Meaning of Decorative Stars Seen on Country Homes and Porches

by Kay
(Mt. Rainier, Maryland)

QUESTION about the Meaning of Decorative Stars: I will be moving to a very rural area and have noticed many homes with decorative stars (brown or blue) on the wall of the porch or home.

The star is usually large and noticeable. It may be a six point star. I would like to hear back from you.

Sincerely,
Kay

ANSWER: Thank you for writing us and visiting our website, Kay.

You ask a wonderful question about the meaning of the decorative stars often seen on homes and barns. They are commonly called "barn stars" since they are often seen gracing the fronts of barns. We did some research and here is what we found.

In most cases today, homeowners hang the decorative old-looking metal stars on their homes simply because they enjoy and like them. Usually they are 5-pointed and come in various sizes. Sometimes they are hung on the porch wall. Other times you see them hung near the gable, on the garage or on a barn.

The stars are very eye-catching - they add a touch of Americana and a country kind of feeling to one's porch. Usually they look old, although they are just made to look that way with an antique finish.

We've read that long ago the metal stars may have been used originally to hide certain features on a building. We welcome readers to comment on this article if they know of other meanings of these wonderful folk-art stars so often seen on homes today.

You can find these decorative stars on homes all across the United States – and not limited to rural areas. Dave and I have seen many of them on porches and definitely not limited to rural areas. We've seen them in small towns and larger towns – anywhere the homeowner wants to add a folksy appeal to their home.

We hope you really enjoy your new home in the country. And if you decide to decorate your porch with one or these pretty stars, please send us a few pictures to share on our website. Thank you so much for writing to us.

My best,
Mary

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