How to make your porch feel Magnolia-inspired for under $75

A Magnolia-inspired porch doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you focus on the details—like natural textures, layered pieces, and muted colors—you can get that inviting, put-together look without blowing your budget. It’s less about brand-new furniture and more about creating warmth, charm, and a lived-in feel using what you have and a few smart, affordable upgrades.

With a little effort and under $75, you can make your porch feel like it belongs on a page from the catalog.

Add a layered welcome mat

Start with a $5–$10 rug from Walmart or Ikea—think buffalo check or a muted stripe—and layer a smaller doormat on top. The layering trick adds instant depth and gives that Magnolia vibe without needing a big furniture update.

You can find seasonal or basic coir mats for around $10 at discount stores. Neutral tones and natural textures work best. The combo makes your entry feel intentional, even if the rest of the porch is minimal.

Use potted greenery as your base

A couple of well-placed plants do more than you’d think. Look for budget-friendly options like ferns, lavender, or small evergreens. You can usually grab these for $5–$15 each at local garden centers or even grocery stores.

Use baskets, old buckets, or wrapped terra cotta pots to style them. If your porch has a corner that feels bare, this trick alone can warm it up and give that lived-in look Magnolia is known for.

Hang a DIY wreath or seasonal touch

Wreaths aren’t just for holidays. A neutral eucalyptus or boxwood-style wreath can work year-round and add a finished look to your front door. You can DIY one with Dollar Tree supplies for under $10, or catch sales at Hobby Lobby.

Stick to greenery or simple cotton stems—skip the glitter or oversized bows. Magnolia’s style leans natural, clean, and understated, which is what makes it feel so welcoming.

Add a throw pillow or two

Even if you’ve only got one chair out there, a pillow goes a long way. Look for covers in earthy tones or ticking stripes—something that feels cozy but not fussy. You can find pillow covers for $5–$10 on Amazon, Shein, or H&M Home.

Stuff them with inserts from inside your house or old throw pillows you already own. Outdoor-specific pillows are nice, but a covered one under a porch overhang will hold up just fine if you don’t leave it out in the rain.

Bring in warm lighting

If your porch has an outlet, string lights or a small table lamp can change the whole feel. For a no-outlet option, try a $10–$15 set of battery-powered lanterns or solar path lights tucked in baskets.

The soft glow adds warmth in the evening and makes the whole space feel more finished. You don’t need to go overboard—two small lights placed intentionally will do more than a full setup done halfway.

Use wood accents where you can

Magnolia style leans into natural wood tones, especially warm or weathered finishes. You can add this in small ways with a DIY sign, a crate, or even a wood tray styled with plants or books.

Check your garage or scrap pile before you buy anything. You might already have something that can be sanded or stained to work. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it needs to feel real and like it belongs outside.

Keep the color palette neutral

Stick with black, white, gray, and warm wood as your base. You can layer in greens or muted reds seasonally, but don’t go too bright or busy. The Magnolia look works because it feels calming and cohesive.

Even if you’re using thrifted items or mismatched pieces, tying them together with a shared palette makes everything feel intentional. A quick coat of black or white spray paint can help unify old items for under $5.

Use a bench or crate as a styling anchor

If you don’t have room for a bench, use an old crate or low stool as a base to layer your plants, pillows, or lanterns. These kinds of anchored vignettes help your porch look styled, not scattered.

You can usually find crates at craft stores or flea markets for under $20, and they’re easy to reuse inside when the seasons change. They also add that height variation Magnolia-style porches always have.

Swap your porch light if it’s outdated

A dated porch light can drag the whole look down. Luckily, you can find a farmhouse-style sconce or flush-mount for $25–$40 at stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Amazon.

Look for matte black or oil-rubbed bronze, and make sure the shape is clean and simple. If you’re comfortable swapping it yourself, it’s a fast update that makes a big difference. If not, you can usually find a neighbor or handyman to do it cheap.

Keep things tidy and intentional

You don’t need a ton of items to make your porch feel Magnolia-worthy. In fact, less is usually better. Sweep up debris, tuck away clutter, and style your few pieces with care. Empty flower pots, unused kids’ toys, and random cords make a space feel messy fast.

Take a few minutes each week to tidy up and reset the space. Magnolia homes always look lived-in, but never sloppy—and that balance is doable even on a tight budget.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.