Social media has made interior design accessible to the masses, bringing with it a treasure trove of unique ideas and poppy trends. However, while some aesthetics have taken our feeds by storm, not all of them translate well to the real world.

Whether expensive or impractical, certain viral moments are best left on your screen. To help save you from these costly mistakes, we spoke to social media-savvy interior designers about the five popular trends that they think are a waste of money—plus, what they recommend trying instead.

Fruit Stools

Fruit-shaped stools—think strawberry, watermelon, and lemon—have become very popular on TikTok.

“I initially found this trend very endearing, but lost interest quickly when I realized that the stools are not built to be sat on or hold weight,” says Emily Shaw, interior designer and content creator. “I’ve seen people get injured as a result of a stool cracking.”

Instead, Shaw prefers a DIY approach rather than buying new. “Maybe you’d like fruit-themed hardware for your furniture, or cabinet doors painted to look like candy bars,” she says. “Think outside the box.”

Ultra-Specific “Core” Aesthetics

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Getty / Pieter Estersohn

Trends like Barbiecore and cluttercore swept through social media as a way to play with interiors. However, they don’t always have longevity.

“These micro-aesthetics thrive on quick visual impact, which means entire rooms end up painted, furnished, or accessorized around a concept that will feel outdated as soon as the algorithm moves on,” says Bilal Rehman, interior designer and content creator.

As an alternative, Rehman finds that timeless materials like stone, metal, and linen end up saving money in the long run.

“Instead of chasing a color trend or themed aesthetic, create a neutral, textural base using these materials, then express your personality through art, accessories, or seasonal accents,” he says. “This approach keeps your home fresh and current, without requiring a full redesign every time tastes change.”

Low Sofas

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Morsa Images / Getty Images

Slouchy white sofas, as well as boucle options, seemed to be on everyone’s social media feeds. However, while they look beautiful, they’re not very practical.

“No matter how many sealant sprays or rules you set to keep a white sofa clean, it will always look dirty and it will always provide stress,” Shaw says. “Especially if it is made out of a material that will constantly fall flat and not look as intended.”

If you still want a neutral sofa, Shaw suggests gray or beige. “This way, you aren’t throwing your hard-earned money away on something that won’t last,” she says.

DIY Foam Molding

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KatarzynaBialasiewicz / GETTY IMAGES

DIY foam moldings promise instant architectural charm—but there’s a catch.

“These projects may photograph well for social media, but they rarely hold up in person,” Rehman says. “The materials can warp, peel, or feel flimsy, and instead of elevating a space, they often cheapen it.”

Rehman suggests channeling that energy into authentic upgrades instead—even if it’s just one statement piece, like a dramatic fireplace or bespoke doors.

“These investments not only enhance the day-to-day experience of living in the space but also add real, lasting value to your home,” he says.

Designer Dupes

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Getty / Anastasiia Krivenok

The idea of getting a high-end look for less seems exciting. However, “Mass-produced designer dupes are almost always a short-term thrill,” Rehman says. “They tend to be poorly constructed, made from cheap materials, and designed to mimic a look, rather than last a lifetime.”

Often these pieces will end up in a landfill within a few years. “[It’s] not only bad for the planet but also for your wallet when you inevitably have to replace it,” he adds. Getting furniture made from quality materials like solid wood is a much better use of your money.