1. Hanging Egg Chairs
These look like cozy pods of serenity on Instagram, especially when draped with throw blankets and fairy lights. But in real life, they often squeak, sway uncomfortably, and aren’t as relaxing as they appear. Many are poorly balanced or require ceiling mounting, which can be risky if your porch beams aren’t rated for the weight. Plus, they’re a pain to get in and out of—not ideal for casual lounging.
Weather is another major issue. Most egg chairs aren’t built to handle rain or sun long-term, and their cushions quickly mildew or fade. Even the ones labeled “outdoor safe” often don’t hold up past a single season. Unless you’re in a dry, temperate climate, these are more style than substance.
2. White Outdoor Cushions
There’s no denying white cushions make a space look clean, crisp, and camera-ready. On Instagram, they’re styled to perfection with nary a coffee spill or paw print in sight. In reality, they attract dirt like a magnet and are next to impossible to keep looking fresh. Even covers labeled “washable” can yellow or lose shape over time.
Sun exposure also turns white cushions dingy within a few months. Outdoor use means dealing with pollen, dust, birds, and bugs—none of which play nicely with bright fabric. You’ll either become obsessive about covering them or end up with a stained mess. That’s a lot of upkeep for something that’s supposed to be low-maintenance.
3. Boho Macrame Everything
Macrame hammocks, swings, and wall hangings scream “boho chic” and look dreamy when photographed at golden hour. But the reality is they collect dust, trap moisture, and attract bugs if left outside. Natural fibers like cotton degrade quickly when exposed to the elements, making these a short-lived trend. And cleaning them? Nearly impossible.
They also tend to look worn or grimy fast, especially if you live somewhere humid or windy. One rainstorm and they become heavy, saggy, and potentially moldy. Unless you’re bringing them in and out constantly, they’re more hassle than they’re worth. Beautiful, yes—but only if you treat them like indoor decor.
4. Glass Fire Tables
These sleek, modern fire tables look stunning on social media with their flickering flames and reflective glass beads. But they’re often impractical for real-life outdoor use. The glass rocks can discolor or crack from heat and weather exposure, and many of these tables aren’t designed for real warmth. They’re mostly decorative.
Wind can blow the flame around or out entirely, and they don’t offer the coziness of a real fire pit. Plus, you’re stuck with propane tanks that need constant refilling or hidden gas lines that limit placement. Cleaning them is another story—ash, insects, and grime all love to settle in the crevices. Gorgeous in pictures, frustrating in practice.
5. Faux Ivy Privacy Screens
At first glance, these plastic greenery panels look like an instant fix for ugly fences or nosy neighbors. They photograph well, adding a lush, green backdrop to any patio. But up close, they often look fake, shiny, and cheap—especially after a few months of sun exposure. UV damage makes them brittle and faded.
They’re also magnets for dust, spiderwebs, and debris, which are difficult to clean out of the artificial leaves. In hot climates, they can become warped or even melt slightly, depending on the quality. Installation isn’t always straightforward, either—zip ties loosen, and panels sag. They’re an aesthetic band-aid that doesn’t age gracefully.
6. All-Rattan Everything
Rattan furniture gives a breezy, resort vibe that’s hard to resist in a scroll. But not all rattan is created equal—and the natural kind does not belong outside without serious upkeep. Sun, rain, and fluctuating temps quickly lead to warping, cracking, and fading. Even “outdoor” synthetic versions can look cheap or become brittle over time.
It’s also surprisingly uncomfortable without plush cushions, which—as we mentioned—bring their own set of problems. And good luck finding pieces that aren’t wobbly or prone to splintering after a season. The maintenance required to keep it looking good rarely matches the relaxed look it’s supposed to convey. Pretty in photos, fragile in life.
7. Overloaded Plant Corners
Lush jungle vibes are huge on Instagram patios, with overflowing plant corners giving off major oasis energy. But maintaining that many plants outdoors is labor-intensive, especially if you’re not a seasoned gardener. Different plants need different amounts of light, water, and humidity—one misstep and the whole corner can start to droop. Or die.
Pots can crack in the cold, drain poorly, or encourage root rot if not managed perfectly. And hauling them inside during bad weather gets old fast. You also need to worry about pests like aphids, spider mites, or even snakes. A curated plant corner looks amazing, but it’s rarely as low-effort as it seems.
8. Outdoor Rugs in High-Traffic Areas
Outdoor rugs are often touted as the secret to tying a porch or patio together. But in high-traffic areas, they quickly wear out, stain, or shift out of place. Water can pool underneath, encouraging mildew and damaging your deck surface. And unless they’re anchored down, they’re a tripping hazard during windy days.
Even “mold-resistant” rugs often develop musty smells after a few storms. Cleaning them isn’t simple—you can’t just toss them in a washer. Most need to be scrubbed, hosed down, and dried in the sun, which takes time and space. They look cozy online, but in real life they’re kind of a spongey mess.
9. Neon or Color-Changing LED Lighting
These glowing setups make backyards look like vibey rooftop lounges in social media posts. But in person, the harsh or overly saturated light can feel more like a college dorm than a cozy escape. Color-changing modes often flicker or shift awkwardly, creating a nightclub vibe that clashes with a peaceful setting. And they’re hard to coordinate with other decor.
Cheaper LED strips are prone to burnout, loose wires, and water damage. Plus, installation along railings or under furniture is often messy or temporary at best. What looks dynamic and cool in a filtered Reel usually feels jarring in a real-life hangout. Sometimes, soft string lights really are the better call.
This post 9 Porch and Patio Trends That Look Good on Instagram—But Not in Real Life was first published on Greenhouse Black.
