Last Updated on January 13, 2025 by Vannessa Rhoades, Three Bears Home Staging
In my experience with home sellers, the front porch is often one of the most neglected parts of a home. This makes sense when you think about how most homeowners use the front porch…in that they really don’t use it at all. Many homeowners enter their house through the garage or a back door entrance and only briefly pop their head out the front door when greeting a guest or receiving a package.
This is not the experience potential buyers will have when visiting your home. They’ll often arrive ahead of the real estate agent and stand on the front porch, impatiently tapping their toes, straining to peek in the window, and judging every square inch of it.
And let’s be honest: they have every right to do that. They’re trying to decide whether or not to invest thousands of dollars in purchasing your property! That’s why it’s important to take the time to make sure your very first impression is a great one!
How to Stage a Front Porch for Sale: Staging Tips
- Clean, clean, clean! Sweep the porch, brush away cobwebs, empty the bug carcasses from light fixtures, shine the windows, and wipe down doors.
- Add life! Did you know that adding plants and colorful flowers is a great way to transition buyers from the outside to the inside? Just be sure to keep pottery neutral, unobtrusive, and to a minimum. This is not the place to go all “Crazy Plant Lady/Man.”
- Accessorize carefully. A few well-chosen chosen, neutral accessories will add a welcoming touch (see suggestion below). Too many personalized accessories will send buyers the message that you are firmly planted in this home and may not really be interested in leaving. Your potential homebuyers should not be able to profile who lives in the household. In case you need us to break it down further, “too personalized” includes (but is not limited to) the following:
- all statuary (gnomes, angels, pet memorials, saints, butterflies, birds, and toads)
- flags and banners, all types (yes, even patriotic ones; they typically don’t photograph well anyway)
- chimes, dangling or spinning decor
- anything remotely political or religious; remember, you’re trying to sell the house — not recruit voting buddies or church friends
- anything made by your kids or grandkids or references to pets
- any cutesy/personalized/instructional signs (i.e., monogrammed door mats, “No Soliciting” sign, “The Jones Family” plaque, etc.)
- Refresh the finishes. Re-painting or replacing your front entry door is one of the top ROI updates you can make to your home. While you’re at it, consider updating heavily scratched or peeling door hardware. Make sure the house number is visible and in good shape as well.
Related: 24 of Our Favorite Front Door Paint Colors to Help Sell Your House
DIY Front Porch Decor Ideas for Home Staging
Take a look at some of our recommendations for front porch staging decor. Use it as inspiration to shop for your own pieces or simply click to order from Amazon.
This eucalyptus wreath has beautiful thick leaves and full berries – simple and elegant. You’ll need to fluff out the leaves a bit after delivery since it’s packed pretty tightly in the box. Looks great on a door under a covered front porch!
Artificial Eucalyptus Wreath for Front Door 20in
This layered rug set is the perfect combo for beautiful listing photos and home showings! Versatile, low maintenance, easy to clean, chic, and trendy. (I do recommend bringing them indoors during heavy rain, though).
Sierra Concepts Door Mat, 2-Pack Set
Elegantly manicured potted plants are the perfect addition to a cozy front porch. We think this 4’ tall mini cedar pine tree perfectly captures the essence of the real thing, and you can’t kill it! Super versatile – looks great in sunny or snowy climates and withstands the elements well.
Nearly Natural 5172 4ft. Cedar Tree Silk Tree
This neutral-colored weather-proof planter will look chic and elegant on your front porch all year long. The UV protection within the material allows for a long-lasting fade-free performance. Fill with beautiful flowers, large succulents, or draping greenery. Then place them on either side of the front door or the sides of the house.
Tusco Products MC16 BK 16″ Modern Colonial Garden Planter, 16 inches, Black
How to Make a Front Porch More Welcoming to Buyers
A beautiful seating area is such an inviting way to welcome potential home buyers. A large front porch might be complimented by a pair of matching rocking chairs. Porch swings are another option for a spacious front porch design. Be sure your furniture is clean-lined and well-maintained — no chipped or fading paint and avoid anything overly ornate to maximize appeal. Soften the look by adding simple outdoor cushions or throw pillows in a neutral color and pattern. For a smaller front porch, try adding a focal point with a rustic acacia wood bench like this one.
Christopher Knight Home Carlisle Outdoor Acacia Wood and Rustic Metal Bench
Want to give your front porch a chic interior design touch? This vintage lantern and LED candle add both warmth and welcome to your front porch photos.
Bright Zeal 13.5″ Black Vintage Candle Lantern with LED Pillar Candle and Timer
How We Can Help You Make Your Front Porch More Appealing to Home Buyers
Need a little help pulling it all together? We love teaching homeowners how to sell their homes faster and for more money!
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Vannessa Rhoades
Vannessa Rhoades is the author of Just Right! Easy DIY Home Staging and the founder of the award-winning firm, Three Bears Home Staging®. She specializes in providing positive, empowering virtual consultations that help homeowners and real estate agents all across the country sell more quickly and for more money.
