7 Porch Pieces To Toss And 5 That Designers Recommend Keeping
Your porch is the first impression guests get of your home, so making it both welcoming and stylish matters. Over time, we all accumulate items that might not serve our outdoor spaces well anymore.
I’ve consulted with top designers to identify which porch pieces deserve the boot and which ones are worth keeping for that perfect curb appeal.
1. Toss: Plastic Furniture That’s Seen Better Days
Remember those white plastic chairs that turned yellowish and wobbly after just one summer? They’re definitely on the chopping block. Cheap plastic furniture not only looks tacky but also creates a less-than-inviting atmosphere for your guests.
Quality matters for outdoor spaces that face constant weather exposure. I’ve found that investing in better materials pays off in the long run, both in appearance and durability. Your porch deserves better than cracked, faded plastic eyesores!
2. Toss: Outdated Holiday Decorations
Christmas lights in April? Halloween cobwebs in January? Forgotten holiday decorations make your porch look neglected rather than festive. Seasonal decor should be just that – seasonal.
My rule of thumb is simple: if the holiday passed more than two weeks ago, those decorations need to go into storage. Nothing screams “I don’t care about my home” quite like faded Valentine’s Day hearts when summer’s approaching. Keep your porch current with the actual season we’re in!
3. Toss: Dying or Artificial Plants Past Their Prime
Brown, crispy plants or dusty fake foliage instantly bring down your porch’s appeal. Dead plants signal neglect, while sun-faded artificial ones look cheap and dated after a season or two outdoors.
Even high-quality faux plants eventually succumb to UV damage, turning an unnatural blue-green before fading completely. I’ve seen too many porches with sad-looking plant corpses or dusty silk flowers that haven’t been touched in years. Fresh greenery or newly replaced quality faux plants make a world of difference!
4. Toss: Broken or Rusty Light Fixtures
Flickering, rusted, or outdated light fixtures don’t just look bad – they can actually be dangerous. Exposed wiring or corroded metal poses genuine safety hazards, especially in outdoor environments exposed to moisture.
Modern outdoor lighting options are surprisingly affordable and can transform your porch’s nighttime appearance. I recently helped a friend replace their 1980s brass porch light, and the difference was stunning! Good lighting creates ambiance while ensuring guests can safely navigate your entrance.
5. Toss: Worn-Out Door Mats
That threadbare doormat with the barely visible “Welcome” text isn’t welcoming anyone anymore. Frayed edges, permanent stains, and flattened fibers make your entrance look neglected rather than inviting.
Door mats take a beating from weather, foot traffic, and dirt. Most should be replaced every 1-2 years depending on use. I love how a fresh, clean mat instantly perks up an entrance without breaking the bank. Your doormat sets the tone for what’s inside!
6. Toss: Mismatched Furniture Collections
Random chairs, tables, and accessories that have no relationship to each other create visual chaos. That metal bistro chair, plastic side table, and wicker rocker might all be functional, but together they look like a yard sale in progress.
Cohesive doesn’t mean identical – it means thoughtfully coordinated. I recommend choosing pieces that share either a color palette, material family, or design style. Your porch should tell one design story, not compete with itself through a jumble of unrelated pieces.
7. Toss: Excessive Knick-Knacks and Tchotchkes
Those garden gnomes, wind chimes, and random decorative items might hold sentimental value, but too many small decorations create visual clutter. Outdoor spaces benefit from simplicity – a principle most professional designers follow religiously.
Weather and dirt are not kind to small decorative items. They quickly become grimy, faded collectibles that require constant maintenance. I suggest selecting just one or two statement pieces that can withstand the elements. Your porch will look more intentional and sophisticated without the decorative overload.
8. Keep: Weather-Resistant Rocking Chairs
Few pieces say “welcome to my home” quite like a proper rocking chair. These porch classics invite relaxation and conversation while adding timeless charm to your outdoor space.
Opt for chairs made from weather-resistant materials like teak, cedar, poly-lumber, or properly treated hardwoods. I’ve had my cedar rockers for over a decade – they’ve developed a gorgeous silver patina while remaining structurally sound. Just add comfortable cushions that can be brought inside during harsh weather for the perfect porch seating solution.
9. Keep: Substantial Outdoor Lighting
Good lighting transforms your porch from merely functional to magical after sunset. String lights, lanterns, and well-placed sconces create ambiance while improving safety and security.
Layer your lighting for maximum impact. I recommend combining overhead lights for general illumination, wall sconces for architectural interest, and decorative elements like hurricane lanterns for that special glow. Solar options have improved dramatically in recent years, offering sustainable solutions that don’t require electrical work.
10. Keep: Statement Door Wreath
A beautiful wreath acts as jewelry for your front door, creating a focal point that draws the eye and adds personality. Unlike seasonal decorations that need constant changing, a high-quality evergreen or preserved wreath works year-round.
Materials matter enormously here. Preserved eucalyptus, olive leaf, or magnolia wreaths offer natural beauty that lasts. For something even more durable, consider a handcrafted wreath made from weather-resistant materials. My olive leaf wreath has maintained its silvery-green beauty for three years under a covered porch!
11. Keep: Durable Outdoor Rug
A properly sized outdoor rug anchors your porch furniture and adds color, pattern, and texture to what might otherwise be a plain concrete or wood surface. The right rug makes your porch feel like a true extension of your home.
Look for rugs specifically designed for outdoor use – they’re made from synthetic fibers that resist mold, mildew, and fading. I recently added a blue geometric outdoor rug to my porch, and visitors always comment on how it pulls everything together. Just remember to occasionally clean it with a garden hose to keep it looking fresh.
12. Keep: Quality Planters with Thriving Plants
Living plants bring vitality, color, and literal life to your porch. When paired with beautiful containers, they become design statements that change and evolve throughout the growing season.
Invest in substantial, frost-resistant planters that complement your home’s architecture. Fiberglass options that mimic terracotta or concrete offer lightweight alternatives to traditional materials. I rotate seasonal plants in my large blue ceramic planters – tulips in spring, petunias in summer, mums in fall – while the containers themselves provide year-round structure and style.
