The Whimsical Y2K Decor Trend That's Making A Comeback

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We're a quarter-way into the 21st century, and shockingly enough, the styles of Y2K are distant enough in the past to become a retro trend. The rows of hair clips holding back every strand of hair from a teenager's face can stay in 2002. But their butterfly shape is worth reviving at this point in the 2020s. Frankly, butterflies as a decor element have starred in design it-moments for years. Because of that, it's not too hard to find butterfly-themed pieces from decades past at thrift stores, garage sales, or junk shops.

Butterflies symbolize freedom and transformation, among other things, and who couldn't use a bit of these sentiments at some point? Recreate the perfect Y2K inspired room with butterflies in neons, metallics, and wildly contrasting colors. If this aesthetic brings back too many middle school memories, opt for a more mature version with less time-stamped styles. Botanical or woodland prints dotted with butterflies, or more subtle metal or ceramic accent pieces from the '80s, all have a place in the resurgence.

When seeking out butterfly decor worthy of gracing Elle Woods's Harvard dorm room, there are lots of avenues to take. Here's an insider's secret: The cool thing about Y2K throwback trends is that there are still a lot of leftovers from this time period at brick and mortar as well as online stores. While combing the aisles of thrift shops for vintage treasure is thrilling, there's no guarantee that you'll find exactly what you're looking for. Shopping second-hand online can yield more reliable results. 

Luckily, new nostalgic items are also widely available. A neon LED butterfly light, for example, ticks two boxes from the Y2K stylebook. This UrsaMajor Butterfly Neon Sign is a flashback in glowing lavender. Holographic finishes were another fave in the aughts, and this Tixiquns Laser Butterfly Wall Decor will add a whimsical, iridescent touch in any room.

If your shopping basket comes up empty on your butterfly hunt, or you just want to save a few dollars, you can make DIY butterfly wall decor in less than five minutes with paper. Any color will do, and they can cling to a wall or hang from string as a mobile or bunting. For a bold, fun, and cheap option, put together an outsized butterfly made from a Dollar Tree shower curtain and plastic coat hangers. The patterned wings will brighten spaces indoors or out.