6 Popular Home Decor Items You Don’t Need, According to Designers

Decorating your home can be fun but can also feel daunting and confusing. There’s a lot to consider between discovering your style, keeping up with the latest trends (if that’s your thing), and balancing aesthetics and practicality. 

Of course, it’s your home, so we always encourage you to decorate in whatever way makes you happy. However, if you’re looking for expert advice on the common home decor items you can probably go without, we’ve got you covered.

According to interior designers, here are six common home decor items that you really don’t need.

Excessive Throw Pillows

Decorative throw pillows make your space feel more cozy and inviting, but there’s a line between comfortable and downright impractical. Designers agree that excessive piles of throw pillows on couches and beds are a no-no. Not only do they take up space and make it difficult to actually use your furniture, but they can also make your room feel cluttered and uninviting.

“Five million pillows on your bed look silly and unobtainable.  I love to throw pillows all day, but if your pillow collection is nearing half the depth of your bed, you’ve done too much and need to simplify,” says Sallie Lord of GreyHunt Interiors. 

Keep it minimal with just a few throw pillows on your couch or bed. If you want to create a stylish, inviting, and practical bedspread, a single long decorative lumbar pillow is in style.

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Oversized Wall Clocks

Let’s be honest, in this day and age, most of us are using our digital devices to check the time over traditional wall clocks. That means wall clocks have become largely decorative rather than functional, especially oversized ones.

Allison Kaminsky of Lola Tucker Interiors cautions that oversized decorative wall clocks can feel visually dominating, especially in small rooms. Skip the decorative clocks and opt for a unique piece of artwork or set of meaningful family photographs instead.

Faux Plants and Floral Arrangements

Faux floral arrangements and plants can be tempting, especially if you have a busy household without the time or energy to maintain real plants or flowers. However, designers advise you to skip the faux arrangements and opt for the real deal whenever possible. 

“Although maintenance-free, faux flowers can collect dust and look artificial,” Kaminsky says. “Live plants or fresh flowers bring authenticity and vitality to your space, along with air quality benefits.”

If you don’t feel like you have the time or energy to maintain real houseplants, stick to fresh bouquets. They are sure to add a touch of color and life to your home, and they don’t require much maintenance besides a water change or two.

Wordy Wall Decals

Three words: live, laugh, love. Christine Carney, director of design for Blackberry Farm Design says that word decals pasted to walls are a common home decor item that she wants to see people skip. They are generally meaningless to people and can leave your space feeling tacky and impersonal. 

Rather than jump on the wall decal bandwagon, opt for framed artwork that feels truly personal and reflects you. Framed prints and artwork look more sophisticated and timeless and will feel more meaningful in your home.

Mass-Produced Art Prints

Designers agree that mass-produced art prints should be avoided. They lack sentiment and uniqueness. The last thing you want is a cookie-cutter home that looks like everyone else’s on the block.

“These artworks lack uniqueness and personal connection,” Kaminsky says. “Opt for original art or pieces that resonate with you, adding character and individuality to your home.”

This doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Sites like Society6, Etsy, and Minted are all great places to shop for affordable art prints while discovering and supporting small, independent artists. Consider checking out local art galleries, researching artists in your area, and following artists you love on social media to show your support and snag some unique artwork for your home.

Rugs Under the Dining Table

Area rugs can visually warm up a space, but it’s important to balance aesthetics and practicality when considering where to feature one. In most homes, adding an area rug under the kitchen or dining room table isn’t a good idea, regardless of how good it may look. 

“This area allows you to skip the rug and be more practical for cleaning and making this area visually fresh,” Lord says.

For a cozy and inviting dining space, consider practical decor options like tablecloths, a vase of fresh flowers, table runners, or placemats. These alternatives to an area rug not only add warmth to the space but also make cleaning up after meals a breeze. Trust us, you’ll appreciate the ease of wiping up spilled food and drinks without needing a steam cleaner.