Your front porch is the first thing guests see and your home’s chance to make a great first impression. But let’s be honest, it’s easy for this space to become a catch-all for everything from kids’ toys to obnoxious decor.
It’s actually crazy how much of an impact your front porch can make on your home’s overall appearance. It can either boost your curb appeal or make your neighbors wonder exactly what kind of people they’re living next to.
We’re taking a look at 20 common items that you might be tempted to leave on your porch but really shouldn’t. From the unsightly to the unsafe, we’ll help you keep your porch not just tidy, but also welcoming and stylish.
glass, rattan, plastic, and upholstered furniture
Stay with me here, I know you have to have somewhere to sit. It definitely is not the end of the world if you do have glass, rattan, plastic, or upholstered furniture on your porch. However, wooden and metal furniture are much more durable to the elements, and look better too. While glass, rattan, plastic, and upholstered furniture might fit the bill aesthetically, they don’t hold up well outdoors.
Dead or Dying Houseplants
We get it, it’s tempting to think that a little sun on the front porch might save that struggling houseplant. But let’s be honest, if your plant is looking more “dead” than “dying,” the porch isn’t going to work miracles. Instead of using your entryway as a plant hospital—which rarely works out—focus on plants that are healthy and vibrant.
A dying plant on display is sad and it makes your whole porch look neglected. If you don’t have the knack for nursing them back to health, it might be time to let go and compost those not-so-lively greens.
Obnoxious, Excessive Decor
Everyone’s style is their own, but when your front porch starts looking like a yard sale, it might be time to tone it down. Sure, pink flamingoes and “Live Laugh Love” signs might feel fun, but if you’re going overboard, it could turn your cozy welcome mat into a mess. Think about what your porch says to someone walking by. You want to make them smile, not cringe, right?
Keep the decor simple and not too crowded. Skip the overwhelming collection of wind chimes and those funny signs you got as gifts. Stick with a few key decorations that show off your personality without shouting it from the rooftops.
Kid’s Toys
We all love seeing kids play and enjoy the outdoors right on their front porch—it’s wholesome and sweet. But leaving toys scattered out front isn’t doing your home’s first impression any favors. From scattered Barbies to trucks that can trip up the mailman, it’s a bit much. It makes your porch look messy and can be a real hazard.
How about making clean-up part of the game? Or maybe find a cool, hidden spot on the porch where the kids can stash their toys. That way, your porch stays neat, and there’s no chance of an unexpected trip over a toy.
Plus, in this day and age, it’s better to not let every stranger know you have little ones regularly playing on your porch.
Camping Gear
Camping gear—like your trusty tent, portable grill, and folding chairs—might be essential for your outdoor trips, but your front porch isn’t the place to store them. Not only does it clutter up the space, but it also invites dirt and bugs right up to your front door. Plus, it can give the impression that you’re more ready to hit the trails than welcome visitors.
A better storage solution? Tuck all that gear away in an outdoor shed. This keeps everything organized, clean, and out of sight, ensuring your porch stays neat and welcoming.
No Soliciting Signs
While “No Soliciting” signs might seem like a practical addition to your porch, especially if you’re tired of sales pitches, they can detract from the welcoming feeling you might want to create. Plus, they’re not always effective at deterring determined salespeople.
A more aesthetic and modern solution? Consider installing a video doorbell like Ring or Blink. These devices not only keep your porch looking clean and inviting but also give you the convenience of screening visitors without having to approach the door.
Cloth Lampshades
Good lighting can transform your porch into a cozy evening retreat, so it’s crucial to get it right. While soft, muted lamps can create the perfect ambient glow, be wary of the materials you choose for the lampshades. Cloth and natural fabric shades might look great indoors, but they’re not built to withstand the outdoors.
These materials can fade, mildew, or fall apart under the rigors of outside conditions. Instead, look for lampshades made from more durable materials like polyester, which can handle humidity and temperature fluctuations better, or consider hardier, non-fabric options that won’t wear down as easily.
Beach Gear
Beach gear on the porch makes sense if you’re stepping off the sand, but for everyone else, it’s a clutter trap. Leaving things like beach bags, umbrellas, and towels out can turn your entrance into a mini sandbox—not exactly the first impression you want to make.
If you’ve got a place to discreetly store these items on your porch, like a bench with storage or a hidden cabinet, that’s a good compromise. Otherwise, it’s better to store your beach essentials out of sight.
Indoor Rugs
Adding a rug can really tie your front porch together, but not all rugs are up to the challenge of outdoor life. Indoor rugs, or those made from natural fibers, just won’t hold up—they soak up moisture and dirt, quickly turning from chic to shabby.
Stick with rugs specifically designed for outdoor use. These are made to handle the elements, resist fading, and are much easier to clean. They’ll keep your porch looking nice and styled through whatever the weather throws your way.
