Itching to refresh your living room? It’s not just about sourcing new items to outfit your setup—interior designers are adamant that to make this area of the home as appealing and current as possible, a few key elements have got to go. Specifically, pros say these seven highly dated types of furniture and accent pieces could be bringing the vibe of your space down.
By letting go of these dated items, you can instantly give your living room a fresher, more polished look. After all, the best rooms aren’t filled with every passing trend—they’re thoughtfully curated with pieces that feel timeless, inviting, and effortlessly stylish.
1. Faux Florals
Just say no to fake flowers and plants. Faux florals “collect dust and can easily look cheap,” says Kathleen Reynolds, founder of Kathleen Reynolds Interiors.
A small and easy-to-maintain plant is your best alternative option. Really don’t have a green thumb? Then skip the flowers and plants entirely. “Replace them with pottery, small original art, or vintage accessories like a brass vessel,” suggests Reynolds.
2. Potpourri
Still have a bowl of potpourri on your living room shelves or side table? It’s time to bid this decor item adieu, says Kirsten Young, founder of Interior Blooms Design. “A bowl of potpourri with pillar candles not only feels dated, but it can also be a fire danger,” she says. “Replace it with a beautifully scented candle displayed on a decorative tray or styled on a stack of coffee table books.”
3. Ruffled Furniture
Too many ruffles are a no-go in the living room. “Ruffles can still work in more modern forms, such as tailored pleating, but traditional ruffled skirts on oversized rolled-arm chairs often feel dated,” says Barrett Oswald, founder of Barrett Oswald Designs. “Replacing these pieces with cleaner silhouettes can quickly update a room.”
4. Certain Curtain Styles
Let’s face it: Some window treatments never fail to make a designer cringe. “Ornate curtain rods, layers and layers of drapes puddled on the floor, and frilly valances all date a living room very quickly,” says Lauren Horton, the founder of Lauren Horton Designs.
Even certain types of pared-down shades deserve a side-eye glance. According to Kristie McGowan, vertical blinds are on the chopping block, too. “The plastic material and rigid lines make a space feel cold and institutional rather than inviting,” says McGowan, founder of Kristie McGowan Home.
Designer Jill Litner Kaplan is particular about window treatments as well. “Honeycomb shades on a window or café curtains in a sheer fabric instantly make a room feel like it has a time stamp on it,” says Litner Kaplan, founder of Jill Litner Kaplan Interiors.
Instead, “a textured woven Roman shade in a neutral fabric or a woven wicker natural fiber shade instantly makes a room feel modern and up to date,” suggests Kaplan.
5. Too Many Photos
Displaying a sweet snap here and there is fine, but be mindful to not crowd your living room shelves or surfaces with family photos. “Overstuffed family photo displays can unintentionally diminish the very memories they're meant to celebrate,” says Anne Golliher, founder of Storied Interiors. “When every shelf is filled edge to edge, nothing stands out. A thoughtfully edited display feels more timeless and intentional.”
6. Matching Furniture Sets
Skip matchy-matchy furniture, which is no longer in vogue today. “Sofas, chairs, and coffee tables from the same collection can feel predictable and uninspired,” says Oswald. Plus, you’re missing out on expressing your personal style.
The best approach is to consider furniture that’s more collective, curated, and even quirky, says Jenny Kramer, founder of Jenny Kramer Interiors. Don’t be afraid to mix and match design styles—there’s no reason not to experiment with a blend of vintage and modern in a room, for instance.
7. Repetitive Textiles
Speaking of matching, make sure the textiles in your living room aren’t overly repetitive. “Drapes that exactly match the furniture, or too many repeated patterns within the same space, can make a room feel stuck in the 1990s,” explains Oswald. “Swapping one element for a complementary fabric creates a more layered and current look.”
This can be an issue when selecting throw pillows, in particular, says McGowan. “Pillows made from the same fabric as the sofa can make a room feel dated and overly coordinated,” she says. “Mixing complementary fabrics and sizes creates a more collected, layered look that feels fresh and timeless.”
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Country Living. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.
