A porch is the ideal gathering space for family, friends and neighbors. It’s also the kind of place that you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on to decorate.

So how do you create the perfect ambiance on your porch without breaking the bank? Before you start browsing, read on to get 5 porch decorating ideas on a budget that will help bring your space together.

Repurpose Home Items

Repurposed or upcycled items can provide a bit of interest to a porch. Some quirky ideas to infuse personality into your porch might include:

• Vintage memorabilia or children’s toys
• Mason jars filled with candles
• Steamer trunk for storage or table space
• Old wooden ladder used as shelving
• Stools that serve as table stands

The possibilities are endless, and it only takes your imagination to envision uses for repurposed items that add charm to a space. When you’re shopping for porch decor, challenge yourself to think of alternative uses for items you see — you might be surprised by how creative you can get.

Think Vertically

Porches have a lot to offer, but one thing most are short on is space. When every square foot matters, it takes a bit of creativity to get the most from your porch. That’s where hanging storage solutions or decor comes in handy.

Many porches already have hooks in the ceiling, which can be used to hang items and free up floor space.

Vertical storage additions in a porch serve a practical purpose, but they also help to create a more open and airy ambiance than traditional cabinetry. Suspended fruit baskets, for example, are ideal for hanging porch decorations or to hold items that you need to grab quickly before heading out.

Emphasize Greenery

One of the most relaxing porch activities is just appreciating the natural beauty of nature. When you add plant life to a porch, it makes the space fit right in with its surroundings.

In addition to the aesthetic benefits, indoor plants have been shown to help reduce stress levels, so they’re a natural fit for part of the home meant for relaxation.

So what are the best plants for a porch? The answer depends on the amount of sunlight that makes its way into the space.

Some porches have no windows or screens and are completely exposed to the outdoors. If you have this type of porch and it receives ample sunlight, you can choose potted plants like herbs, snapdragons or marigolds (marigolds are also a natural mosquito repellent!).

For enclosed porches with fewer sun rays, it’s best to go with species that grow well in shade such as ferns, ZZ plants or begonias.

Look for eye-catching, upcycled items to serve as trendy pots for your plants, and you’ll be sure to enjoy a brighter, more relaxing ambiance.

Use Creative Lighting Solutions

Compared to other parts of the home, a porch has fewer rules that relate to lighting. Even interior designers tend to take an anything goes approach to porch lighting, since this is the type of space that can use a healthy dose of personality.

So while you probably wouldn’t consider stringing a set of Christmas-style lights in your bedroom, this type of addition can be charming in a porch environment.

It’s fun and also practical to have a mix of different lighting types that you can use in different situations. For general purpose lighting, you can infuse your light source with a bit of creativity using unique lamp shades or covers. Paper lanterns or candles can provide inexpensive yet attractive ambient lighting.

Find the Perfect Furnishings

Front porch furniture design comes in many forms, since some people prefer heavier furniture that would fit right into a living room, while others appreciate the lightweight mobility of patio furniture. Wicker is a versatile furniture material that looks great on most porches.

Don’t skimp on seating, since a porch provides a unique space for socializing. Look for coffee tables, side tables, and other places to put food and beverages.

Remember to keep your porch design consistent — a beach look will feature much different furniture than a north woods theme. When the colors and patterns you choose complement one another, your porch will feel like a cohesive space you can’t wait to spend time in.

Find Your Next Porch Addition

Turn Style stores make it easy to outfit your porch with the knick-knacks, storage, pottery, lighting and furnishings you need to get the best porch on the block. Just a few items can make a big difference in the look of your space. Find your nearest store to get shopping!