The Once-Popular Furniture Trend That Should Really Stay In The Past

Home decor trends come and go, and some even like to pop back up every now and again, like acrylic furniture. It was a major decor trend in the '70s and resurfaced again in the 2000s when people wanted to create the illusion that their knickknacks were floating on transparent shelves. Or, they hoped to make their small spaces seem bigger with "invisible" pieces like side tables, coffee tables, or even desks. And while certain acrylic pieces, particularly anything in that coveted iridescent shade, might always hold a special place in some hearts, many designers believe the style should really stay in the past.

"I'd be happy to not see or use acrylic furniture ever again," Texas-based home designer Jean Liu told Southern Living. Wow, quite the low blow to anyone who currently has acrylic pieces sitting in their home. But Liu isn't the only one ready to push acrylic furniture behind the curtain. It seems people overall just aren't as crazy about it as they once were, and there are understandable reasons why. For instance, one TikTok video proved just how sensitive acrylic can be when the poster accidentally scratching a brand-new iridescent acrylic coffee table right out of the box. While acrylic furniture definitely had its moment, what really suggests that people are no longer scrambling for these pieces is the lack of attention they're drawing online, with the hashtag #acrylicfurniture racking up less than 1,800 posts. Recent videos featuring acrylic furniture are getting a little love, but they're not going viral, and people aren't shouting from the rooftops, "I've got to have it!"

As an overall furniture trend, acrylic seems to be on its way out. Not only is acrylic challenging to fit into every design setup, but it also shows signs of wear pretty quickly, which can make it look cheap. And let's not forget that some acrylic furniture can turn yellow over time. Given that the material is made with acrylic acid, it is prone to discoloration, especially when exposed to heat and sunlight. Certain chemicals can also speed up the yellowing too, which makes it even less appealing to have in your home.

But that doesn't mean acrylic can't work in any space. There are still a few styles where it truly shines (literally). If you're going for a free-spirited look, something like boho chic, bohemian, retro, Y2K, or even a playful modern-maximalist vibe, acrylic can absolutely have a place. TikToker @madzzn_ showed exactly how to make an iridescent acrylic coffee table work in her living room by pairing it with a black-and-white checkered rug, houseplants, retro wall prints, a light pink couch and curtains, as well as whimsical Y2K decor. In that kind of setup, it actually fits. In general, however, this furniture trend just doesn't seem to hit the mark for everyone anymore.