15 Things People Keep in Their Homes That Instantly Date the Space and How to Modernize Your Decor
Every home tells a story, but certain design choices can unintentionally make your space look stuck in another era. Some common items and décor styles can instantly age a room, even if everything else feels fresh.
This guide will help you spot those dated items so you can create a space that feels current and comfortable for you and your guests.
Popcorn ceilings
Popcorn ceilings often give off an outdated vibe as soon as you walk in. This textured style was once used to hide imperfections, but today it looks old-fashioned.
Removing popcorn ceilings can be tedious, but it refreshes your space and makes it feel more modern. If removal feels overwhelming, you can also paint over or cover them with new materials.
Heavy floral curtains
Heavy floral curtains can make a room feel weighed down and dated. Their thick fabric and busy patterns often block natural light.
Swap them for light-colored, simple curtains to let in more light and open up the space. Choosing curtains with subtle texture or solid colors can update your décor without overwhelming the room.
Shag carpeting
Shag carpeting may have been cozy once, but it often feels heavy and cluttered in modern homes. The long fibers trap dirt and allergens, making them harder to clean.
Consider swapping shag carpet for area rugs or hardwood floors. These options open up rooms and give your home a cleaner, more current look.
Frosted glass light fixtures
Frosted glass light fixtures can make rooms feel darker and dated. Modern designs favor clear or minimal glass to brighten spaces naturally.
Swapping out frosted fixtures for sleeker options can refresh your home’s look. Choosing fixtures that provide clear, bright light will improve both style and function.
Lace doilies
Lace doilies can add a delicate, vintage touch, but they often give a room an outdated feel. If you have doilies, try updating how you use them.
Turn them into wall art or incorporate them into modern crafts to keep their charm without making your home look stuck in the past.
Brass curtain rods
Brass curtain rods have a classic look, but shiny or ornate finishes can make your space feel dated. Opt for matte or brushed brass for a subtle touch.
Simple, sleek designs blend better with contemporary interiors.
Overly ornate wallpaper borders
Wallpaper borders with heavy patterns like roosters or ivy can quickly date your space. These designs were popular in the ’90s but now make rooms feel stuck in the past.
Swap them out for simpler, modern borders or remove them entirely. Subtle patterns or textures keep your walls interesting without the outdated feel of ornate strips.
Wood paneling walls
Wood paneling can give your home a cozy feel, but dark or glossy panels often make rooms look smaller and dated. Repaint panels in lighter, neutral colors to brighten your space.
Replacing them with drywall or modern coverings instantly updates the look. If you want to keep the wood, sand and stain it with a lighter finish for warmth without feeling outdated.
Flocked wallpaper
Flocked wallpaper, with its raised velvet-like patterns, was once a sign of luxury. Today, it tends to date a room quickly.
If you still have flocked wallpaper, consider removing it or covering it with paint or modern wallpaper. This small change can make your space feel fresher.
Plastic slipcovers on furniture
Plastic slipcovers were popular for protecting furniture, but they stand out as dated today. They can make furniture feel less cozy and harder to enjoy.
If you want a fresh vibe, swap plastic for modern slipcovers. This simple update keeps your furniture protected and your space looking current.
Decorative porcelain figurines
Porcelain figurines often represent memories or gifts and bring a touch of elegance. However, if they feel bulky or ornate, they can make your room look outdated.
Choose simpler, modern designs or display just a few favorites to keep your home feeling fresh.
Eclectic brass knick-knacks
A collection of brass knick-knacks can feel charming at first but often makes your space look dated. Brass items tend to carry a vintage vibe that doesn’t always blend with modern decor.
Limit how many you display and group a few together on a shelf for a more intentional, balanced look.
Pressed flower wall art
Pressed flower wall art was a popular trend years ago, but it can now make a space feel a bit dated. You might find pieces with flowers arranged between glass sheets or glued to a background.
If you love flowers, update the look with modern frames or combine pressed flowers with fresh design elements.
Beaded chandelier crystals
Beaded chandelier crystals can quickly make your space feel dated. These crystals were popular in older designs but now often look overused.
If you want to keep some sparkle, try repurposing the crystals into simple, modern items like suncatchers or jewelry. This keeps the charm without the dated look.
Harvest-themed kitchen towels
Harvest-themed kitchen towels can add a cozy touch, but they may quickly date your space. Designs like pumpkins, acorns, and plaid patterns are seasonal favorites that often feel stuck in a past autumn.
If you keep these towels out year-round, they can make your kitchen look outdated. Save them for fall or swap them for more neutral styles during other seasons.
Choosing simple, timeless towels keeps your kitchen fresh. When decorating, consider how often you want to change these small details.
