10 Home Decor Trends to Avoid for a Polished Look

When it comes to decorating your home, certain trends can make your space look less polished and more chaotic. Here are ten popular decor items you might want to reconsider, especially if you’re aiming for a sophisticated, cohesive look. But remember, your home should reflect your personal style, so take these tips with a grain of salt!

Key Takeaways

• Framing posters and choosing appropriately sized rugs can significantly enhance your space.
• Avoid overly fake or outdated decor items for a more timeless look.
• Real books and personalized art pieces can add more character to your home.

1. Unframed Posters

Why to Avoid:

Unframed posters taped to the wall can make your space feel temporary and less polished. They can also get damaged easily.

Better Alternative:

Frame your posters. Affordable frames can be found at stores like IKEA, or for a higher quality, try Framebridge. This not only protects your posters but also gives a more cohesive and sophisticated look.

2. Postage Stamp Rugs

Why to Avoid:

Rugs that are too small for the space make it feel disjointed and awkward.

Better Alternative:

Choose a rug large enough to fit all your furniture. For a dining room, ensure the rug accommodates pulled-out chairs. In a living room, aim for a rug that fits under your sofa and armchairs.

3. Faux Brick Wallpaper

Why to Avoid:

Fake brick or stone wallpaper often looks tacky and lacks the texture and depth of real materials.

Better Alternative:

If you love the look of brick, consider stone veneer wall panels. They’re made from real stone and offer a more authentic appearance.

4. Plastic Fruit

Why to Avoid:

Plastic fruits are dust magnets and can look outdated.

Better Alternative:

Use real fruit for a fresh and inviting look. It’s easy to replace and also serves as a healthy snack option.

5. Fake Books

Why to Avoid:

Fake books prioritize aesthetics over functionality and can end up being expensive.

Better Alternative:

Opt for real books, which can be found cheaply at thrift shops. Real books add character and can be useful to others if you decide to donate them later.

6. Generic Artworks

Why to Avoid:

Generic art, like mass-produced prints of iconic landmarks, can make your space feel impersonal and uninspired.

Better Alternative:

Look for original artworks at vintage shops or flea markets. Consider displaying art from your travels or creating a collage of family photos. These personal touches add uniqueness to your home.

7. Vertical Blinds

Why to Avoid:

Vertical blinds are noisy, hard to clean, and don’t offer good light control. They also look cheap.

Better Alternative:

Consider Roman blinds for a traditional look or roller blinds for a contemporary style. Sheer curtains or a combination of sheer and blackout blinds are also popular and elegant options.

8. Plastic-Wrapped Furniture

Why to Avoid:

Plastic-wrapped furniture is uncomfortable, unattractive, and makes a crackling noise. It’s also less enjoyable to use.

Better Alternative:

Use your furniture as intended. If you need protection, use throws or blankets, which are more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

9. Empty Alcohol Bottles

Why to Avoid:

Displaying empty alcohol bottles looks tacky and reminiscent of a college dorm.

Better Alternative:

If you like the design of certain bottles, consider repurposing them. Otherwise, discard empty bottles and only display ones with liquid left inside.

10. Word Art

Why to Avoid:

Word decals and prints (like “Live Laugh Love”) can feel cliché and unnecessary. They often lack personal meaning and aesthetic value.

Better Alternative:

Decorate with items that are meaningful to you or visually enhance the space. If you like word art, limit it to a few pieces that genuinely resonate with you.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common decor pitfalls can help you create a home that feels more polished and cohesive. Remember, the key is to choose items that are both functional and meaningful to you. Whether it’s framing your posters or choosing a larger rug, small changes can make a big difference in elevating your space.

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Do you have any decor trends you think should be added to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!