5 Ways to Make Your Front Porch More Inviting For Under $25

There’s a neighborhood close by that I love walking our pup through. The houses are full of character and all have their own special charm.

The garages are in the back of the houses, so from the front, you only see beautiful front porches and big bay windows. The neighborhood seems out of an old storybook and is always enchanting to walk through.

But the other day it felt different. Maybe it was extra gloomy outside. Or maybe it was because we had just spent our morning landscaping and I realized the difference new mulch can make.

Whatever it was, I realized for the first time that a lot of these houses had beautiful front porches, but they were completely empty. Their front porches were bare and felt uninviting.

It got me thinking about how your front porch sets the tone for your house. From the moment people walk up, they will either feel welcome and at home or not.

It was something I hadn’t really thought about before. Since we moved in, we have been so focused on renovating the inside of our home that we haven’t touched the front porch (or even the front yard until the other day).

But that’s the first thing people see.

And it’s the first way people get to interact with your home. It’s important and can set the tone of your entire home.

So let’s make our front porches inviting. Let’s make them say “Hello! We’re so excited that you’re here.” Luckily, there are a few small things that can make a huge difference, and none of them have to break the bank.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I earn a small commission, but it won’t cost you a penny more)!

1. An inviting doormat

This is your first opportunity to say “hi” to your guests and to let them know that they’re welcome in your home. I’m a huge introvert and love the sassy “I hope you told me you were coming” doormats.

My friends would laugh and ignore it, but I don’t want my poor neighbors or new friends to think I’m a grouch and feel unwelcome at our home. A simple welcome in a pretty font is all you need. Or maybe try something cute like this “come as you are” doormat from Kirklands.

If you want to DIY and make your own, you can purchase a plain doormat and paint or spray paint your saying onto the mat.

To take it up a notch, you can layer your doormat on top of a pretty patterned outdoor rug. This adds more color to your front porch and lets you have a fun pattern and a nice saying. And as a bonus, the doormat will help keep the majority of your rug clean from mud and dirt!

2. A wreath

A wreath is a super easy way to make your front door feel more personal and welcoming. You can show off your favorite flowers or leaves (hello magnolias) or include a monogram for an added touch of personalization.

There are a million wreaths at Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and Target, but they are also a fun project to DIY.

If you’re feeling crafty, Inspiration for Mom’s has a great tutorial on how to make your own wreath and she has even re-purposed the wreath for multiple seasons. Proof that seasonal decor doesn’t have to break the budget!

3. Flowers 

When I say flowers, I really just mean a real, living plant. Flowers, bushes, a lemon tree–whatever brings a smile to your face when you see them by your front door. Plants add life (literally) to your front porch and add color too.

Plants require care and attention (some more than others), which shows your guests that you are committed to making your home a welcoming and beautiful place. They will brighten your day when you walk up to your front door and it will put a smile on the face of your guests.

4. A place to sit

Having a place to sit, whether a porch swing, a small chair, or a hammock, says “sit down, stay awhile.” It says, “let’s chat, you’re welcome here.” Those are pretty powerful statements from a simple piece of furniture. But it’s true. If your porch is big enough, providing a place to sit can make all the difference.

Personally, I’m a huge fan of this hammock chair because it adds an extra sense of relaxation with its beachy vibes. And if you’re looking for a DIY option, check out these easy-to-follow porch swing plans.

5. A colorful front door

Don’t have a colorful door? Don’t worry! You don’t have to replace your door or even hire someone to paint it for you. You can paint your door yourself!

A pop of color can make a huge difference in making your home feel welcoming. Take this bright pink door for example. It screams “hi!! come on in!” Now I’m not saying you need to paint your door bright pink (unless that’s your favorite color), but I am saying that color can bring out different emotions.

A light shade of blue can bring feelings of serenity while a bright yellow can make someone feel cheerful. Choose a color that matches the emotion you are trying to evoke. Light, pale colors generally have a calming effect while bright, bold colors add excitement. Or just pick your favorite color to make your front door a bit more personal!

There you go. 5 simple ideas to make your front porch feel more inviting. You can apply 1 or 2 or all of them.

We can’t wait to see your porch transform! Speaking of…I need to get going and apply these tips because currently, our front porch is lacking some love. Follow along on Instagram to see our porch transform too!