The way Poles live has been changing a lot lately. Our homes are becoming more stylish and modern, but some things never change. Here’s a list of 8 recognizable features of a typical Polish home. Which ones surprise you the most?

1. Hallway, Doormat, And Guest Slippers

One of the most universal rules of a Polish home is: no shoes indoors. Yes, shoes are always taken off in the hallway. No Pole walks around their home in shoes, and they expect guests to do the same.

If you’re invited to a Polish home, you’d better have nice socks on. The host might politely say that you don’t need to take off your shoes (another typically Polish move), but secretly, they’ll expect you to do it anyway.

Don’t be surprised if they offer you a pair of slippers. We have our favorite indoor ones, but often keep an extra set just for guests.

2. Curtains And Blinds

Poles love their privacy. This shows not only in the way we build high, solid fences between neighbors, but also in how we cover our windows.

In many Western European countries, you can walk down the street and peek into people’s living rooms and kitchens. In Poland, the moment it starts getting dark, all windows are tightly covered with curtains, blinds, or ideally both, just to be safe.

You’ll also still see classic sheer, richly decorated curtains in many homes, especially old-style ones. Younger generations are moving away from them, but we’re still nostalgic for their cozy, grandma-home vibe.

3. The Great Tea Selection

Poles love tea. It’s a staple drink at breakfast and supper. If you stop by someone’s home for a friendly visit, they’ll definitely ask: “Coffee or tea?” and if you say tea, they’ll ask: “What kind?”

Then comes the showcase: black, green, herbal? Fruit blends? Every decent Polish kitchen has a drawer or shelf just for tea. We most commonly drink basic black tea in bags, but you’ll likely find a few fruity blends (raspberry, apple, rose hip) or warming infusions with orange or ginger. Poles also enjoy herbal infusions like peppermint, chamomile, or blends for digestion and colds. We drink them not only when we’re sick (which can shock coffee-loving Southern Europeans).

Do you prefer coffee? Don’t worry, we’ll offer that too, and it’s usually pretty good. In the past, we used to drink ground coffee brewed directly in the mug. Then, we went through a phase of instant coffee. Nowadays, most Poles own a coffee machine, a mokka pot, or a pour-over setup.

4. Other Kitchen Essentials

Besides the tea shelf, a typical Polish kitchen includes:

• a trash bin hidden in the cabinet under the sink
• a kitchen towel hanging from the oven handle or the kitchen sink
• an electric kettle (to brew tea, obviously)
• a secret shelf with sweets and cookies to be served with coffee or tea, just in case of an unexpected guest (we always offer something sweet along with a hot drink).

5. Radiator Under The Window

Central heating is a must in any Polish home (thankfully), so every room comes with a radiator, usually placed under the window. But it serves many more purposes than just heating.

In winter, radiators are perfect for drying wet towels, gloves, and hats after snowy walks. They’re also commonly used for drying laundry. So don’t be surprised to see a row of socks laid out across the radiator during your unexpected visit to a Polish home.

6. The TV Is King

The bigger, the better. The TV is the king of the Polish living room, often taking center stage. Most sofas are positioned to face it, and watching TV is still the favorite pastime of the older generation.

In the ‘90s and early 2000s, it was common to see dozens of satellite dishes bolted to apartment buildings (check here what it looked like). Today, cable TV is giving way to streaming services, and younger Poles watch new releases on Netflix instead of sitcoms on public TV. But a big-screen TV is still a home essential.

7. The Green Windowsill

Windows in Polish homes aren’t just practical. They’re also decorative (and not just because of the curtains). Polish windows often have wide sills lined with potted plants.

Classic houseplants in Polish homes include ferns, violets, cacti, and ficus plants. Recently, there’s been a boom in more exotic plants like monstera, philodendron, or marantha. Garden centers and florists are now full of tropical varieties, and we simply love having greenery at home. If you want to know the best plants for your interior, check this post.

8. The Multipurpose Balcony

Poles love their balconies! But not necessarily for sipping espresso (or tea) at sunset. Sure, some brave souls try to barbecue out there, but a typical Polish apartment balcony serves many roles: mini garden, laundry dryer, smoker’s corner, and bird feeder, all in one.

You’ll find everything on a Polish balcony: bikes, sports gear, flower pots, storage cabinets, or even unwanted furniture. Some people even keep an extra fridge on the balcony, so they can plug it in during holidays or long weekends when cooking goes into overdrive.

Sometimes, the balcony is so packed with stuff that there’s no room left for a chair to enjoy that afternoon sun.

Bonus: Vintage Polish Vibes

Older Polish apartments had a few more unforgettable features:

• a separate toilet and bathroom
• a kitchen that was never open to the living room
• giant glossy furniture units full of crystal vases and dusted coffee sets (like this one here)
• sofas covered with blankets for protection from dirt and damage

All of these quirks might seem funny now, but they also bring a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of childhood, summer stays at grandma’s, and simpler times.

And what do you love most about Polish homes?