5 Welcoming Winter-Styled Front Porch Decorating Ideas

Depending upon the region, winter weather may call for snow boots and scarfs, or a light sweater when the sun goes down. In either case, the days are shorter, the temps are lower, and our normally lush green lawns are looking a bit more subdued. Does this mean that winter is drab? Not at all! It’s a season of simple pleasures—a warm cup of cocoa, a crackling fireplace, a stack of cozy blankets by the sofa. It’s also a season that inspires some gorgeous décor. From winter whites and evergreens to classic plaids and warm wood elements, there are countless ways to capture the spirit of the season in style.
 
One key place to curate some cozy winter décor is on your front porch. After all, it welcomes you home after a long day, greets your guests when they stop by for a visit, and gives a stylish first impression to passing neighbors. Your porch deserves some winter love! Even if you decked the halls for the holidays, you may be wondering what to do after the lights and baubles have been packed away. A few simple porch decorations can transform your outdoor entry into a welcoming, winter-styled space. Whether you’re drawn to classic and cozy, rustic inspired, or modern and fresh, here are five stylish tips to get you started.
 
1. Create a Warm Winter Glow with Outdoor Lighting
Warm up a cold winter evening with the soft light of outdoor lanterns on your porch. Lanterns are available in a variety of materials and colors, so you could opt for warm wood, galvanized metal, a pop of color, or whatever suits your front porch style. Choose fixtures of varying sizes to add depth to the scene, and be sure to buy an outdoor lantern that’s pretreated to withstand the elements. Add an LED candle with a timer so you can set it and forget it for the rest of the winter season.

2. Go (Ever)Green with your Decorations
While winter lacks the colorful buds and blooms of spring and summer, you can always add life to your front porch scene with evergreen plants that are perfect for winter. Dwarf Conifers or Emerald Green Arborvitae stay small when planted in containers and are hardy in most winter climates. Boxwoods are another gorgeous evergreen, preferring rich organic soil and thriving in pots with minimal maintenance. If you’re not known for your green thumb and would prefer no-maintenance greenery, artificial shrubs have come a long way in terms of their realism, and would look beautiful in oversized planters flanking your front door.

3. Deck the Front Door with a Winter Wreath
A wreath is a simple way to make a big style statement on your front door all year round. You’ll find a wide variety of ready-to-hang wreaths in different sizes and styles at any home décor store. Or you can go the DIY route and make a winter wreath that’s distinctly yours. Here are a few winter wreath ideas that even newbie crafters can handle:

• Start with a grapevine wreath and add natural winter elements like pine tree sprigs and pine cones to create a rustic farmhouse wreath. 

• Even if you’re not a knitter, you can transform a skein of chunky yarn into a welcoming winter wreath in no time. 

• When it comes to DIY porch decorations, a scarf wreath is just about as simple as it gets. Pick your favorite plaid or opt for a solid knit to make a warm and inviting front door statement. 

4. Layer On the Cozy Textiles to Outdoor Furniture
Front porch sitting isn’t just for the summertime. A wintry Sunday morning—when you can see your breath and the rising steam from your cup of coffee—is a perfect time to snuggle under an outdoor blanket and enjoy the crisp air. The right cozy textiles can add immediate warmth to any room—and they can do the same on your front porch. Drape a throw blanket across a bench, swing, or rocking chair, add a knit pillow or two, and you’ll have a welcoming spot that will make anyone want to sit and stay awhile.

5. Throw in Some a Touch of Old Fashioned Winter Decor Fun
Love a vintage look? We do, too! Adding a piece from the past to your outdoor porch decorations can instantly up the charm factor. A perfectly placed pair of white ice skates, wooden skis, or a vintage toboggan can stir up fond memories of frozen ponds, family ski days, and sledding hills—while also adding a layer of interest and character to your front porch scene.

No matter how sunny or snowy the forecast is, let the season inspire you to create a welcoming winter scene on your front porch. You’ll boost your curb appeal and make coming home in the winter more inviting than ever.
 
If you’re ready to find a new front porch—on a gorgeous new home—we’d love to help you find the perfect spot for all of the seasons to come. Give us a call at 866.696.7432 or visit SheaHomes.com to explore our new homes and communities.