Fashion trends in clothing might shift quickly, but trends in home decor and furniture often come with a heftier price tag than a new pair of jeans. It’s easy to get caught in the cycle of constantly updating your home to keep up with the latest trends. However, while trends rise in popularity, they inevitably fall from grace as well.
If you’re weary of constantly revamping your home’s look, the best strategy is to invest in your personal style rather than fleeting trends. Choose pieces that resonate with you and feel authentic. Nonetheless, it’s wise to critically evaluate some of your cherished furniture items to determine if they are relics of the past. Here are some pieces we suggest you reconsider, along with timeless alternatives to replace them.
You might want to part with those outdated bulky sofas with cup holders
Sure, they offer comfort, but for the sake of interior design, keep the oversized sofas with cup holders relegated to the basement. While they might be suitable for family movie nights, these behemoths can kill the style of your primary living area and pose challenges in terms of cleaning and maintenance. Not only do they exude a dated vibe, but they also consume a lot of space, making a room feel more cramped.
If comfort is still a priority, consider a modular sofa. This offers the flexibility to rearrange pieces as desired, making them multi-functional and ideal for those who are indecisive. Instead of built-in cup holders, opt for a sleek side or coffee table. Alternatively, if that convenience is non-negotiable, consider the Bambootray Couch Cup Holder Tray for a more refined look that can be easily stowed away when entertaining guests.
Midcentury Modern is no longer the be-all and end-all (but it remains relevant)
Midcentury modern (MCM) furniture was in vogue when it first emerged between the 1940s and 1970s, and it experienced a resurgence in recent years. While MCM pieces, especially authentic ones, are undeniably beautiful and timeless, an overwhelmingly midcentury modern theme can feel overdone. Despite the functionality of many MCM pieces, an overly rigid adherence to this style can render its simple lines, exquisite wood, and brass hardware outdated and staged.
The simplicity of this style provides an opportunity to experiment with the surrounding space. A midcentury modern coffee table can coexist with a modern sofa and vice versa. Mixing styles personalizes a space, preventing it from feeling dated. This approach applies to many vintage items — combining modern and vintage elements adds visual interest, uniqueness, and longevity to a room.
Large recliners are no longer the stylish choice they once were
Similar to oversized, space-hogging sofas with cup holders, recliners are another debated item. They offer comfort but don’t lend aesthetic appeal to a living room. While the bulk of traditional recliners may draw scrutiny, comfort can be achieved with more elegant alternatives like an accent chair and ottoman, which are also easier to maneuver. A chaise lounge offers a more sophisticated option while still providing ample space to relax.
If you’re committed to keeping a recliner but want a more contemporary feel, consider arranging your furniture to complement the recliner rather than placing it front and center. Though they may be pricier, modern recliners exist that maintain the comfort of traditional ones while presenting a sleeker, less intrusive appearance.
Overly coordinated furniture sets may come across as tacky
Visit any big-box furniture store, and you’ll likely encounter an array of matching sets. However, unless you want your home to resemble a showroom, it’s best to avoid this approach, particularly in bedrooms. The once-popular uniform aesthetic can now seem mundane and devoid of character, as many people now prioritize individuality over uniformity in interior design.
If you own matching furniture sets, consider distributing pieces throughout your home instead of concentrating them in one room. Feel free to mix vintage and modern items and experiment with various styles within a single room. A midcentury modern coffee table, a boho rug, and a modular couch can coexist harmoniously if chosen thoughtfully.
Velvet Statement Sofas
While it’s not anyone’s place to dismiss your preferences, some once-popular trends, like velvet sofas in jewel tones, have become overdone. It’s not the material or color that’s outdated, but their combination.
If you love your velvet sofa but want a more current look, focus on accessories. Use bold and colorful accents to enliven a neutral velvet sofa. Tastefully selected patterns, particularly on pillows, can restore the quirky charm you initially sought. Consider chintzy cottage-core patterns for a cozy vibe or blocked complementary colors for a minimalist, modern aesthetic. If green is your preferred color, make the couch the focal point, surrounded by light neutrals and perhaps some greenery to enhance its natural appeal.
Padded headboards are losing their stylish appeal
With a wide range of sleep arrangements available today, even the most advanced mattresses can be diminished by poor accessory choices. While the main goal is optimizing sleep, dissatisfaction with your current setup might warrant a change. Among the elements that can date a bedroom, tufted headboards are significant culprits.
Modern upholstered headboards offer a more contemporary look while retaining comfort, avoiding the dated tufted style. If you’re seeking a headboard or entire bed frame, look for unique shapes, stitch patterns, and colors or explore unexpected materials like linen for a distinctive and timeless appearance.
