Home decor trends come and go, meaning that what was once stylish can quickly become outdated. It’s good to stay on top of these because if you’re looking to sell your home or host guests, you don’t want it to feel like a time capsule. In this light, here are outdated home decor trends that you really need to leave behind.
Vertical Blinds
Common in the ’80s and ’90s, vertical blinds are now seen as cumbersome and unattractive. Their clunky design and noisy operation have led to their decline, with modern alternatives taking over, such as roller shades or sleek drapery. Gone are the days of untangling blinds, which, frankly, was infuriating.
Wood Paneling
At one point, most homes would have wood paneling around their walls, bringing undeniable warmth to the space. However, these days, it’s a bit of an outdated look, and it can feel pretty claustrophobic, too. This is because the depth of it made rooms feel smaller, so people usually just replace it with drywall today, giving homes a fresher, more spacious look.
Floral Sofas
Large, bold floral prints on sofas were a hit in the ’80s and ’90s, but it wasn’t long until they fell out of fashion. They were a bit overpowering and dramatically limited other décor options. So, most people now stick to neutral or solid-colored sofas, which offer more flexibility for changing up accessories and other décor elements, although they do seem to be coming back into fashion.
Avocado Green and Harvest Gold Appliances
Just a few decades ago, avocado green and harvest gold appliances could be found in almost every home you set food in. It did look nice in the ‘70s, but their time has passed, with modern kitchens now featuring more stainless steel or sleek black and white appliances. However, according to the BBC, avocado green might soon be making a comeback.
Popcorn Ceilings
Once popular for their sound-dampening properties and ability to cover up imperfections, popcorn ceilings are now considered a dated eyesore. They are difficult to clean and can harbor dust and cobwebs, so most modern homeowners prefer sleek, smooth ceilings that provide a cleaner, more updated look and feel to their living spaces.
Shag Carpeting
Back in the groovy ‘70s, shag carpeting was all the rage, but eventually, everyone realized that its long, thick fibers were an absolute nightmare to clean and maintain. Nowadays, most homeowners lean towards low-pile carpets or hardwood floors, which are far easier to care for and offer a more timeless, elegant appearance.
Carpeted Bathrooms
These days, it would feel pretty unhygienic to have carpet in the bathroom, as it absorbs moisture, leading to potential mold and mildew issues. Current trends favor tile or waterproof vinyl flooring, which is more hygienic and easier to maintain in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, but either way, carpeted bathrooms were still a hit back in the day.
Heavy Draperies
Years ago, thick, ornate draperies were a serious status symbol, but they now seem overly formal and out of touch with modern design preferences. Lighter, airy window treatments like sheer curtains or minimalist blinds are now preferred for their ability to let in natural light and create an open feel.
Glass Block Walls
Another outdated home decor trend that is best left in the past was glass block walls, which were a trendy way to divide spaces while allowing light to filter through. Nowadays, they feel dated and bulky; clear glass panels or open-plan layouts are more popular, offering a sense of space and unobstructed light flow that aligns with contemporary tastes.
Wallpaper Borders
For some reason, adding a decorative border to walls with wallpaper was a common trend in the ’90s, but if you did that nowadays, it would just feel old-fashioned and disruptive to the flow of a room’s design. Today’s decorators prefer accent walls or textured paint techniques for a modern, cohesive look, which is probably for the best.
Fake Fruit Displays
One of the more bizarre home decor trends of the past was displaying artificial fruit displays in the dining room. The confusing thing about this was that you could achieve the same result but with real fruit, so we’re unsure why this was ever a thing. Thankfully, it’s no longer a thing, with a vase of flowers being much more common these days.
Matching Furniture Sets
In the past, buying a complete set of matching furniture was a go-to approach for cohesive design, and it showed you meant business when it came to home decor. However, this method can now feel uninspired and rigid. People now realize that mixing and matching different pieces adds personality and a more curated, dynamic feel to living spaces.
Tile Countertops
Another old-fashioned home decor trend that you’ll probably remember was tile countertops, especially those with grout lines. They were hugely trendy once upon a time but are now considered impractical. The grout can be difficult to clean and maintain, so we stick to seamless surfaces like quartz or granite, which are both durable and easy to keep pristine.
Pastel Bathroom Fixtures
In the mid-20th century, pastel-colored sinks, tubs, and toilets were all the rage in any family home. Now, they look outdated and limit bathroom color schemes, with modern bathrooms sticking to white or neutral fixtures that provide a timeless backdrop for various design styles and trends.
Brass Fixtures
A particularly ubiquitous home decor staple in the ’80s and ’90s was brass fixtures, but their shiny, yellow hue can now seem excessive. Matte black, brushed nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze fixtures are preferred today, offering a more sophisticated and contemporary look that blends seamlessly with modern design aesthetics. They’re much easier to keep looking clean, too.
Wall-to-Wall Mirrors
Once thought to make spaces appear larger, wall-to-wall mirrors now feel dated and overly reflective. Strategically placed mirrors or mirrored furniture pieces are more in vogue, offering light reflection and space enhancement without overwhelming a room. We do kind of miss the excessive use of reflection, but let’s be honest–it’s probably best to leave it in the past.
Lace Doilies
Not so long ago, lace doilies were a must-have for tabletops and armrests, adding a touch of vintage charm. Today, they are considered fussy and old-fashioned; simple, clean-lined décor pieces are favored, creating a more streamlined and modern aesthetic that doesn’t feel cluttered.
Fake Wood Paneling
Unlike real wood, fake wood paneling can make spaces look cheap and outdated, with its thin veneer often peeling and fading over time. No one wants that in their home, so modern trends prefer authentic materials or painted finishes that add genuine character and a sense of quality to interior spaces.