best.
I was looking for creative ways to refurbish and repurpose what I had so I did not have to purchase new furniture.
First thing, I needed to assess the existing furniture I had.
I had a porch swing, a wooden bench, a black rocking chair, and a white wicker chair and ottoman a friend gave to me last summer. Plus, there are a few mismatched metal chairs I have had for a few years which are white.
The porch swing was in terrible shape and needed to be replaced. I have had it for over 15 years and have painted it several times, but the wicker rattan was falling apart.
I had intended to build a new swing (as that would have been the economical way to go), but my husband surprised me with this gorgeous swing for Christmas. And how was I to refuse this gorgeous gift!?
Refinishing the Bench
The wood bench was painted black, and I had a great idea to paint it white and give it a faux finish to look like the swing! We sanded, primed, and painted the bench a light beige and then gave it a wash of white paint. Adding a few different colors provides the bench with detail and texture.
I am always amazed at what a fresh coat of paint can do.
Refinishing the Rocking Chair
The rocking chair was an easy fix; again, we sanded it well and added a fresh coat of spray paint. (I like to use Rustoleum paint from Home Depot) this magically changed the look of the chair in about an hour.
Tip from wendy:
Be sure to sand the furniture well before painting. Use a heavy-duty sander and then go over your piece by hand with a fine sand paper.
Step onto Style: Outdoor Rugs and Doormats
Enhancing the coziness and welcoming ambiance of my front porch is a joy for me. I achieve this by adding rugs, which work wonders in making a small space feel inviting. For larger porches, I opt for area rugs to effectively define seating areas. Plus, a fresh welcome mat adds a perfect finishing touch.
Not only is it important to me that I love the visual look of my welcome mat, but it also needs to be highly functional. That is why I chose the Outlier door mat from Porte + Hall.
The Outlier
Don’t let the beautiful geometric pattern of the mat distract you. It’s more than just a pretty mat. The secret weapon is thousands of rubbery bristles that trap dirt and moisture. This way, the dirt and moisture stay outside where they belong.
I love that this rug is functional and decorative, but it does not detract from my space and matches my porch floor perfectly. I can quickly rinse the mat off with the hose, and when I am ready for a new one, Porte + Hall will recycle the rug for me. Even better, it comes in four beautiful colors.
To me, having an indoor doormat is just as crucial as having one outdoors.
When I open the door, I love having a new doormat with a pop of color to welcome guests into our home.
The Insider Mat in Maze from Porte + Hall is my first choice. It has an excellent thin profile with a slip-proof backing to keep it in place and comes in many fun colors and patterns. You can have one for every season.
The Insider Doormat
Green Elegance: Transforming the Porch with Plants
If you have a tight budget, you can revamp your porch by adding natural plants and DIY planters. It’s a cost-effective way to bring your outdoor space a fresh and vibrant look.
Choose affordable plant options and get creative with simple, stylish planters—think repurposed containers like an old basket or handmade wooden boxes.
Regardless of your porch size, this approach adds a touch of natural beauty and enhances your curb appeal without breaking the bank. You can shop for real plants and faux plants at local hobby stores or a flea market.
The one investment I did make was these large topiaries. I was willing to pay a bit more for these as I wanted to ensure they looked realistic, and I knew they would live on my porch for many years.
Unfortunately, extensive water damage beneath my front porch has restricted me from using natural plants in that area. On the brighter side, my back porch doesn’t share the same fate, allowing me to indulge in many live plants.
Nevertheless, I’ve discovered that opting for artificial plants is a great way to decorate, providing the desired aesthetic without needing a green thumb.
I also have large planters in front of my porch that I plant to add pops of color for the spring season.
Tip from wendy:
Blend the best of both worlds by strategically placing faux plants alongside live ones on your porch. This not only adds vibrancy but also ensures a consistent, lush appearance.
Small Details, Big Impact: Final Touches on a Budget
As they say, it’s all in the small details. and I must admit, this is my favorite part. It is like putting the icing on the cake for me.
