Pretty Porches: Lovely Ideas for Function & Outdoor Enjoyment

Itching to refresh a porch, patio, or entry? This collection of porch inspiration may help. Maybe a color combination or design feature spied in these pretty porches and patio perches will spark an idea or two. Lovely Ideas for Function & Outdoor Enjoyment include a range of fantasy, luxury, and down to earth examples. Enjoy!

Southern front porch with swing, haint blue ceiling, and Michele of Hello Lovely.
Enjoyed this front porch with swing at an airbnb in Franklin, TN

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Pretty Porches & Outdoor Ideas

Spending any time on a porch these days? I have been soaking up sun on the back deck more than porch sitting, but I do love reading in the shade on the front porch.

Vintage American Beauties pillow on a porch swing with a sumptuous cushion - Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #porchswings #vintagepillows
Rachel Ashwell – Pretty Porches & Curb Appeal Ideas

In fact, along with the setting (on a forest preserve), the covered porch was one of the features that sold me on this Georgian style home.

It is a great size, boasts a lofty ceiling height, and is a good distance from the street so there’s this great balance of social distance. It has columns similar to this porch in Franklin where we spent a few days:

Southern front porch with swing, haint blue ceiling, and Michele of Hello Lovely.

What is it About Southern Porches?

There’s something so friendly and irresistible about wide wrap around porches all over the South.

BM Simply White siding and BM Blue Porcelain shutters on a beautiful Charleston house exterior - Julia Berolzheimer's home in Southern Living (photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez). #bmsimplywhite
Southern Living – BM Simply White on siding and BM Blue Porcelain on shutters

They’re so perfect for hot weather and for buffering homes where the sun’s harsh rays are too much for the interiors. And those porches in Charleston? Ooh, I love them.

Breathtaking lovely curb appeal with amaazing floral covered arbor and blue shutters - Pineapples Design Group. Peek at Charming Porch Inspiration & Decor Ideas for your home! #whitehouses #housedesign #exteriors #curbappeal #shutters #arbor
Pineapples Design Group…hello lovely indeed.

Cool blues with white are my favorite examples.

For one stop shopping and inspiration for coastal chic, make sure to check out Serena & Lily for indoor and outdoor goodness. Pottery Barn is also a favorite source:

Historic Charleston Piazzas

According to Charleston Magazine, “The Holy City still uses the 17th-century term “piazza”—which comes from the Italian word meaning “open space”—instead of the more common “porch” or “veranda.”

Classic and timeless piazza on Battery Street in Charleston with green shutters and beautifully stained wood floor. Peek at Charming Porch Inspiration & Decor Ideas for your home! #piazza #charlestonhouse #frontporch #greenshutters #historichome #houseexterior #southernhomes
44 S. Battery St. Charleston, SC HERE…hello lovely indeed.

Piazza is a term worth preserving considering Charleston’s distinctive architectural design influenced by the community’s needs, culture, and traditions.

Breathtaking exterior of a historic home on Battery Street in Charleston. #charlestonhomes #houseexteriors #historichomes #piazza

What color would your traditional Charleston home’s front door and shutters be?

Gorgeous Southern plantation style home with front porches - Southern Living Magazine. Charming inspiration if you love white painted house exteriors! #whitehouses #housedesign #exteriors #designinspiration
Southern Living…hello lovely indeed.

After blue and green, I think pink would be so fun.

Funny aging quote - Hello Lovely Studio. #midlifehumor #agingquotes

Right now, I have a pretty arched back wood bench, small round tables, a European bistro set, and my tall planters on the front porch. The great thing about my rattan chairs (below) is how they work just as easily inside for a breezy feel.

I placed the indoor/outdoor rug on the mood board above in our entry to catch dirt so I need something new for the porch. I have my eye on this one:

It’s neutral yet happy and coastal, and I can imagine it working in any number of spaces.

Beach House Beautiful Front Porch

Ever dream of having one of those swing beds? Me too!

Luxurious front porch. Luxurious house exterior on Somerset in Alys Beach. #houseexterior #luxuryhomes #alysbeach #beachhouses #coveredporch
Source HERE

Here’s a clever hack for the chain which may be necessary for a porch swing yet look less than appealing:

It’s a small thing, but isn’t that little swirl of the rope a nice touch? And don’t even get me started on screen porches! It was the hardest thing for me to leave when we built our dream home years ago, and I put a lot of thought into it, knowing I would be using it all the time.

Do you have a screened porch you use? There’s nothing quite like being out there when it rains, and it was the only space I have ever been able to nap in. I fell asleep out there every single time, and I never nap!

Funny quote and humor about modern day cell phone culture - Hello Lovely Studio.

Heartwarming Nostalgic Porches

Isn’t this a unique design where the porch’s center section is more enclosed?

