Fall Front Porch Decorating 2023

If you’ve been dreaming about fall front porch decorating that feels cozy yet creative, you’re in the right place!

Whether you love a bold, colorful display or prefer a softer, neutral look, fall front porch decorating can be as simple or as creative as you want it to be. The best part is, you don’t need to spend a lot; just a few seasonal touches can completely transform your porch into a cozy autumn retreat!

Considering I am posting this late in the season, I am sure most of us are thinking all things Christmas at this point, but I couldn’t let fall pass without sharing my fall front porch decor.

My small front porch is bursting with fall colors right now, so I had to snap a few photos.

Color Palette – Use What’s Already There

We have a dwarf Japanese maple tree right next to the front porch that turns brilliant red this time of year. There is also a climbing hydrangea growing on the trellis that turns pretty shades of yellow in the fall.

Since these elements were already there, I wanted to work with their natural color scheme for my seasonal accents.

I love decorating with natural elements (both inside and out), and the fall season offers such an abundance to choose from!

A few weeks ago I had switched out the chair on my porch in favor of this long wooden brown bench. I had brought it to a vintage sale I was selling at and it didn’t sell. Which I wasn’t sad about because I do love the bench.

We do use this seating area often, so the bench offers more seats than we had previously.

Budget-Friendly Basics: Pumpkins, Mums, and Gourds

Considering fall offers such an abundance of natural elements, it helps to keep decorating budget-friendly! A mix of mums, pumpkins, and gourds creates such a warm welcome!

Classic fall elements like mums, dried gourds, and pumpkins are simple touches that make a big impact, especially in small spaces like our porch. I chose yellow mums this year because they add a burst of color to our shady porch.

I also considered white mums for a more neutral look, but fall is all about color. One last burst before winter sets in!

Along with those, I also had cabbage plants, which are also readily available this time of year. My potted ferns are still thriving from summer as well as my pansies.

I also picked up a bundle of Indian corn to add to my classic fall decor.

add height and texture with fall decorations

On our small porch, adding height helps make it look more interesting and gives me more space to work with. We added the lattice for privacy years ago, and then planted a climbing vine. The outdoor mirror is an unexpected addition that guests see as soon as they come up to our front door.

Another easy way to add height is to use corn stalks. You could tie them to porch posts or put one on each side of the door. You can also stack pumpkins for height or make a little pumpkin topiary using small pumpkins like I did last year.

With all the fall flowers and natural elements, you also have instant texture.

Cozy Touches with Textiles & Lighting

I always keep a blanket on our porch bench for a cozy touch. Sometimes, I’ll switch it up seasonally. The white plaid adds a nice, neutral background for all the vibrant colors added for fall.

On the bench I keep a large basket full of plants and flowers that gets changed out seasonally. The basket adds another layer of texture and interest.

For outdoor lighting, I like to add a lantern with candles to bring in a soft, cozy glow to the overall look.

Quick Fall Front Porch Decorating Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist to help bring these fall front porch ideas to life at your own home.

• Evaluate the space – use what you’ve got
• Add pumpkins, mums, fall plants, and gourds (abundance is key)
• Incorporate vertical decor and texture
• Layer textiles (like soft blankets) and lighting
• Choose colors for a cohesive look
• Infuse a personal touch (vintage items, decorative accents, DIY touches)
• Adjust based on porch size and budget

fall front porch decorating ideas – final thoughts

All this fall color makes me happy every time I walk out the door. It won’t be long until the colors fade and the leaves fall off so I wanted to appreciate this as long as I can.

With just a few thoughtful touches, your fall porch decor can be as welcoming as your indoor decor.

​Front porches are a bonus space in decorating, and early fall is the perfect time to experiment with different colors, natural elements, and other small accents!

Our front porch is small, but I do get so much enjoyment from it. It’s one of my favorite spots to decorate and switch out seasonally. Partly because I love mixing rustic elements with flowers.

Combining those two things is a great way to add interest!

While I am finishing up my fall decor, the Christmas wheels are spinning in my head on what I’ll do out here next. One option I’m considering is a full-size Christmas tree outside, right in front of the lattice with the mirror.

What do you think of my outdoor decor and these fall porch ideas? I’d love to hear in the comments!

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Want to see more of how I change up my porch decor seasonally? Watch this quick video highlight!

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More Fall Decorating Ideas

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