12 Home Decor Choices Everyone Regrets
Here's a roundup of outdated and regrettable home decor choices that homeowners wish they had skipped.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Home decor trends come and go, and some choices that once seemed stylish often become burdensome over time. From shag carpets to popcorn ceilings, many of these design decisions are remembered more for the hassle than the charm. This list highlights 12 real examples of once-popular decor ideas that most people eventually regretted.
1. Popcorn Ceilings
Pylz Works from Unsplash
Popcorn ceilings were once seen as stylish in the mid-20th century, but today, they are considered outdated and difficult to maintain. They collect dust, are nearly impossible to clean, and make a room feel older than it is. Many homeowners regret this choice when they realize removal is messy, costly, and time-consuming.
2. Carpeted Bathrooms
Ashkan Forouzani from Unsplash
Carpet in bathrooms was marketed as cozy, but it turned out to be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. The constant moisture makes it unhygienic, and cleaning is a nightmare. Homeowners quickly learned that tiles or waterproof flooring are much more practical.
3. Glass Block Walls
Cole Keister from Unsplash
Glass block walls were trendy in the ’80s and ’90s, often used to divide spaces while letting in light. While functional at the time, they now feel dated and heavy in design. Many regret installing them because they are hard to remove and limit modern redesigns.
4. Built-in Entertainment Centers
Paul Esch-Laurent from Unsplash
Oversized entertainment centers were once the centerpiece of living rooms, built to house bulky televisions and stereo systems. Now, with slim wall-mounted TVs and streaming devices, they look clunky and waste space. Many regret committing to this permanent structure that no longer serves its purpose.
5. Shag Carpeting
Alexander Grey from Unsplash
Shag carpets were synonymous with ’70s style but quickly became a hassle. They trap dirt, dust, and allergens, making them hard to clean. What once felt like luxury now looks messy and outdated in modern homes.
6. Fake Plants Everywhere
ABHISHEK VISHWAKARMA from Unsplash
Covering homes in fake greenery was once seen as a low-maintenance way to bring “nature” indoors. Unfortunately, they gather dust quickly and can make a space feel cheap instead of fresh. Many homeowners eventually regret not opting for real plants or minimalist decor.
7. Sponge-Painted Walls
matsushita kouki from Unsplash
Sponge painting was a DIY craze in the 90s, meant to add texture and personality to walls. While it seemed fun and artistic, it often ended up looking messy and amateurish. Removing or repainting over it is another regret many homeowners faced.
8. Overly Themed Rooms
Christopher Jolly from Unsplash
Rooms decorated entirely around a theme, like nautical bathrooms or Tuscan-style kitchens, were popular in certain decades. While striking at first, they quickly became overwhelming and outdated. Homeowners often regret not choosing timeless designs that could adapt to changing tastes.
9. Heavy Drapes
Nadir sYzYgY from Unsplash
Floor-to-ceiling heavy drapes were once a mark of elegance, but today they can make a room feel dark and claustrophobic. They collect dust and require special cleaning, which adds to the regret. Many now prefer light, airy curtains or blinds that open up the space.
10. Mirrored Walls
Luis Villasmil from Unsplash
Mirrored walls were a huge trend in the 70s and 80s, meant to make rooms feel larger. Instead, they quickly became tacky and overwhelming. They also show smudges and scratches easily, leaving many homeowners regretting the choice.
11. Wall-to-Wall Beige
Olga Thelavart from Unsplash
For years, beige was the default “safe” color for walls, carpets, and furniture. However, an entirely beige space often feels lifeless and uninspired. Many homeowners regret not taking risks with bolder or warmer colors that add character.
12. Overstuffed Furniture Sets
Toa Heftiba from Unsplash
Large, matching furniture sets were once marketed as the ideal living room package. Over time, they make spaces feel cramped and inflexible, especially in smaller homes. Many people now regret the bulk and lack of individuality they bring.