Welcoming cottage with arched entrance and front porch - Homes by Garden Gate. Come peek at  Charming Porch Inspiration & Decor Ideas! #housedesign #exteriors #whitecottage #picketfence
Garden Gate Homes…hello lovely indeed.

And I will always love the look of a porch that stretches wide and is layered with rocking chairs!

Charming front porch on a Southern home by Garden Gate Homes. Come peek at  Charming Porch Inspiration & Decor Ideas. #frontporches #southernhomes #houseexteriors #porchdecor #porches
Design: Garden Gate Homes…in case you love a Southern porch.

No porch? Maybe a pretty plant can offer a little lifegiving consolation:

You can bring the terrarium inside as well:

Terrarium with fern inside in my entry with tree wallpaper mural - Hello Lovely Studio.

Rustic Neutral Farmhouse Porch

If I’m honest, one of my favorite things about porches is I can be out there in pajamas or sweats and no one is the wiser!

Beautiful Southern porch with Bevolo lanterns, ceiling fans, and outdoor furniture. Linen & Flax Co.Come peek at  Charming Porch Inspiration & Decor Ideas. #southernporch #porchdecor #summerliving #houseexteriors #porchlighting #forntporches
Linen & Flax Co.…Charming Porch Inspiration as well as Decor Ideas!

Anything that reinforces loungewear and jammies has my heart. 🙂

Funny tweets and humor quotes on Hello Lovely Studio. #funnytweets #funnyquotes #humorquotes

File This Away for Autumn Porches & Entries

Isn’t this an easy yet perfect fall welcome?

Here’s our old screen porch I mentioned earlier:

Our backyard and screen porch at our French country style home - Hello Lovely.
Hello Lovely Studio

I always dreamed of adding curtains like Suzanne Kasler’s design below, but we didn’t stay put long enough.

Suzanne Kasler designed porch area with curtains. Come peek at Charming Porch Inspiration & Decor Ideas
See more of Suzanne Kasler’s work from Sophisticated Simplicity HERE too.

Not sure I have told you this, but our new home is just seven houses away from the home we built all those years ago. A visiting friend recently asked me if I long to live in the old house since we designed it and loved it for years. The thing is that house is huge and a lot of house for just the two of us emptynesters. Our current home is on a much bigger lot but not overwhelming as far as space and maintenance. Still, it’s hard not to feel a little ache when I walk past our old home and recall so many memories of our boys and our Bella.

Coastal Elegance + Patio Pretty

For anyone building a home – don’t you love the idea of a shingles, oval windows and architectural details like this:

Serena & Lily Campania pillow cover on gorgeous outdoor seating at a coastal home. #serenaandlily #coastalstyle #homedecor #outdoordecor #pillows
Serena & Lily – Campania Pillow

At least we can have the pillow!

Coastal design inspiration on this porch with Serena & Lily blue check pillows and furniture. #serenanadlily #coastalstyle #porchdecor #homedecor #furniture #summerliving #outdoorliving
Serena & Lily – Perennials Gingham Pillows…pretty porches, decks, and patio ideas.

I’m thinking about investing in a couple of wooden chaises for the deck since they would get constant use!

Tap on the images on the mood board below for buying info.

Timeless classic coastal pretty decor on Hello Lovely Studio. #timelessdesign #classicdecor #homedecor #furniture #hellolovelystudio #coastalstyle

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

One off humor tweet quote on Hello Lovely. #funnytweets

Traditional Fall Decorated Porch

Fall front door of historic home - Nora Murphy Country House. #falldecor #frontdoor #fallporch
Nora Murphy – Pretty porches as well as front door decor ideas

Rustic European Country Porch Sitting

Is this instantly recognizable as Brooke Giannetti’s Patina Farm or what!?!

Rustic French basket on Patina Farm porch with a vintage chair and potted vines. Brooke Giannetti. Come peek at Charming Porch Inspiration & Decor Ideas. #patinafarm
Photo/Design: Brooke Giannetti – Velvet and Linen

How about decorating with a mass of potted boxwood in aged pots like the Giannettis have in this glassed in room at Patina Farm?

Beautiful sunny glassed in room with potted boxwood in aged pots on French limestone floors - Giannetti Home. #patinafarm #giannettihome #pottedboxwood
Giannetti Home – Pretty Porches as well as ideas for curb appeal

And can we talk about how gorgeous the framing around that porch area is?

Holiday Farmhouse Porch

Ummmm, we’re halfway through the year doncha know.

