Every decade has its own unique home decor style, but let’s be real—some trends from the past should definitely stay there. What was once considered chic and modern can now feel dated and, well, a bit out of place in today’s homes. Ready for a trip down memory lane? Here are 11 vintage home decor trends that would look totally out of place now.
1. Avocado Green Appliances
In the 1960s and ’70s, avocado green was the go-to color for kitchens, especially when it came to appliances. But today, this earthy green hue feels more “retro nightmare” than “vintage chic.” Sleek stainless steel or matte black are much more in line with today’s kitchen trends.
2. Shag Carpeting
In the ’70s, shag carpeting was the epitome of luxury, covering everything from living rooms to bathrooms (yes, bathrooms). These thick, fuzzy carpets in wild colors like avocado green or burnt orange may have been cozy, but today, they scream retro in the worst way. Plus, can you imagine trying to clean those things?
3. Wood Paneling
Nothing says 1970s basement quite like dark, dreary wood paneling on the walls. It was everywhere back in the day, but now, it feels more like you’ve been transported to a cabin in the woods—and not in a cozy way. Bright, open spaces are all the rage today, making wood-paneled walls feel seriously outdated.
4. Plastic Furniture Covers
Back in the day, plastic covers were the go-to way to keep your furniture looking fresh and new. But let’s be honest, they were uncomfortable, squeaky, and stuck to your legs on a hot day. Today, no one would dare wrap their sofas in plastic—it’s more of a grandma’s-house relic than a modern decor choice.
5. Popcorn Ceilings
These bumpy, textured ceilings were all the rage from the ’50s through the ’80s, but now? They’re considered one of the biggest decor eyesores around. Not only do popcorn ceilings trap dust, but they also make any space feel instantly dated.
6. Beaded Door Curtains
If you were feeling extra groovy in the ’60s and ’70s, you might have hung some beaded curtains in your doorway. The tinkling sound every time you walked through was, for some reason, part of the charm. These days, they’d look more like a DIY disaster than a style statement.
7. Wall-to-Wall Mirrors
Mirrored walls were once the height of sophistication—especially in small rooms where they were supposed to make the space feel bigger. But today, a whole mirrored wall feels more like a funhouse than a chic home feature. Not to mention the constant cleaning!
8. Floral Everything
In the ’80s, florals weren’t just for dresses—they were on your wallpaper, your couches, your drapes, and even your bedspread. While a pop of floral here and there is still in style, the over-the-top flower power look would feel seriously out of place in a modern, minimalist home.
9. Ruffled Bed Skirts
Once upon a time, no bed was complete without a voluminous, ruffled bed skirt. While they were meant to hide the storage underneath your bed, today’s decor trends lean toward clean lines and low-maintenance looks. A ruffled bed skirt now would feel like a dust magnet from a bygone era.
10. TV Stands with Built-In Cabinets
Back in the day, having a massive wooden TV cabinet was a sign of high tech. It wasn’t just a TV stand; it was a full piece of furniture, often with built-in storage for VHS tapes or CDs. Now that TVs are flat and wall-mounted, those bulky cabinets feel clunky and awkward.
11. Macramé Everything
Macramé wall hangings, plant holders, and even curtains were the ultimate boho trend in the ’70s. While some macramé pieces have made a bit of a comeback in small doses, going full-on macramé in your home today would feel like you’re stuck in a time warp.
12. Harvest Gold Everything
If you grew up around the late ’60s and ’70s, you’ll remember the prevalence of harvest gold—on everything from kitchen appliances to bathroom fixtures. This rich, mustard-like hue was a must-have back in the day, but now? It’s more “retro eyesore” than a fashionable accent. While it was once seen as warm and inviting, today’s more neutral, subdued palettes would clash completely with this bold color choice. Even in a nostalgic kitchen, a harvest gold oven would probably stand out for all the wrong reasons.
13. Oversized Waterbeds
Ah, the waterbed. Back in the ’80s, owning one of these undulating mattresses was the epitome of cool. But what seemed like a novel idea quickly revealed itself as a nightmare in terms of practicality and comfort. Sure, they looked futuristic and felt unique, but one leak and you had a flood situation on your hands. Not to mention, trying to get a decent night’s sleep on a constantly shifting surface wasn’t exactly ideal. Today, the very idea of a waterbed feels out of place—more like a relic of a funky furniture fad than a viable option for a good night’s rest.
Vintage decor trends may have had their moment, but most of these looks just don’t mesh with today’s sleek, modern aesthetic. While a few retro touches can be fun, it’s safe to say we’re glad to leave shag carpeting and avocado green appliances in the past. Let’s keep the groovy vibes in the history books, where they belong!
