15 Furniture Styles Experts Say To Avoid At All Costs

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Pull up a chair. We quizzed some design pros about their furniture-buying habits, and we're offering up a seat at the table. The main advice these experts are serving up: authenticity is key. As tempting as it can feel to test out a farmhouse vibe by snagging an affordable mass-produced table or chair, it's unlikely to hold up to a vintage version made out of real, solid wood like oak or walnut. Similarly, a minimalist style you can score on the cheap tends to look just that as the laminate or particle board begins to chip. And while you can certainly buy up a store's entire display of matching pieces, it's far more visually appealing to piece together furnishings in varying materials, styles, and shades.

Admittedly, sourcing an entire house's worth of furnishings can feel like a slog, and isn't exactly easy, or light on one's wallet. But you spend the majority of your time inside your house, why not make sure that there truly is no place like your home? The key is to shop slow, prioritize quality, and know what to avoid so you don't waste money on pieces that don't fit your space, date rapidly, or are hard to decorate around. These expert tips will help you build your dream space.

There's nothing wrong with being drawn to vintage. Grannycore is having a bit of a moment for a reason. However, Evelina Juzėnaitė, principal interior designer at Planner 5D, tells House Digest in an exclusive interview that you should pick out newly-made ornate furniture with care. "Heavy carvings, shiny cherry stains, and antique finishes can look outdated, bulky, and out of place in most modern homes," notes the pro. "These pieces often try to imitate historical elegance, but end up looking mass-produced and excessive."

That's why she tends to stick with clean lines and classic styles in matte or natural wood tones, noting, "They blend beautifully with both modern and vintage aesthetics without creating a feeling of heaviness." However, if you have your heart set on a French rococo revival hutch, don't despair. Instead, check out some of the best places to shop for vintage furniture. You can scour thrift stores, antique shops, or online retailers like eBay or Chairish for a piece that looks and feels authentic and not like a cheap imitation.

Sure, ordering an entire spread from the Pottery Barn catalog worked for Rachel on "Friends". But generally speaking, scooping up a batch of coordinated furniture doesn't exactly make for a match made in heaven. "Buying an entire set for the living room or bedroom in the same style looks bland and flat," explains Juzėnaitė. "It robs the space of its potential for layering and individuality, turning it into a showroom rather than a home."

Instead, create visual interest by mixing it up with different materials (wood, metal, glass) and complementary styles. The key to maintaining a cohesive look is to pick one central piece and then repeat similar finishes, colors, and materials on your other major furnishings. "This way, everything feels like it belongs," designer Erika Dale explains to House Digest, but each large case good brings its own personality and layer of design interest."

Rustic, lived-in, with just the right amount of shabby chicness, nowadays farmhouse furnishings are as at home in an urban condo as they are in a literal farmhouse. But as with most things, it's important to remain authentic. Which is why Spencer Lee, designer and furniture specialist and founder of Lakeland Furniture, avoids the mass-produced, intentionally distressed stuff. "The problem is that the chippy paint look rarely feels authentic," he explains in an exclusive interview with House Digest. "It looks manufactured and sometimes even cheap, especially when every piece in a room has the same sanded edges."

For those seeking that countryside feel, he recommends blending in some solid wood furniture with clean lines, explaining, "This creates warmth without falling into the cookie-cutter farmhouse catalog trap." Another option is to source genuine farmhouse pieces by scouring estate sales, thrift stores, antique shops, and flea markets. Or those with the right amount of internet savvy and patience can turn to online retailers such as Antique Farmhouse, The Reclaimed Farmhouse, or 1stDibs, which often host vintage curations.

For those who love a slim line, a sleek feel, and a space devoid of clutter, "minimalism can be beautiful," says Lee. But he steers clear of most inexpensive, some-assembly-required pieces. "Those ultra-basic flat-pack items made from thin laminate or particle board rarely hold up," Lee explains. "They sag, chip, and visually fall flat in a space."

Instead, incorporate fresh minimalist decor using more elevated picks. "I suggest investing in minimalist furniture with substance — pieces with solid joinery, richer finishes, and thoughtful proportions," advises Lee. "Minimal doesn't have to mean flimsy." To ensure you're selecting pieces that will hold up, look for something made with solid wood at least an inch thick, versus thin veneer. (Another tell: Solid hardwood will show the imperfections of the wood, while a veneer is usually manufactured to give a more unified look.) You'll also want to ensure the joints are attached using screws or dowels, rather than staples, nails, or glue, which are likely to come undone.

