It's that Time, Fall Front Porch Decorating Time
As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s officially time to channel your inner fall fanatic and give your front porch the seasonal makeover it deserves. Whether you're the type who eagerly counts down the days until football finally kicks off, or pumpkin spice hits the shelves, or maybe just someone who likes to keep their home looking effortlessly chic, sprucing up your porch for fall is a must. Here’s how to do it in style, with a few tips, tricks, and links to some of our favorite finds.
1. Embrace the Pumpkin Parade: Pumpkins, Plaid, and Potted Plants
Let’s be honest: pumpkins are to fall what sunscreen is to summer—non-negotiable. Start by picking a mix of pumpkins in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Think of it as building your own little pumpkin family, each with its own quirky personality.
For a curated selection that’s both classic and contemporary, check out Pottery Barn's Faux Pumpkins -they’re as stylish as they are timeless, and they’ll last you through many autumns to come.
Now, onto the other fall favorite: plaid. If there’s ever been a fabric that screams “cozy fall day,” it’s plaid. Drape a plaid blanket over a porch chair, toss a few plaid pillows around, or even lay down a plaid doormat to tie the look together. Mixing different plaids? Go for it! As long as you keep the colors within the same family, you’ll have a coordinated (and super cozy) setup that’s Instagram-ready.
We’re currently loving Pendleton’s Wool Blankets, which not only look fabulous draped over a porch swing but are also perfect for those chilly autumn evenings. For pillows, check out West Elm’s Collection—they’ve got patterns that’ll make your porch pop.
And don’t forget your plants! Swap out summer blooms for hardy mums, the unofficial flower of fall. Pair them with ornamental grasses and kale for that extra autumn flair. If you’re looking for planters that make a statement, Williams Sonoma’s Stone Planters are a chic choice—they’re earthy, elegant, and just the right amount of rustic. Bonus points if you can keep those mums alive past Halloween!
2. Let There Be Light: Cozy Lighting and Lantern Love
As the sun starts clocking out earlier, it’s time to up your porch lighting game. Start with some warm-toned bulbs that give off a golden glow—you want your porch to feel like a cozy retreat, not a surgical suite. For a touch of magic, we’re all about string lights. Try West Elm’s Outdoor String Lights—they’re durable, weather-resistant, and add just the right amount of sparkle.
And what’s fall without a few charming lanterns? Lanterns are the secret sauce of porch decor—they’re versatile, atmospheric, and just plain pretty. Fill them with LED candles for a flickering glow that says, “Welcome, friends,” without the fire hazard. Pottery Barn’s Classic Lanterns are a foolproof choice—they come in a range of sizes, so you can mix and match for maximum impact. And if you want to get really festive, toss a few mini pumpkins or pinecones inside alongside the candles.
If you’re serious about extending your porch time into those crisp fall nights, consider investing in a small outdoor heater or even an electric fireplace. Williams Sonoma’s Outdoor Heaters offer both style and warmth, making your porch the perfect spot for sipping hot cider as the leaves fall.
Roll Out the Welcome Mat: The Fall Outdoor Doormat
And now for the star of show in our not so humble opinion: your outdoor doormat. Don’t underestimate the power of a great doormat—it’s the first thing your guests see, and it sets the tone for your entire porch. For something that’s both stylish and durable, we always love to recommend our WaterHog Luxe all-weather doormats. These mats are tough enough to handle the season’s dirt and debris while still looking fantastic.
If you’re feeling extra fancy, why not layer your doormat over a larger outdoor rug? It adds depth, color, and an extra layer of protection against the elements. Our larger decorative Un-Rug mats are a perfect choice – they’re versatile enough to work with any fall theme while adding a bit of cozy charm. And while they’re intended for indoor use, they are made with commercial grade materials and will look great as long as it’s under a covered porch or stoop (they will fade if exposed to a lot of sunlight).
For those who want to take things up a notch, why not go for one of our customizable doormats? Add your family name, a monogram, or even a favorite fall quote. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference. Check out our full line of personalized doormats and monogrammed doormats for something that’s uniquely yours and sure to make a lasting impression. Plus, it’s a great way to make your neighbors just a tiny bit jealous (in the nicest way possible, of course).
We like to give you, the reader, a little info as to who we are. At Matterly, our history is deeply rooted in matting and floor coverings; like 6 decades deep. From where we sit as we type out this article, a quick walk through one set of doors leads out to a manufacturing plant floor where thousands of floor mats are made every day. We’re making rubber, we’re extruding fibers, we’re printing on textiles, and it’s all being done right here in America.
