Designers are always on top of what living room trends will make a space look current and sophisticated, as well as those that should be left in the past — for good. Here, three pros identified five living room trends now considered outdated for 2025.
It’s best to avoid these looks if you don’t want your space to seem stuck in the past. But each of these trends can be tweaked to work for the future (the designers gave us their strategies there, too).
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“Show” Living Rooms
Seeing — and treating — the living room as a seldom-used space is a dated view in and of itself. “Gone are the days of formal living rooms that are only used during the holidays and are ‘off-limits’ for kids,” says designer Corinne Vassallo, the founder of Corinne Victoria Design. If you’re someone who appreciates traditional design and wants slightly more sophisticated furniture and decor, that’s one thing. But don’t let your living room’s furnishings and finishes get so luxe that you’re afraid to spend time there.
The good news is you can always make adjustments — bring in an easy-care sofa slipcover to protect that fancy mohair upholstery, or rotate out expensive breakables or collectibles. “Even if your style leans fancier, making sure nothing is too precious so that kids, pets, and guests can feel comfortable using the space will help make the room feel fresh, updated, and lived-in,” Vassallo says.
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Fussy Drapery
Certain drapery styles will instantly read as stuffy and old-fashioned. As Vassallo puts it, “Drapery can instantly date a room if not done right.”
She recommends avoiding these styles entirely: grommet top curtains, heavy swags, fringe, and brocade fabrics. Instead, the designer suggests keeping it simple with more sleek, contemporary-leaning options. “A window should be adorned with Roman shades or pleated drapes that start below the crown molding and kiss the floor,” Vassallo says.
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Matching Furniture Sets
Designer Dominique DeLaney says “overly coordinated furniture sets” are the biggest calling card of a dated living room — and most decorating pros would agree. “A perfectly coordinated sofa, loveseat, and coffee table might feel like a shortcut to cohesion, but it robs the room of character,” she said.
Don’t be afraid to think a little outside the box with your furnishing choices. Try to put something vintage right next to a sleeker, more modern piece. “We love to mix time-worn pieces with tailored upholstery, creating a quiet tension between old and new that feels collected rather than decorated,” DeLaney says.
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Certain Wall Treatments
Designer Emily Sturgess considers both accent walls and shiplap wall coverings to be “some of the worst offending trends that will make your space look like a time warp.” A lot of designers have pivoted away from bold accent walls; if you like this look maybe consider something a little bit subtler, like a wall of picture frame molding, for example.
And if you want to incorporate a specific wallpaper or paint color into your space, that’s totally fine. It’ll feel a little more deliberate and striking, though, if you just go all-in and use it everywhere!
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50 Shades of Gray Color Palettes
The all-gray living rooms of the 2010s are so last decade. “While monochromatic gray had its moment, we find it often drains the life out of a room,” DeLaney says. Sturgess agrees that decorating a space using solely one hue will make it “feel flat and dated.” Instead, she says, “A layered and collected interior that incorporates a mix of textures, colors, and timeless furnishings feels more interesting and, most importantly, ages well.”
Not into a ton of vibrance? That’s fine, DeLaney explains. Just try to branch out a bit if you can. “We prefer warm whites, layered neutrals, and natural elements — linen, oak, brass, and handwoven textiles — that bring softness and soul,” she says. “Color doesn’t have to be bold to feel intentional.”
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