Winter Porch Décor Ideas

While the arrival of frosty temperatures means buttoning up your house for the winter, that doesn’t mean you can’t still create a warm (at least in theory) and cheery front porch. Check out these suggestions for brightening up the darker and colder months; they’re sure to create a welcoming first impression for family and friends, too.

Hang a Winter Wreath

A seasonal wreath with sprigs of evergreens, boxwood, eucalyptus, pinecones and red berries makes a front porch pop. If a swag is more your style, try crafting an understated one using some of those same natural materials. Then finish it off with a pretty ribbon. 

Fill Containers

Baskets of birch and evergreen branches (and maybe even accessorized with a faux bird or two) give a porch a seasonal vibe.

Use Live Evergreens

For a more formal feel, try large containers filled with live holly, boxwood, spruce or juniper. If you want said plants to last, make sure they’re rated for your area’s hardiness zone and that the containers have drainage holes. Also make sure the pots are made of material that can withstand freezing temperatures.

Add a Little Sparkle

Brighten up dusky evenings with pre-lit faux birch branches nestled in a tall container or with a small, pre-lit faux birch tree.

Create a Warm Glow

Arrange floor lanterns of different sizes on your front stoop; just make sure the lanterns are constructed of material that can stand up to the elements. Use solar candles or LED lights with timers for evening ambiance. 

Swap Out Your Doormat

A doormat with snowflakes, evergreen trees or even cardinals is the perfect complement to other winter-themed décor. You might also want to consider layering a decorative doormat under a plain jute one, for a little more visual interest.

Enhance the Vibe

Have a seat or two on your front porch? Make them more inviting by accessorizing with all-weather throw pillows. 

Go Vintage

Nothing says “winter” more than snow-covered hills. If you have the room, lean a throwback wooden sled or toboggan next to your front door or against a side wall, for a hint of nostalgia.

Give a Nod to Sports

An old pair of figure skates hung in lieu of a wreath (or hung from the aforementioned wooden sled) also channels winter. Don’t have figure skates? Check out a local thrift shop or secondhand store.

Include Some Wildlife

A faux woodland animal statue, such as a deer or fox, tucked into a winter vignette, adds a sense of serenity. Choose a size based on the amount of space you have. You’ll want it to stand out, but not take up too much real estate.