Make furniture extra comfy by piling on quilts and cushy pillows. To minimize maintenance, opt for fabrics that are easy to throw into the washer and dryer.

If you have the space to hang one, a porch swing is a must. Nothing says “sit and stay a while” quite like a porch swing cozied up with plump pillows.

If your porch is covered, furniture options are almost limitless. Use unconventional pieces, like this antique side table, for a look that appears gathered over time (or perhaps even generations.) Pieces with a weathered or distressed patina are particularly at home on a farmhouse-style porch.

Add visual interest by mixing in a variety of organic textures, like plants and flowers, with woven furniture and soft stitched quilts.

A porch is a great place to use old pieces with chipped paint or stools that may be too rickety for everyday use. Look for pieces with lots of character and use them in new, creative ways.

While quilts and blankets are best kept indoors during rainy weather, bring them out to snuggle under on breezy days or brisk evenings. They definitely add a homey touch of farmhouse style and are an easy accessory to transport in and out of the house.

As summer winds down and garden pots are vacated, stack them up for use as sculptural accessories. They can be strikingly beautiful, even empty. For an extra fall touch, tuck a pinecone, mini pumpkin or gourd inside as well.

Pillows are a great way to make a porch feel more like a real room, extending the square footage of your home. Use pillows with quick-drying polyester fillings as well as fabrics that are fade and mildew-resistant.

Faux pumpkins have come a long way in recent years. New varieties look more realistic and are available in a variety of ‘heirloom’ colors and shapes. Look for ones with a natural-looking stem and a slightly asymmetrical shape. Remember: They can always be painted, so the color isn’t as important. Good artificial pumpkins will last for years and end up being a nice cost saver.

When setting up porch furniture, arrange seating with conversation in mind. Pairs, trios and quartets invite gatherings while single pieces randomly arranged aren’t as conducive to those memorable rocking chair chats.