5 Outdated Furniture Trends That Should Be Left Behind in 2025, Designers Say

While many of us symbolically think about what we’d like to leave behind as a new year approaches, there are probably a few things furniture-wise worth considering, too. We’re looking at you, outdated furniture trends.

We spoke with three interior designers who shared a few furniture trends they’d like to see left behind in 2025, and you might feel exactly the same way.

Monochrome Gray Everything

Monochrome gray furniture and all-neutral palettes have stuck around for some time, but their popularity is certainly starting to fade. It’s better to leave the charcoal couches, heathered stools, and carbon-colored rugs behind in 2025.

“There’s a reason it became so popular—it’s calm, it’s easy to layer, and it photographs beautifully,” says designer Lorri Hicks Cazenave. “But design is cyclical, and what once felt fresh now risks feeling a little flat and impersonal.”

While there’s nothing wrong with gray furniture, a room full of it doesn’t tell much of a story and puts a damper on your personal style.

“What’s exciting to me is the shift toward spaces that feel deeply personal and lived-in,” Hicks Cazenave says. “There’s a clear appetite for interiors that have character and a point of view, rather than a formula.”

This can come out through different textures, layering textiles, and choosing handcrafted furniture and decor that feels more inherent to your personal tastes—not what trends dictate. Hicks Cazenave adds that you shouldn’t be afraid to mix eras, styles, patterns, and colors either.

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Matching Bedroom Sets

Several decades ago, matching bedroom sets were firmly “in.” However, as we move into 2026, there’s more interest and confidence in complementary.

“Now we are much more aware of mixing and matching design styles, and we want things to feel special and bespoke,” says designer Andrea Sinkin.

Rather than choosing side tables, a bed frame, and lamps all from the same collection, Sinkin recommends mixing and matching bedroom decor styles that may not be exactly the same, but still look harmonious when paired together.

Farmhouse Furniture

One particular look that’s had a strong influence over many homes over the last decade is farmhouse, and its updated sister modern farmhouse. However, Sinkin found farmhouse never appealed to her as a designer and many homeowners are beginning to feel the same.

“In place of farmhouse, we are seeing more whimsical cottage and traditional styles mixed, and matched, which I think is here to stay and not a trend,” she explains. “It’s taking timeless elements and making them feel finished and special by including antiques and modern pieces.”

If you have rooms full of farmhouse furniture and are looking for ways to make them feel updated, you have a few options. With a larger budget, consider reupholstering items like couches.

For a budget-friendly approach, opt for chair covers or timeless tablecloths. You can also add more modern decor to bring this look up to date.

Shiny Hardware, Tiles, and Fixtures

Outside of just furniture, the more stationary and static fixtures around your home might also be asking for a refresh. While lustrous finishes and bright, metallic textures were once a go-to, many homeowners are searching for more grounded, lived-in options.

“We’re moving away from glossy mirrored tiles and too shiny brass and gold,” Sinkin says. “Look for patina and roughened and aged textures for tiles and hardware.”

By choosing more understated options, you create the foundations of a timeless home. Then, if you feel like adding more excitement, you can do this through a few intentional statement pieces, which can easily be changed out if you get tired of them.

Bouclé Furniture

Bouclé furniture came to us all at a time when we needed our homes to serve as sanctuaries and cozy spaces, especially as we were spending nearly all of our time in them, and it stuck around. While people still want their homes to fulfill this need, bouclé isn’t necessarily the right choice for making that happen.

“Bouclé furniture (especially the chairs) is hard to maintain, easy to ruin, itchy, and doesn’t hold up well with long-term use,” says designer Elizabeth Vergara. “In 2026, the trends will be moving toward pieces that are both beautiful and functional, with materials that stand up to everyday use.”

Instead of this fuzzy, curly material, Vergara envisions linen taking its place. She notes that this alternative is more sustainable, easier to clean, and gives your spaces a luxe touch. Linen also has a welcoming and earthy appearance, an added bonus.