Low-Maintenance Porch Decorating Ideas

Swing

• Give a porch an old-fashioned look with a porch swing. Add comfortable cushions so the swing is inviting to both children and adults. Porch swings can range from the low end of the cost spectrum to higher in price, so there is bound to be a swing that fits your budget. Swings can be painted, if necessary. Or add a small table that can sit next to your swing to hold a cold drink or novel.

Table and Chairs

• If you have a large space, give yourself and guests the option to dine al fresco by adding a table and chairs to the space. This is not only decorative, but useful for those nice nights when dining outside is very appealing. Set a stack of board games on the table to create a cozy space for playing games with family members. Or decorate the table as you would an indoor one, with a vase of flowers and checkered tablecloth.

Lighting

• For lazy evenings spent outside, provide a decorative glow to the porch area. Use twinkle lights strung across the porch railing to add some warmth, or hang paper lanterns across the ceiling. Set candles along the railings or tables and other surfaces to create a nice light on the porch after dark.

Rug

• Make the porch seem more like an additional room by adding a rug or floor covering either separately or underneath a table. This can add some pizzazz to an ugly porch. The rug can be patterned, printed or solid depending on your other porch decor.

Accessories

• Decorate the porch area just as you would any other room that needs some livening up. Hang framed art on walls, place knickknacks on a small shelving unit, or set a lamp on an end or coffee table. Check that all these items are outdoor-safe.