11 Products That Will Give Your Porch a Facelift

Is there any better way to enjoy the newly warm weather than by unwinding on a porch? If you're one of those lucky porch owners, then relaxing outside it just a sliding door away. Make sure your porch, deck, or patio is looking ready for summer parties with these helpful items.

1. A FRESH COAT OF PAINT

Different parts of your porch need different types of paint. To keep your wood floors looking fresh, decks need a fresh coat of water repellent or wood stain every two years. Deck wash also works nicely to renew the look of weathered porches and fences. Concrete or brick walls looking for a pop of color need an acrylic latex paint—just make sure the surface is clean before you apply your roller brush. Metal objects, like storm drains, can also use a fresh coat of latex paint. But for the walls and ceiling of the porch, some simple exterior paint will do just fine. You can find a whole slew of colorful options at Home Depot (plus the paint swatches are free when you visit the store).

Find it: Home Depot

2. NEW FURNITURE

You and your guests are going to need a place to sit, and there's a seemingly endless array of great options to choose from. You could stick with the classics and get some rustic Adirondack chairs, go beachy with a dark wicker set, or opt for quaint with a colorful bistro set. The only thing every porch really needs is a good rocking chair—the Highwood Weatherly rocking chair is a great option, as it's made with recycled plastic and synthetic wood, making it a low-maintenance piece of furniture that can stay outdoors all year round.

Find it: Amazon

3. A GOOD GRILL

Summer barbecues wouldn't exist without a proper grill like the portable Char-Broil one above. The classic Weber grill only takes up 363 square inches in total cooking space but has plenty of room on the grill for meats and sides (and comes with a 10-year warranty in case anything happens). You might also want to invest in a grill brush, gloves, grilling tools, and an apron with an absurd number of pockets.

Find it: Amazon

4. SPEAKERS

Set the mood with the perfect playlist and a few outdoor speakers. The Pyle Audio system offers four speakers that you can place around your patio and control from inside (and each of the speakers are completely waterproof so you don't need to worry about the weather). Or, for a more subtle approach, nab some speakers that are (kind of) disguised as rocks.

Find it: Amazon

5. LIGHTING

There are plenty of simple ways to jazz up your outdoor space without spending too much time or money. Adding some string lights can create a nice ambiance at night, and there are plenty of versions to choose from. Our favorite is this line of retro bulbs that make your porch look like a fancy outdoor cafe.

Find it: Amazon

6. A DOORMAT TO KEEP FEET CLEAN

Besides welcoming guests, doormats offer a place to accessorize your porch while conveniently functioning as a space for visitors to scrape the mud off their shoes. These mats can be rubber, bristled, humorous, or personalized with your name or a favorite concert memory.

Find it: Amazon

7. GO RETRO WITH A SWING

Back in the day, most romances (presumably) started with a young couple sitting together on a swinging love seat. You don't see them as often anymore, but the porch swing is in serious need of a comeback. If you have the room, try out a two- or three-seater. Otherwise, you could settle for a hammock.

Find it: Amazon

8. HANGING PLANT

No porch is complete without a little greenery. Some inexpensive hanging plant holders will give your space a little extra life, and these hangers come with a sturdy 48-inch rope that will keep your plants stable even on windy days.

Find it: Amazon

9. BIRD FEEDER

Looking to be serenaded by some visiting songbirds? Then you need to get a bird feeder to entice your potential winged guests. This outrageously charming feeder looks like birds are eating at a food truck, and for any foodies, it's sure to be the cutest eating destination to watch on the block.

Find it: Amazon

10. CUTTER CANDLE

Warmer nights mean more mosquitoes, so plan accordingly. While technically any scented candle will do, Citro Guard candles offer a huge 17 ounces of candle that can burn for 30 hours. The citronella oil helps repel mosquitos and other buzzing insects that could ruin your night.

Find it: Amazon

11. OUTDOORSY DINNERWARE

Having a meal outside? Have some fun and get a dinner set just for the occasion. Guests will love plates with leaves, glass pitchers, copper mugs (Moscow Mules anyone?), and more. Don't forget a fancy napkin weight to keep those pesky things from blowing away in the wind.

Find it: Wayfair