Alongside the side yard play area makeover we completed recently, I want to share the transformation of another overlooked part of our home: the side porch. This narrow deck walkway had been an eyesore for years — even when we moved in it showed wear — and the painted wood had clearly seen better days.
It wasn’t this deteriorated six years ago, but it wasn’t attractive then either. We finally decided to give this small, frequently used passage a practical and stylish refresh.
Side Porch Decor Ideas
We’re planning to replace the non-functioning side door soon, and since we were already refinishing the back porch, it felt like the perfect time to tackle this small outdoor area. The space is narrow, so our updates needed to be compact but effective. Small changes made a big difference in both appearance and usability.
If you have a skinny side porch, deck stairs, or a walkway that needs attention, here are the practical updates we used to transform ours and ideas you can apply to similar spaces.
Deck Post Solar Lights
We’re fans of solar backyard lighting, and adding white deck post solar lights helped blend the fixtures with our white railing (Behr Ultra Pure White). This side of the house is quite dark at night, and it connects directly to the kids’ trampoline and play area, so proper lighting improves safety and makes the area welcoming during evening gatherings.
These solar post lights create soft, ambient illumination and help families move safely between the backyard, trampoline, and side yard during pool parties, fire pit nights, and backyard movie nights.
This side porch is somewhat hidden behind shrubs but connects to the side yard play area. Below is how the stairs looked before refinishing.
Paint
We began by sanding and scraping the peeling paint from the deck boards. Because Robert was recovering from knee surgery and we wanted the project done quickly, we hired professional painters to finish the job. While it was technically DIY-able, a crew completed it much faster and with less strain.
To coordinate with the rest of the outdoor space, we had the deck floor color custom matched to our back porch stain (Behr Taupe stain). For durability, we used Sherwin Williams Porch & Floor Enamel in satin sheen with a custom color code from the paint counter.
Step Lights
To improve nighttime visibility on the stairs, we installed solar-powered step lights. These lights add safety and a decorative touch, making the stairs easier to navigate after dark while enhancing curb appeal.
Garden Stool as a Plant Stand
The walkway is too narrow for seating, so I added a small garden stool that doubles as an outdoor side table and plant stand. Groupings of plants arranged in odd numbers — two, three, or five — tend to look best, so I clustered three planters together to create visual interest without crowding the space.
The deck post lights highlight this cozy corner at night and make the plant display pop.
Garden Trellis
The side door has been screwed shut for years, but we’re finally replacing it soon. While waiting for the new, functioning door, I dressed up the area with a garden trellis and paired square planters for climbing ivy to add texture against the limewashed brick. I also placed a woven doormat ready for the new door.
UV Treated Flowers and Plants
Sun exposure on this side of the house is intense, and most live plants quickly burn. To keep the look fresh without constant maintenance, I used UV-treated faux flowers and foliage, including faux geraniums and geranium leaves, arranged in terracotta-style planters. These weather-resistant faux plants give a natural look without the risk of sun damage.
Side Porch Sources
Here are the main items and finishes we used to refresh this narrow porch and deck walkway:
- Deck railing paint color: Behr Ultra Pure White
- Door / shutter color: Behr Cracked Pepper
- Deck floor color: custom matched to Behr Taupe stain
- Deck post solar lights for ambient lighting
- Solar step lights for stair safety
- Woven door mat to welcome guests
- Large terracotta-style resin planter and smaller terracotta planters
- Garden trellis with square planters for climbing plants
- White woven outdoor side table used as a garden stool plant stand
- UV-resistant faux geranium flowers, faux geranium leaves, and faux ivy for low-maintenance greenery
With the side porch refreshed, we’re pausing outdoor projects for now—aside from installing the new door, which will make side-yard access much easier for the kids. Renovations often take time, and this update is a reminder that steady progress beats perfection. Home improvements don’t happen overnight, and that’s perfectly okay.