Few furnishings pull a space together quite like a couch. The gathering spot for game watch parties and Netflix binge sessions, it needs to be sizable enough to contain a crowd, visually appealing, and, of course, extra comfy for lounging. And while some may feel this is a bigger-is-better situation, Lee explains, "Oversized recliner sofas are one of the first things I avoid, because they dominate a room in the worst way — they read more like appliances than furniture." Making a point to avoid them, he offers an alternative that blends form and function, saying, "Instead, I guide clients toward modular sectionals with deep seats and soft performance fabrics. They still deliver comfort and functionality, but with a more tailored, architectural presence."

Use these tips for choosing the right sofa shape for your living room. You'll want to consider both the size of your room (a large couch can crowd a smaller area, while a small loveseat can look out of place in a big space) and the surrounding furniture. And to ensure you can move about with ease, make sure to leave 30 to 36 inches between the couch, walls, and other furniture, allowing for an 18-inch gap between your resting spot and the coffee table.

Life in plastic isn't always so fantastic. The moldable, synthetic polymer certainly has its place. However, Courtney Cole, interior designer at TileCloud, isn't convinced that its place is in an elegant living space. Regarding plastic pieces, "I tend to avoid them when someone is looking for something more elevated," the pro explains in an exclusive interview with House Digest. "I feel like they can feel cheap and lack warmth."

To create a homier feel, "I like to lean toward materials like wood, glass, or metal," she adds. "I believe that furniture should not only look good but also stand the test of time." For those prioritizing durability, woods like teak, mahogany, walnut, and maple are all solid options, as are galvanized iron, stainless steel, and resilient fabrics like leather, linen, and cotton. While you may need to shell out more for the initial purchase, you're likely to save in the long run when buying pieces that can outlast the length of your mortgage.

People who live with glass-topped tables shouldn't throw out their cleaning supplies. "They're high-maintenance, showing every fingerprint, scratch, and smudge," Elizabeth Vergara, a design-build specialist at Vergara Homes, acknowledges to House Digest in an exclusive interview. Vergara tends to point clients toward a solid wood or stone table for their dining space instead, noting such materials "patina beautifully and add warmth to the home."

But for those who have their heart set on glass, investing in a tempered or laminated version can reduce the risk of scratching, while a textured or frosted top can better hide flaws. It's also smart to use a pad under heavier objects and to avoid dragging anything along the surface. To clean your glass furniture, use microfiber or lint-free cloths with vinegar-based or ammonia-free glass cleaners.

Age isn't just a number when it comes to furniture. And just because you can buy an artificially weathered dresser or cabinet that's been distressed to look vintage doesn't mean that you should. "I generally advise clients to steer clear of furniture that mimics 'patina' or has an artificially aged look," Olga Doykhen, a California-based interior designer, tells House Digest in an exclusive interview. "True character comes from living with beautiful materials over time."

To score a piece that looks like it has been passed down from generations, it's best to invest in something that's actually been around for generations. When decorating your home with flea market finds, pay particular attention to anything made of oak, suggests Doykhen. It's one of her favorite materials "because its complexity and richness deepen as it ages. If you're looking for heirloom quality in furniture, the piece has to be made from materials that hold up to daily life and age well."

Featuring large, deep cushions, the cloud sofa does look pretty dreamy, which is why its appeal soared, uh, sky high in the early 2020s. However, Terri Brien, principal designer of Terri Brien Interiors, insists in an exclusive interview with House Digest, "It doesn't hold up well in real life." The oversized, plush cushions "lose their shape quickly," she notes, "and no matter how much fluffing or repositioning is done, it still looks rumpled." Though she avoids the cult favorite, when one client insisted on it, she complied. "And for the photoshoot I even unzipped the cover and placed blankets underneath the cushions to give them more structure," she says, "and it still read messy in the photos."

Since the appeal of the cloud is its over-the-top comfort courtesy of larger seating and luxurious cushions, Brien suggests opting for a deep-set sofa with a tailored bench cushion and high-quality fill instead. "It provides the same comfort," she says, "but maintains a more polished look without having to constantly fluff the cushions." Those looking for a melt-into-the-cushions vibe should opt for a down or feather filling. Or, for a comfy combo of softness and support, consider hybrid fillings made of a mix of foam and fiber.

It can be tempting to go big in your home, but there's a solid chance that you could sour on that cotton-candy pink couch you once lusted over. "I steer clear of bold, brightly colored furniture pieces in spaces like living rooms," explains Brien. "A high-gloss lacquered side table in a saturated hue might look exciting in the showroom, but it's often an investment that doesn't grow with you." As your tastes change, she notes, the purchase you once loved could start to feel dated.

