When it comes to decorating your home, some trends and styles have simply fallen out of favor. You might not realize that certain decor choices can make your space feel outdated or even cluttered, despite your best intentions.
Knowing which decor pieces no one wants to see anymore can help you create a fresher, more inviting environment. This article will guide you through the items that are best left behind so your home feels current without trying too hard.
Tacky novelty signs
You might think a funny sign adds personality to your space. But too often, these signs look cheap or outdated rather than clever.
If your walls are covered with cliché phrases or cheesy jokes, it can make your home feel less inviting. Instead, choose artwork or decor that feels genuine and timeless.
Remember, a little humor is great, but it’s best when the style matches your overall decor. Keep it simple and avoid anything that might come off as tacky.
Overly ornate wood garlands
If your wood garlands are intricate and heavy with detail, they might feel outdated. These pieces can quickly overpower your space and clash with modern, simpler décor styles.
You want your decorations to add charm, not confusion. Choosing cleaner, more minimalist garlands will brighten your room and blend well with various themes.
Keep it subtle. Overly ornate wood garlands tend to look busy and can distract from the rest of your design.
Plastic knickknacks cluttering surfaces
You might have a collection of small plastic knickknacks scattered around your home. These items can quickly make your surfaces look cluttered and busy.
Try to limit the number of plastic pieces you display. Choose a few meaningful items instead of filling every shelf or table.
Clearing these out can open up space and give your room a cleaner, more inviting feel. It’s a simple way to refresh your décor without much effort.
Heavy, dark-colored drapes
Heavy, dark-colored drapes can make your space feel smaller and darker than it needs to be. While they block light well, they often weigh down a room’s energy.
If you want blackout curtains, consider lighter colors or fabrics that still keep things bright. This way, your room feels cozy without being gloomy.
Switching to lighter, breathable curtains can refresh your space and allow more natural light to lift the mood. Your home will thank you for it.
Excessive wall mirrors in every room
You might think mirrors help open up space, but too many can clutter your walls. When every room is filled with mirrors, it can feel overwhelming instead of bright and airy.
Mirrors do reflect light well, but balance is key. A few thoughtfully placed mirrors work better than covering all your walls.
Try focusing on quality and style rather than quantity. Too many mirrors can distract from your overall decor and make your space feel less cozy.
Outdated floral wallpaper
Floral wallpaper used to be popular, but it often feels dated now. Large, busy flower patterns can overwhelm a room and make the space look smaller.
If you love floral designs, consider using them as accent pieces instead. A single wall or smaller areas work better than covering an entire room.
Replacing floral wallpaper with neutral paint or subtle textures can instantly brighten your space and give it a fresher, more modern look.
Cheap faux plants
Cheap faux plants might seem like a quick way to freshen up your space. But often, they look obviously fake and can cheapen your overall decor.
You want pieces that look natural without drawing attention to their artificiality. Avoid overly shiny plastic leaves or stiff shapes.
Instead, invest in a few realistic faux plants that don’t need water and hold their shape well. This choice feels thoughtful, not lazy.
Mass-produced abstract art without meaning
You’ve probably seen those large, colorful abstract pieces that seem to appear everywhere. While they might look modern, many lack true meaning or originality.
These mass-produced prints often don’t connect with your personal style or story. Instead, they can feel generic and impersonal, just filling space.
Choosing art with meaning or a unique story will make your home feel more authentic and inviting. Avoid picking something just because it looks trendy or easy to find.
Tassel or fringe throw pillows
Tassel and fringe throw pillows can feel dated. They often add a busy look that clashes with simpler modern styles.
If your pillows have thick tassels or heavy fringe, they might not blend well with more streamlined decor. You want your space to feel fresh, not cluttered.
Choosing pillows with clean lines and minimal details can make your room look more current and inviting. Keep tassels and fringe as a playful accent, not the main feature.
Excessive shag rugs
If you love the cozy look, a shag rug can be nice in small doses. But too many shag rugs or ones that are overly large can quickly overwhelm your space.
Shag rugs made from synthetic materials often don’t wear well and can look tired fast.
Choosing a high-quality wool shag rug and keeping it to one area can give your room texture without going overboard. Too much shag can make your space feel cluttered rather than comfy.
Old-fashioned brass candle holders
You might think brass candle holders add a vintage charm, but many people find them outdated. They often feel stuck in a past era rather than blending with modern decor.
Brass can tarnish easily and requires frequent polishing to keep its shine. If you want a simpler, cleaner look, these might not be your best bet.
That said, some vintage pieces have unique designs. But overall, they rarely fit well with today’s home styles and can feel more like clutter than decor.