Your front patio furniture makes a lasting first impression and demonstrates your decor tastes, so take precise measurements of your outdoor space before purchasing new front porch furniture.
Nebraska Furniture Mart offers plenty of fantastic patio furniture options to update your front patio. Shop online or in-store to find exactly what’s needed!
Make the Most of a Large Porch
Your front porch’s size will determine how you utilize its space for relaxing and entertaining. Larger porches may provide the ideal setting for setting up lounge areas with plush sofas, chaise lounges and comfy outdoor cushions topped off with stylish throw pillows; smaller spaces may prove equally cozy with bistro tables and chairs arranged to encourage socialization between guests seated nearby, such as when designer Mary Patton placed two brightly-colored wrought iron chairs across from each other on this cozy patio to allow conversation between visitors over coffee or dinner!
An effective strategy for making the most of a larger space is dividing it up into different zones, says design consultant Susan Sutter. To start off, create a seating area surrounded by coffee or side tables; place sectionals in either corner for lounging; add small tables or ottomans as footrests when relaxing; add stackable stools as additional seating options if possible;
An intimate front porch can still feel spacious when the focal point is a wraparound bench like the one artist Lulie Wallace installed at her Charleston home’s narrow screened porch. Surround it with chairs for an easy seating arrangement that comfortably seats several friends. Wicker furniture with clean lines and neutral tones works beautifully here; for something more contemporary try an angular-legged sectional with complementary accent pieces instead.
No matter your style, designer Tim Pfeiffer advises layering in plenty of cozy accessories and decor. Find outdoor throws, cozy woven blankets and colorful pillows in eye-catching hues that complement the furniture; don’t be afraid to mix patterns and textures as part of your decor scheme.
The ideal front porch furniture is also one that requires minimal upkeep, made from materials that withstand years of weathering and use without needing fabric covers or treatments. Poly lumber furniture offers excellent moisture-resistant protection compared to its wood counterpart, including Adirondack chairs with slatted backs or sleek rattan gazebos that come equipped with poly-lumber cushions for moisture resistance and poly chairs featuring sleek rattan designs that meet any aesthetic need.
Divide the Porch Into Multiple Zones
One way to ensure your front porch looks its best is to divide it into various zones, each serving its own specific function and reflecting different architectural styles. For instance, an expansive floor plan may be divided up into an inviting sitting area featuring rocking chairs and an alfresco dining zone where guests can take pleasure in an al fresco meal during warm weather days.
Other homeowners may prefer a more formal aesthetic on their front patio by selecting stylish chairs to surround a decorative wooden table, providing an inviting space where local neighbors can gather. If rustic charm is your aim, classic wooden rocking chairs in natural hues would pair beautifully with the light wood colors on your porch.
Once you know how you intend to utilize your front patio, the next step should be identifying and purchasing furniture pieces and then arranging them accordingly. If you favor symmetrical arrangements, opt for a sofa set with matching 3 seat patio chairs or love seats as an anchor in the seating area; or consider placing chaise lounges along an already narrow space to maximize usage of limited footprint.
When it comes to moving the furniture on your front porch, creativity can go a long way in creating an effective layout. Rugs with patterns or orientation that encourage people to walk through will create movement; alternatively you could add hammocks or bench swings so everyone can relax comfortably on their patios or verandahs.
If you’re ready to add a swing to your porch, take some time to browse your local marketplace for options. From traditional wood-framed swings to more contemporary options with aluminum frames designed to withstand even extreme weather conditions and fabric options that fit seamlessly with existing homes – you are sure to find what best meets your needs!
Add a Little Movement
No matter the width and depth of your front porch, adding movement adds interest. Wood rocking chairs are popular choices; you may also find comfortable yet stylish wicker swings or hammocks. In addition, benches, Adirondack chairs and individual seats that can be adjusted according to space may also add variety and interest.
Rather, aim to ensure that the seating you provide encourages socialization and mingling by using lightweight seating that’s easily reconfigurable when hosting larger groups. A sofa and chairs may serve as an intimate conversation area with side table, while open space in the center accommodates more mingling and dining opportunities.
If your patio furniture is neutral in color, add color with rugs, throw pillows, flowers and lantern lights that complement your chosen theme. Or hang lantern-style lights along pathways and tree branches for an inviting summery ambience. A standard bubble level can help ensure that outdoor furniture is evenly spaced – for instance if one end of a wooden sofa is higher than another end simply place the level where the two ends meet to level it off and make adjustments as necessary – for instance if one side needs levelling use this same method to correct it by placing this tool along this edge where two ends meet (ie leveling off).
Make It Cohesive
Make your front porch an extension of your home by matching its design, colors, and materials to those of the patio furniture. Add elements to accentuate your style such as decor items or solar energy options to further customize this outdoor area and keep things visually pleasing like lighting, wall mirrors, side tables or any other fixtures for an attractive overall appearance.
Apply the Rule of Three when mixing and matching patio furniture for a visually appealing arrangement. This principle states that seeing something repeated three times creates a mental association; use this to your patio furniture by using items like rugs, mats, tablecloths and melamine plates as building blocks of chairs, rockers and sofas that work in harmony.
Fill your front patio with planters full of flowers or other greenery to bring fresh, natural colors that welcome passersby with inviting fragrances and visual textures that complement polished furniture surfaces, giving it more sophistication.
Add a small table to your seating area in order to help guests settle in and unwind, providing them with somewhere comfortable to put down drinks and books. If space is an issue, consider installing hanging tables from the ceiling, small pedestal tables between chairs or even pairing two benches or chairs with side tables for even greater seating and table space.