If you're toying with the idea of building a porch, but are working with a smaller space, you might be wondering whether the end result will be worth it.
While it ultimately boils down to your daily routine and how you intend to use it, there is a minimum dimension you should be aiming for, according to our experts.
To find out how small a porch can be before it's essentially useless, and how to make a tight space feel bigger, keep reading.
What is the minimum size a porch needs to be?
At a minimum, your porch should be two square metres – anything smaller is going to be impractical for everyday use. Anthony Threlfall, Head of Marketing at Everest, also points out that it will probably feel surprisingly tight once it's built because you lose usable floor area from the thickness of the walls.
“For many homes, somewhere between 2m² and 3m² can provide genuinely useful space without creating an oversized addition. It's important to remember that the 3m² permitted development threshold refers to the external ground area, not the usable floor area inside the porch," he continues.
"In England, there are other conditions too, including a maximum height of 3m and planning restrictions where the porch sits close to a boundary fronting a highway, so homeowners should always check what applies to their property before work begins.”
How much clearance should homeowners allow for doors?
"One of the most common design pitfalls in a small porch is what we call the 'trap effect'", says Anthony Threlfall. "You step in, close the outer door behind you, and then find there's nowhere to stand to open the inner front door. It's a frustrating problem, and one that's easily avoided with the right design."
To prevent this, he recommends plotting the full swing arc of both doors on the floor plan and then allowing a clear standing space between them – around 400mm to 500mm – that isn't obstructed by any objects.
"The direction the outer door opens makes a real difference too. Having it open outwards, or hinging it on the opposite side, stops it eating into precious internal space," he adds. "That leaves the interior clear for taking off boots and hanging up coats, which is exactly what a porch should be used for."
How much space is needed to move around comfortably in a porch?
For two people to move around comfortably in your porch, Anthony Threlfall recommends aiming for a depth of at least 1.6m to 1.8m.
"A porch is an active transition space. It's where families arrive home together, shrug off wet coats and kick off muddy shoes, so it needs to cope with more than one person at a time," he says.
How do I make a small porch feel bigger and more functional?
To make the most of your smaller porch and help it appear bigger, interior designer Katie Malik recommends the following:
1. Give the space a clear job: Instead of cramming in every pair of shoes the family owns, carefully select one distinct role for the space – whether it's reserved for everyday footwear, coats and keys, or just the muddiest shoes.
2. Use one wall for storage: "A shallow cabinet with hooks above creates an organised arrival point while keeping the route through the porch clear. A bench with shoe storage underneath can work well, but only if there is enough room to use the seat comfortably," she says.
3. Use vertical storage: To keep your floor space as clear as possible, Katie recommends taking storage upwards, keeping less frequently used items at the top and concealing them behind closed doors.
4. Choose simple finishes: By painting your surfaces and built-in storage in a similar light tone, you'll help to soften the boundaries of your room and make it look larger. A mirror will also help to bounce light and open up the space.
Our small porch shopping picks
Made from mango wood, this retro-style storage bench is perfect for keeping shoes out of the way, while doubling as a comfortable spot to put them on.
Featuring an anti-tip device for peace of mind, this vertical storage unit is a great place to hide shoes in your porch, and it has a modern slatted design.
Katie Malik is the founder and creative director of Katie Malik Design Studio, based in Cambridge. She originally studied at Cambridge University as a linguist, then retrained in Interior Design at Chelsea College of Art in London and the National Design Academy. Katie launched her own business in 2014 after gaining previous experience at high-end London design studios.
Alternatives to a small porch
If you can't accommodate a large porch, you might be wondering what other alternatives are viable.
"I would always recommend having some form of shelter by your front door, however small, even if it is simply a canopy, roof overhang, or recessed doorway," says architect David Nossiter. "It gives you somewhere to stand while finding your keys, offers protection from the weather when entering or leaving your home and shows architectural 'good manners' for those visiting."
David is a chartered RIBA architect, an RIBA Conservation Registrant and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. A Director of David Nossiter Architects with expertise in residential architecture, David received acclaim for the conversion of a dilapidated Listed barn into a contemporary dwelling.
You don't need masses of space to make a porch worthwhile, but by sticking to the minimum measurements above, you can be sure it will be practical for everyday use.
Found this helpful? You may also want to browse through these clever porch storage ideas or read our guide to oak frame porches.
