I feel like every year I share my summer porch almost close to fall...but that's when all the plants are pretty and my vines are nice and long! Being a little later in the year, I had some fun mixing my real plants with some faux blooms. I wish I had a wonderful green thumb, but truth is, the fact that the vines are vining is a miracle haha. So, the blooms come and go and aren't looking stellar so this is a perfect way to keep my porch looking inviting. I also added a beautiful olive plant and fiddle leaf fig this year...hoping they will survive the winter indoors! I'm not a plant mom...so having real plants indoors like this will be new to me!
I always feel like a porch should be an extension of my home, so that’s exactly what I try to create out here. For me, pulling off the perfect cottage porch decor is all about layering textures, mixing greenery, and adding those soft cozy elements that make you want to sit down and stay awhile.
For seating, I kept things super simple with my DIY wood chairs (you all know I love a good DIY project—if you missed the tutorial, you can find it [here]). I piled them high with neutral cushions, tassel pillows, and soft throw blankets. Nothing feels more inviting than being able to curl up with a blanket on a breezy late summer evening. Since my porch is on the smaller side, just two statement chairs are all I need to make it feel cozy without it being overcrowded. If you’re on the hunt for similar cushions and pillows, I’ve linked a few of my favorite finds at the bottom of this post.
To bring in that cottage charm, I’ve found that mixing natural textures works best. Woven baskets filled with faux blooms are my secret weapon for keeping things fresh, especially since my real flowers don’t always make it through the season. (If you’re like me and want blooms that last, I’ve rounded up some of my go-to faux florals below). I also love adding jute rugs and layering them with other outdoor rugs. It makes the space feel warm and defined, and the scalloped edge rug I used this year gives the porch that extra touch of sweetness I love.
And of course, I can’t have a cottage-inspired porch without greenery. Even though I don’t have much of a green thumb, I like to mix in a few real potted plants with faux trailing vines. Placing them at different heights...on stools, in baskets, or hanging along the railing...really helps give that lush, slightly overgrown look that feels so signature to cottagecore style. (Tip: if you’re looking for easy planters or cute baskets, I’ve linked a few affordable options below).
Lighting is another must for me when it comes to a cozy porch. I like adding candles in oversized lanterns when it’s not too hot out (otherwise they melt in no time!), and I string up lights along the railing too. At night, they make the space feel so welcoming and set the mood for those slow summer evenings I never want to end. You can find similar lanterns and outdoor string lights at the bottom of this post.
The last little layer for me is always the details that feel personal and charming. I’m a big fan of bringing in vintage finds, repurposed pieces, or even a thrifted basket that can double as a planter. I also love using stools as little plant stands or side tables. And of course, lots of soft, cushy pillows and cushions. On dry evenings, they even double as a comfy spot to rest your feet or for the kids to sit and read outside.
So if you’re wanting to create your own cozy cottage porch, my best advice is this: layer textures, add greenery (real or faux!), don’t skip the lighting, and make it personal with pieces that tell a story. Late summer is the perfect time to soak it all in before the chill of fall sets in, and I can honestly say there’s nothing better than enjoying those last warm evenings surrounded by a cottage-style porch that feels cozy and inviting.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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