7 Festive Fall Front Porch Ideas
All treats, no tricks!
As hard as it is to say goodbye to summer, we can't help but feel excited when the weather gets a little chilly and the first leaves start to turn orange and ochre. In the market for cozy fall front porch ideas? Or are you looking for easy fall porch decorating ideas to deck out the back deck or front door? Keep reading below to spice up your porch long before the trick-or-treaters arrive.
1. Make Your Entryway Inviting
One thing we love about autumn is the bountiful harvest of seasonal decor and fall porch decorating ideas. The easiest trick to spicing up your front door is adding a fall-themed doormat. They make a great first impression and will help eliminate tracking leaves in. To make the front porch even more welcoming, add an autumn-inspired wreath. We love wreaths with pumpkins, pinecones, and multicolored leaves. Make sure to fluff up your fall wreath upon arrival to achieve the fullest look. Finally, place a few lanterns on your front porch. Fill them with candles to add a nighttime glow or with fall decor, such as pumpkins and pinecones, for a festive twist.
A bench is a great way to enjoy autumn, and it's one of the best fall decorating ideas if you are limited on space near the front door. Add a couple of throw pillows to create a comfortable morning coffee spot on the front porch. Bring out a plaid-patterned blanket to keep you warm, and make it extra cozy with fall decor, like gourds and pumpkins. If you want to enjoy the front porch late into the evening, consider updating the lighting to include wall sconces. Barn lights that are made for wet locations are perfect for illuminating a rustic fall front porch.
Both the allure of farmhouse design and the appeal of rustic style make them easy to work into your fall porch decorating. Find inspiration in farmhouse-inspired signage, throw pillows, and wicker baskets. Or take a hint from rustic design and add plaid throw blankets to a wood storage bench. Both styles rely heavily on autumn's quaint decor and the warm, cozy color palette and materials.
Just because temperatures are dipping, it doesn't mean that you have to abandon flowers altogether. In fact, fall annuals are some of our favorite plants – and a key ingredient to recreating organic fall porch decor ideas. Choose terracotta or stoneware planters in travertine, English moss, or another neutral color to offset the moody reds, oranges, and yellows in mums, chrysanthemums, celosias, and purple fountain grass. If you don't want plants lining the walkways, opt for window boxes instead. Fill the window boxes with flowers and faux gourds. For the easiest window boxes, opt for a self-watering option with drainage holes.
Fall front porch ideas wouldn't be complete without thinking about trick-or-treaters. A few pumpkins, a spooky garden stake, and decorative lanterns can go a long way. Make sure you have a place for handing out treats by placing twin rockers on the front porch. A garden stool is the perfect place to set your basket of candy. Just set a tray of hot apple ciders on your wicker basket and you'll be ready for an evening of tricks and treats.
Pro Tip:
Worried that your front walkway might be a little too dim for young trick-or-treaters? Add landscape lighting to make their path brighter.
The best spot to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate isn't in a coffee shop – it's on your own front porch. One of the most practical fall front porch ideas is to invest in comfortable layers of textiles for autumn. Update your wicker chairs with seat cushions and throw pillows. We love polyester and cotton because they're comfortable and easy to clean. Roll out a rug under seating areas for an extra layer of coziness. This wide-striped option is perfect for a farmhouse-inspired fall front porch.
There's no better way to welcome fall than with a cozy fire pit on the back porch or in the backyard. Rather than putting away the Adirondack chairs after Labor Day, arrange them in a circle around a fire pit. Something to keep in mind: Propane and natural gas fire pits are the safest for roasting marshmallows. Snuggle up fireside with a pile of fleece throw blankets. Hang string lights to create a warm glow – and to see if your marshmallows are crispy.
Pro Tip:
If you'll be placing the fire pit on your back porch, check to make sure it is safe for use on a wooden deck by going into the Sort & Filter tab on our site, looking under Features, and checking off "Safe for Use on Wooden Deck."
Ready to add a bit of autumn fun to your patio with these fall porch ideas?
Shop the Harvest Shop
