Designers Reveal The TikTok Trends You're Better Off Avoiding

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TikTok has become the ultimate incubator for DIY home projects and fast-moving interior design trends. With a single swipe, you can find endless inspiration, from renter-friendly peel-and-stick makeovers to hyper-minimalist room tours that rack up millions of views. But what looks dreamy in a 15-second video doesn't always hold up in real life. Some of these trends not only fall short in durability but can also cost you more time, money, and frustration than they're worth.

To separate the fads from the ideas that are worth trying, we reached out to interior designers and design experts for their honest takes. In exclusive interviews, they revealed which TikTok-driven home hacks are best left on the app, and how to achieve a stylish alternative that will stand the test of time. From peel-and-stick countertops whose edges lift within weeks to foam furniture projects that dominate small spaces, these are the so-called "shortcuts" that professionals caution against. 

One of TikTok's most viral DIY upgrades is wrapping countertops with peel-and-stick marble contact paper. At first glance, the results look convincing, giving kitchens or bathrooms a quick refresh. But as Evelina Juzėnaitė, principal interior designer at Planner 5D, tells House Digest in an exclusive interview, the illusion doesn't last long. "These surfaces stain, bubble, and wear quickly, especially in kitchens or bathrooms," Juzėnaitė shares. The thin vinyl wrap simply isn't designed to withstand heat, moisture, or daily cleaning, which makes it a poor long-term solution.

If you're a homeowner craving the look of fresh countertops, there are better routes than temporary wraps. Juzėnaitė recommends budget-friendly materials like butcher block or modern laminates, both of which hold up far better in daily life. Laminate can be one of the most affordable countertop materials, though it is more susceptible to damage. Tile is another incredibly cost-effective countertop option that balances price with durability. And if you like the look of wood, butcher block may be the way to go. Just know that caring for wood surfaces can be more high-maintenance than other materials.

For renters, Juzėnaitė suggests skipping copycat finishes altogether and instead drawing attention to decorative features. One easy way to do this is by trying different cabinet hardware trends to give your kitchen an update on a budget. In most cases, all you really need is the hardware itself and a screwdriver for removal and installation. Retailers offer a bevy of hardware styles, from sleek and modern to traditional and ornate. But if you're really after something unique, consider looking for vintage or secondhand hardware instead of buying new.

Minimalist design has always had an appeal, but TikTok has recently pushed it into hyperdrive with endless beige-on-beige interiors. While calming in theory, Juzėnaitė cautions that this palette rarely translates well at home. "A beige-on-beige-on-beige combination may seem 'soothing' on TikTok, but in reality it often looks flat and lifeless," she shares. Without contrast, the room lacks depth, and what feels calming on screen can easily feel washed out in person.

Instead of committing to a monotone scheme, Juzėnaitė advises using beige or other neutrals as a base while layering in richer tones. She recommends using black accents, warm wood, or earthy shades like rust and olive that bring dimension without overwhelming the space. Texture also plays a huge role: bouclé chairs, linen drapery, or woven baskets introduce tactile interest that instantly makes the room feel lived-in. 

And these additions don't have to break the bank. For example, Nanspring's Linen Curtains cost about $13 per set, bringing softness to your space for a small price. And there are plenty of curtain colors that will look stunning alongside the beige walls in your home. Try blue for a hue that brings calm to your space or green if you want to bring the outdoors in. But no matter what you add to your beige space, the goal is balance. Neutrals can still be the foundation, but grounding them with contrast ensures the space feels elevated rather than bland.

Few TikTok DIYs look as tempting as the so-called cloud sofas and headboards, built from foam padding wrapped in fabric for a pillowy effect. While undeniably cozy on screen, Juzėnaitė warns these projects rarely succeed in practice. "Although these soft items look cozy on social media, they often lack the right proportions or craftsmanship and dominate small rooms," she says. On top of that, DIY foam tends to wear down quickly, leaving the furniture sagging or uneven long before you'd expect.

For those who love the look of plush, oversized furniture, the solution is to invest wisely rather than build from scratch. While the original "cloud bed" design from Restoration Hardware costs a whopping $5,000, retailers now offer similar pieces at a range of price points, designed with the proper framing and fabric durability to last. For example, Viplov's Cloud Platform Bed is under $400.

The same goes for RH's Original Cloud Sofa. Instead of shelling out at least $3,000 for a unit, you can find similar styles at a fraction of the cost. The Modular Cloud Sofa from Vorthio comes in multiple configurations starting at around $550. However, if getting a whole new sofa or bed frame is out of your budget, consider upping the comfy factor of your current pieces by adding oversized, plush throw pillows. This is an easy, much more cost-effective way to add volume and make your home feel warmer and cozier.

TikTok has a way of glamorizing impulse shopping. Endless shelves lined with decorative accents may look curated and intentional when spotted in a quick scroll. But Robin Aebischer, founder of Buy n Blue, cautions, "TikTok actively promotes impulsive decor purchases like tiny trinkets, mini vases, and decorative clutter, which can quickly lead to an overly stylish or chaotic room that lacks integrity." While each item may seem charming on its own, collectively they can create a sense of noise that overwhelms rather than soothes.

