I love following furniture trends — it’s part of the fun of decorating. But let’s be honest: some trends don’t age well. Pieces that once felt stylish and fresh can start to make a space feel stuck in a certain era. And trends that sweep through Pinterest and Instagram can lose their charm fast when everyone jumps on board.

That doesn’t mean you need to gut your living room every year — far from it. In fact, a well-layered, timeless space evolves gradually. The best homes mix old with new, beloved pieces with functional ones. But when a look is too trendy — too tied to one design moment — it can make even a well-styled room feel off.

I’m all for keeping what you love, but if you’re itching for a little refresh, here are eight furniture trends that are looking pretty dated these days — and what you might try instead.

Head-to-Toe Mid Century Modern

There’s a reason mid century modern became so beloved: clean lines, beautiful woods, and an easy elegance. But when everything in a room — from sofa to sideboard to lamp — is straight out of a 1960s time capsule, the look starts to feel stiff and overly curated.

We’ve seen a decade of midcentury overload. Now, rooms feel more interesting when this style is balanced with plush textures, modern silhouettes, or antique finds. Mixing eras gives a space life.

Swap it for: one great MCM piece paired with cozy modern seating and layered textiles.

Chevron-Patterned Upholstery

Chevron had a massive run in the early 2010s — rugs, pillows, even full-size accent chairs wore the bold zigzag. It was everywhere. And now? It immediately makes a space feel stuck in the past..

Part of the issue is that chevron is such a high-contrast, geometric pattern that it easily overwhelms a room. It doesn’t play well with softer or more organic design trends that are in favor now.

Swap it for: subtle stripes, herringbone textures, or hand woven patterns.

Ikat Prints

Ikat prints had a serious moment — you couldn’t scroll Pinterest without seeing them on ottomans or throw pillows. But in today’s calmer, more minimalist interiors, the busy, high-contrast patterns feel chaotic rather than collected.

Many designers now gravitate toward layered neutrals and natural textures, making Ikat feel a bit too loud. Plus, it locks your palette into a certain global-eclectic look that can be hard to update.

Swap it for: block prints, linen solids, or soft vintage-inspired florals.

Buddha-Inspired Furniture

A tricky trend — and one many designers now regret. Buddha-themed chairs, side tables, or other decorative furniture pieces once aimed for an “eclectic global” vibe. But they often read as gimmicky or culturally insensitive today.

If you’re inspired by Asian aesthetics, it’s far more respectful and authentic to incorporate subtle architectural elements, ceramics, or textiles that honor the tradition — not mass-market decor.

Swap it for: thoughtfully crafted wooden pieces, soft paper lanterns, or authentic vintage Asian decor.

Cheap Chrome Accents

For a while, gleaming chrome was seen as cutting-edge and modern. But mass-produced chrome chairs, tables, and lighting now often look flat and cold. Worse, the finish tends to cheapen quickly with scratches and fingerprints.

Designers today lean toward warmer metals or mixed finishes for more depth and sophistication. Adding patina and texture gives spaces more soul.

Swap it for: aged brass, matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, or even powder-coated steel.

Over-the-Top Glam Furniture

Mirrored dressers. Tufted beds with rhinestones. Gold-on-gold everything. A few years back, ultra-glam furniture promised instant luxury — but now it feels overly staged and frankly exhausting to live with.

Today’s idea of luxury focuses more on subtle textures, quality materials, and pieces designed for real comfort. Overly shiny surfaces and too-perfect “Instagram rooms” don’t translate as well in real life. The aim is to create a home that feels inviting, relaxed, and easy to enjoy every day.

Swap it for: velvet in rich neutrals, curved upholstery, natural stone, and organic wood tones.

Jewel-Toned Velvet Sofas

Who didn’t dream of an emerald green or sapphire velvet sofa in 2018? They were everywhere — and they are stunning. But jewel-toned velvets haven’t aged as well as we hoped.

The saturated tones show wear quickly, especially in cotton velvets that crush and fade. On top of that, these bold hues tend to lock a room into one look, making it harder to evolve your style over time. And let’s be real — they’re a magnet for pet hair.

Swap it for: earthy-toned velvets (olive, terracotta, taupe) or timeless linen blends.

Button-Tufted Chesterfield Sofas

A proper Chesterfield can be gorgeous, but the deep button-tufted versions (especially in heavy leather or glossy velvets) feel too formal and high-maintenance for the relaxed interiors people love now.

The tufts collect dust, crumbs, and pet hair — and they’re not the coziest to lounge on. Simpler silhouettes invite more everyday comfort and flexibility as your style shifts.

Swap it for: modern curved sofas, plush modular seating, or Scandinavian-inspired classics.

Final Thoughts

If you still love any of these pieces — keep them! Design is personal, and your home should reflect what makes you happy. But if your space is feeling stuck or a little dated, swapping out one or two of these trendier elements can give it a whole new life.

A truly timeless room feels collected, personal, and a bit imperfect — not something assembled from a single design fad.

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