'90s Living Room Trends That Deserve A Comeback

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Nostalgia is having a big moment in interior design, and the warm fuzzies that it brings is driving a resurgence of certain trends. Thanks to the fatigue of social media feeds full of stark, white interiors now fading from style, some bold '90s-inspired decor styles are making a comeback. This means that living rooms are now seeing some fun, throwback vibes. These include patterned seating, colorful walls, and furniture with more interesting silhouettes than what's been common in recent years.

However, the key to making these work the second (and for some, the third) time around is restraint. You don't want your living room to look theme-y or like it has, in fact, been stuck in time. However, refreshing new takes on these styles can be sprinkled into modern spaces for an on-trend glimpse back in time. So, turn on that Green Day album, heat up some Bagel Bites, and brainstorm how you can add an ode to the '90s to your living room.

Wicker seating was seen everywhere in the '90s, and not just on patios and porches. Whole sets took over living rooms, often including couches, coffee tables, and matching pairs of chairs. Originally popular in Victorian England, it took America by storm in the '70s, '80s, and '90s. Today, the look is back, thanks to the desire for more warmth, texture, and natural materials in living spaces.

However, modern wicker comes with evolved silhouettes. Look for sculptural shapes in furniture and decor, but don't overdo it. For example, Safavieh Home Collection's Ventura Brown and White Washed Arm Chair has toned-down lines and a more modern color. You may even be able to find quality wicker at the thrift store that you can clean up and paint with a fresh hue. Then, contrast the material with polished metal and sleek leather for visual interest and balance. And stick to just a few pieces, instead of a whole wicker wonderland. Designer Hattie Sparks Collins told Southern Living, "Wicker should be treated like a quiet guest at a dinner party; it shouldn't scream for attention, but it brings warmth and personality."

Honey oak was another natural material that took over '90s coffee and side table sets, as well as large built-in entertainment centers. Then, there was a whole movement to banish the finish, including countless chalk paint and restaining tutorials. Other shades of oak (hello, blond oak trend) have stuck around. However, we're welcoming honey oak back as a shift to warmth is occurring after years of gray and greige living rooms. But now, it has a more neutral, less-orange hue and is more versatile than ever.

Carefully choosing furniture pieces is the easiest and most accessible way to inject honey oak back into your living room. Don't go overboard and matchy-matchy with a ton of the finish. In fact, carefully mixing wood tones can give you a more thoughtfully styled space. So, opt for a credenza, a coffee table, or even a piece of honey oak wall decor that meshes well with your existing pieces. When shopping, narrow your search to clean, modern silhouettes with details like fluted doors. For pieces with hardware like knobs, look for matte silver or black metal to play off the warm tone of the wood.

Chintz reigned supreme in the '90s, and multiple floral patterns were layered in everything from textiles to knick-knacks. This gave some interiors a haphazard look as the prints were combined without rhyme or reason. Today, these bold and bright florals are coming back, thanks to a renewed desire for pattern, color, and cottage-inspired designs trending.

However, chintzy looks are now being highlighted next to more modern materials and against neutral backdrops. So, you want to add just a few small touches to bring life to a space. Floral textiles, like DKwizme's Vintage Vintage Botanical Throw Pillows, are a budget-friendly and low-commitment way to try the look on a plain couch. Or for those ready to dive in a bit more, accent furniture can make a '90s-inspired statement. Just look for pieces with clean shapes and sleek legs. For example, seating like DreamsIdeaStore's Floral Armchair, has a simple silhouette paired with chintzy upholstery.

The '90s didn't stop at florals when it came to using patterns in big ways. Bold geometric upholstered sofas, striped loveseats, and gingham armchairs gave living rooms eclectic looks. These were often brightly colored and combined with busy wall finishes and patterned wallpaper for an immersive feel. Now, after years of filling their homes with millennial gray furniture pieces, people are looking for a way to spice up living rooms. This time around, subtle and thoughtful ways of integrating patterns can create more modern and polished vibes.

To swap in some '90s-inspired prints, look for simple sets like a sofa and a loveseat pairing or a duo of armchairs. Patterns in neutral colors also help make this trend more doable in today's spaces. Large-scale ones like the plaid in Tina's Home Store Set of 2 Accent Chairs make a statement while working with a wide range of other pieces. To create a cohesive look, shop for patterns that have a color or two in common with the other upholstery that you already have in the room.

Wallpaper has always cycled in and out of style. However, the patterns of the '90s had an iconic look. Pretty pastels and stripes combined with florals created maximalist living rooms. Plus, the coordinating border was a must at the time. However, anyone who has tried to remove decades-old wallpaper knows that it wasn't exactly a temporary fixture. Luckily, today's peel-and-stick technology means that experimenting means minimal risk.

There are some modern takes on vintage pastel floral wallpaper out there with slightly bolder hues and a bit more contrast. For example, HaokHome's Floral Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper comes in a few different vividly-colored variations. To keep things fresh, add floral wallpaper in small doses, like a living room accent wall, that has the potential to make a big impact. Or, use it in an unexpected place like the ceiling or on the backs of shelves. It could even be used on a half-wall to pay homage to the '90s chair rail look. No matter where you choose to install the wallpaper, plan to paint the surrounding surfaces a coordinating color for a polished vibe.

