20 Decorating Mistakes from the Past That We All Secretly Loved
They may have been tacky, loud, or over-the-top—but we kind of wish they'd make a comeback.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Trends come and go, but some vintage design choices have a weird way of sticking in our hearts. Sure, they might make today’s decorators cringe, but back then, these styles felt bold and fabulous. Let’s take a nostalgic stroll through the decorating “don’ts” we secretly adored.
1. Wood Paneling
Emre Can Acer on Pexels
Covering every wall in dark faux wood was once considered cozy and classy. It gave basements and dens a cabin-like charm.
2. Shag Carpet
Sydney Sang on Pexels
Thick, fluffy, and impossible to clean—shag carpet ruled the ’70s floor game. It came in avocado green, burnt orange, or mustard yellow.
3. Popcorn Ceilings
Doggo19292 on Wikimedia Commons
Also known as “cottage cheese” ceilings, they were praised for hiding flaws and absorbing sound. They were quick to install and gave rooms a textured look.
4. Wallpaper Borders
Dan Wayman on Unsplash
Strips of patterns at the top of walls made rooms feel finished. Whether it was ducks in the kitchen or flowers in the bathroom, these borders were everywhere.
5. Pastel Bathrooms
Rendy Novantino on Unsplash
Think of baby pink sinks and mint green tubs. These soft hues transformed bathrooms into dreamy colorscapes. Fixtures matched tile, walls, and towels.
6. Vertical Blinds
Antonio Prado on Pexels
Sliding across patio doors with a satisfying click, these blinds were once high-tech. They offered privacy and light control in one swoop.
7. Glass Block Walls
Bacho Grigolia on Pexels
Used to divide spaces without closing them off, these chunky glass squares were the epitome of modern cool. They let in light while maintaining privacy.
8. Mirror Walls
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Nothing said “I’ve made it” like an entire wall of mirrors. They doubled the room visually and added instant drama.
9. Plastic Slipcovers
Blue Bird on Pexels
Sticky in summer and squeaky in winter, these were grandma’s way of protecting the “good couch.” They kept furniture pristine for decades.
10. Faux Fruit Decor
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Bowls of wax apples and grapes once crowned every dining table. They looked real enough to trick the occasional guest.
11. Avocado Green Everything
Max Vakhtbovycn on Pexels
This earthy tone dominated mid-century kitchens, from refrigerators to countertops. It was bold, unique, and absolutely unforgettable.
12. Sunken Living Rooms
MidCentArc on Flickr
Also called “conversation pits,” these spaces felt futuristic and cozy at the same time. Stepping down into your living area added instant drama.
13. Lace Curtains
TIVASEE on Pexels
Delicate, frilly, and usually white, these window dressings softened any room. Light filtered through them beautifully.
14. Fake Fireplace Logs
Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
These glowing logs tried their best to look like real burning wood. They weren’t fooling anyone—but they still felt magical.
15. Matching Furniture Sets
Charles Loyer on Unsplash
From couch to loveseat to recliner, everything was the same color, fabric, and brand. It showed that you were put together*.* Now, we love mixing and matching, but back then, perfect symmetry was the dream.
16. Wall Stencils
Jesse Bowser on Unsplash
Florals, ivy, and even roosters—these painted accents framed doorways and added whimsy. DIY decorators embraced them with gusto.
17. Carpeted Bathrooms
It’s Asbestos Time, Baby on Wikimedia Commons
Yes, it was real. The plush flooring right next to the toilet was once considered luxurious. Cozy? Sure. Hygienic? Not even close.
18. Track Lighting
Denovo Agency on Unsplash
Installed in kitchens, dens, and hallways, these ceiling-mounted lights were sleek and directional. You could aim them at art, furniture, or anywhere you wanted a spotlight.
19. Ruffled Bed Skirts
Christopher Holt on Wikimedia Commons
The layered fabric under the mattress gave beds a “dressed-up” look. They hid storage boxes and added a decorative flourish.
20. Wall-to-Wall Mirrors in Dining Rooms
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Mirrors behind the dining table were popular in the ’80s. They reflected candlelight, made chandeliers sparkle, and added a touch of elegance.