Mississippi Designers Share 6 Porch No-Gos And 8 Outdoor Favorites

Porches in Mississippi are more than just entryways – they’re extensions of the home, places where summer breezes mingle with sweet tea and conversation drifts long into the evening. Local designers have strong opinions about what belongs in these cherished spaces and what doesn’t.

Some items fall flat in the Southern heat or clash with the region’s timeless aesthetic, while others bring comfort, beauty, and lasting style. Mississippi’s tastemakers reveal the pieces they firmly avoid – and the outdoor favorites that define true Southern living.

1. Plastic Outdoor Furniture

Save your money and your style reputation! Those flimsy chairs might seem budget-friendly at first, but Mississippi designers warn they quickly fade, crack, and look cheap after just one season.

Quality outdoor furniture is an investment worth making. Instead of replacing plastic pieces yearly, opt for materials that can withstand humidity and intense Southern sun while maintaining their charm.

2. Artificial Turf Rugs

Nothing screams ‘I’ve given up’ quite like fake grass beneath your feet. These synthetic shortcuts trap heat, look unnaturally perfect, and feel completely out of place on an authentic Southern veranda.

Artificial turf rugs collect debris and become breeding grounds for mildew in Mississippi’s humid climate. The synthetic material also feels uncomfortably hot during summer months when you’re most likely to enjoy your porch.

3. Oversized Indoor-Only Sofas

Dragging that living room couch outside might seem thrifty, but designers cringe at this common mistake. Indoor upholstery wasn’t built to handle Mississippi’s notorious humidity and frequent afternoon showers.

These non-weather-resistant pieces quickly develop mold, mildew, and musty odors. The fabric deteriorates rapidly when exposed to the elements, leaving you with a soggy, smelly eyesore that’s expensive to replace.

4. Bright Neon Accessories

Leave those electric pinks and lime greens at the beach! Garish colors clash with the natural charm of Mississippi porches and create visual chaos in what should be a calming outdoor retreat.

Designers recommend sticking with the soothing palette of nature instead. Bright neon accessories quickly look dated and cheap, disrupting the timeless elegance that makes Southern porches special gathering places for family and friends.

5. Cheap String Lights

Flimsy dollar-store light strands might seem festive at first glance, but they’re a disaster waiting to happen. Tangled wires, burnt-out bulbs, and safety hazards abound when you cut corners on outdoor lighting.

Mississippi designers have seen these budget options fail after just one summer storm. Cheap string lights often aren’t properly rated for outdoor use, creating potential electrical hazards during the state’s frequent rain showers.

6. Cluttered Decor Collections

Your porch isn’t a storage unit for seasonal decorations year-round! Too many knickknacks, signs, and random collectibles create visual noise that detracts from the peaceful atmosphere porches should provide.

Mississippi designers recommend curating your porch decor with intention. Cluttered spaces gather dust, become havens for spiders, and make maintenance more difficult in a climate where regular cleaning is essential to prevent mildew growth.

7. Classic Wicker Furniture

Few materials capture Southern charm better than properly maintained wicker. Its airy weave allows for cooling breezes while providing comfortable, lightweight seating that can be easily rearranged for conversations or quiet reading.

Today’s wicker pieces come in weather-resistant varieties that stand up to Mississippi humidity. Designers love pairing these traditional favorites with colorful cushions that can be changed seasonally to refresh your porch’s look without major investments.

8. Durable Outdoor Rugs

Ground your seating area with style and practicality! Quality outdoor rugs define conversation spaces while adding color and texture underfoot without the maintenance headaches of their indoor counterparts.

Look for polypropylene options that resist fading in intense Southern sunshine. Durable outdoor rugs can be hosed off when pollen season hits and dry quickly after Mississippi’s famous summer thunderstorms, making them perfect for busy families who actually use their porches.

9. Ceiling Fans For Porches

Battling Mississippi’s notorious summer heat requires strategic planning, and nothing works better than proper air circulation. Outdoor-rated ceiling fans create gentle breezes that make even July afternoons bearable while keeping mosquitoes at bay.

Select models with humidity-resistant motors and blades that won’t warp. Ceiling fans designed specifically for covered porches extend your outdoor living season by months, allowing families to enjoy morning coffee and evening conversations in comfort.

10. Potted Native Plants

Bring living beauty to your outdoor space with containers of local favorites! Hardy native species require less watering and maintenance while providing seasonal color changes that connect your porch to the surrounding landscape.

Mississippi designers recommend clustering pots of different heights for visual interest. Potted natives like gulf muhly grass, black-eyed Susans, and compact hydrangeas thrive in the Southern climate while attracting butterflies and hummingbirds that enhance your porch experience.

11. Soft Outdoor Lantern Lighting

Create magical evenings with warm, ambient illumination that transforms your porch into an enchanting retreat as twilight falls. Battery-operated or solar lanterns provide gentle pools of light without complicated wiring or safety concerns.

Arrange these versatile lighting solutions on tables, steps, and hanging from hooks. Soft outdoor lanterns cast a flattering glow that encourages lingering conversations long after sunset, making them essential for Mississippi’s tradition of evening porch gatherings with neighbors and family.

12. Cozy Rocking Chairs

Some traditions exist for good reason! The rhythmic motion of a quality rocker provides both physical comfort and psychological soothing that’s particularly welcome after hectic days.

Modern versions come in weather-resistant materials while maintaining classic profiles. Cozy rocking chairs remain Mississippi designers’ top recommendation for front porches, creating inviting spaces where neighbors naturally slow down for conversations and where bedtime stories create cherished memories for multiple generations.

13. Swing Beds Or Porch Swings

Elevate relaxation with the gentle swaying motion that practically demands you slow down and savor the moment. From simple two-person swings to full-sized suspended daybeds, these beloved fixtures transform ordinary porches into sanctuaries.

Hang yours from sturdy ceiling joists with proper hardware for safety. Swing beds have become the ultimate luxury for Mississippi porches, offering perfect spots for afternoon naps, bedtime stories with grandchildren, or romantic evenings watching fireflies with someone special.

14. Outdoor Curtains For Shade

Master the art of flexible sun control with flowing fabric panels that filter harsh rays while maintaining views and breezes. Weather-resistant options in natural tones complement traditional architecture without looking fussy or overdone.

Install curtain rods and tie-backs for easy adjustment throughout the day. Outdoor curtains provide privacy from street view while creating the feeling of an intimate outdoor room, perfect for Mississippi’s long outdoor living season when porches become essential extensions of the home.