Say Goodbye To These Bedroom Items That Will Date Your Space In 2026

Your bedroom should be a welcoming space and somewhere you want to spend time relaxing. But, if we're being honest, the decor in there probably hasn't changed in years. Bedrooms are very personal spaces, and they should, at heart, be designed in a way that suits your own personal needs. However, that doesn't mean that it's not a good idea to pay attention to what's making the space look outdated. 

Bedroom design trends that will make your space look and feel good should be those you gravitate towards, and even if you're not planning a major overhaul, removing a few key items and switching them up for fresher pieces could make a huge difference to the way you perceive your bedroom. With almost half of Americans finding their bedrooms too cluttered, according to a survey by Joybird, picking up on the design trends for 2026 could be a great opportunity to refresh and revitalize the space. From bed frames to all-white bedding, we'll run through some of the outdated bedroom items it's time to say goodbye to.

The one piece of bedroom furniture that is making the room look outdated is the traditional bed frame, with the sheer size and bulk dominating even larger spaces. Traditional beds, such as sleigh beds or those with elaborate headboards, can look dated, whereas the trend for beds in 2026 is, as designer Maya Axt explained to The Spruce, "all about clean lines, natural materials, and textures that bring warmth and longevity." 

Matching furniture sets can make your bedroom look a little devoid of character and more like a furniture showroom. But how do you avoid matching bedroom sets if you still want to create a cohesive look? The answer is to reduce the amount of matching pieces you have (you could still keep matching bedside tables, for example) and then look for pieces that complement each other rather than match. If you're on a budget, you could move pieces from around the house or look into creative ways you can repurpose your old furniture.  

Elaborate bedding in the form of multiple pillows and throws just looks fussy and, if we're being honest, will probably spend more time piled up on a chair or on the floor. Designer Terri Brien told Apartment Therapy that she recommends that you "opt for simpler layers that have tons of texture, including no more than three throw pillows. This looks refined and current while staying approachable and liveable."

All-white bedding is the once timeless bedding staple that's starting to feel cold and dated. Designer Ellie Stein told Apartment Therapy that she would "never let a crisp white sheet go, but layering a bed with warmer neutrals, textures, patterns, and colors has taken a huge first place over a white duvet cover, white coverlet, and matching white shams." This isn't to say that you should immediately throw away all your white bedding, but just think of mixing it up with touches of color, such as a throw.

Huge pieces of bulky furniture are the outdated trend that is taking up way too much space in your bedroom. Trends for 2026 see softer, curved pieces that are far slimmer and take up less space. Fabric is also replacing heavier wood, so if you're on a budget, you could try upcycling a table or headboard with fabric to help soften its bulkiness, giving your bedroom a more serene and relaxing feel. 

Smacking a little of the 1970s, mirrored furniture does make a small room look bigger, but, according to Maya Axt, speaking to The Spruce, they're still not worth the trouble. "Mirrored furniture reflects light harshly, shows wear quickly, and adds a flashy note that doesn't age well." Instead, try using warmer materials such as lighter wood, which will bring their own textures to a bedroom, helping to open up the space. 

Believe it or not, there was a time when ornate details and even sparkly finishes were considered the height of glamor in a bedroom. But with modern design, these pieces can actually make a bedroom look cheaper, as they just don't work with the softer and gentler feel that 2026 design trends are promoting. Pieces that are too loud in a space that's meant to be restful can be very jarring. 

You might want to reconsider DIYing your headboard, as, unless you've got serious DIY skills, the whole effect can look a little amateurish and slapdash. Trends have moved away from homemade projects and veered towards vintage pieces in order to convey a story and a sense of substance. Alternatively, look for a new piece with a classic look that could be mistaken for a vintage piece.   

The old-fashioned ceiling fan, complete with chains, is never going to make a bedroom look its most stylish. But it's hard to ignore the practicalities of one if you live in a hotter part of the world. Updating to a modern version is an easy way to bring your bedroom into 2026 without spending the earth — you'll even find versions nowadays that hide the blades away. 

Carpet covering your bedroom floor, particularly if it's in a loud and rather dated color, can quickly date your decor. Carpets show wear and tear easily and can trap dust and other allergens that could keep you awake at night. For a more serene and sleek bedroom for 2026, think stripped-back and varnished floorboards along with a textured rug to add some interest (and a little warmth for your feet on cold nights).