Charming white farmhouse decorated for Christmas - Country Living. #countrychristmas #farmhousechristmas #outdoorchristmasdecor
Country Living – Pretty Porches & Curb Appeal Ideas

The Sweetness of Porch Symmetry

Charming 1880s white cottage front door flanked by simple lanterns and tall topiaries. #frontdoor #cottagestyle #frontporch #housedesign
This white cottage featured in Southern Living stole my heart!
Funny quote about not trying to please everyone. #funnyquotes #tacoquote #whimsicalquotes #humor

Metal Roof on Covered Porch

Beautiful white modern farmhouse porch and exterior with metal roof and dome shade barn style sconces from Rejuvenation. #modernfarmhouse #houseexterior #metalroof #barnlights
via Rejuvenation…design inspiration for porches as well as beautiful home exteriors to inspire.

What About Postage Stamp Sized Porches?

Stony Ground Farrow & Ball paint color is on this gorgeous front door of an English stone cottage with topiaries on porch. #paintcolors #stonyground #farrowandball #interiordesign #exteriorpaintcolors #frontdoorpaintcolor
Try this paint color! STONE GROUND by Farrow & Ball

Porch Friendly Rocking Chairs

Rocking Chair
Black Slat Rocking Chair…in case you love Shaker simplicity.
Made In India round Jute Rug
Handmade in India Round Jute Rug…in case you love a natural woven accent.

Rustic Porch Decor Ideas: Painted Wood Bench

With a wide yet shallow porch, two of these flanking a front door would be so charming.

Alfon Wood Garden Bench
Lutyens Garden Bench, Wayfair…in case you need seating.

Galvanized Porch Accent Tables

Galvanized
Accent Table Set, Kirkland’s…certainly farmhouse friendly.
Distressed zinc rustic farmhouse style table.
Distressed Zinc Table, Amazon…in case you love a lil’ whimsy.
Silver accent table with rectangular tray top and folding style legs
Accent Table…certainly one of my favorite tables!

Porch Swing

Can anyone imagine taking naps on one of these? Also, can we discuss those green pillows?

Sunday Porch Swing, Ballard Designs
Porch Swing, Ballard Designs

Who can’t use one of these garden stools? I love seeing them in showers too for function and interest.

Nagle Flora Garden Stool
White Garden Stool…certainly classic indeed.

Rustic Signs for Farmhouse Interiors & Porches

Framed farmhouse sign with scripture from Numbers.
“The Blessing” Rustic Farmhouse Sign With Scripture, SIDesignCo on Etsy…certainly lovely indeed.
Framed farmhouse handlettered sign It is Well With My Soul - SIDesignCo on Etsy
“It is well with my soul” sign Photo: The_Refined Farmhouse, SIDesignCo on Etsy.
Mary Oliver quote to inspire on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #maryoliver #faithquote #personalgrowth #spirituality

Metal Personalized Signs

Personalized family name metal sign.
Family Name Metal Sign, MetalUnlimited on Etsy. Photo: The Refined Farmhouse

Pin THIS to save for future reference!

Our Prior Home’s Porch

Our former porch was simply a shallow step, but it provided a wee space for a chair. (I changed those chairs often, obsessed as I remain with chairs!)

French country courtyard with stone walls, pea gravel, boxwood, lavender, wood furniture, and vintage touches. Come see the before and after of our project on Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #courtyard #gardeninspiration #renovation
Hello Lovely Studio…certainly a simple French inspired entry.
Cara Rectangular Plastic Planter Box
Tall Dark Planter Box…in case you need height on your porch.
Metal Watering Can
Metal Watering Can…in case you admire vintage style.
Grey rattan chair with ivory cushion on front porch. Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #rattanchair
Find my patio chair HERE…in case you love Belgian inspired design.

French Welcome Mat Ideas for the Porch

Patrick Bonjour Doormat
Bonjour Door Mat…in case you care to add a French accent to the porch.
French country courtyard with stone walls, pea gravel, boxwood, lavender, wood furniture, and vintage touches. Come see the before and after of our project on Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #courtyard #gardeninspiration #renovation
Hello Lovely Studio – ideas for porch decor as well as outdoor living.
Aged Terracotta Round Pots
Aged Terracotta Round Pots…in case you love Old World style.

Galvanized Pieces for a Rustic Porch

French country courtyard with stone walls, pea gravel, boxwood, lavender, wood furniture, and vintage touches. Come see the before and after of our project on Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #courtyard #gardeninspiration #renovation
French Industrial Metal Chairs, Set Hello Lovely Studio
Tolix style French industrial metal chair
French Industrial Metal Chairs, Set…certainly a well priced find.
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Artificial Lavender…in case you need an everlasting vase filler.

Watering Cans Always Look Right

French country courtyard with stone walls, pea gravel, boxwood, lavender, wood furniture, and vintage touches. Come see the before and after of our project on Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #courtyard #gardeninspiration #renovation
Hello Lovely Studio

Porch Lovely Pillows

Who is seeing Barbie in a few days? I would pay cash dollars to hear Ryan Gosling read the phonebook so if he’s singing in this film? I’m there.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

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White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing