Best Porch Makeover Buys for a Staycation Feel This Summer
This post may contain affiliate recommendations. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to buy through my suggestions, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. In this post, I’ll be sharing the best summer porch makeover buys to help you refresh your outdoor space.
This post is all about the best porch makeover buys for a staycation summer
Your Front Porch Deserves More Than a Doormat
A front door step is one of those spots that gets completely overlooked and yet with the right buys it can become your favourite little part of your home this summer.
We’re talking that cosy staycation feel. Step outside with your morning coffee and actually want to stay there. No passport required. Just your own front porch done right
I’ve worked in interiors and furniture for years and I’ll tell you something for nothing, the smallest spaces often have the biggest potential.
The One Buy That Changes Everything: A Proper Seat or Bench
If your porch has even a tiny bit of room, a wooden bench, hanging seat or folding chair is the single best buy you can make. This will be the area to splurge on as it turns a space you walk through into a space you actually stop and sit in. That’s the whole point.
Outdoor Wooden Bench
This beautiful Wooden Bench for under £48 can help create an aesthetically pleasing area and you could dress it up by adding a few cosy outdoor bench cushions, I picked up these lovely Cushion covers for under £14 and they really set the front porch scene perfectly.
For more budget and space friendly options, these useful Outdoor folding chairs and Patterned seat cushions that will also do the trick.
Add a Summer Wreath to Your Front Door
The finishing touch that people always notice. A summer wreath on your front door pulls the whole porch look together and costs very little.
Try something with dried florals, eucalyptus or faux flowers for that warm summery feel, I found this stunning Artificial Wreath with Purple Butterflies and Greenery on amazon for less then £20. A simple hoop wreath in neutral tones works beautifully as well with almost any door colour.
Small detail. Big impact.
Make It Feel Like a Destination with Layered Textures
This is where the cosy staycation feel really comes in. Think outdoor cushions, rugs and doormats. Chairs without cushions are just chairs, add a bold stripe or botanical print through pillows and throws and suddenly it feels intentional and lovely.
Go for cushions with removable, washable covers. This vibrant set of 6 Outdoor cushion covers with invisible zip covers paired with The actual cushion inserts sits in the £27 range for all of them and makes a real difference to how long you actually want to sit there.
For a rug, look for easy-clean options like this Reversable outdoor rug for under £34.
Set the Scene: Plants That Do the Heavy Lifting
Statement pots either side of your door is all it takes. Lavender smells incredible every time you open the door. Geraniums plants give you bold colour all summer with minimal effort. I picked up 9 Geranium Plants in pink ready to plant for just £15 on Amazon. Now this one is a bit of a splurge for just one but a potted Standard bay tree either side looks proper smart.
No time to water? No worries, this 4 Pack of Terracotta Watering Spikes for under £19 are one of the best budget buys going. Fill them, insert into soil and they water your plants for 3–5 days continuously.
Don’t Underestimate Lighting: Create Some Atmosphere
This is the thing that takes your porch from functional to genuinely magical in the evenings.
A pair of Outdoor solar lanterns either side of your door costs under £18, needs zero wiring and gives off the most gorgeous warm glow. For more impact, Solar festoon lights draped along your railing give you that holiday terrace feel. These Lights come in different lengths and start at £19.99 for 10 metres, with a remote control, and 3 lighting modes. So much atmosphere for so little money.
Finish It Off: A Doormat That Actually Adds to the Look
Not just any doormat, one that pulls the whole look together. A thick Coir doormat with a simple design message or bold welcome message costs under £20 and anchors the whole space. Go thick enough to actually scrape shoes clean.
Tie It All Together
These best summer porch makeover buys really do not need to cost a fortune. A bench. Some cushions. A few well-chosen plants. Decent lighting. A good doormat. That’s genuinely all it takes to turn your space into a little staycation corner you’ll want to sit on all summer long.
For more ideas on creating that holiday feeling without going anywhere check out my staycation ideas that cost less than £100 and if you love the idea of making your whole home feel like a retreat then this post is right up your street.
I also love Jane at Home’s front porch ideas – for extra inspiration. It’s spot on for lovely summer and spring porch ideas.
And if you’re thinking about your whole outdoor space too then go and have a read of how to transform your garden into a holiday retreat because there’s loads of good stuff in there.
Questions About Summer Porch Makeover Buys
What are the best buys for a small front doorstep? Start with a doormat, one or two potted plants and a solar lantern. Those three things alone will transform how your porch looks and feels.
How do I make my front porch feel cosy for summer? Layer it up. A seat gives you somewhere to be. Cushions make it comfortable. Plants bring it to life. Lighting makes it magical in the evening.
What plants are best for a front porch in the UK? Lavender, geraniums and bay trees. They love sun, look gorgeous and are tough enough for a British summer.
Do solar lights work on a shaded porch? They work best in direct sunlight but many modern solar lights will still charge in indirect light.
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