Small Porch Designs and MoreFor Massive Curb AppealDo you have a small porch? Dave and I live in a geographical area that has many condos, apartments, and homes with relatively small sized porches. Unfortunately, many new homes are also built with small front porches to minimize construction costs. Often times, a large porch is just not an option.You can increase the curb appeal of a small front porch and even extend it so as to create more outdoor living space. Our photos, porch designs, plans, decorating, and landscaping ideas will surely inspire you to create what Mary and I call "porch envy"! ![]() Small front porch that's big on charmBest of all, you don't have to be like Martha Stewart or Bob Vila to create a pleasing front porch. Enjoy exploring our ideas for small porch designs and"Turn the ordinary into extraordinary"Small Porches Rock!We want you to enjoy the world of porches. We have many ideas, designs and plans for you to explore.![]() A curb appealing small front porchDesigns for Smaller PorchesPorch designs are based on mostly these visual structural features: the roof, porch columns, and porch railings. Change any one and you change the overall attractiveness of not only your porch, but also your home as well.Use our porch pictures below to find the right combination of these features from which you can create your delightful porch. Then use our porch railings, columns, and roof sections to nail down exactly the look you want. You can even use our Front Porch Generator to see how different features affect the overall charm of a front porch. Or, we have small porch plans too. Below you'll find access to several porch / portico plans you can use on your home. Let's start with small front porch roof designs: ![]() The lines of the roof and door complement each other on this smaller porch (or portico). Also note the rounded steps which continue the architectural lines. Although this is a very small porch it is still offers lots of interest and charm. ![]() Notice how this smaller porch is dressed up with this decorative lattice in an arch style. The curb appeal is boosted and it also adds some privacy and a bit of filtering for sunlight. ![]() ![]() The one on the left is more formal and substantial in appearance whereas the one on the right has a more country feel with its standing seam metal roof and bead board ceiling. This type porch roof can work well when there is insufficient space for a gable roof. Small porches can add a touch of elegance to two story homes. Pictured below is a two-story brick home front porch with tapered round columns and a widow's walk enclosed with vinyl porch railings. Vinyl railings are the perfect choice for the widow's walk as they are almost maintenance free. ![]() Widow's walk enclosed with Jackson Railing Panels by The Porch StoreYou can find vinyl porch railings in a wide variety of styles at The Porch Company.We Like Gail's Welcoming Small Porch![]() Our friend Gail has a most charming small front porch. We like how inviting she keeps it and know it adds to her home's curb appeal. We appreciate her most welcoming view. ![]() Gable roof height is directly correlated to the length of the porch. Therefore, the longer the porch the higher the gable. Unless originally designed for a gable roof, it is often difficult to add a gable to a two-story home unless other modifications are made such a moving windows. Adding a gable to a ranch-style home is far easier in most cases. ![]() The photo above is a good example of a high pitched gable roof over a small-sized porch. Local building codes might require a high pitched roof which is designed to shed heavy snows more easily. ![]() Photo courtesy of Janet ShuttWhat a sweet porch with an inviting porch swing. Do you see the adorable mailbox? Just a lovely small home with Victorian touches.![]() The photo above is a good example of a high pitched gable roof over a small-sized porch. Local building codes might require a high pitched roof which is designed to shed heavy snows more easily. The photo below uses a flat roof design over the porch. An additional patio area with a pergola has been added to increase the outdoor living space. This is a great way to increase the size of a small porch. ![]() In the photo above, the flat roof covers a corner-style front porch. ![]() Porch design with a combination gable roof over the entrance and shed roof spanning the remaining porch. This is a very popular small front porch design with plenty of flair. ![]() Mary and I really like this porch design (above). It is another example of a combination gable and shed roof design along with an attractive Chippendale-designed balustrade (railings). Decorative railings can add visual flair to almost any size porch. ![]() This small porch has a hip roof. Hip roofs work well when there isn't space for a gable or a shed type roof. As you can see in the photo above, a shed roof could not accommodate the length of the porch as it would have been too close to the gable roof above. (Note the exterior trim which fancies up the porch and home - more about trim below) ![]() Photo courtesy of buyamackThis is a well designed Arts and Crafts porch. The porch roof mimics the home's roof lines and the larger columns make the porch more impressive. Note the generous landscaping which adds a truly pleasing feel to this home.We've only begun to share our small porch design ideas with you. You will find plenty more photos and ideas you can use throughout our site; enjoy the journey. Easy Curb Appeal IdeasNo matter the size of your porch, it can pack a punch! Use our small porch pictures along with our small front porch ideas to dress up your front porch.Use Exterior House Trim and Colors to Accentuate Your PorchNotice the prominence of exterior house trim on the porches in the three photos below. Adding brackets, running trim, and spandrels (or in combinations) adds dimension and extra "wow" to your home.They are easy to install and are a quick and relatively inexpensive way to add decorative features to your porch. ![]() Small porch with Victorian flairNotice the added touches in the photo above. We like the geometric trellis along with the wooden bench. The contrasting colors visually highlight the small porch and give it much more impact than if it were painted the same color as the home. You can't help but notice this porch when you walk by - we sure did!![]() This is an innovative way to use exterior house trim on a small front porch. Although perhaps not everyone's cup of tea, you have to admit it is eye-catching and quite charming. ![]() Colorful charmerThe photo above is a good example of the impact painting can have for a porch. Notice the addition of color to the porch columns and column brackets. Unlike the previous photo, this porch's colors are carried over from those on the home itself to give it an entirely different look.![]() Simple exterior house trim and appealing colorsDon't forget the furniture. Notice how the furniture is painted in the same trim color adding to the porch's overall delight and charm. Your furniture's color can either add to or diminish the overall impact of your small porch so take care in selecting (or repainting) your furnishings.
