13 Things You Shouldn’t Buy for Your Home
Some furniture and decor may look appealing or affordable but won’t hold up in daily use or long-term design. If you want a home that is both functional and timeless, here are 11 items worth skipping — and what to choose instead.
1. Cheap Sofa
Low-cost sofas may look good at first, but they’re often built with poor materials that sag, stain, and wear out quickly. Instead, invest in a well-reviewed mid-range sofa that will hold its shape and look better for years.
2. Tiny Rugs
Too-small rugs make rooms feel disjointed and cramped. Choose a rug large enough to anchor your furniture, with at least the front legs of chairs and sofas resting on it. If wool is out of budget, try seagrass or flatweave cotton with a thick rug pad for a fuller look.
3. Generic Wall Art
Generic wall art lacks personality and dates quickly. Skip word signs, meaningless landscapes, and trend-driven pieces. Instead, display art that reflects your style and interests — from local artists, high-quality prints, or personal collections — to create a more distinctive space.
4. Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds feel dated and are noisy and hard to clean. For a cleaner, modern look, opt for roller blinds or Roman shades, which offer better style, light control, and easy maintenance.
5. Faux Leather Furniture
Faux leather may be affordable and animal-friendly, but it cracks and peels with use. For lasting durability, choose genuine leather or high-quality natural fabric upholstery, especially for heavily used pieces like sofas and chairs.
6. Florescent Lights
Fluorescent lights are bright and efficient but produce cold, harsh light that makes homes feel uninviting. Warm LED bulbs are a better choice, offering energy savings with a softer, more welcoming glow.
7. Overly Trendy Decor and Furniture
Too many trendy pieces can quickly date your space. Instead, build your home around timeless furniture and versatile decor. Add just a few trendy accents to keep the look fresh without constant overhauls.
8. Themed Furniture
Themed furniture, while fun and inventive, will not be as long-lasting as classic furniture shapes. Too many of these pieces can also make your space feel one-dimensional and make it more difficult to transition to a new style.
It is better to incorporate a specific interest you have using subtle accessories and decor rather than furniture. This will keep your space feeling overly contrived and allow it to be more flexible if you want to incorporate other styles.
9. Low-Quality Mattress
Cheap mattresses often lack proper support, leading to poor sleep and back pain. Invest in a high-quality mattress with good materials and support. Test it first, and choose a brand with a flexible return policy to ensure the right fit.
10. Particle Board Furniture
Particle board furniture chips, warps, and breaks easily, especially in humid or high-traffic areas. For durability and longevity, choose pieces made from solid wood, high-quality plywood, or other natural materials.
11. Imitation Designer Furniture
Furniture designed to imitate designer styles at a lower price point compromises on quality and craftsmanship. These pieces might initially look good, but they will eventually wear out quickly due to the inferior materials and construction.
12. Glass-Top Dining Tables
Glass dining tables show every fingerprint, scratch, and smudge, requiring constant cleaning. They can also feel cold and fragile. Wood, stone, or durable composite tables offer a warmer, more practical alternative.
13. Too Many Accent Pillows
While accent pillows add texture and color, overloading your sofa or bed with them creates clutter and extra work. A few well-chosen pillows in varying sizes and textures make a bigger impact.