Front Porch Seating Ideas

Wooden Swing on Chain

• A wooden swing hanging on the porch from chains connecting the swing to rafters on the porch ceiling is a traditional homestead type of porch seat. The typical perpendicular position of the swing is because the porch is usually not wide enough to allow the swing to attach parallel to the house without banging into the wall when the occupant swings backward. In stormy weather, the porch swing may bang into the wall of the home unless the owner chains it to the wall. Use outdoor cushions for your swing to make it cushier.

Individual Chairs

• Adirondack or rocking chairs are examples of individual chairs for the front porch. Adirondack chairs are angled wooden chairs that sit low to the floor. The Adirondack chair was first developed in the Appalachian Mountains at the turn of the 20th century. Rocking chairs are charming seats for the porch to help the homeowner relax and enjoy the scenery. These porch seating items are safe for year round outdoor exposure because of their size and weatherproofing. If you have several rocking chairs set up, several people can enjoy the view and the breeze together as they sit and chat.

Small Patio Table and Chairs

• Patio tables with chairs are usually small enough to fit on a small front porch as well as on a large, spacious porch. Because a small porch does not have much room, a small metal or wooden table with basic chairs is a perfect seating solution. The small table and chairs are usually pretty light, so they have the potential to fly around the porch during a storm. Therefore, moving the items inside the house or garage is advisable during such a time. For general use, cover the table with a tablecloth to match the season or your decor and add extra outdoor cushions to the seats, if desired. While not everyone seated around the table will get the full benefit of the view from the porch, a patio table and chairs is a great seating arrangement for small parties who want to eat, play games or chat with each other.

Wood and Iron Bench

• A classic park bench fits perfectly on any size of front porch. A wood and iron bench is an elegant addition to a classically designed home when the wood is stained to match the home's exterior motif. The bench does not move as easily as other types of porch seating, so choosing the correct place for the bench before placement is essential. The iron of the bench is mostly rust proof and the wood is weatherproofed for year round exposure. This type of seating is also great for looking out over the neighborhood and chatting with passersby.