9 Outdated Kid’s Room Ideas That Everyone is Ready to See Go

Kids rooms like nurseries and playrooms are a fleeting necessity, but there is no reason that these spaces can’t be stylish and chic. Many outdated children’s room ideas place an emphasis on trendy rather than timeless design.

We are all influenced by trends to some extent, but there are ways to make your child’s room classic while also staying current. Trends like gendered color schemes and an overemphasis on themed designs will quickly date your nursery or children’s room. Think about each of these concepts to help you design a layout that is both adaptable and practical while also encouraging this next generation of trend setters to express their uniqueness and creativity.

Outdated Kid’s Room Ideas

Modern design prioritizes function, comfort, and personal expression. There is no reason that your child’s room should look the same as everyone else’s. The more that you can create a timeless rather than trendy kid’s space, the more versatile it will be for future design needs.


Using Traditional Gender Colors

Using Traditional Gender Colors
Brass Hill Design

Outdated kid’s rooms tend to rely on gender stereotypes and colors, like blue-dominated spaces for boys and pink-dominated spaces for girls. But let’s face it; not every boy will like blue, and not every girl will like pink. Modern design favors more gender-neutral design. This creates a more flexible and inclusive approach to color palettes and decor that will likely change over time. This also allows children to express their individuality rather than conform to gender patterned stereotypes.

This is not to say that you should never use pink or blue in nursery design; rather, these colors can be more nuanced and balanced with other colors to create a more layered design. If your daughter loves pink, paint the room a soft and delicate pink and accent it with deep green and creamy neutrals. Don’t forget that there are other excellent color options beyond pink and blue, including diverse shades of green and yellow and a wide range of dark and light neutrals like warm grays or pale beige that work as the ideal foundation for pops of color.


Overly Specific or Limiting Themes

Overly Specific or Limiting Themes
Jute Interior Design

Themed decor, so popular in past nursery and kid’s room designs, can now feel too limiting or overdone. While themed decor might cater to your own or your child’s current preferences, it can become impractical as your child’s interests grow and expand. Rather than going “all-in” with a specific theme, limit this to one section or wall of the room. This way, you can easily swap out items as your child grows and develops their own style and interests.


Short-Term Nursery Furniture

Using Traditional Gender Colors

Short-term furniture like a crib and changing table are useful in a nursery, but each has a limited use. Instead, it is a good idea to buy furniture that will transition with your child as they grow.

Rather than purchasing a crib that will need to be replaced with a toddler bed when the time comes, opt for a design that can be converted to a toddler or even a full-sized bed. The same is true for traditional changing tables. You can use a standard dresser and supplement it with a changing pad. After you remove the changing pad, the dresser is ready for use in an older child’s room. Making the decision to use adaptable furniture will enable you to invest in higher-quality furniture that is more sustainable and versatile for your child’s changing needs.


Traditional Rocking Chairs

Using Traditional Gender Colors

Don’t get us wrong, traditional rockers will never go out of style, especially on front porches, but gliders rather than rockers are beginning to dominate the nursery space.

While the choice between a rocking chair and a glider is ultimately personal, there are a few reasons why gliders may be preferable when trying to soothe a fussy baby to sleep. Traditional rockers’ squeaks can be endearing, but gliders are quieter, which can be useful in a nursery setting. Gliders require less effort to move back and forth than rockers. Gliders (and upholstered rocking chairs) also have many comfortable features, such as padded seats, backrests, and smooth upholstery.


Cutesy Decor

Cutesy Decor
ae design

Nursery spaces are made for babies, so decor can be catered toward them, but an over-reliance on cutesy decor like cartoon characters or baby-themed decor will date the space very quickly. Instead, it is a more timeless and versatile strategy to choose decor that will inspire your child as they grow.

Choose wall art that is colorful and textural—something that will grab your child’s interest. Nature-related or geometric art, as well as travel items, are good options that will make the space more classic and interesting than a room full of stuffed animals. You can also choose to make your wall displays more personal as a way to introduce your child to their family story.


Lack of Good Lighting

Lack of Good Lighting
Interior Marketing Group

Lighting in a child’s room or nursery can be very low on the list of considerations, but it is actually one of the elements that makes the space most comfortable and functional.

Before purchasing room lights, think about the space and how your child will use it. Table and floor lamps are versatile lights that you can use to light up dark corners and provide valuable task lighting for studying or reading. A central pendant or flush mount light will give the room a focal point as well as ambient light. Opt for warmer lights that will create a comfortable atmosphere, but make sure to choose lights that provide enough brightness for the tasks at hand. Dimmer switches are helpful so you can vary the amount of light in the room throughout the day.


Too Many Gadgets

Too Many Gadgets
Kari P

We are all drawn to the latest and greatest technological gadgets, and no place is this more evident than in the nursery. Items like wipe warmers, large baby monitors, and humidifiers will detract from the room’s aesthetics. There are options available today that are sleeker or virtually invisible. These new technology options will provide better functionality and allow you to change them out more easily for updated versions.


Animal Prints

Animal Prints
Emily Johnston Larkin

Animal prints, particularly those featuring giraffes, zebras, and leopards, have been popular in nurseries for many years. Due to overuse, there has been a widespread shift away from using animal prints, even in general home design. Parents are increasingly favoring more diverse and sophisticated patterns, textures, and colors in nursery and children’s room design. Animal prints are often too visual and eye-catching to conform to these more versatile palettes.


Matching Furniture Sets

Matching Furniture Sets
Regan Baker Design

Matching furniture sets, which were once a popular design trend throughout the home, have fallen out of favor in recent years. While these sets create cohesive designs, they can leave a space feeling bland and lacking in personality. With increasing concern about fast furniture and sustainable design, more parents are looking for alternative furniture options.

Mixing furniture and accessories in your child’s room is both stylish and practical. This means that you do not need to feel the pressure to buy all your furniture and accessories at once. Take the time to choose items in your nursery or child’s room carefully. This way, you can let the design and style evolve along with your child’s growing personality and preferences.