12 Outdated Home Decor Trends We All Thought Looked Great
These outdated home decor trends were once popular but now feel out of place in modern interiors.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Home decor styles have changed a lot over the years. Some trends that were once seen as stylish now look old-fashioned or overdone. These decor choices were once praised but are now seen as design mistakes.
1. Popcorn Ceilings
Enoch Leung on Wikimedia Commons
Popcorn ceilings were a common feature in homes built between the 1950s and the 1980s. They were used to hide flaws and absorb sound but often trapped dust and looked rough. At the time, they seemed modern and low-maintenance. Now, they are usually removed for a cleaner, smoother ceiling.
2. Shag Carpeting
Penn Hills Resort on Wikimedia Commons
Shag carpet, with its long and thick fibers, was a staple of 1970s home decor. People loved how soft and cozy it felt underfoot. However, it was hard to clean and often held onto dirt and odors. Today, most homeowners prefer hardwood or low-pile rugs instead.
3. Wood Paneling
APK on Wikimedia Commons
Wood paneling covered many walls in mid-century homes and was often dark and heavy-looking. It gave rooms a warm but outdated and closed-in feeling. While real wood is still used in design, this old paneling now looks cheap and dated. Many people have painted over it or replaced it with drywall.
4. Avocado Green and Harvest Gold Appliances
Charlotte May on Pexels
These bold colors were used in kitchens during the 1960s and 1970s. They were seen as trendy and cheerful at the time. However, as tastes shifted, the colors began to feel dull and outdated. Stainless steel and neutral finishes have since taken over.
5. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting in Bathrooms
Kayley on Pexels
For a while, having carpet in bathrooms seemed like a way to add comfort and warmth. However, moisture made it a poor choice, often leading to mold and mildew. It quickly fell out of favor once people realized the health risks. Tile and vinyl became the safer, cleaner options.
6. Vertical Blinds
Antonio Prado on Pexels
Vertical blinds were widely used in the 1980s and 1990s for sliding doors and large windows. They were easy to open and close but often made rooms look cold or office-like. Over time, they broke easily and became hard to clean. Many people now choose curtains or modern roller shades instead.
7. Mirrored Walls
Max Vakhtbovycn on Pexels
Covering a full wall in mirrors was once seen as a way to make rooms look larger and more glamorous. It became popular in homes during the 1970s and 1980s. However, these mirrored walls often felt flashy and outdated later on. Most have been removed or replaced with artwork or paint.
8. Lace Curtains
Laura Lumimaa on Pexels
Lace curtains were once a sign of elegance and tradition, especially in older homes. They added a delicate, vintage feel to rooms. However, over time, they came to feel fussy and overly formal. Clean-lined window treatments are now more popular.
9. Wallpaper Borders
Fæ on Wikimedia Commons
Wallpaper borders were often added near the ceiling or along the middle of walls. They were used to add color or pattern without covering a whole wall. However, they now feel dated and limit decorating choices. Most modern interiors use full accent walls or solid paint colors instead.
10. Glass Block Walls
Mark Ahsmann on Wikimedia Commons
Glass blocks were used for letting in light while still keeping privacy, especially in bathrooms and entryways. They were common in homes built in the 1980s and 1990s. Now, they’re often seen as bulky and unattractive. Many homeowners replace them with frosted glass or larger windows.
11. Tuscan-Style Kitchens
Max Vakhtbovycn on Pexels
Tuscan kitchens featured dark wood cabinets, ornate finishes, and earthy tones. They were popular in the early 2000s and aimed to bring a rustic European feel. However, the heavy look began to feel outdated and hard to match with other decor. Modern kitchens now focus on light colors and clean lines.
12. Faux Finishes
Michael Coghlan on Wikimedia Commons
Faux finishes, like sponge painting or faux marbling, were used to create textured walls without expensive materials. They were a DIY trend in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, the effect often looked messy or artificial. Today’s styles favor smooth walls and natural textures.