Ah, the living room – the heart of our homes, where style meets comfort. But hold on to your throw pillows, because some features in this cherished space might just scream ‘yesterday’ rather than ‘yesteryear’.
Designers, those stylish soothsayers of home fashion, have identified several living room elements that have worn out their welcome.
With the world of interior design ever-evolving, staying chic means keeping an eye out for what’s no longer in vogue. Let’s take a journey through 28 outdated living room features that could use a good refresh! Keep your eyes peeled; you might find some culprits lurking in your own home.
1. Tuscan Decor
Have you been to Tuscany lately? Neither have your interior design choices if they’re still stuck in the old-world charm of Tuscan decor.
While once celebrated for its rustic appeal and warm hues, this style now often feels more like a flashback to the early 2000s than a step into a sophisticated space. Consider lighter, airier options that capture the warmth without the weight.
Replace those heavy drapes with sheer curtains that let in the light, and swap out the terracotta for soft pastels or crisp whites. Your living room will breathe a sigh of relief.
2. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Ah, the plush embrace of wall-to-wall carpeting – or is it more like a trapped sensation? Designers agree that this once-go-to flooring option is now more of a nostalgia trip than a stylish choice.
Besides being a magnet for dust and spills, it’s a design element that can make your lovely room feel a tad too enclosed.
Opt for hardwood floors or trendy tiles, and add area rugs for a splash of color and texture. Your feet will thank you, and so will your sense of style.
3. Popcorn Ceilings
Ever feel like your ceiling is watching you? With popcorn ceilings, it might as well be! Once a quick fix for hiding imperfections, these textured ceilings have fallen out of favor with modern designers. Besides, who wants their ceiling to double as a dust collector?
For a cleaner, more contemporary look, consider smoothing out that ceiling’s bumpy past. A sleek, flat finish can make your room feel open and updated, leaving dust bunnies nowhere to hide.
4. Overstuffed Furniture
Is your couch vying for a leading role in the next ’90s sitcom? Overstuffed furniture, while once the epitome of comfort, is now considered more excessive than elegant.
Designers are shifting towards sleek lines and minimalist silhouettes that offer comfort without consuming space.
Swap those bulky pieces for something with a bit more grace. A slim, modern sofa can offer both support and style, freeing up room to showcase your taste in other decor elements.
5. Overly Matching Furniture Sets
Your living room isn’t a showroom, so why make it look like one? Matching furniture sets might have once promised a cohesive look, but today they often lack the personality and eclectic charm modern designers crave. Mix and match different pieces to create a more interesting, individualized space.
Consider a statement chair or a contrasting coffee table to break the monotony. Your living room will thank you for the burst of creativity, and so will your guests.
6. Dark Wood Paneling
Welcome to the cave – or is it your living room? Dark wood paneling might have added a touch of sophistication in the 1970s, but today it often feels like you’re residing in a time capsule.
Lighten up the atmosphere by painting over the wood or removing it altogether.
A fresh coat of paint in a light, neutral color can transform your space from dungeon chic to airy and inviting. Who knew your walls could have such a bright future?
7. Heavy Drapes
Have you ever felt like your drapes were conspiring against sunlight? Heavy curtains might have been great for grandiose drama, but they’ve lost their luster in today’s design scene. Instead of suffocating your windows, let them breathe with lighter fabrics.
Opt for sheer or linen curtains that allow natural light to flood in while still offering privacy. Your living room will feel more open, and you’ll have a better view of the world outside.
8. Massive Entertainment Centers
Is your entertainment center vying for the title of ‘biggest piece of furniture in the room’? These colossal structures were once the centerpiece of our TV-focused lives, but now they just seem to hog valuable space. With streaming and slim televisions, there’s no need for such a behemoth.
Consider wall-mounted solutions or sleek media consoles that blend in rather than dominate. Your living room will appreciate the extra space to breathe, and you’ll have a sleeker setup.
9. Brass Fixtures
Ever feel your room has a Midas touch, and not in a good way? Brass fixtures that once added gleam have now dulled under the scrutiny of modern design.
Swapping out those brassy elements for matte black or brushed nickel can instantly update your room’s vibe.
It’s a simple switch that can make a world of difference, giving your space a more contemporary feel. Your room will shine in all the right ways.
10. Faux Finishes
Is your wall trying to be something it’s not? Faux finishes, once the darling of DIY enthusiasts, now often read as more ‘faux pas’ than fabulous.
Rethink that faux marble or sponge-painted wall with a solid, sophisticated color.
A clean, crisp paint job can refresh your space, leaving behind the theatrics of faux finishes. Your living room will look more genuine and feel genuinely inviting.
11. Floral Upholstery
Does your sofa remind you of your grandma’s house? Floral upholstery, though once a staple in cozy homes, now often feels outdated and overwhelming. Designers suggest opting for solid colors or subtle patterns that allow for more versatility.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing solid pieces with a single floral accent. This can bring a touch of nostalgia without overwhelming the space. Your living room will thank you for the refresh.
12. Vertical Blinds
Ever feel like your blinds are trying to start a band with all that clattering? Vertical blinds, once popular for their functionality, have now become the noise of choice in outdated decor. Swap them for sleek, modern alternatives like roller shades or curtains.
Your living room will not only gain a quieter atmosphere, but also a more polished look. Let your windows enjoy a new era of style, free from the clatter.
13. Inflatable Furniture
Did you just step into a ’90s-themed inflatable wonderland? While inflatable furniture might have been fun for a minute, it’s now a relic of the past.
Designers encourage embracing more sustainable options that offer style without the squeak.
