Trends come and go, and let’s face it, some stick around far longer than they should. Every decade has had its signature fads, but not all of them age well. Some trends that were once incredibly popular, have started to fade, and honestly, it’s about time. Here are 15 of the most outdated trends that have no chance of making a comeback.
Shiplap Everywhere
For a while, shiplap was the darling of interior design, thanks in large part to home renovation shows. Walls covered in horizontal wooden planks became a must-have for anyone trying to achieve that ‘modern farmhouse’ look.
Nowadays, people are moving toward cleaner, more timeless designs that aren’t about being trendy. While shiplap isn’t completely gone, it’s definitely losing its spot as the go-to wall treatment.
Skinny Jeans
There was a time when skinny jeans were the only jeans anyone wore. They dominated closets for over a decade and were considered the height of cool. However, in recent years, baggier, more relaxed fits have taken over, leaving skinny jeans looking dated and uncomfortable. Gen Z officially declared them ‘out,’ and their popularity has plummeted ever since.
Word Art Décor
Word art décor was once the hallmark of a cozy, welcoming space, but over time, it’s started to feel less personal and more like a mass-produced trend. These signs have become so overused that they’ve lost their charm, and many people are ditching them in favor of art or décor that feels unique.
Frosted Tips
There’s no denying that frosted tips were iconic in their time, as this hairstyle was everywhere in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. As much as we loved it back then, it’s safe to say frosted tips are a trend that’s finally dying out. These days, consumers are going for more natural, blended hair colors that don’t scream noughties, and honestly, we’re not shedding any tears over this one.
Oversized Logos on Clothing
Remember when every hoodie and T-shirt proudly displayed the biggest possible version of the brand’s logo? For a long time, wearing oversized logos was considered the ultimate status symbol. These days, however, buyers are going for more understated designs.
Fake Distressed Furniture
The trend of purposefully distressing furniture to make it look rustic has officially run its course. While it had its moment during the farmhouse-chic boom, fake distressing often comes off as inauthentic and overdone. People are now leaning toward furniture that feels more genuine, such as modern pieces or vintage finds with real character.
Chunky Statement Necklaces
Once upon a time, chunky statement necklaces were the centerpiece of every outfit. These bold, oversized pieces of jewelry were everywhere, then over time, they started to feel less like fashion statements and more like costume jewelry.
Simpler, more delicate pieces that complement an outfit rather than dominate it are now in. Minimalist gold chains, layered necklaces, and dainty earrings have replaced the big, clunky necklaces of the past.
Chevron Patterns
There was a time when you couldn’t walk into a home without seeing chevron patterns. They were on curtains, rugs, pillows, and even walls. The zigzag design felt fresh and fun at first, but it quickly became overused and, frankly, a bit overwhelming.
Matching Furniture Sets
A perfectly matched furniture set used to be seen as the ultimate home style. Bedrooms with identical headboards, dressers, and nightstands, or living rooms where every piece of furniture came from the same collection, were everywhere.
But these days, matching sets feel outdated and uninspired. People are moving toward more eclectic, personalized styles that mix and match different pieces for a more lived-in, unique look.
Heavy Curtains and Drapes
There was a time when heavy curtains and drapes were a symbol of elegance and luxury. They were used to frame windows, block light, and add a sense of formality to a room. In today’s world, they feel bulky, outdated, and far too traditional for most modern spaces. Consumers want lighter, airier window treatments like sheer curtains, roller shades, or even going bare to let in as much natural light as possible. Heavy drapes not only make a room feel darker but also require more upkeep, making them a trend many are happy to leave behind.
Glass Block Walls
Most people will agree that glass block walls were the height of modern design. They promised a sleek, futuristic look while still allowing light to pass through. But over the years, they’ve started to feel more dated than trendy.
Many homeowners are happy to see them go, embracing styles that feel more open and inviting.
Overly Ripped Jeans
Distressed jeans have been popular for decades, but there’s a point where ripped becomes too ripped. For years, overly shredded jeans with massive holes dominated fashion, but they’ve started to fall out of favor. Now, the more popular choice is jeans with more subtle distressing or no rips at all.
Overly Themed Rooms
At one point, decorating a room around a single theme like nautical, rustic farmhouse, or Hollywood glam was all the rage. Every element, from the furniture to the wall art to the knick-knacks, revolved around driving that theme home. While it can be fun to play with a theme, overly committed spaces often feel gimmicky and lack versatility.
Faux Marble
Faux marble popped up everywhere in home decor as it was an affordable alternative to the real thing. At first, it seemed like a chic and budget-friendly option. Over time, the artificial look became obvious, and the trend started to feel cheap rather than luxurious.
People are now choosing real materials, even if it means spending a bit more, or choosing completely different finishes altogether.
Over-The-Top Wedding Décor
For years, weddings became a competition of who could have the most elaborate decorations. Nowadays, this trend is finally losing steam as couples shift toward more minimalist and meaningful celebrations. Many people now realize that spending a fortune on temporary décor doesn’t necessarily make the day more memorable.
Instead, there’s a growing focus on simple, personal touches that create a warm and inviting atmosphere.