Winter Porch Decor

It’s always good to start with a clean slate. Remove everything from your porch and store unused items such as flowerpots. If needed, pressure wash your porch and clean windows. This is also the time to assess what repairs might be needed in the spring.

Decorating your winter porch can be as simple as repurposing items already on hand. For example, if you decorated with straw bales and pumpkins for Halloween, a quick change with ribbon and spray paint transforms them into Christmas decor.

Another idea is to swap out fall throw pillows for ones with a holiday color theme. There are pillow options made with outdoor fabric, but the good thing about this time of the year is that, if you have a covered porch or patio, regular pillows won’t get damaged from sunlight or humidity.

Porches can function as extensions of your living area, which is particularly useful when you entertain large groups. Add an outdoor seating area so that people can sit and enjoy conversation. An outdoor table and chairs also come in handy when you have people over.

However, the best part of adding new furniture to your winter porch is that it transforms your porch into a cozy getaway. A small table and chairs become a comfortable place to drink your morning coffee. Chaise lounges make the perfect place for unwinding after a long day. If you live in a cold climate, keep a basket of blankets just inside the front door or invest in an outdoor heater to make the space even cozier. The point is to think about how you want to use your porch and then add furniture accordingly.

Sometimes all you need for a fresh look is a splash of color. A new rug, faux flower arrangement, wall decor and flags are all quick and easy decorating additions that can be purchased in an array of colors and patterns. This is also where you can think outside the box. For example, create an arrangement of different-sized baskets and fill them with natural elements such as pinecones, sycamore balls and branches, or stack boxes wrapped in colorful holiday paper and bows in a child’s wagon.

Holiday trees aren’t just for indoors. In fact, many are created from materials designed to withstand outdoor temperatures. Trees come in different sizes so you can fill a corner with one large holiday tree or purchase three or four in different sizes for a small vignette.

Hanging greenery is one of the most classic, traditional ways to decorate—and it’s easy. If you have spotted or flowering branches or evergreen foliage such as boxwood or magnolias, use twine or floral wire to bind them together into a long garland. Accent with decorative ribbon.

Don’t have time to craft? Purchase a fresh wreath, garland or swag to hang or drape on your porch.

String lights have become a staple for outdoor porches and patios. They’re affordable, easy to hang and easy to maintain. If your porch lights are outdated or rusty, it’s probably time to install new ones. For intimate settings such as a table, use LED candles and hurricane lamps.

Depending on your climate, you may need to heat the space so you can actually enjoy it during the winter months. If you have the space, there are many different types of propane fireplaces and firepits that add warmth and personality to your porch. Another common solution is to use outdoor heaters, both electric and propane powered. Decorating with items that lend comfort and convenience will draw people to your porch and keep them enjoying it longer.

Nothing signals the holidays better than a bright poinsettia plant. Adding poinsettias, Christmas cactus and other holiday plants and arrangements is an inexpensive but pretty way to enliven your winter porch decor.