Instead, Aebischer encourages homeowners to embrace a less-is-more philosophy, focusing on a handful of sculptural or meaningful objects that set the tone of a room. One home decor trick to add style, not clutter, is to opt for one larger statement piece as opposed to a high volume of trinkets. A bold ceramic vase, a striking piece of handmade pottery, or a carefully chosen piece of art can carry more impact than a dozen smaller fillers. This approach not only helps avoid trend fatigue but also creates space for items with personal resonance, ensuring your shelves or coffee table tell a cohesive story rather than mirroring a TikTok feed.

Few wall finishes have been as romanticized online as limewash — that chalky, layered surface that whispers of centuries-old villas and patinated plaster walls. But according to Aebischer, TikTok has transformed this historically complex technique into a "weekend transformation" trend that oversimplifies the process. "I have had clients send me photos of their DIY attempts — and honestly, many look more like a botched art project than a refined wall finish," she shares, pointing out that limewash is designed for porous surfaces like plaster, not painted drywall. The result of rushing the process? Harsh brushstrokes, inconsistent layering, and sometimes even peeling within weeks.

For those craving the look with less headache, Aebischer recommends alternatives that nod to a limewash-like texture without the pitfalls. Wallpapers inspired by limewash finishes are one accessible way to get the look. You can find different options at a variety of stores online, like Livelynine's Peel-and-Stick Limewash Textured Wallpaper. 

If it's in your budget, you can hire a specialty limewash painter, who can help achieve the effect with finesse. While this will be more expensive than painting on your own, you will save time. And because limewash is intended to look time-worn, it is best to avoid cutting corners to achieve the look with traditional interior paint. If you do, the dream of timeless European elegance in your space can too easily collapse into something that feels temporary and accidental.

Checkerboard flooring and textiles have a long architectural history, but TikTok's current obsession has given it a loud, exaggerated makeover. Aebischer explains, "Here's the thing: checkerboards are not new. It is an architectural classic. But TikTok has reinvented it in exaggerated proportions, often using stark black and white vinyl tiles, and the result can feel more Alice in Wonderland than refined." When scaled too large or paired with cheap materials, the pattern overwhelms instead of enhancing, leaving rooms feeling cartoonish.

Still, there are thoughtful ways to play with checkerboards. Aebischer suggests softening the palette by using muted tones such as ivory and slate, blush and terracotta, or sage and cream. Smaller doses also help: a patterned rug under a dining table, a tiled powder room floor, or even throw pillows with subtle checkerboard motifs provide the playfulness without making the space cartoonish. For example, this Checkerboard Throw Pillow from SmoothNovelty employs a few of these principles at once. A tonal color palette with low contrast gives the pattern subtlety, while the small scale of the squares makes it feel elevated. When choosing how and where to use checkerboard patterns in home decor, proportion and placement are everything. The beauty of checkerboard lies not in its boldness alone, but in how it harmonizes with the environment around it.

Peel-and-stick products have exploded on TikTok as the quick fix for renters and DIYers alike. From imitation subway tile to wood-look planks, these adhesives promise dramatic makeovers without demolition. But Bruno Mendolini, co-founder of Tile Choices, exclusively tells House Digest, "TikTok has turned peel-and-stick materials into the duct tape of interior design." The appeal may be instant gratification, but the drawbacks are rarely shown: seams that shift, edges that curl, finishes that yellow, and sticky residue that damages walls. Aebischer echoes this caution, adding that steam-heavy spaces like bathrooms accelerate warping and peeling, turning a clever hack into an expensive mistake.

That doesn't mean renters are stuck with bland spaces. Mendolini recommends using real materials in small, controlled doses — like framing a section of authentic tile to create a backsplash panel, or experimenting with tiled trays and accent furniture pieces. These allow you to enjoy the tactile beauty of durable surfaces without the permanence of a full install. By shifting focus from covering up flaws to adding intentional accents, renters can sidestep the pitfalls of peel-and-stick while still making a temporary space feel uniquely theirs.

Oversized mirrors have become a TikTok staple, with countless videos showcasing frameless, floor-length mirrors casually leaning against walls. They're undeniably photogenic, but Mendolini raises a serious concern. He explains, "Everyone's leaning giant mirrors against walls now, especially those oversized arched ones with no frame or safety anchor. They look great for outfit checks, sure — but I've seen these fall." Beyond the aesthetic, there are real safety issues, particularly in homes with children, pets, or even mild seismic activity. A falling mirror isn't just an inconvenience; it's a potential hazard.

The safest way to install a heavy mirror in your home is by wall-mounting it with the correct hardware for your wall type. But the good news is you can still achieve the drama of a statement mirror without compromising safety by customizing a frame after installation. Mendolini recommends creating a border with reclaimed wood, tiling, or a painted design to transform your mirror into an intentional piece. That said, if you're really set on the leaning look of the mirror, we'd recommend opting for a piece with a built-in floor stand, like this HarritPure's Rounded Full Length Mirror, for more security. 