Choose furniture with a sturdy build and timeless appeal for a room that feels both grounded and inviting. Your living room will thank you for choosing decor that stands the test of time, rather than deflates over it.
14. Accent Walls
Is one wall in your room screaming for attention? Accent walls once provided a pop of color, but now they often feel more like a design afterthought than an intentional feature. Modern design favors a more cohesive palette throughout the space.
Consider blending your accent wall with the rest of the room for a unified look. Your living room will feel more harmonious, and you’ll enjoy a more balanced environment.
15. Hollywood Mirror Lighting
Feel like you’re getting ready for your big Hollywood debut? Mirror lighting straight out of a movie makeup room can seem overly flashy and out of place in a cozy living space. Designers suggest softer, more ambient lighting to flatter both your room and your reflection.
Consider pendant lights or sconces for a subtler glow. You’ll create a relaxing atmosphere that says ‘welcome’ rather than ‘action!’
16. Patterned Throws and Pillows
Is your couch becoming a tapestry of patterns? While throws and pillows in vibrant designs once added personality, they can now overwhelm a room and clash with other decor elements.
Consider opting for solid colors or complementary patterns that enhance rather than overtake.
Keep a few favorite patterns and mix them with more understated pieces for balance. Your living room will find its style stride without getting lost in the shuffle.
17. Mirrored Furniture
Have you ever thought your furniture was trying to outshine you? Mirrored furniture, while once a symbol of glamour, now often feels more gaudy than gleaming. Designers suggest opting for pieces that provide style without the glare.
Consider wood or metal finishes that offer texture and warmth. Your living room will feel more inviting, and you won’t have to worry about unexpected reflections.
18. Bold Textured Walls
Does your wall make more of a statement than your art collection? Textured walls, once a way to add depth, can now make a room feel busy and outdated. Designers recommend smooth finishes that allow for more versatility in decor.
A simple coat of neutral paint can open up your space to endless possibilities. Your living room will feel refreshed, and your art will finally get the spotlight it deserves.
19. Shag Carpets
Is your carpet more suited for a ’70s disco than modern living? Shag carpets, while once a symbol of comfort and style, can now make a room feel dated and cluttered.
Designers recommend sleek, low-pile carpets or hardwood floors for a contemporary feel.
Replace that shaggy friend with something easier to maintain and more visually appealing. Your living room will appreciate the update, and you’ll enjoy a cleaner, more sophisticated space.
20. Macrame Decor
Are your walls resembling a macrame jungle? While once a trendy bohemian touch, macrame decor can now feel more like a crafty throwback than a chic accent. Modern designers encourage a more streamlined approach to wall decor.
Consider minimalist artwork or shelving to add style without the tangles. Your living room will breathe easier, and you’ll find a balance between boho and beauty.
21. Overhead Track Lighting
Is your ceiling trying to put on a light show? Overhead track lighting, once a modern marvel, can now feel harsh and industrial. Designers suggest opting for softer, more ambient lighting that creates a welcoming atmosphere.
Replace those glaring beams with pendant lights or lamps for a cozier glow. Your living room will feel more inviting, and your eyes will thank you for the softer light.
22. Beige Everything
Is your room sporting the ‘beige bandwagon’? While once a safe choice, an overload of beige can now make a space feel bland and uninspiring. Designers advocate for a splash of color to bring life to your living room.
Introduce vibrant accents through art or textiles to break the monotony. Your living room will gain personality, and you’ll feel more energized by the lively environment.
23. Antique Clocks
Does your clock look like it’s escaped from a time machine? Antique clocks, though charming, can feel more like relics than relevant decor.
Designers suggest embracing more modern timepieces that complement contemporary living spaces.
Consider sleek wall clocks or even digital displays for a fresh update. Your living room will tick along with the times, and your decor will keep pace with your lifestyle.
24. Lace Curtains
Are your windows shrouded in lacey secrecy? Lace curtains, while once a delicate touch, can now seem more old-fashioned than fashionable. Designers suggest lighter, more modern alternatives that strike a balance between style and privacy.
Opt for sheer fabrics or linen curtains for an updated look. Your living room will feel brighter and more open, and you’ll enjoy a fresh perspective.
25. Plaid Upholstery
Does your furniture look like it walked off a Scottish runway? Plaid upholstery, once a cozy classic, can now seem more costume than chic. Designers suggest embracing solids or subtle patterns that feel fresh and inviting.
Consider reupholstering with a modern fabric to bring new life to your furniture. Your living room will thank you for the wardrobe update, and you’ll enjoy a more contemporary atmosphere.
26. Ceiling Fans with Pull Chains
Feel like you’re in a scene from an old noir film every time you pull the chain on your ceiling fan? While once a functional staple, these fans can now seem more out of date than efficient.
Designers recommend sleek, modern fans with remote controls or app connectivity.
Upgrade your fan to blend form and function seamlessly. Your living room will enjoy the airflow without the old-school pull.
27. Split-Level Living Rooms
Is your living room trying to be two rooms for the price of one? Split-level designs, once the height of architectural innovation, can now feel more like a tripping hazard than a trend. Designers suggest seamless open layouts that create flow and harmony.
Consider leveling out the floors to enhance accessibility and style. Your living room will feel more spacious, and you’ll navigate it with ease.
28. Chintz Fabric
Does your living room resemble a flower shop? Chintz fabric, once a staple of English cottage style, can now seem more antiquated than attractive. Designers suggest opting for fabrics with more subtlety and sophistication.
Consider solids or modern prints for a refreshed look. Your living room will thank you for the update, and you’ll enjoy a more timeless and tasteful environment.