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Your front porch is the first thing anyone sees when visiting your home. It also extends your living space, and a stylish front porch can increase your home’s curb appeal and become a space everyone can enjoy.
My front porch is home to ‘Erol’, a garden gnome who stands a couple of feet high, greets everyone who comes by and keeps a watchful eye on all my other gnomes. (I have a bit of a thing for garden gnomes).
Unfortunately, front porches often become a storage space or catch-all for unwanted items or a place that’s so cluttered with outdoor equipment that they become an eyesore. Not all items can withstand the weather, and others just may not be pleasing to the eye. So, if you want your front porch to be comfortable and welcoming, avoid filling it with the following items.
Rattan Furniture
Rattan furniture might be suitable for a sunroom, but not really suitable for a front porch or outdoor space, especially if you live in a humid area. It can become fragile and will eventually mold.
If you do, put rattan furniture on your front porch. Cover it when it’s not in use, to help avoid it getting wet or damaged and help it last longer.
Too Much Decor
You should decorate your front porch with items that you enjoy. But remember that, even your favorite decor can look tacky if you use too much. You’ve probably seen houses with too much decor on their front porch and in their front yard, and it’s just not cute.
Just like when you decorate inside, strive to keep things simple and tasteful. Avoid too many wind chimes or cheesy signs. As much as I hate to say it, you shouldn’t even go crazy with the garden gnomes. Sometimes less really is more.
Upholstered Furniture
Like rattan furniture, upholstered furniture can mildew and mold within a couple of years, especially in areas with high humidity. Instead, look for durable cushions that are made for the outdoors.
You can store cushions when you’re not using them so they don’t stay out in the elements all the time. To help hide wear and tear, choose outdoor cushions made with textured fabric.
Cloth Lampshades
Lighting can make a big difference in the way your porch works, and it’ll ensure you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor space during darker evenings. But you should avoid using cloth lampshades in any outdoor space as they can degrade and mold.
Instead, consider LED string lights or lamps made from treated wood or metal with wicker or bamboo shades. Be mindful of how you run the cords to avoid them getting wet when it rains.
Glass
Glass is safe to use outdoors, but be sure to use tempered glass. Glass that isn’t tempered can be dangerous if it breaks, whereas tempered glass, otherwise known as safety glass, is much stronger and if broken, will break into small, circular pieces instead of sharp shards.
Tempered glass is also heat, scratch, and damage resistant. Which means it will probably last much longer than non-tempered glass.
Outdoor Toys
Kids love playing outside, and the front porch is a great place for them to play. It’s easy for you to keep an eye on them while they are getting some fresh air. But the front porch isn’t the best place to store their toys.
If you have space, create some hidden toy storage on the front porch, and if not, make sure they know to bring their toys in when they’re finished playing. It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s also about safety. An errant bike or skateboard can be dangerous to a visitor or delivery worker.
Pet Items
It might be convenient to keep your pet items on the front porch, but it can create an eyesore. Things like dog bowls, toys, treats, collars and leashes should not be kept on the front porch.
Again, if you have the space, create hidden storage spots. If not, keep it all inside near the front door. If you hang out on the front porch a lot, get an attractive dog bed made from weather-resistant material so Fido can hang out with you.
Natural Rugs
Just because it’s made from natural fibers, doesn’t mean it will hold up well outside. Materials like sisal and jute look great, but unless they’ve been treated, they aren’t resistant to mold and mildew.
If your front porch is large enough, a rug will look great. But choose one made from synthetic materials like polypropylene and nylon that can withstand the elements.
Electronics
Who doesn’t want to enjoy listening to music, or watch the big game while sitting out on the front porch with friends? But electronics don’t belong outside unless they are made to be outside.
Electronics are typically expensive, and bringing them outside where they can get overheated, wet, too dusty, or even too cold, can cause irreparable damage. Plus, having cords all over the place looks messy and is a safety hazard.
Gardening Equipment
It might be convenient to leave your garden hoe and shovels on the front porch. But it will make the space look messy and tacky.
When you’re done gardening, put your tools away in hidden storage or a garden shed. You can find really nice sheds made from wood, PVC or metal that can easily hold all your equipment.
Storage Containers
If you need storage on your front porch, find creative ways to make hidden storage rather than using plastic containers. A bunch of plastic storage boxes on your porch will look tacky and bring down your curb appeal. Plastic isn’t weather resistant and may get brittle in the heat.
Other, better porch storage solutions include benches and tables with hidden drawers and compartments and wooden chests that have been treated for outside use. Any storage solution should hold all of your stuff and look fantastic on your front porch.
Shoes
If you’re lucky, you have a mudroom. If not, create a space just inside the front door where everyone can take off their wet and dirty clothes and shoes so they don’t trek dirt and mud throughout your home.
Don’t leave shoes on the front porch, it looks horrible. Get a durable mat that you can throw in the washing machine to keep inside your front door and have everyone take off their dirty shoes, and other gear there.
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Many people don’t think about what they put down the kitchen sink. They just scrape all of their food waste into the sink, turn on the garbage disposal, and watch it all disappear. But many things can damage your garbage disposal or plumbing.
Here are 15 things you should never put down the kitchen sink if you want to avoid a huge repair bill.
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As someone of above-average height, I can tell you that driving a compact car is not only uncomfortable, but it’s also always the safest. It makes blind spots more common, making it hard to see streetlights without disjointing my neck. Car shopping has always been a hassle, and I wish I had this information before I started test-driving multiple cars. These are some of the best vehicles for those taller than their fellow drivers.
- Read More: 15 Most Comfortable Cars for Tall Drivers
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You don’t have to be a collector or hoarder to have several valuable things in your home. We all accrue many items over the years, some of which could be worth money. Even some everyday household items can be valuable, especially to collectors.
To help determine whether any of your household items are valuable to collectors, we’ve assembled a list of 18 everyday items you likely have in your house. Check out this list and see if any of your items are ready to be turned into money.
