Every home reflects the personality and taste of the people living in it. Over time, however, some décor items can become outdated, worn out, or simply stop adding value to your living space. Interior designers often suggest removing certain items to create a more fresh, modern, and comfortable home environment. Tossing the right things can make your space feel bigger, cleaner, and more inviting.
In this article, we will talk about eight home décor items that interior designers say you should toss immediately. These items might seem harmless or even cherished, but they can hold your home back from looking its best. Understanding why these items no longer work and what to replace them with can help you create a beautiful, stylish space you love to live in.
Outdated Curtains and Drapes
Old curtains and drapes can make a room feel dark, heavy, and dated. When fabric becomes faded or the style no longer matches your home, it is time to let them go. Interior designers recommend replacing heavy, dark, or overly patterned curtains with lighter fabrics and neutral colors. These allow more natural light to enter the room and make the space feel open and airy.
Replacing curtains is a quick and cost-effective way to refresh your room. Choose curtains that hang properly and complement your wall color and furniture style for a balanced look.
Excessive Throw Pillows
Throw pillows can add comfort and style to a sofa or bed. However, having too many pillows creates clutter and confusion in a room. Interior designers advise tossing extra pillows that do not match your color scheme or style. Instead, opt for a few well-chosen pillows with cohesive colors, textures, or patterns.
A clean arrangement of pillows creates a neat, organized look and makes seating areas more inviting and comfortable.
Worn-Out Rugs
Rugs can anchor a room and add warmth, but old, stained, or threadbare rugs should be replaced. Rugs that are past their prime can make a space look messy and neglected. Interior designers suggest investing in quality rugs that fit the room’s size and style.
Choose rugs with colors and patterns that enhance your décor rather than clash with it. Regular cleaning and care also keep rugs looking fresh longer.
Outdated Wall Art
Wall art is a personal expression, but some pieces may no longer suit your current taste or the room’s design. Interior designers recommend removing art that feels old-fashioned, damaged, or too busy. Replace it with artwork that complements your color palette and enhances the room’s mood.
Large-scale art or thoughtfully arranged smaller pieces can create focal points that draw the eye and add personality to your walls.
Old or Damaged Lampshades
Lampshades that are yellowed, torn, or stained can spoil the look of a room, even if the lamp itself is in good condition. Interior designers encourage removing damaged lampshades and replacing them with new ones that suit the lamp base and room style.
Neutral lampshades in simple shapes often work best and allow the light to spread evenly, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Cheap or Plastic Decorative Items
Decorative items made of cheap materials, like plastic or low-quality resin, can cheapen a room’s overall look. Interior designers say it’s best to toss these items and invest in a few well-chosen pieces made from natural materials like wood, glass, or metal.
Quality décor adds texture and interest to a room and lasts much longer, making it a better value in the long run.
Cluttered Shelves and Mantels
Shelves and mantels filled with too many small items or random collectibles often look cluttered and messy. Interior designers suggest decluttering these spaces by removing excess items and keeping only a few meaningful or attractive pieces.
A few well-placed objects with different shapes and heights create visual balance and allow each item to shine, making the space feel calm and curated.
Overused Trendy Décor
Trendy décor items that were once popular may now look outdated or overdone. Interior designers recommend tossing décor that was bought just to follow a trend but no longer suits your style or the home’s character.
Instead, focus on classic, timeless pieces that work well with your existing décor and will still look good years from now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to decide which décor items to toss?
Look at each item and ask if it adds beauty, function, or meaning to your home. If it feels outdated, damaged, or cluttered, it might be time to let it go.
Can I donate home décor items instead of tossing them?
Yes, donating gently used items is a great option. Many organizations accept décor items and furniture to help others while keeping things out of landfills.
How often should I update my home décor?
There is no fixed rule, but reviewing your décor every 1 to 3 years can help you keep your space fresh and functional without overdoing changes.
How can I make my home feel more spacious?
Removing clutter, choosing lighter fabrics and colors, and using furniture that fits the room’s scale can help make your home feel bigger and more open.
Are trendy décor items bad to buy?
Trendy items are not bad but should be chosen carefully. Avoid buying many trendy pieces at once; instead, mix them with classic décor that lasts longer.
How do I pick the right rug for my room?
Choose a rug size that fits your furniture arrangement and complements the room’s colors. The rug should neither be too small nor too large to keep balance.
What are good materials for quality decorative pieces?
Natural materials like wood, glass, metal, and ceramics are durable and add texture and interest to your décor.
How can I arrange throw pillows in a stylish way?
Use a small number of pillows with coordinating colors and varying textures or patterns. Arrange them symmetrically or casually, depending on the style you want.
Conclusion
Letting go of certain home décor items can be hard, especially if they hold memories or were expensive. But tossing outdated curtains, excessive throw pillows, worn-out rugs, old wall art, damaged lampshades, cheap decorative pieces, cluttered shelves, and overused trendy items can dramatically improve your living space. Interior designers emphasize quality, simplicity, and timelessness to create homes that feel comfortable, stylish, and inviting.
By carefully choosing what to keep and what to toss, you can refresh your home and enjoy a space that reflects your personality without feeling cluttered or outdated. Remember, less is often more when it comes to great interior design.