Fake Plants
While fake plants might seem like a no-fuss way to green up your porch, they often miss the mark, looking a bit too… well, fake. If you’re going for a fresh, vibrant look, you’re better off with real plants or even a well-chosen piece of decor like a simple, stylish ceramic pot.
If you absolutely want a touch of green without the upkeep, opt for high-quality faux options that are realistic and tasteful—think small plastic succulents that can pass as the real thing from a distance.
Wood-Burning Fire Pit
Thinking about adding that rustic touch with a wood-burning fire pit on your spacious porch? It might seem like a cozy idea, but it’s a risk you don’t want to take. Fire pits, especially wood-burning ones, on a wooden or covered porch are just too dangerous. You could end up with a damaged porch from stray sparks or, worse, a serious fire hazard that could threaten your entire home.
If you’re set on the warmth and glow of a fire, safer alternatives like gas fire pits are available, but even then, it’s best to keep these features in the backyard where they’re safer and can be enjoyed without worry.
Plastic Coolers
It’s nice to have a chilled drink handy while you relax on the porch, but those plastic coolers? They’re not doing any favors for your porch’s style. They might be perfect for a picnic or a camping trip, but they look out of place at home.
If you want to keep drinks cool and still maintain a classy look, consider upgrading to a wooden or retro metal cooler. These alternatives not only keep your drinks frosty ,but also enhance your porch’s decor much better than any old plastic cooler could.
Donation or Trash Items
Your front porch should not a storage spot for things you’re planning to donate or toss. Keeping bags of old clothes, outdated toys, or that bike you meant to get rid of just clutters up the space and detracts from its charm.
Instead, make a habit of taking these items directly to your car or the trash bin right away. Letting them pile up on your porch even for a day can make your whole home look disorganized. Keep that area clear, and your porch will always look inviting and tidy.
Trash and Recycling Barrels
It might be tempting to park those bulky trash and recycling bins on your front porch for convenience, but trust me, it’s not worth it. Not only do they take away from the visual appeal of your home, but they’re also an open invitation to pests like wasps, mice, and roaches. Yikes!
Instead, find a less conspicuous spot for your bins. Many folks tuck them away in the garage or a side area of the house. Keeping them out of sight not only improves your curb appeal but also helps keep the critters at bay.
Plastic Storage
Thinking about storage on your front porch? Great idea, but let’s skip those plain plastic bins. They might be handy, but they’re not doing any favors for your home’s curb appeal—kind of cheap-looking and not too sturdy under the sun either.
Instead, go for storage options that look nicer. How about a bench with hidden compartments or a chic wooden chest? These choices not only store your stuff but also elevate your porch’s look. Choose pieces that hide the clutter while matching the overall aesthetic of your home.
Broken Items
We all do it—stash that ripped cushion or broken lamp on the porch, thinking we’ll be reminded to grab it on our way to the car. But let’s be honest, if your front porch starts collecting broken items, it’s going to look more like a repair shop than a welcoming space. These items can quickly turn into an eyesore, dragging down your home’s overall look. If you haven’t fixed something in a couple of days, maybe it’s time to let it go.
Shoes
Keeping a tidy porch starts with what you don’t leave out there—like a pile of shoes. Instead of lining up muddy boots and damp sneakers at your doorstep, why not set up a mudroom area right inside your front door? It’s a game changer for keeping the outdoors from mucking up your indoor space. Toss in a durable mat and a shoe rack, and you’ve got a perfect little transition zone.
Lawn and Gardening Equipment
Honestly, keeping your lawn and gardening tools on the front porch might be convenient, but it’s not a good look. It turns your entrance into a makeshift shed or makes it seem like you’re running a hardware store from your home.
Instead of tripping over rakes and dodging weed whackers, why not invest in a proper storage shed? They come in all sorts of materials like wood, metal, or PVC, and they’ll keep your tools organized and out of sight.
If a storage shed is outside of your price range, then at least try storing your tools somewhere out of site. Perhapse in your back yard or garage.
Electronics
Dragging your speakers or TV out to the porch might sound like a cool idea for upping relaxation, but let’s park that thought. Electronics really don’t mix well with the outdoors. They can get ruined by moisture, dust, or extreme temperatures pretty quickly.
And think about it—cords strewn everywhere isn’t just messy, it’s a trip hazard. Plus, blasting music or having your TV show echo down the street can really bother your neighbors. Enjoy your music, but maybe keep it low and bring the tech back inside when you’re done.
Dog Items
We all want our pets to feel at home on the porch, but a pile of dog toys, leashes, and treats can make the whole area look a bit unkempt. While it’s handy to have these things within reach when it’s time for walks, storing them on the porch can clutter up the space.
Instead, try tucking them away inside near the door. That way, they’re still easy to grab without making your entrance look like a pet store aisle. If you do want something for your dog on the porch, a neat, attractive dog bed can be just the ticket, letting your pup relax in style without the mess.