That's not to say you can't dream in color when decorating your space. But when it comes to eye-catching hues, it's best to bring them in through pieces of art, throw pillows, and other tchotchkes. "These elements can be easily rotated, layered, and updated as tastes evolve," notes Brien, "without locking the entire room into a fleeting trend." To add in pops of color without going full rainbow, use the timeless 60-30-10 color rule. Keep 60% of the room one dominant neutral hue, 30% a secondary shade, and the final 10% an accent color.

Sure, super sculptural pieces are true works of art, and they certainly serve as conversation pieces when you have guests over. However, notes Brien, "While they might get attention, they're rarely comfortable and usually end up unused." But if your heart is set on having a pièce de résistance in your living room, she recommends furnishings with classic lines and more subtly standout details (think: sculptural chair legs or a nubby bouclé fabric).

There is a good option for those who like to go bold, says Brien, "A vintage piece like a brutalist tripod chair has staying power and feels intentional rather than trendy." To source the unique find, you can surf through online marketplaces that specialize in vintage and specialty decor pieces, like Etsy or The Oblist. Just pay particular attention to shipping fees, particularly when perusing an overseas site.

Unless you're looking to go full flower child, leaning into the bohemian trend can make your space read more freshman dorm room than free-spirited and fun. "Boho-style furnishings are something I also avoid, especially papasan chairs or overly casual woven loungers. These pieces often read as cheap and juvenile rather than elevated, and they rarely integrate well into a polished home," Brien explains.

But those who favor jute, sisal, and bamboo can give their boho decor a smart refresh. "For clients who love natural textures, I recommend woven or rattan accents in a more refined form, like a vintage cane-back chair or a handwoven bench paired with higher quality upholstery," explains Brien. "This way you still capture the organic feel without compromising on sophistication." A few signs that you've picked a winner: The frame is made of a sturdy material like aluminum, and the strands are tightly woven, an indication that it's been well-crafted.

Fake it 'til you make it? Not on Brien's watch. As a rule, she shares that she never purchases pieces with imitation finishes, and instead prioritizes honest materials. Though she acknowledges that an imitation marble-top table or PVC leather chair is going to be more budget-friendly than the real deal, "They don't wear well and cheapen the look of a space."

If that perfectly worn-in leather armchair feels out of reach, remember that the best things can come in smaller packages. "Real materials, even in smaller doses, will always provide more longevity and depth," swears Brien. "For example, a small marble side table or a solid wood accent bench will feel richer and last longer." A reclaimed wood piece, like this HOKYHOKY Farmhouse Entryway Bench, can elevate your foyer. And nesting tables like this Rutledge & King's Hexagon End Table Set, adds a touch of class to your reading nook.

Having an aesthetic you love and a very defined point of view when it comes to your decor is the sort of thing that leads to compliments. But leaning so far into the farmhouse vibe that your space begins to resemble a log cabin generally only works in a literal log cabin. "While the popular farmhouse aesthetic is gorgeous, people tend to want everything to match that rustic vibe," Anna Tatsioni, lead interior designer and architect at Decorilla, explains in an exclusive interview with House Digest. "But I recommend creating layers with pieces from different periods and sources to reduce the feeling of everything feeling so perfectly matched."

In other words, mix it up and create a tasteful blend of old and new furniture. Selecting pieces you love that are different styles, textures, and shades is what makes a space uniquely you. "People shouldn't shy away from pairing a modern console with antique accessories," suggests Tatsioni. "This approach creates depth and tells a story about who actually lives in the space." To deftly combine styles in a way that feels modern, not messy, try to find at least one cohesive element, whether that's clean lines, all-natural materials, or colors that complement one another. Or opt for design styles that coordinate well, such as boho chic and mid-century modern or preppy and coastal aesthetics.

A Barbie dreamhouse feel may be the stuff of childhood fantasies, but it doesn't always translate to a grown-up home. Similarly, man cave styles are best reserved for bachelor pads or basement bars. As Andrea Sinkin, interior designer at Andrea Sinkin Design, explains in an exclusive interview with House Digest, "I avoid furniture that is overly masculine for a family home, just the same way I avoid furniture that is overly feminine for a family home."

That's not to say furnishings in rich hunter greens, rust hues, or burnt oranges don't have their place. Or that you can't opt for florals, pastel colorways, or delicate details like skirts, ornate carvings, or fluted accents. You just want to avoid hitting the same note over and over. So if you've found the pink accent chair of your dreams, let it be the star, incorporating it into your space with more neutral hues or complementary colors like navy blues or forest greens.