In the '90s, living room windows were shielded from prying eyes with opulent, layered, and heavy window treatments. There were multiple valances, ruffled drapes, and lots of fringe — all bets were off. Now, some want to steer away from minimalist shades and cellular blinds, and instead toward depth and detail. That's not to say that you need to veer all the way back to over-the-top curtain combos. However, a little texture can add a lot of interest to a space.

For an updated take on this concept, think toned-down fullness. If you'd like to lean lightly into the idea, relaxed Roman shades are trending for their subtle softness and billowy look. However, those who crave a bit more movement and pattern can lean into contemporary takes on ruffles. Mixing and matching subtle patterns, like in the VHC Brands Kaila Ruffled Curtain Set, can make a statement without being overwhelming. These options aren't as thick and bold as those of the '90s, but they still provide privacy and add a fun look to a space.

The '90s were filled with pastel living rooms in hues like peach and green. And these weren't just used as accent colors. Entire palettes were created with the sweet shades, creating a bit of an overwhelming look at times. "In the '90s, pastels took over large surface areas — like painting a whole room mint green. The level of pastel use we're seeing now is just dipping a toe in the water — it hasn't taken over entire rooms," Lynne Clark, owner at Clark & Clark Interiors, tells Trulia.

Toned-down versions of these sherberty hues can add vintage-feeling color while remaining sophisticated. For example, buttery yellows are now more muted, and pinks are dusty rather than bubble gum-like. To make these colors work, pair them with neutral, modern pieces for a grounding effect. However, if you aren't ready to color-drench your living room in '90s-inspired peach, scatter a few accents for little pops of the hue. For example, artwork like Dazoratix's Flower Market Wall Prints can add a touch of coordinated color to a neutral backdrop.

In addition to pretty pastels, the '90s also saw some bold color schemes full of intense and saturated jewel tones. From burnt orange to burgundy, these hues were layered in textiles, upholstery, and of course, wall colors. They are now circling back, but in strategic and targeted ways.

Isfira Jensen, CEO of Jensen & Co. Interiors, tells Elle Decor that she loves using jewel tones to make a statement and highlight a space. The principal designer explains, "I'll often apply a bold color across a large surface in a room, like a wall or built-in cabinetry, then balance it with neutral colors in other areas to tone down the high impact." Coating just one wall in a bold designer favorite like Dark Burgundy or Blue by Benjamin Moore can instantly transform a whole room. Or, add a few jewel-toned accents to the room to make it feel glam. For example, textiles like Teieas' Velvet Throw Pillow are a low-commitment way to try out the statement-making colors.

The '90s saw curvy furniture in every form, from sofas to overstuffed chairs. These pieces were all about comfort, but also came off as chic. Fast forward to today, and organic shapes and free-flowing details are trending again. Curvy furniture is heading back to living rooms to soften straight-lined silhouettes, but now with more convenience and modern sensibilities.

Designer Lindsie Davis explains to Good Housekeeping, "Today, that same inviting shape has been reimagined with low-slung curved sofas upholstered in velvet or performance linen, modular sectionals with generous cushions and sculptural barrel chairs in leather, textured weaves or even a bold pattern." So, you don't have to replace all of your living room furniture to get a curvy '90s look. Accent furniture, like Chita Store's Velvet Barrel Arm Chair, can coordinate well with a neutral couch and liven up a space. Or, a curvy sofa, like OneMMLion's Cloud Couch, is simple and neutral enough to go with other '90s comebacks like bold hues and patterned wallpaper.

Chrome has cycled in and out of style over the decades. In the '90s, it was a popular choice for furniture frames and accent pieces like table and wall decor. Now, it's making a welcome return to replace the matte accents that have inundated the scene in recent years.

For a modern take, the metal can be injected in small pops to avoid overwhelming the eye. It also creates an interesting juxtaposition with natural materials, like linen and wood, that are trending as well. And you don't even have to replace whole pieces of furniture. Small swaps like Smaxcn's Chrome Furniture Legs or Asidrama's Cabinet Knobs can be used to update current credenzas or sofa tables. You also don't have to ditch the rest of the metal in your space either. Mixing metals in your decor can actually give your space a more curated look. Plus, chrome works well with both warm-toned and black metals, two recently popular choices that might already be in your living room.

In the '90s, the ruffles of window treatments were often echoed in furniture skirts, adorning everything from sofas to armchairs. These added texture to living rooms and gave the pieces an opulent look that reached the floor. And as we move away from overly simplistic designs, skirts are coming back in a modern way.

Helen Ashmore, design director at Laura Ashley, tells Real Simple, "It brings a softness and femininity to interiors that feels both nostalgic and playful. And when used alongside more contemporary pieces, it creates a relaxed and welcoming look with timeless appeal." This is good news for those who aren't ready for a full living room overhaul. Plus, there's a wide range of options to meet various styles, from sleek, toned-down skirts to those with loads of ruffles. There are also options for those not wanting to invest in new pieces at all. Covers, like Niceec's Universal Slipcover with Skirt, come in a few sizes and several colors to transform current sofas.