skip to main content
OUTDOOR PREVIEW
0
Your shopping cart is empty.
Sign In
Join as a Pro
History of Houzz
GET IDEAS
PHOTOS
Kitchen & DiningKitchenDining RoomPantryGreat RoomBreakfast Nook
Bed & BathBathroomPowder RoomBedroomStorage & ClosetBaby & Kids
LivingLiving RoomFamily RoomSunroom
OutdoorLandscapePatioDeckPoolBackyardPorchExteriorOutdoor KitchenFront YardDrivewayPoolhouse
WalkwaysStaircaseEntryHall
Bar & WineHome BarWine Cellar
UtilityLaundryGarageMudroom
More RoomsGame RoomHome OfficeBasementCraftLibraryGym
Popular Design IdeasKitchen BacksplashFirepit
FireplaceDeck RailingPergolaPrivacy FenceSmall Closet
MAGAZINE
Stories and GuidesPopular StoriesRenovation Cost Guides
DISCUSSIONS
Get AdviceDesign DilemmasBefore & After
HOUZZ TV
HOUZZ RESEARCH
FIND PROFESSIONALS
PROFESSIONALS
DesignArchitects & Building DesignersKitchen & Bathroom DesignersInterior Designers & DecoratorsDesign-Build FirmsLighting Designers & Suppliers
RemodelingKitchen & Bathroom RemodelersGeneral ContractorsHome BuildersTile & Countertop ContractorsMasonry & Concrete ContractorsExterior & Siding ContractorsStair & Railing ContractorsFireplace Contractors
RenovationCarpentersCabinetry & Cabinet MakersFlooring ContractorsWindow ContractorsDoor ContractorsGlass & Shower Door ContractorsCarpet Contractors
OutdoorLandscape Architects & DesignersLandscape ContractorsDeck & Patio BuildersFence ContractorsDriveway & Paving ContractorsSwimming Pool BuildersHot Tub & Spa Dealers
ServicesPaintersRoofing & Gutter ContractorsOrganizers & Closet DesignersHome StagersGarage Door ServicesWindow Treatment ServicesPaint & Wall Covering Dealers
Appliances & SystemsAppliance Sales & ServicesHVAC ContractorsHome Theater & AutomationOutdoor Lighting & AV SpecialistsSolar Energy Contractors
All ProfessionalsAll ServicesFor Professionals
SHOP BY DEPARTMENT
KITCHEN & DINING
Kitchen & Dining FurnitureSinks & FaucetsKitchen AppliancesTabletopCabinets & StorageKnobs & PullsKitchen LightingTileCookware & BakewareTools & GadgetsView All
FURNITURE
Living RoomKitchen & DiningHome OfficeOutdoorBedroomStorageBathroomView All
BATH
Bathroom VanitiesShowersBathtubsBathroom LightingFaucetsBathroom SinksTileBath AccessoriesBath LinensMedicine CabinetsView All
DECOR
RugsMirrorsWall DecorDecorative AccentsArtworkPillows & ThrowsHoliday DecorView All
BEDROOM
Beds & HeadboardsBeddingDressersNightstandsBenchesBedroom DecorLampsCloset StorageFutonsChaisesView All
HOME IMPROVEMENT
HardwareTileBathroom FixturesKitchen FixturesHeating & CoolingBuilding MaterialsTools & EquipmentView All
LIVING
Coffee & Accent TablesRugsSofas & SectionalsArmchairs & Accent ChairsTV Stand & Media StorageHome DecorLampsArtworkBookcasesFireplaces & AccessoriesView All
OUTDOOR
Patio FurnitureOutdoor DecorOutdoor LightingPool & SpaLawn & GardenOutdoor StructuresOutdoor CookingView All
LIGHTING
ChandeliersPendant LightsFlush-MountsBathroom & VanityWall SconcesCeiling FansTable LampsFloor LampsKitchen & CabinetOutdoor LightingView All
MORE
Storage & OrganizationHome OfficeBaby & KidsHome BarCleaning & LaundryPet SuppliesHoliday DecorView All
Looking for the perfect gift? Send a Houzz Gift Card!
SALE
ON SALE - UP TO 75% OFF
Bathroom VanitiesChandeliersBar StoolsPendant LightsRugsLiving Room ChairsDining Room FurnitureWall LightingCoffee TablesSide & End TablesHome Office FurnitureSofasBedroom FurnitureLampsMirrors
OUTDOOR PREVIEW
Up to 45% Off
Outdoor Lounge Furniture 
Free Shipping
Bestselling Outdoor Furniture 
Up to 55% Off
Outdoor Rugs and Doormats 
Up to 65% Off
Outdoor Dining Furniture 
Gardening and Landscaping
Gardening and Landscaping
What to Know About Adding a Deck
Top Ideabooks
What to Know About Adding a DeckNatural Swimming Pools: More Beauty, No ChemicalsThe Contemplative Garden: A Place for Quiet Reflection5 Ways to Make Your Concrete Patio More Attractive
Porches
Porches
10 Ideas for Decorating Your Summer Porch
Top Ideabooks
10 Ideas for Decorating Your Summer Porch7 Ideas to Get You Back on the Front PorchGet the Hang of Hanging Flower BasketsExpert Talk: Porch Swings Sway Into Sweet Life
Appears in
Landscape Design
Architecture
Architecture
10 Times to Hire an Architect
Top Ideabooks
10 Times to Hire an ArchitectWant the Best Results? Join Your Design Team6 Reasons to Hire a Home Design ProfessionalHow Modern Architecture Can Connect Us to Nature
Appears in
Latest From Houzz
See also
Green BuildingUniversal DesignExteriorsModern ArchitectureTraditional ArchitectureDesign DictionaryGreat DesignersKnow Your HouseThe Art of ArchitectureRoots of StyleWorking With an ArchitectDesign DetailsWorld of Design
Traditional Architecture
Traditional Architecture
Roots of Style: Where Did Your House Get Its Look?
Top Ideabooks
Roots of Style: Where Did Your House Get Its Look?Roots of Style: Does Your House Have a Medieval Heritage?Roots of Style: Do You Live in a Minimalist Traditional House?Roots of Style: Your Home May Have a Renaissance Classical Past
Appears in
Architecture
See also
Victorian DesignMediterranean-Style DesignCape Cod DesignColonial Design
Most Popular
Most Popular
8 Surefire Vegetables and Herbs for Beginning Gardeners
Top Ideabooks
8 Surefire Vegetables and Herbs for Beginning GardenersWhat Kind of Roses Should You Grow?How to Plan Your Edible GardenHow to Decorate a Living Room
Appears in
Latest From Houzz
See also
Trending Now