Exterior House Trim Options for Small Porches
![]() See examples on homes so you can find the perfect combination to enhance the look of your porch. Enhance Your Porch ColumnsChanging out, wrapping, or painting your porch columns can help transform the look of your porch too. You can do this easily in just a few hours getting dramatic results.![]() Ordinary square columns adorned with trimAnyone can do this. Use ordinary trim pieces from your local building supply store and add them to your square or rectangular porch columns (photo above). You can then paint them to match the color of your columns, your home, or other trim color depending on the effect you desire.![]() Paint your turned columns![]() Subtle yet very decorativeA little paint will do 'ya. Your turned columns are a canvas waiting to be painted! As in the two photos above, choose either contrasting or complementary colors and have a go. A little paint adds a lot of flair.If you have round or square columns and want to change them column wraps may be the answer. As the name implies, column wraps are fiberglass and are installed around your existing porch columns. Note; however, they are not for structural purposes. We encourage you to explore our porch column section for more ideas. Railings with Purpose![]() Railings do more than prevent you from falling off the porch; they can add immense charm to small front porches like in the photo above. You can opt for standard balusters (pickets) or go for a design that is more decorative. ![]() This design works well for a small porch. Notice the pickets are proportional to the columns making it aesthetically pleasing to the eye. ![]() Not all porches need railings; however, hand rails are always a good idea. These wrought iron hand railings (photo above) contribute to the porches sophisticated appeal. ![]() Porch railings should complement the architectural features of your home. The railings in the photo above appear to be substantially "heavy" which work well with the brick facade of the home. Columns and railings should match architecturally also. ![]() Note the very close spacing of the balusters (pickets) in the photo above. Although you can vary the spacing to create different effects always ensure you are in compliance with local building codes. Most codes require spacing be 4" or less between balusters. That still gives you lots of design options. ![]() Although this railing would not be to code in most places (due to the spacing) it could be replicated to comply. Interesting railings give small porches some what Mary and I call "pizzazz"! Note the colorful front door - another easy way to add curb appeal. To fully appreciate all of your options you owe it to yourself to explore our entire porch railings section. You will be able to match not only your columns to railings but also ensure they match your architectural style for maximum interest and curb appeal. Return to TopFurnish and Decorate Your Small Porch
Furnishing your small porch can take some ingenuity. You usually just don't have the space for large furniture or other decorative items. Not to worry. Here are a few examples and ideas the work well on any small porch. ![]() Well furnished small porchIt is important to use the space you have well. The tendency is to one, add too many items or two, not add hardly any at all. Balance is key. In the photo above, both the size of items and their locations adds to the comfort and appeal of the porch.![]() Inviting front porchTake note of the wall hanging displays in the two photos above. These give the porch visual height (not all objects are the same height) and make it interesting. A trick is to make your wall hanging a focal point on your porch.This is especially important if your porch has a knee wall as in the photo above. Otherwise, your porch becomes nondescript. ![]() Colorful rocking chair bonanza
Give your furniture new life with paint as in they have done on the porch above.
If that isn't possible go for colorful cushions.
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More Small Front Porch Ideas![]() See how our friend Susan remodeled her front porch - what a difference it makes! |
![]() See how Mary and I redo this small porch to create curb appeal.... |
![]() See these amazing small home floor plans complete with front porches of course! |
![]() See ways you can easily extend a small porch... |
![]() See our advice to a homeowner who would like a new small front porch.... |
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