Everyone's Grandma Had It — Now It's The Decor Trend We Want In Our Homes

Retro, nostalgic trends are always super popular, from the dubious return of the conversation pit to that summer a few years back where we were all wearing garish '70s print flares. So, it only makes sense that retro begins to take inspiration from the ultimate old-school icons — our grandmas. Yup, grandmacore is massive, with floral curtains trending again and kitsch collectibles being the thrift store find we are all searching for. In the world of grandmacore, there is one decor trend that is making some surprising waves: skirted upholstery. 

The recent popularity of skirted upholstery kind of makes sense when we think about interior design trends of 2026. Recently, lived-in, homey vibes are taking over from more structured spaces, with many of us opting for soft furniture and layouts that promote conversation, connection, and relaxation. Amanda Huber, Creative Director at The Dining Chair Company, told Ideal Home that "skirted dining chairs and dining benches speak to a desire for softness, texture, and tailored detail to bring comfort, warmth, and personality to the home." Plus, the element of nostalgia makes us feel safe. When we are surrounded by things that remind us of our childhood and simpler times, we really feel at home in our space. 

There are also practical benefits with floral upholstery, which is awesome, as who doesn't love a trend that doubles up as something useful? When you are adding a skirted chair or sofa to your home, you are also adding a new storage space. Those craft boxes that look ugly, all piled up on your bookshelf? Hide them under the pleats and tassels of skirted upholstery. 

One of the beautiful things about skirted furniture is that there is a place for it in every room. Skirt your bathroom sink for a cute cottagecore look, skirt your kitchen table for farmhouse vibes, or skirt your old armchairs for that true grandma feel. However, it may be a bit much to skirt everything all at once. Instead, go for small touches at first to see how skirted upholstery fits into your style. It may be helpful to look at rooms that feel a little dull to work out where to add skirting. For example, if your bedroom feels a bit simple, adding a patterned skirt to your bed or dressing table can liven things up. You may also want to think strategically. Are the wooden doors under your kitchen sink becoming an eyesore? Are the shelves in your hallways always covered in junk? Cover these less-than-desirable spaces up with a clever skirt placement.

Before you bring skirted upholstery into your home, you should also think about the style you want to go for. Thankfully, this old-school decor your grandma loved can fit into a range of aesthetics. If you want to go full-on grandmacore, opt for vintage florals and motifs. However, if you tend to shy away from styles that feel overly trendy, go for a timeless pattern, such as a stripe. For a more updated twist on skirted upholstery, use neutrals and earthy hues, and match it with modern finishes and pieces. 

Finally, when styling your skirted upholstery, always keep your personality in mind. Trends are fun, but your home should reflect your personality, so make sure you make this nostalgic home decor trend truly your own, whichever way you work it.