How to Decorate the Front Porch of a Log Cabin

Floors

• A log cabin porch is generally wood. If it is worn and scuffed and you prefer a primitive vibe, leave it as is to weather both the elements and foot traffic over time. If more wear and tear is not the look you’re going for, brush on a couple of coats of polyurethane. This preserves its rusticity while protecting the wood. Sprucing it up with a coat of paint is also an option. Choose one especially formulated for exterior use. There are also paints meant especially for porches and decks. Gray and dark green are traditional choices, but go with a hue that speaks to your personal taste.

Walls

• Don’t forget the log walls when decorating your cabin’s porch. This includes the front door and the windows that open onto the porch. If the door has seen better days, give it new life with a coat of paint. Make note of your surroundings and choose a color from nature, such as the cerulean blue of the sky on clear day or the hue of moss growing on a tree trunk. Brighten up the windows with crisp white curtains or opt for a cheery print, stripe or plaid.

Ceiling

• Giving your porch ceiling a makeover is simple and economical when you apply a coat or two of paint. A pale blue shade mimics the sky, while a yellow hue evokes the sun. Installing a ceiling fan assures you of a breeze on warm days. Choosing one with a light allows you to curl up on the porch and read long after night has fallen.

Furniture

• Sturdy log chairs paired with side tables fashioned from tree trunks are right at home on a log cabin porch. Adding a matching porch swing provides more seating. Its soothing motion is relaxing and invites you to while away the day enjoying the scenery or conversing with friends and family. A mix of furniture styles brings an eclectic feel to the porch. Shopping at garage sales, flea markets and antique stores might yield pieces such as vintage wicker chairs, a rustic farm table for dining or playing cards and board games, antique trunks put to use as a coffee or side tables and a bent willow settee built for two. Traditional Adirondack chairs painted bright colors add interest, while slat-backed porch rockers invite conversation and contemplation.