Let’s take a look at the most important small details you will find on my front porch:
Throw pillows
There’s no such thing as having too many pillows. It’s a cost-effective way to add color and pattern to your beautiful front porch. Whether you opt for bold hues to make a statement or prefer a neutral and straightforward approach, the choice is yours. In my case, I selected these playful woven pillows to introduce texture and a neutral color to the mix.
Seat Cushions
Enhance your chairs with vibrant seat cushions, introducing color and a touch of comfort to elevate the layered appearance with a simple update.
Throw Blankets
Throw blankets are not only for decoration but will keep guests warm on a chilly evening. Choose the perfect blanket that will enhance your small area.
Decor Items
Over the years, I’ve gathered various decor items from garage sales and flea markets, such as the cement dog, wooden geese, wood box coffee table, and a vintage picture frame repurposed for my wreath.
Exploring estate sales and flea markets is truly a delightful experience. As the saying goes, what may be considered one person’s trash often becomes another person’s treasure. I thoroughly enjoy the thrill of the hunt and discovering the perfect home decor pieces during these excursions.
DIY Projects
You know I love nothing more than a great DIY project. From refurbishing the furniture to creating a beautiful wreath for the front door.
You could sew your own pillows, plant a few pots or baskets for the porch, or even hand-knit a blanket for the chilly nights on the porch.
I encourage you to step out of the box and try something new. DIYs are a great way to save money and create a custom piece that fits your aesthetics perfectly.
Aha! Moments with Wendy
Have you ever had those ‘aha’ moments mid-project and thought, “I wish I knew that before I started”?
Me too!
Below are a few tips and tricks that worked for me while decorating my front porch.
Whether you’re a decorating newbie or a seasoned pro, I hope these tips take some of the guesswork out of decorating your porches.
My Three Tops Tips for A Front Porch Makeover on a Budget
TIP 1: Thrift Store Treasures: Explore thrift stores, garage sales, or flea markets for budget-friendly porch makeover essentials. You can find unique furniture pieces, charming decor items, and even potential DIY project materials at a fraction of the cost. Give a fresh coat of paint or a simple refurbishment to breathe new life into these second-hand treasures.
TIP 2: Greenery on a Dime: Incorporate affordable greenery to add life and vibrancy to your porch. Look for budget-friendly potted plants, consider propagation from existing plants, or opt for realistic faux options. A touch of green can significantly enhance the aesthetics without straining your wallet. Don’t forget to explore budget-friendly planters or get creative with upcycled containers.
TIP 3: DIY Magic: Embrace your inner DIY enthusiast to personalize and upgrade your porch decor. Create your own throw pillows, refurbish old furniture, or craft unique wall art. DIY projects not only save money but also allow you to infuse your porch with a one-of-a-kind, personalized touch that reflects your style. Explore online tutorials and get inspired to transform your porch on a budget.
Wrapping Up
Ultimately, it is all about creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere on your porch. I hope you found some excellent tips in this post and a few ways to add charm and character to your porches on a budget.
Other Decorating Ideas from WM Design House
If you love this porch makeover, you might also enjoy some of my other favorite projects:
More about me!
Hello, I’m Wendy – a dedicated homemaker with a deep passion for decorating, gardening, cooking, and crafting. I find joy in harmonizing beautiful elements to fashion a space that is both comfortable and inspiring. I will help you create a beautiful home, one project at a time.
Connect with Wendy
Easy No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Crust
If you’re looking for a quick and easy fall dessert, these no bake pumpkin cheesecake bars are the perfect choice. With a creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling and a sweet cookie crust, this no-bake recipe is a must for the holiday season.
How to Make a DIY Cornucopia with Rope for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to gather and give thanks. Make this DIY cornucopia with rope, a symbol of a bountiful harvest for your table. I’m excited to be joining a few other bloggers to give you some Thanksgiving inspiration. If you have come over from Missy @sonatahomedesign, welcome. I am sure you enjoyed her colorful…
Easy DIY Candle Holders Using Birch Tree Branches
“Learn how to create beautiful DIY candlestick holders using birchwood logs.This easy step-by-step tutorial will guide you through each step.
