There are easy ways to make a small porch feel bigger without a full remodel. A smart layout, choosing the right furniture, and keeping clutter away can help you get more use out of every inch. Simple changes like adding open railings, using light colors, or picking multi-purpose pieces all help a small porch feel more open.
With the right approach, even a small porch can become a comfortable and inviting entryway. Here are some practical tips to help your small porch feel bigger and work better for your home.
Make Your Small Porch Feel Bigger with These Design Tricks
You don’t need a major renovation to open up your porch. You just need to make smart decisions with what’s already there.
1. Cut Back on Furniture and Clutter
One of the most effective ways to make a small porch feel bigger is by reducing the number of items on it.
We’ve seen porches packed with oversized furniture, decorative tables, garden tools, and all sorts of knick-knacks. While those items may seem harmless, they drastically reduce the actual usable footage of your porch. The result? A space that feels tighter and less inviting.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Use smaller-scale furniture or skip it altogether.
- Focus on pieces that are functional and compact.
- Keep decor minimal and purposeful—no extra tables or tools taking up space.
By keeping your porch clean and intentional, you reclaim floor space and create room to move.
2. Skip the Railing—If Code Allows
Another way to open up your small porch is to not install a railing, but only if your porch is close enough to the ground to meet local building codes.
We’ve done several projects where a railing wasn’t required, and removing it completely changed the feel of the space. A railing doesn’t just add visual bulk—it also eats into the physical floor space, especially on narrow porches.
When there’s no railing:
- The porch feels more open and expansive.
- The transition from porch to yard is smoother.
- You gain a few extra inches of usable space all around.
Note: Local codes vary, so it’s important to check regulations. We always help our customers understand and follow these requirements safely and correctly.
What to Avoid on a Small Porch
While knowing what to do is important, knowing what to avoid is just as critical when you’re working with a small space.
3. Don’t Treat It Like a Storage Area
We often see porches used as a drop zone for everything—garden tools, outdoor toys, packages, seasonal décor. But this only makes your porch feel smaller and more chaotic.
We recommend:
- Keeping the space clear of daily clutter.
- Storing tools and supplies in a shed or garage.
- Keeping the porch focused on comfort and curb appeal.
4. Don’t Overdecorate
Too many little items—small chairs, tiny tables, extra pillows—can create visual clutter.
It’s better to choose a few strong elements rather than layering on small pieces that overwhelm the eye. Aim for simplicity, function, and flow.
Our Approach at Craftsman’s Choice
When homeowners reach out about their tight porch spaces, we don’t just throw out ideas—we take time to understand how the space is used, what’s required by code, and how to make the most of every inch.
Sometimes it’s removing unnecessary railing. Other times it’s simply choosing the right pieces of furniture and clearing out the extras. The goal is always the same: create a space that feels open, practical, and welcoming.
We’re here to help you turn your small porch into something that feels a whole lot bigger—with smart, simple changes that work.
In Summary
If you want to make a small porch feel bigger, start with what you can remove: extra furniture, unused décor, or even railings (if permitted). Every inch matters, and small changes can go a long way.
Ready to upgrade your porch? Contact us today. At Craftsman’s Choice, we specialize in transforming porches of all sizes—and we’d love to help with yours.