7 Ideas to Get You Back on the Front Porch

Remember the good old days, when porches offered front-row seats to street scenes? They can be even better today

Alex Jewett
Alex JewettJuly 22, 2015
Houzz Contributor and Colorado Designer at Godden | Sudik Architects(http://www.goddensudik.com/)
More
Print
Embed
Facebook
Twitter
Email
The front porch has evolved along with the quickening pace of everyday life. Porches were originally designed to create a more tolerable living space — a place for rest, relaxation and cooling breezes. Their decline can be attributed to many things: air conditioning, cars, radios, televisions, backyard decks. But despite modern conveniences, we can still revive the front porch, restoring and enjoying its quaint beauty.

Using this space not only
can improve the look of our house, but can better the quality of our lives as we spend more time with family, friends and neighbors. Here are some ways to use the porch as it was originally intended.
Whitten Architects
The front porch is just another limb of the house. It's important to remember that it can be used many different ways, and its use should be specific to your needs.
Tim Barber Architects
A covered front porch will help create a comfortable space — a ceiling height of 8 to 9 feet tends to feel best. Allow for ample overhangs, especially at the entrance to the front porch. This will help provide maximum shade in the summertime while still allowing you to see out.

Use your front porch to sit down and relax — the covered shape can provide a great deal of shade. Turn off the air conditioning in your home and relax with the family or your favorite book. Not only will you get quality time for yourself, but you'll conserve electricity.
Christian Rice Architects, Inc.
Keep the porch raised up off the ground. This will help to create a sense of security and allow you to look out over the neighborhood. But keep in mind that if a front porch is raised up 30 inches or more from the ground, code requires a 36-inch-high guardrail for safety.

A high perch can help you watch over the neighborhood, and a safe neighborhood is a happy and comfortable neighborhood. You've probably heard of Neighborhood Watch programs — a front porch allows you to be an active member. Parents know more than anyone how important it is to have a safe place for raising kids. Just by sitting on the porch you can help deter crime and unwanted activity.
JB Architecture Group, Inc.
Create an inviting walkway to the front door. This will excite your visitors and give your home great curb appeal. Consider using pathway lights for when you get home after dark. Lighting is one of those features many people think about at the end, but it should be an early design decision, since it dramatically changes the feel of a porch.

It's easy to just pull into the garage after work and walk straight inside. Start walking through the front door when you get home instead. Not only will you get a little more exercise, but you'll get to see your front yard, too. It will give you the chance to see all the things you've been missing, like that small piece of trash that blew into the bush a month ago.
Dresser Homes
The typical family room is about 15 by 15 feet. While your front porch doesn't need to be that large, it's important to have enough room for circulation around the furniture you plan to use there.

The best way to make sure you use the porch is to turn it into an outdoor room. If you have a large porch, it's easy to put out enough furniture that whole family can use. This is a great way to expand the house and create a new living room.
tumbleweed and dandelion.com
I like to have a minimum of 8 feet of depth on the front porch. This allows for a chair and a circulation path to the sitting area. Keeping the door to one side of the sitting area will prevent a division of spaces, allowing you to fully utilize your front porch.

Even if you think your porch is too small, odds are that it can still suit you and some company just fine. Add a small rocking chair or sofa to a tiny porch for a perfect spot where you can read a book or drink a cup of coffee in the morning.
GreenHeart, LLC
If the sounds of music help you relax, then consider an outdoor sound system for your front porch. Again, it is important to consider this option early in the design process. Much like lighting, a sound system can greatly change the feel of a porch.

