In the ever-changing world of interior design, no element can withstand shifts in taste and style. Antique or vintage pieces are beloved because of their classic shape that has been tested over time, but outdated furniture styles are those that have no staying power in the new era.
Certain furniture styles look great at first but quickly lose appeal due to impracticality or a lack of compatibility with other pieces. Whether you are looking to update all your furniture or just add a few new pieces, simply knowing what to look for will help you avoid furniture styles that will date your interior design more quickly.
Outdated Furniture Elements
Design preferences will always vary, and furniture is no exception; what is outdated in one context may work well in another. As with all interior design, choosing pieces that you like and enjoy will help you create an organic design that is right for you.
Overly Ornate Detailing
Unless you live in a castle or a manor house, modern design preferences favor furniture with clean lines and style over ornate furniture with intricate carvings and detailing. This type of furniture can not only appear visually cluttered, but it is also less functional, versatile, and difficult to maintain than other simple styles.
Furniture with clean lines, neutral colors, and a functional shape works best in contemporary settings. This is not to say that you should never have a single statement piece upholstered in vibrant fabric or ornately carved, but rather that these pieces should be kept to a minimum.
Faux Finishes
Faux finishes are painted coatings on furniture that mimic wood, marble, stone, or significant aging. While faux-finished pieces are still popular in some design styles, such as farmhouse, they are becoming increasingly out of date. One of the driving forces in design today is the desire to create authentic spaces. Faux finished pieces are considered inauthentic and are replaced with pieces that make a space feel grounded, natural, and genuine.
Boucle Upholstery
Boucle is a nubby, looped yarn upholstery that became popular due to its softness, durability, and distinctive texture. Designers frequently use it to create a Scandinavian or modern aesthetic. Boucle has been all the rage for several years, appearing on everything from sofas and oversized accent chairs to wall hangings and apparel.
While boucle remains an intriguing and beautiful fabric, it has suffered from trend saturation. Because we see it everywhere, it is no longer unique but rather ubiquitous. Popular white boucle is especially unsuitable for active households because it attracts and traps dirt and debris. Linen, tweed, cotton canvas, and chenille are better textured fabric options. These retain a distinct appearance and texture, but they are less overt than boucle, giving them greater style longevity.
Swing Chairs
Swing chairs, once considered the height of style for children’s bedrooms, nurseries, and small spaces, are now being passed over for more practical chair styles. While swing chairs once seemed like an ideal way to save space and add texture in a bedroom, it became quickly clear that they are not practical or functional for daily use.
If you are still looking for a bedroom chair, opt for something small but comfortable. This option takes up little space but provides a comfortable place to perch while putting on your shoes or curling up with a good book.
Bulky Entertainment Centers
With advances in media and the advent of wireless and cloud based technologies, many TV and stereo components are more compact, leading to less of a need for large entertainment centers. Coupled with advances in technology, modern design preferences tend toward simplicity, flexibility, and minimalism in design. These outdated entertainment centers can overwhelm a design rather than work with other pieces to create a cohesive whole. It is also hard to retrofit these pieces for other purposes when there is no longer a need for them.
Today, many people prefer simple TV and media storage options such as consoles, floating shelves, wall units, and modular systems that can be reconfigured into other shapes in the future.
Matched Furniture Sets
Matched furniture sets, which were once a simple and accessible way to create a cohesive room design, have fallen out of favor. While some furniture stores that produce sets are diversifying their styles, the selection of sets of furniture frequently results in a generic and uninspired design. Professional designers and savvy homeowners are choosing to mix and match furniture styles to create a more dynamic and engaging appearance.
The most important thing to remember when designing a room with mismatched pieces is that you do not have to rush the process. Feel free to leave open spaces while you search for the perfect pieces. The end result will be something that looks more curated and will better reflect your personal tastes.
Uncomfortable Sofas
People are abandoning formal and boxy sofas in favor of more approachable and comfortable designs. This trend is more aligned with making interior design work for real people rather than creating a room for display.
Comfort should be one of your top priorities when you are considering a sofa purchase. This does not mean that you should purchase a formless sofa with drooping cushions. Instead, look for a sofa with soft upholstery but high-quality foam, fiber-fill, or innerspring inserts. These will be cozy, but they will maintain their shape over time. This will give your room a comfortable yet chic appearance that is so popular in today’s interior design.
Bean Bag Chairs
Bean bag chairs, which are always popular in teen and dorm rooms, are not ideal for any space. Aside from their unstructured shape and slouchy style, they are not a comfortable option for long-term seating. Contemporary design frequently favors multi-functional pieces over single-use pieces. Other more stylish or versatile options for extra seating include lounge chairs, modular chairs, and poufs, which can be easily stored and used as side tables as needed.
Extra-Large Accent Chairs
Oversized accent chairs, such as rattan papasans, large recliners, and chair and a half designs, take up valuable space in bedrooms, living rooms, and studies. These chairs, once considered statement pieces, now appear unbalanced and overindulgent. These chairs lack the characteristics that are essential in contemporary design, such as versatility, simplicity, and a sense of proportion. These chairs are often difficult to remove from one context and place in another because of their large shape.
With technological advancements, there are more options for comfortable seating, but they maintain an edited and simple shape. Look for options with soft upholstery but a cushion structure that embraces rather than drowns you.
