The Outdoor Decor That Instantly Gives Your Entryway A Cozy Feel

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The entryway to your home is typically a highly practical space designed for wiping feet and going inside. There's usually a potted plant or two to add some interest, and a light so people don't trip. But if you're looking for ways to make your home as cozy as your favorite coffee shop, your entryway can fit right in by adding the right piece of outdoor furniture. More specifically, adding a rocking chair can effortlessly transform a thoroughfare into a space that welcomes guests to your home.

Rocking chairs also come with some surprising health benefits. The rocking motion is not only soothing enough to reduce anxiety, but can also improve your circulation. Rockers have long been part of baby room décor, since being held and rocked is one of the best ways of bonding and soothing. Buy a rocker large enough for more than one person, such as the Lavimiya Double Papasan Oversized Modern Rocker, and you'll find that porch time is relaxing for two.  

As entryways aren't always hang out spots, combine your rocker with a reason to linger. Building an Ilyapa Outdoor Library Book Box stocked with page-turners can send a clear message to stay-a-while. While these miniature book exchange boxes are designed for community lending, they're built for being outdoors and will protect your books from wind, rain, and dust. Add a shelf for suduko puzzles and pens, or even a mindfulness adult coloring book and colored pencils.

A rocking chair can serve as a tangible antidote to the relentless urgency of life that most people experience daily. They invite us to slow down, and breathe, by representing a natural rhythm that allows peace and calm to untangle the stress of the day. Rockers can also allow you to enjoy simple moments, while the motion can take you back to younger days when life was full of swings and rocking horses.

While padded outdoor recliners are often quite bulky, most modern rocking chairs offer a slimmer profile without sacrificing comfort. This means they can add lightness and potential for movement that infuses an entryway with a feeling of buoyancy. A wooden rocking chair is a timeless addition that helps prove why wooden furniture is the warm trend that will never go out of style. Or you can go for a rocker that is upholstered in a weather resistant fabric — offering a luxurious alternative to hard surfaces while still handling the elements. 

The style of rocking chair you go for impacts the feeling it will create as people arrive at your door. For a modern take on an old favorite, many new outdoor rockers are made from polyethylene and are available in bright shades. The Kingyes smooth porch rocker adds a touch of color, perfectly blended with whimsical fun that can make for a joyful entryway. Or, select a softly padded chair in neutral colors for a deep sense of calm for a refreshing space.

The modern rocking chair has come a long way from the rickety wooden creation that gathered dust in grandma's attic. Nowadays, they come in a full range of different styles and colors that you can pick and choose from. Be sure to measure your patio carefully to avoid a common entryway design mistake that can make your space feel uninviting – stuffing oversized furniture into the space.

Match your chair to the style of your entryway by choosing similar materials and structural shapes. For a rich, earthy aesthetic, choose a wooden rocker. To make it more welcoming, soften the hard, wooden surfaces with cushions in natural, comforting fabrics like cotton, or go for rich textural appeal with woven or crotchet covers. Drape a soft throw over the backrest in a complementary shade to the cushions. For an extra cozy touch, use a hand-made knitted or woven blanket.

Or, make the rocking chair a focal point of a neutral entryway by choosing one in a bright color for a visual contrast. For a more subtle approach, hang a patio pendant light or position an outdoor floor-standing lamp so the light naturally draws attention to the chair and its message of welcome. Add a textured rug on the deck beneath the rocking chair to complete the oasis of comfort you've created in your entryway.