Rustic Porch Ideas

Now, there are porches, and then there are porches! For yours to have the all important wow factor, you’ll want to carefully think about your style and the theme that you’ll most love. 

A rustic porch may seem to be the most obvious choice when it comes to decor. And that’s because it works! Echoing traditional country spirit, this charming look never goes out of style.

So, get set to decorate, and then luxuriate, on your own gorgeous rustic porch.

Traditional Wood Porch

Whether you are building a new porch onto your home or updating the existing one, there’s something warm, inviting and timeless about a timber porch.

Reassuringly chunky posts look fabulous with a traditional wood shutter at the window. You can keep things simple with a few plants in a wood planter or terracotta plant pot in large, shabby chic styles.

A bench is easy seating. It has a natural charm and if you like a little more dressed look you can add blankets and cushions. 

And for the long, hot evenings, add some festoon lighting with retro style light bulbs. A truly relaxing rustic look.

Twilight Rustic Porch

There ain’t nothing better than sitting on your porch surveying your land watching the sun go down! Well, you know what? You can have that good old-fashioned treat too. 

A white pillared classic porch can be oh so simply decorated with some well-chosen wood rocking chairs, you and your family can rest and enjoy the twilight views. 

If you need light at night, a simple black metal and glass pendant fixture hung from the porch ceiling will do the job perfectly. 

Old-Fashioned Charm

A cream color shiplap house is a dreamy backdrop for some old-fashioned wicker seating. Want to add some color? Then pick a floral or chintz bench cushion.

You can find old furniture at antique stores or garage sales. If it’s in need of a spruce up, then give it a coat of exterior paint. As good as Grandma’s!

Simple Tastes for Your Rustic Porch

When you have an architect designed porch, you can opt for the simplest decor choices. A Scandinavian style pitched roof is a wonderful designer detail.

For this stylized look, keep accompaniments minimal by adding a pair of wood lounger chairs. Ideal for sitting out, lazing and watching the forest or backyard beyond.

Cabin in the Woods

There is something cozy and inviting about a cabin in the woods. Perhaps it’s the association with fairy tales and old stories. But you just want to hop right in!

A cabin porch will be blessed with natural appeal so add a couple of rockers and perhaps some old farming equipment to set the scene. If you come across a wood carving, this will look darling hung from the roof. But steer clear of horror movies or you may find things a little scary at night!

Dutch Style Rustic Wood Porch

If you like traditional European woodland settings, you might like to style your porch this way. Chunky timber construction is a must, with a log post and wood deck.

Then soften the wood with rattan lights fixed on the porch ceiling. Choose some soft cushions on simple seating and make the deck soft underfoot by choosing a rug. If you have the space, you can add a wood burning stove to keep the temperature warm on chillier days. 

Pretty White Rustic Porch

A white painted house and deck will look romantic with wood furniture and shutters. This is a simple, stylish rustic look so add decoration to continue the white, perhaps a plant pot or table.

To make for a crisp finish, choose green, leafy plants or perhaps some white flowers. And of course a swing in a natural cane will enhance this gorgeous white rustic porch.

Add Some Color to Your Porch

You don’t have to stick to white and wood for a rustic porch. Some color matched with careful styling will also give you a traditional country style.

Why not pick a subtle cornflower blue or another strong pastel color paint? The secret to keeping it rustic is to pick traditional decor items. So a wicker bench and a pretty plant will have you thinking you’ve stepped back to a golden age.

Rustic Porch with a Splash of Red and Blue 

This is an unusual rustic porch but it really works! With this combination you’ll be feeling the need to recreate this on your own porch. 

Keep your furniture, deck and posts in lovely natural wood. Then go for it with the soft furnishings. A painted red shutter can be enhanced with a red cushion or detail in a rug. And at opposite sides of the color wheel, red and blue pop when used together. 

Decorative Touches

A Swinging Pair

We usually think of a porch swing as a bench for two. But how about a pair of individual chair swings. Cute, don’t you think?

Using stylish cushions in on trend neutral colors will not only increase your comfort but also add a contemporary rustic touch.

Roll Out the Barrel

For some instant rustic decor, use an old barrel as a table. Repurposing items is a great way of saving money and the planet! 

So check out local sales and selling pages on social media to see what quirky rustic bargains you can find to add to your porch setting.

Log Tables on a Rustic Porch

Perhaps you have a lumber yard near you, highly likely if your home is near the forest. See if you can use a wide diameter lodge to create some unique tables for your porch.

If you like a French rustic look, keep the tones faded and white. Some wood furniture and accessories will finish this divine scheme, as well as some white blooms.

Rustic Porch Lanterns

You have some rustic furniture and lush foliage in plant pots to dress a porch on a stone house. Perhaps you have stone steps leading to your backyard. A great way to both dress this look and to add practical light is to add some antique style lanterns.

Place them slightly off on the stair, as that’s design rule number one, never too matchy-matchy. The varying heights will add interest. Choose a traditional metal style for the rustic aesthetic.

Doing Cartwheels

If you truly love the country look then go all out on your porch. Perhaps hang a saloon sign, and add accessories in antique wood. 

And if you can source it, how about the epitome of rustic, a cartwheel placed just so on the side of the house. You too can live the rural dream with some carefully chosen objects!

Add a Vase or Two

Flowers look wonderful wherever they are, so add them to your rustic porch display for an instant lift. 

The scent will add to the romance of the setting and keep things fresh. Select several white, blousy flower heads and create a varying height arrangement for maximum impact. A metal watering can or pail filled with water and flowers will signify the rustic charm you’re looking for.

In Summary

The rustic porch look is about the right combination of timber and traditional furniture. So if you have a wood porch, choose wood furniture for ultimate rusticity. To soften, you can add cushions and flowers, or pick elegantly styled cane seating.

Repurposing items like old farm machinery or a barrel will give you not only a country design but will also be a truly sustainable choice. And a rocker or swing are country hits.

Don’t be afraid of color as this can look lovely on a rustic porch. And for a freshen up and lift, add large pot plants or fill vases or perhaps a watering can with gorgeous blousy blooms.