Anyone who’s lived long enough to see trends come in and out of style knows that not every design choice stands the test of time. While some home trends seemed charming enough in their heyday, with hindsight, it’s hard to understand what we were thinking.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the ugliest examples that never should’ve been a thing in the first place.
Popcorn Ceilings
There’s really not much good to say here. Popcorn ceilings were supposed to hide imperfections and improve acoustics, but all they really did was collect dust and make rooms look outdated. Worse still, some contained asbestos, making removal a serious health risk. These days, homeowners prefer sleek, smooth ceilings that don’t bring back memories of the ‘70s.
Shag Carpeting
Yes, they were nice and soft underfoot. But were they worth the hassle? Absolutely not. Shag carpets were dirt magnets, holding onto dust, pet hair, and anything else that got trapped in their long fibers. Vacuuming never seemed to fully do the job, and after a while, they just looked matted and worn.
Carpeted Bathrooms
It’s hard to imagine why this ever seemed like a good idea. Carpet in the bathroom might have felt cozy, but it also absorbed every drop of moisture, leading to mold, mildew, and odors that just wouldn’t go away. Cleaning was a nightmare, and let’s not even talk about the bacteria lurking in the fibers.
Avocado Green Appliances
Green kitchens had their moment, but that moment is long gone. Avocado-colored appliances were everywhere in the ‘70s, making kitchens feel dark and outdated. While the color was meant to bring an earthy, natural vibe, it ended up making everything look dull and dingy.
Wood Paneling Everywhere
For years, homeowners covered their walls in dark, heavy wood paneling, creating spaces that felt more like caves than cozy retreats. The intention was warmth and character, but the reality was just a lot of dim, dreary rooms. Painting over it helped, but removing it altogether became the best solution.
Mirrored Walls
A little reflection can be nice, but an entire wall of mirrors is another story. These oversized mirrors were supposed to make rooms look bigger, but they often had the opposite effect – making spaces feel cold and awkward. Every smudge and fingerprint was on full display, and let’s not forget how easy they were to crack or scratch.
Inflatable Furniture
At best, it was a fun gimmick. At worst, it was a noisy, uncomfortable mistake. Inflatable furniture popped up (literally) in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, mostly in kids’ and teens’ rooms. But anyone who owned one quickly realized they were terrible for actual seating.
They deflated over time, stuck to your skin in warm weather, and made loud squeaky sounds whenever you moved. Cool in theory, terrible in practice.
Lace Curtains
There was a time when lace curtains were considered elegant and refined, but today, they mostly just look outdated. They tend to collect dust, are difficult to clean, and often make a space feel busier than it needs to be. Instead of adding charm, they give off an old-fashioned, fussy vibe that doesn’t work with modern décor.
Plastic Couch Covers
Nothing says “don’t get too comfortable” like a plastic-covered couch. These stiff, crinkly protectors were meant to keep furniture pristine, but they made sitting down a miserable experience.
In summer, they stuck to your skin. In winter, they felt stiff and unwelcoming. The constant rustling sound didn’t help either.
Beaded Doorways
Walking through a doorway shouldn’t feel like untangling Christmas lights. Beaded curtains were meant to add a bohemian touch, but they mostly just got in the way. They tangled easily, collected dust, and made an annoying clatter every time someone walked through.
Faux Brick Walls
If it’s not real brick, it’s probably not fooling anyone. Faux brick panels were meant to create an industrial, rustic feel, but they usually looked cheap and artificial. Over time, they chipped, peeled, or revealed obvious seams, making them more of an eyesore than a stylish feature.
Sunken Living Rooms
Lowering the floor might have seemed innovative at the time, but in reality, sunken living rooms were a tripping hazard and a design headache. They broke up the flow of a space, made furniture placement awkward, and created an unnecessary extra step to work through. While some homeowners still appreciate the retro charm, most prefer a smooth, seamless floor plan that makes life a little easier.
Vertical Blinds
Clunky, noisy, and impossible to keep straight – vertical blinds were a staple of ‘80s and ‘90s homes, but they weren’t exactly stylish. Every gust of wind sent them clattering, and they had a habit of tangling or breaking with the slightest touch.
Overstuffed Recliners
Big and bulky doesn’t always mean comfortable. Overstuffed recliners took up far too much space and overwhelmed living rooms, making them look more like furniture showrooms than inviting spaces.
While recliners themselves haven’t gone out of style, the massive, puffy versions of the past have been replaced with sleeker, more stylish designs that don’t swallow the whole room.
Fake Fruit Displays
Decor should feel inviting, not like something out of a model home. Fake fruit arrangements were once a go-to centerpiece, but they quickly became tacky dust collectors. The plastic grapes, wax apples, and rubbery bananas fooled no one, and over time, they just looked worse. Real fruit or fresh flowers are much better choices for adding life to a space.
Floral Sofas
Busy patterns have their place, but floral sofas made living rooms look cluttered before you even added anything else. Large, bold prints made it hard to change up a room’s decor, and the colors often faded into a dull mess.
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
While carpet can feel cozy, covering an entire house in it – especially in outdated colors – was a choice many homeowners regretted. It stains easily, holds onto odors, and makes renovations a nightmare. Hardwood and laminate floors have taken over, with area rugs adding comfort without the commitment.
Ruffled Bed Skirts
Ruffled bed skirts really just added unnecessary bulk to bedrooms. They collected dust, required constant adjusting, and gave beds a cluttered look. Today’s design trends favor clean lines and simple bedding, making this one trend that’s best left in the past.
Faux Finish Walls
Sponged, rag-rolled, or stenciled walls were a staple of ‘90s DIY projects, but they often ended up looking more messy than stylish. The uneven textures made walls hard to clean and even harder to repaint. These days, crisp, solid colors are the go-to, proving that sometimes, simpler is better.
Glass Block Walls
Glass block walls were once a popular way to let light pass between rooms while still providing some privacy. But if we’re being honest with ourselves, they rarely looked good. The chunky, grid-like design made spaces feel dated and bulky, and cleaning between the seams was a total pain.