Turn off the TV and your iPod for a bit to enjoy the sounds of nature. Unplugging from life for a little while and basking in the outdoors helps us slow down every now and then.
Sarah Greenman
Start a garden on your porch. A low-maintenance composite decking will help keep mold from growing under your pots and will be easier to clean than wood decking.

You can start seedlings in the spring and grow fresh herbs right on your porch — whether in flowerpots, hanging baskets or planters on the railing. This creates an inviting, relaxing space and will help to keep the porch cool and fragrant in summer.

See more about living the porch life
Print
Embed
Facebook
Twitter
Email
See 100 comments
Explore Related Topics
Gardening and LandscapingPorchesArchitectureTraditional ArchitectureMost Popular
Read Related Stories
What to Know About Adding a DeckWhat to Know About Adding a Deck
By Mitchell Parker·184
Most Popular
Natural Swimming Pools: More Beauty, No ChemicalsNatural Swimming Pools: More Beauty, No Chemicals
By Falon Mihalic·533
Landscape Design
The Contemplative Garden: A Place for Quiet ReflectionThe Contemplative Garden: A Place for Quiet Reflection
By Laura Gaskill·30
Feel-Good Home
5 Ways to Make Your Concrete Patio More Attractive5 Ways to Make Your Concrete Patio More Attractive
By Falon Mihalic·29
Landscape Design
10 Ideas for Decorating Your Summer Porch10 Ideas for Decorating Your Summer Porch
By Laura Gaskill·87
Porches
10 Ideas for a Front-Yard Edible Garden Your Neighbors Will Love10 Ideas for a Front-Yard Edible Garden Your Neighbors Will Love
By Laura Gaskill·102
Front Yard Ideas
7 Ideas for Bringing a Natural Feel to Your Kitchen7 Ideas for Bringing a Natural Feel to Your Kitchen
By Sean Lewis·28
Kitchen Styles
77 Gorgeous Garden Gates77 Gorgeous Garden Gates
By Bryan Anthony·121
Photo Flip
5 Ways to Hide That Big Air Conditioner in Your Yard5 Ways to Hide That Big Air Conditioner in Your Yard
By Mariana Pickering·193
Most Popular
The Right Dimensions for Your PorchThe Right Dimensions for Your Porch
By Steven Randel·188
Standard Measurements
25 Ideas to Perk Up Your Side Yard25 Ideas to Perk Up Your Side Yard
By Becky Harris·135
Most Popular
8 Rot-Resistant Woods for Your Outdoor Projects8 Rot-Resistant Woods for Your Outdoor Projects
By Falon Mihalic·41
Wood
Garden Tour: It’s Always Spring in This Guatemalan ParadiseGarden Tour: It’s Always Spring in This Guatemalan Paradise
By Covadonga Gala Miranda·104
Inspiring Gardens
The Unique Challenge of Restoring a Hurricane-Hit Historic GardenThe Unique Challenge of Restoring a Hurricane-Hit Historic Garden
By Gwendolyn Purdom·8
Historic Homes
How to Start a Cool-Season Vegetable GardenHow to Start a Cool-Season Vegetable Garden
By Marianne Lipanovich·55
Most Popular
Shop Related Categories
Outdoor Products
Outdoor Products
Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor Decor
Outdoor Decor
Doormats
Doormats
Hammocks & Swing Chairs
Hammocks & Swing Chairs
Outdoor Benches
Outdoor Benches
People who liked this story also liked
What to Know About Adding a Deck
What to Know About Adding a DeckFull Story
Natural Swimming Pools: More Beauty, No Chemicals
Natural Swimming Pools: More Beauty, No ChemicalsFull Story
The Contemplative Garden: A Place for Quiet Reflection
The Contemplative Garden: A Place for Quiet ReflectionFull Story
5 Ways to Make Your Concrete Patio More Attractive
5 Ways to Make Your Concrete Patio More AttractiveFull Story
10 Ideas for Decorating Your Summer Porch
10 Ideas for Decorating Your Summer PorchFull Story
10 Ideas for a Front-Yard Edible Garden Your Neighbors Will Love
10 Ideas for a Front-Yard Edible Garden Your Neighbors Will LoveFull Story
7 Ideas for Bringing a Natural Feel to Your Kitchen
7 Ideas for Bringing a Natural Feel to Your KitchenFull Story
77 Gorgeous Garden Gates
77 Gorgeous Garden GatesFull Story
5 Ways to Hide That Big Air Conditioner in Your Yard
5 Ways to Hide That Big Air Conditioner in Your YardFull Story
The Right Dimensions for Your Porch
The Right Dimensions for Your PorchFull Story
  • United States
  • ABOUT
  • CAREERS
  • MOBILE APPS
  • PROFESSIONALS
  • BUTTONS
  • FOR BRANDS
  • SELL
  • Privacy & Notice
  • Terms
  • © 2021 Houzz Inc.