Wendy your porch is truly gorgeous, LOVE the blue/white combo. Your recent repaint of your home is so fresh and lovely. You’ve coordinated all your pieces beautifully!
Thank you so much, Debra, I appreciate your comment. Now, if the rain stops so we can enjoy the porch, that would be great.
I just adore your beautiful blog and all of the posts you write; I wish I could figure out a go-around to be able to comment on your posts.
I’ve recently had a lot of Aha moments on home remodeling, but I will keep this light and positive. teehee… Your porch looks lovely Wendy. I always admire how you can make things look so simple for the rest of us, like we can conquer our decorating dreams! The pup statuary is adorable! Reminds me of our overzealous pooch, only he would never sit so quietly or patiently waiting to receive guests. Your husband did an excellent job on the porch swing, he’s a keeper! Enjoy your new porch digs this spring, I know I would. I just wish our porch was larger to accommodate this cuteness overload.
Thank you, Cara; the porch is always a wonderful place to gather and enjoy life.
I sure wish you lived closer. I could see the two of us sitting on the porch talking
about all of the DIY crafts we were going to make.
Your porch looks beautiful, Wendy. I love that you painted the furniture white. It pops with the new color of your home.
Thank you, Tammy; I hated to throw the old furniture out when there was a rather easy fix.
I could sit on your porch for hours Wendy! So fresh and cozy! Pinned ?
Thank you Cindy, I wish you lived closer and wre able to visit!
Ypur porch came out so nicely! That swing was a lovely gift! I had to smile when you said to use faux and live plants. I have a late blooming clematis that is a dark purple. One spring, I arranged my lavendar faux stems of clematis among the greenery–and got great compliments from one visitor who didn’t realize the difference! I have also used faux flowers in pots as an arrangement or to add color to real foliage that is not yet in bloom. As traffic on my road goes speeding by, people will never know that the big pot of red tulips isn’t real!
Thank you so much, Kathy. I love how you have used the faux with the real plants. When you do it well like you have, nobody can tell the difference.
Your porch looks incredibly inviting! Love all the details such as the new swing, the makeovers, rugs an wreath, and your beautiful pooch!
Thank you so much, Jane. It feels good to have it finished.
I think I would probably stay on the porch most of the time if I were you. It is gorgeous, and it looks so cozy!
Thank you so much Susan! It is a great place to hang out.
Wendy, your porch looks fabulous! Love all of the personal and refreshed touches.
Thank you so much, Elizabeth. It feels so good to have it finished.
Wendy, it looks beautiful. The new front porch swing is amazing. Paint is like a magic wand. Love all the pieces you refurbished. I’m ready to enjoy our outdoor spaces. XO- MJ
Thank you, Mary Jo! I agree, you can do magic with paint. We have had rain all week end, but I am hoping for some sunshine this week so I can get outside and garden.
Your front porch looks amazing! So inviting and fresh looking.
Thank you, Lynn! I knew you would love the blue and white.
It all looks beautiful Wendy. I love how you saved so much money and the mix of vintage and new-looking pieces. It gives the porch great character! I need to refresh my porches as well. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you so much Cindy. It was a big project and I am glad it is finished in time to enjoy it for the spring and summer.
Wendy, this is BEAUTIFUL! That ceiling! Reminds me of home back east on the ocean. Truly gorgeous. You must be delighted! Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you, Mary! Yes, we love the porch and look forward to the summer when we can enjoy the warm weather outside.
It looks AMAZING, Wendy!! You did such a beautiful job of finding decor pieces that all look so cohesive together. The colors are lovely!!
Thank you so much, Kim. It was an actual labor of love and I am thrilled it is finished.
Wendy, your porch is spectacular! You’ve done such a beautiful job with it, and what a perfect place to sit and soak in your beautiful California weather!