TikTok's fascination with vintage-inspired design has taken a curious turn: instead of authentic antiques, many creators showcase mass-produced "instant vintage" pieces, often with digitized art or artificial patina finishes. Mendolini highlights the issue, noting, "The soul of vintage isn't just about the surface — it's about history." Pre-distressed furniture or generic retro prints lack the narrative that makes vintage pieces special, and rooms end up feeling more staged than soulful.

Rather than chasing vintage facsimiles, Mendolini recommends sourcing one or two authentic vintage elements to anchor a space. This might be an heirloom rug, a flea-market ceramic, or a secondhand dresser with real wear and tear that speaks to its story. Even a single item with true patina can outshine an entire room of replicas. 

If you're not able to source the pieces you want in person, there are tons of vintage sellers on Etsy that you can buy from online. Authenticity in design doesn't mean perfection; it's about lived-in character, something that TikTok's instant retro shortcuts often miss. Plus, when it comes to vintage, the real thing will always age more gracefully than something pretending to be.

Lighting can make or break a space, but TikTok has turned LED strip lighting into a decorating craze — wrapping beds, cabinets, mirrors, and even ceilings with glowing, color-changing borders. While they create eye-catching videos, Mendolini warns, "The trend looks futuristic in TikToks but garish in real homes. These strips often flicker, cast odd shadows, and give skin a sickly hue." What feels sleek in a short clip can quickly become overwhelming and unflattering in daily life.

For a lighting trick that immediately boosts the ambiance in your home, try layering. Mendolini suggests using sconces at eye level, dimmable floor or table lamps, and subtle architectural accents to get a multidimensional effect with your interior lights. Even LED tape has its place when used sparingly, such as behind floating shelves or tucked into coves for ambient glow. 

But the difference is intent. Lighting should enhance mood and highlight textures, not dominate the room. While rainbow LEDs may make a space camera-ready, they rarely make it livable. Homeowners seeking long-term comfort are better served by warm, layered light that adapts with them. So if you're shopping for new light bulbs with the goal to keep things warm and cozy, remember to look for options that fall in the range of 2000 to 3000 Kelvins.

On TikTok, maximalist gallery walls (crammed with dozens of small frames and eclectic prints) are presented as the ultimate marker of a curated home. But Mendolini points out the flaw in this thinking, explaining, "There's a TikTok-fueled belief that you need to fill your wall with as many tiny frames and clashing prints as possible to feel curated or aesthetic. But often, it reads like visual noise — especially when there's no central theme or balance." Instead of storytelling, these walls too often become wallpaper made of clutter.

The solution is restraint. He explains, "A better approach is starting with one bold anchor piece — like a large-scale canvas, textile, or sculptural element — then building out in odd-numbered groupings with complementary frames and spacing." You can even incorporate items that aren't just framed art to break up the expected look of a gallery wall, as long as they match the vibe of the rest of your pieces. For example, a small woven textile, or even a wall-mounted flower vase, can make the design feel more intentional. Overall, the key to a tasteful gallery wall is cohesion rather than volume. It doesn't need to be a jumble to feel expressive. By editing rather than accumulating, homeowners can create walls that invite lingering, rather than scrolling.

The pretend fireplace trend is everywhere online, with TikTokers crafting mantels out of MDF or cardboard to mimic a traditional hearth. While the creativity is admirable, Mendolini cautions against the execution, saying, "Most look flat and flimsy in person, and they can be a real hazard if you actually light candles or install heaters nearby." What reads as cozy in a video often looks temporary and unsafe in reality.

If you want the drama of a fireplace without the construction, Mendolini suggests alternatives that honor the idea without pretending to function. A tiled alcove with LED candles, a repurposed vintage mantel, or a solid wood shelf paired with a mirror can provide the same focal point without the risk. The charm of a fireplace lies in the atmosphere it creates, not the illusion of flames. Leaning into that distinction makes all the difference between a hack that feels flimsy and a design choice that feels intentional.

Clear acrylic furniture first gained traction as a clever way to make small spaces feel larger, with ghost chairs and lucite tables prized for their near-invisibility. But TikTok has exaggerated the trend, filling entire rooms with transparent plastic: shelving, consoles, coffee tables, and even bed frames. Mendolini points out the flaw, saying, "It ends up looking like a showroom from The Jetsons. Worse, acrylic scratches fast and shows dust like nobody's business." What was once a clever accent quickly becomes cold and impractical when multiplied.

The fix is moderation. A single acrylic piece, like a chair tucked under a heavy wooden desk, or a lucite side table beside a plush armchair, can highlight contrast and create visual balance. Pairing transparency with tactile richness — boucle, wood grain, or veined stone — ensures the space feels grounded rather than sterile. You can even find furniture that combines acrylic with other materials in the same piece, like this Orren Ellis console table with a wood top and clear legs. As with so many TikTok trends, the issue isn't the material itself but the excess. In design, restraint is often what keeps a clever idea timeless instead of fleeting.