Adding a bench to your front porch is one of the easiest ways to increase its visual appeal and functionality. The right bench can transform an ordinary, forgettable porch into a charming and inviting outdoor living space. When thoughtfully chosen, a front porch bench also provides a spot to sit and relax or display potted plants and other seasonal decor. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be tricky to select a bench style and size that perfectly suits your home.
We’ll cover matching your bench to your architectural style, choosing durable outdoor materials, getting the sizing right, and styling your bench for maximum curb appeal. Read on for inspiring tips and recommendations to add character to your outdoor space with a bench made for lounging, entertaining, storing, and decorating.
Complement Your Home’s Architecture
One of the most important considerations when selecting a front porch bench is choosing one whose style complements your home’s existing architectural details. The bench should look like it belongs on your porch and wasn’t just randomly placed there. Carefully considering your home’s style ensures your bench enhances your curb appeal instead of clashing.
Traditional Home Styles
For classically styled homes, look for front porch bench styles that align with the traditional architecture. An ornately scrolled metal bench or wooden garden bench with turned legs would suit a traditional home’s character. Wrought iron benches with vintage styling also pair nicely with formal home exteriors. A classic wooden swing bench would also be a charming addition to a traditionally styled front porch. Look for traditional design elements like scrollwork, turned legs, and detailed metalwork when choosing a bench for your conventional home.
Farmhouse and Cottage-Style Homes
If your home has a cottage or farmhouse aesthetic, select a front porch bench to match the casual, rural style. A rustic wood bench made from cedar, redwood, or teak is a perfect complement to exterior details like board and batten siding, metal roofing, shutters, and flower boxes. Look for distressed finishes and vintage styling for a relaxed, well-worn appearance. Soft pillows and woven blankets will enhance the cozy farmhouse vibe. A whitewashed wooden swing bench also suits a cottage-style porch.
Modern Homes
Contemporary homes with clean lines and a sleek look require an equally streamlined front porch bench. Metallic benches in aluminum, stainless steel, or iron with straight lines and angular shapes complement modern architecture. Concrete benches are also fitting for a contemporary exterior. Look for benches with a low profile and neutral, minimalist vibe. Avoid heavily ornamented or highly detailed benches that would clutter a porch with clean, modern design.
Choosing Durable Outdoor Materials
Since your new front porch bench will live outdoors and endure the weather, carefully considering how durable the materials are is key. Look for weather-resistant, low-maintenance materials designed to withstand the elements year-round.
Teak is a popular wood used for outdoor furniture including benches due to its natural oils that help it stand up to sun, rain, and snow. Teak develops a silvery-gray patina over time when exposed to the elements. Red cedar and cypress are other strong wood options.
Recycled plastic made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a highly durable, eco-friendly choice for a front porch bench. It resists moisture, splintering, cracking, and rotting. Recycled plastic won’t require painting or staining either.
Wrought iron is long-lasting for outdoor use and classically attractive. Look for iron benches with galvanized steel frames for optimal weather-resistance.
Concrete makes a statement and is extremely durable. Opt for precast concrete reinforced with fiberglass or metal. Keep in mind concrete will absorb more heat in sunny locations.
Sizing Your Bench Correctly
You want your front porch bench to be spacious enough for you and guests to sit comfortably without crowding each other. But you also don’t want an oversized bench that overwhelms a petite porch. Measure the area where you plan to place the bench so you can choose one scaled appropriately for your available space.
Taking Measurements
Use a tape measure to find the height, depth, and length of the space you have for your porch bench. Note the existing seat height if you plan to match it. Check that any benches you consider will fit within those dimensions. Allow for a few inches clearance on all sides so the bench doesn’t feel cramped. This will help you select a bench suited for your front porch layout.
Bench Size Options
Benches come in a variety of sizes to fit different porch dimensions:
- Short benches around 4-5 feet long for petite porches
- Full-length benches about 6-8 feet long for larger spaces
- Deep benches around 2-3 feet wide for lots of seating room
- Narrow 18-24 inch wide benches to conserve space
- Backless benches that maximize seating in a smaller footprint
- Benches with backs that provide extra comfort
You can also choose between freestanding benches or built-in bench seating integrated right into the structure of the porch. Built-in benches are great space-savers on a tiny porch.
Creative Built-In Bench Storage
Many front porch benches today come with built-in storage space under the seat. This is perfect for tucking away outdoor living items to keep clutter off your porch. Look for storage benches with lift-up seats, slide-out drawers, and cubbies of various sizes to stash essentials.
Under-seat storage compartments are wonderful for hiding outdoor cushions, blankets, gardening tools, and more when not in use. You can also place baskets or storage containers under your bench to organize items you use outside frequently.
The seat of your storage bench also provides display space for potted plants, cute pumpkins in autumn, or other seasonal decorations. Keep your porch looking tidy by stashing less visually appealing items like hoses, shoes, toys, and pet supplies under the bench.
Choosing Comfortable Bench Seating
You’ll want your new front porch bench to be just as relaxing and comfortable as your indoor furniture. Seek out benches made with ergonomic seat contours and supportive backrests for ultimate lounging. Here are some features that enhance bench comfort:
- Cushions – Thick, weather-resistant cushions make hard bench seating more comfortable. Look for 2″ or thicker cushions with soft foam filling and zippered removable covers.
- Contoured seats – Subtly curved benches better support the body than flat, hard surfaces.
- Arms – Side arms give you something comfortable to lean on and can have storage compartments too.
- Back support – Full bench backs promote better posture than backless benches.
Prioritize comfort to create a front porch oasis for relaxing and entertaining guests. Add extra throw pillows along with cushions for optimal seating.
Styling Your Bench
While comfort and durability are most important, you also want your front porch bench to be visually appealing and enhance your home’s exterior. Use these styling tricks to show off your bench:
- Add colorful pillows and cushions to complement your color scheme
- Display potted plants, flowers, and foliage
- Layer on textiles like blankets and quilts
- Repurpose your bench by season – in spring display flower pots, in autumn adorn with pumpkins and leaves
Updating pillows and throws with the seasons is an easy way to give your bench a new look. Fresh coats of weatherproof paint also quickly change the bench’s appearance. Whatever you display, just be sure your bench decor has outdoor durability.
Ideal Benches for Small Front Porches
Having limited porch space doesn’t mean you can’t add a bench. Scale down the size and keep these pointers in mind:
- Opt for a backless bench to conserve space since you don’t need back support for short-term seating.
- Choose a narrow-width bench sized appropriately for your compact porch.
- Consider a corner bench that neatly tucks into a small unused space.
- Multipurpose storage benches maximize function.
- Go for a foldable bench you can move or store easily.
Even the smallest front porch can benefit from a thoughtfully chosen petite bench perfect for relaxing with a cup of coffee.
With so many wonderful front porch bench concepts to choose from, you’ll find one that becomes your new favorite space to lounge and enjoy the outdoors. Look for a bench suited for your home’s architecture, made of durable materials, and properly sized for your porch layout. Don’t forget useful features like storage, comfort, and style. Visit home stores, patio showrooms, or shop online galleries to discover your ideal bench. Soon you’ll be enjoying summer dinners or quiet morning coffee outside in your new favorite seat.
