18 Retro Home Decor Trends from the ’90s That Are Long Gone
These 18 home decor trends from the 1990s were once popular but have since faded from modern interiors.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
The 1990s brought many unique home decor styles, from sponge-painted walls to inflatable furniture. While these trends were once considered stylish, most are no longer used today. Shifts in taste, materials, and design standards have made them feel outdated in modern homes.
1. Sponge-Painted Walls
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This trend involved using a sponge to dab paint on walls, creating a textured, layered look. It was common in bathrooms and kitchens for a “faux finish” effect. Over time, the uneven finish began to look messy rather than artistic. Today, flat and smooth paint jobs are preferred for a clean and modern feel.
2. Ivy and Grape Kitchen Borders
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Floral and fruit-themed wallpaper borders were a staple in many kitchens during the ’90s. Ivy vines and grape clusters lined the top of walls and above cabinets. These patterns were meant to feel homey, but ended up making spaces feel cluttered. Minimalist backsplashes and plain walls have now replaced them.
3. Inflatable Furniture
Raj Menon on Wikimedia Commons
Clear or neon plastic inflatable chairs were popular among teens and young adults. They were cheap, easy to move, and matched other bright ’90s room items. However, they deflated easily and were uncomfortable over time. Most modern homes now favor more durable and structured pieces.
4. Vertical Blinds
Compo on Wikimedia Commons
Often found in living rooms and sliding doors, vertical blinds were praised for their practicality. However, they were noisy, prone to breaking easily, and often appeared cheap. Their long slats also collected dust and were hard to clean. Today, roller shades and linen curtains offer a more updated option.
5. Wallpaper Borders
Fæ on Wikimedia Commons
These thin decorative strips were used to add color or pattern around ceilings or the middle sections of walls. They were applied in almost every room, from bedrooms to bathrooms. Over time, they started to peel and fade. Solid paint or full-wall wallpaper is now more common and stylish.
6. Mauve Color Palettes
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Muted purples, pinks, and grays were heavily used across walls, furniture, and carpet. The palette was meant to feel calm and soft, but often made rooms feel dull. Mauve became overused and associated with dated decor. Today, warmer neutrals and bolder colors are in demand.
7. Oak Everywhere
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Light oak cabinets, floors, and furniture dominated ’90s interiors. The look was used in kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms. Although oak is durable, its yellow-orange tone felt outdated as tastes shifted. Darker woods or painted cabinets have since become more popular.
8. Glass Block Walls
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Glass blocks were used to divide rooms while letting in light. They were common in bathrooms and entryways. While practical, they gave a bulky and outdated look over time. Open layouts and clear glass have replaced them for a sleeker style.
9. Matching Bathroom Sets
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Bathrooms in the ’90s often featured matching rugs, toilet covers, tissue box holders, and shower curtains. These sets were heavily themed and used bold colors or patterns. While once seen as coordinated, they now feel excessive and impractical. Most modern bathrooms use simple, neutral elements instead.
10. Popcorn Ceilings
Enoch Leung on Wikimedia Commons
Popcorn ceilings were used to hide imperfections and reduce noise. But the rough texture collected dust and was hard to clean. Some even contained asbestos, raising safety concerns. Smooth ceilings are now the standard in home updates.
11. Brass Fixtures Everywhere
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Brass handles, faucets, and lighting were considered a luxury detail. However, the yellowish tone soon felt dated and overused. Many fixtures were tarnished or clashed with other materials. Matte black, chrome, and brushed nickel have replaced brass in modern homes.
12. Ruffled Curtains and Valances
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Window treatments in the ’90s often included ruffled fabric and valances in floral prints. They added a layered, decorative look but blocked natural light. These curtains required heavy upkeep and didn’t match modern minimalism. Simple panels or shades are more commonly used today.
13. Carpeted Bathrooms
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In the 1990s, carpet was sometimes extended into bathrooms for added warmth. This raised issues with moisture, mold, and hygiene. Though soft underfoot, it was hard to maintain and clean. Tile and vinyl flooring are now the preferred choice for bathrooms.
14. Fake Fruit and Faux Plants
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Silk plants and plastic fruit were common decorative pieces in kitchens and dining rooms. They added color but looked artificial and collected dust. Many were cheaply made and lacked realism. Today’s homes prefer real plants or high-quality faux greenery.
15. Track Lighting with Bulky Fixtures
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Track lighting with large can-like bulbs was used to spotlight areas in kitchens and living rooms. While flexible, the units were bulky and harsh in appearance. The light output was often too direct and unflattering. Modern lighting uses slim fixtures and softer tones.
16. Beaded Curtains
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Beaded curtains were used as room dividers or closet doors. They added a casual and playful vibe, especially in teen rooms. But they were noisy, hard to clean, and felt more decorative than functional. Solid doors or light fabric dividers are now more common.
17. Border Stencils and Wall Quotes
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Stencil art and wall quotes in cursive fonts were applied to walls as DIY decor. Many featured flowers, stars, or family-themed sayings. These additions often looked uneven and cluttered. Today’s decor trends avoid text-heavy walls in favor of artwork or clean finishes.
18. Oversized Entertainment Centers
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Large, heavy wood entertainment centers were built to hold boxy TVs, VHS players, and stereo systems. They took up entire walls and were difficult to move. As technology became more compact, these pieces became unnecessary. Floating shelves and slim media units have replaced them.