7 Winter Curb Appeal Tips to Enhance Your Home's Exterior

Winter often brings the temptation to overlook outdoor maintenance. The cold weather, snow, and shorter days can make it harder to keep your home’s curb appeal at its best. However, studies show that a little attention to your home's exterior during the winter months can have a significant impact, especially if you're thinking about selling. In fact, curb appeal can increase a home’s value by as much as 5% to 11%, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Whether you’re preparing to sell or just want to make sure your home looks inviting year-round, these 7 winter curb appeal tips will help make your house stand out, even when the temperatures drop.

1. Give Your Front Door a Cheerful Coat of Paint

Your front door is one of the first things potential buyers will see when they approach your home, and it’s one of the easiest elements to update. In fact, a 2017 NAR report found that homes with a freshly painted front door can recoup about $1,500 of the cost of the renovation in the home’s resale value.

Choosing a bold or cheerful color, like red, navy blue, or a warm mustard yellow, can make your home stand out from the street. A fresh coat of paint not only adds value but also boosts the inviting nature of your home, especially in the colder months when darker tones dominate the landscape.

2. Upgrade Your Address Numbers and Mailbox

While these may seem like small details, outdated or hard-to-read address numbers and a rusty, old mailbox can make a home appear neglected. A Zillow study on home staging found that well-maintained exteriors can boost a home’s perceived value by up to 10%, so investing in these small, affordable updates can make a noticeable difference.

Modern, stylish address numbers and a new mailbox can add a fresh, updated look to your home, making it feel more contemporary and well-cared-for. Consider materials that are weather-resistant, such as stainless steel or polished brass, which can withstand the elements and add a touch of elegance.

3. Furnish Your Porch with Durable, Weatherproof Furniture

Outdoor furniture may not be the first thing people think of in winter, but it can add a cozy and inviting touch to your front porch. A 2019 National Association of Realtors study found that porches and entryways are some of the top features homebuyers want, with 83% of buyers saying they prefer homes with well-maintained outdoor spaces.

Investing in weatherproof, durable furniture made from materials like teak or aluminum can help you extend the life of your porch seating through the colder months. Consider a couple of stylish, comfortable chairs or a small bench, even if you’re not using them often. These can provide visual interest and create the illusion of a home that’s well-maintained and loved — a great first impression for potential buyers.

4. Incorporate Cozy Lighting to Add Warmth and Charm

Winter means shorter days and longer nights, so adding cozy lighting to your porch, walkway, and yard is an easy way to brighten up your home. According to Realtor.com, homes with strategic outdoor lighting can sell up to 5% faster than homes without. Lighting not only enhances curb appeal but also makes your home feel warmer and more inviting during the cold, dark months.

Consider adding string lights to your porch, lantern-style sconces near your front door, or solar-powered lights along your walkway. Warm-toned bulbs will provide a soft, welcoming glow, making your home stand out from the street and creating an ambiance that feels cozy and well-cared-for.

5. Choose Winter-Tolerant Plants for Year-Round Landscaping

Winter doesn’t have to mean a barren, lifeless yard. In fact, winter-hardy plants can provide much-needed color and texture, even in the coldest months. According to the University of Vermont, evergreens, such as boxwoods, holly, and spruce, are excellent winter plants that offer year-round beauty, even when the landscape is covered in snow.

Landscaping with plants that can thrive in winter conditions also increases your home's visual appeal and shows that the exterior has been thoughtfully maintained. A study from HomeLight found that homes with lush, well-maintained landscaping can add up to 10% to the home's sale price. Whether it's using evergreen shrubs, winter-flowering plants like hellebores, or decorative winter planters, a little greenery can go a long way toward enhancing your curb appeal.

6. Place a Sturdy Welcome Mat at Your Entryway

A simple yet effective curb appeal boost, a welcome mat is a subtle touch that can make a significant difference. Research by the National Association of Realtors indicates that homes with a welcoming entry are more likely to make a positive impression on potential buyers. A clean, durable welcome mat can help keep dirt, snow, and debris from entering your home, while also giving your entryway a more polished look.

Choose a mat made from sturdy, weather-resistant materials that can hold up in snowy or rainy conditions. You can also find mats with seasonal designs that reflect the time of year, from classic “Welcome” mats to those featuring winter motifs like snowflakes or festive patterns. A well-placed, stylish mat is an easy and inexpensive way to enhance the overall appearance of your home’s exterior.

7. Revitalize Trim and Railings with a Fresh Coat of Paint or Stain

Trim, railings, and other architectural details can easily be overlooked, but they play a crucial role in the overall look of your home. A fresh coat of paint or stain can immediately improve the aesthetic and make your home look well-maintained. A report by Houzz found that interior and exterior painting consistently ranks as one of the most valuable home improvement projects, with many homeowners recouping about 107% of the investment upon sale.

Whether you’re repainting wood trim or staining metal railings, this simple update can rejuvenate your home’s exterior. A clean, updated finish also protects these elements from the harsh winter weather, ensuring they stay in top condition for years to come.

Bonus Tip: Keep Your Yard Clean and Well-Maintained

Even in winter, cleanliness matters. According to Realtor.com, well-maintained lawns and clean driveways are key factors that influence curb appeal. Regularly shovel snow off your driveway and walkway to make your home more accessible and safer for visitors. Raking up any fallen leaves and keeping the yard free from debris will also help maintain a tidy appearance.

Final Thoughts

Improving your curb appeal during the winter months doesn’t have to be difficult or costly. In fact, studies show that even small updates, like repainting your front door or upgrading your outdoor lighting, can make a significant difference in how your home is perceived by visitors and potential buyers. Whether you're looking to sell or simply want to enjoy a beautiful, inviting home all year round, these simple winter curb appeal tips will help your property stand out — even in the colder months.

By making a few thoughtful adjustments to your home’s exterior, you can ensure that your curb appeal shines through, no matter what the season has in store.