The Decor Hack That Makes A Cramped Porch Look Instantly Bigger

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A porch is a great asset for any home, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere before you even step inside. Even a small porch adds valuable square footage to a home, serving as an extension of the living space. If you're looking for tips and tricks to maximize your small patio and make it feel less cramped, consider adding vertical elements such as tall planters — a simple hack that will instantly make your porch feel more spacious.

Short, wide, and bulky flower pots can make a small porch feel even smaller. Swapping them out with tall, narrow versions will make the space feel larger and more open. Tall planters come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and styles — from modern, square-shaped columns to more traditional, decorative or urn-shaped designs. If you're looking cut costs, you could even consider exploring common household items you can turn into beautiful planters. Be sure to choose a planter that compliments the overall aesthetic of your home — and select a plant that fits properly inside. As a general rule, the planter should be a few inches wider than the plant once it's matured. 

Vertical elements draw the eye up, making your porch feel larger

Incorporating tall planters into a small porch is an effective way to make the space feel larger thanks to a trick of the eye. Creating a focal point that draws the eye upward, gives the illusion of higher ceilings and more open area. "Linear elements in interior design draw the eye, and can be used to manipulate the way we interpret a space," interior designer Tiffany Leigh told Homes & Gardens, "Want to make a space feel taller or emphasize a high ceiling? Use vertical lines to draw the eye up!"

In addition to fitting many design styles, tall planters work well with various plant types, from colorful flowers to tall shoots, which can be used to add even more height to the space. To achieve a modern, unfussy look, consider filling simple planters like these Veradek Block Series Pedestal Planters with a tall plant such as Alberta spruce or bird of paradise. Cascading and climbing plants are also an option for tall planters, especially if you're looking to create a softer, more elegant patio aesthetic. To achieve this look, try filling an antique copper planter like this H Potter Tall Outdoor Patio Planter with climbing roses or a trailing plant like ivy. 

If you want to fully free up your floor, hanging plants are another great option. Hanging plants are cost-effective, visually appealing, and will make the porch feel even roomier since they also draw the eye upward and don't take up any ground space. If you're working on a tight budget, there are some stunning DIY hanging planters you can make on your own. Using pots and hanging baskets at different heights will add a lot of visual interest and dimension to any small patio space.

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