Get the Old-Fashioned Look with a Farmhouse Porch

An old house is not complete without the classic and quaint farmhouse porch. A wide, open porch invites passersby to come and visit, gives ample room for everyone to stretch out and relax, and can even increase the value of your home. What's not to love?

Tips for Creating the Perfect Farmhouse Porch

Your ideal porch is just around the corner. These tips can help you create a haven:

• Look for porch furniture that makes your outside space feel like a welcoming extension of your home. Avoid plastic chairs and umbrella tables--opt for rattan armchairs and plush, weather-resistant pillows. Finish off the furniture with a small wooden table to hold odds and ends.
• Use color to make the porch lively! Remember that it's not just about the things on the porch, but the colors of the porch itself. Paint your ceiling sky blue to mimic what you see outside, or try a more surprising color, like a deep red. If you are inclined to paint your porch floor, consider a traditional design, such as the classic square.
• The perfect farmhouse porch has a swing that sways gently in the breeze. Choose an old-fashioned wooden swing and be sure to attach it securely to the ceiling joists.
• Install a ceiling fan for those hottest summer days. Better yet, opt for a vintage fan to give your porch even more old-fashioned charm.
• Consider helpful items for your porch, such as an antique thermometer or weather gauges. The vintage look of old storefront thermometers can liven up your porch and serve as a great conversation piece.
• Throw an old, weathered rug on the porch floor to keep your feet comfortable. Make sure it is of a washable fabric that resists fading in the sun.
• Add the small period details that make a farmhouse porch so interesting. If you can find photographs of the original porch, duplicate as many of the historical details as you can.
• Install hidden shades in strategic places. If the setting sun glares right in your eyes, consider a bamboo shade that can be rolled up and out of sight when it's not in use. Roll it down only when you need it, and take advantage of the extra time on your lovely farmhouse porch!

Whether you really are on a farm or right in the middle of town, the inherent charm of a wide porch is always the same. It can make your home a welcoming haven!