Interior Designers Reveal 7 Outdated Bedroom Trends To Avoid & What To Do Instead

Say goodbye to outdated bedroom trends and hello to fresh ideas that make your space feel modern, cozy, and functional! 

From ditching matchy furniture sets to embracing bold patterns and clever layouts, this guide covers seven fading trends and the exciting updates to try instead. 

Whether you’re rethinking your furniture, decor, or overall vibe, these tips will help you create a bedroom that’s stylish, comfortable, and uniquely yours. Let’s dive in!

Matching Sets

Matching bedroom furniture sets are falling out of favor. Once a staple in big-box stores, these coordinated collections are becoming less available and less desirable. 

The traditional idea of buying a complete set of matching bed frames, nightstands, and dressers now feels outdated. 

Designers and homeowners alike are moving toward a more personalized and dynamic approach to bedroom design, leaving the uniformity of matching sets behind.

Try Instead: Asymmetry

The trend is moving toward asymmetry, where furniture and decor don’t match perfectly but still work together cohesively. 

Designers are embracing the beauty of imperfection, often pairing mismatched nightstands or incorporating a mix of materials and styles. Eclectic bedrooms might include a modern nightstand paired with a vintage dresser or a blend of new purchases and thrifted finds. 

Another fresh approach is repurposing furniture—like using a dining sideboard as a clothing storage piece in the bedroom. This not only adds character but allows for more creativity and versatility in design.

Dressers

The dresser, once a bedroom essential, is becoming less common. Many new homes feature expansive closets with built-in storage solutions, making dressers and chests of drawers unnecessary. 

This evolution in home design has led to a shift in how bedrooms are furnished, allowing for more flexibility in choosing decorative or functional pieces that enhance the room’s atmosphere without the bulk of traditional storage furniture.

Try Instead: Seating

With dressers taking a backseat, bedrooms are gaining extra space for seating arrangements. Adding an armchair, a cushioned bench, or a loveseat can make the bedroom a more functional and relaxing environment. 

These seating options can create a cozy reading nook or a comfortable spot to unwind before bed, turning the bedroom into a multipurpose space that’s both stylish and practical.

Curved Furniture

Furniture with rounded, arched designs, such as channel-tufted headboards, curved chaises, and circular sofas, is seeing a decline. While these pieces were popular for their soft, flowing lines, they can feel bulky and overly trendy. 

Many homeowners and designers are opting for more classic, streamlined designs that offer a timeless appeal without compromising comfort.

Try Instead: Polished Frames

Straight, polished furniture silhouettes are making a comeback, emphasizing clean lines and simplicity. 

These designs are often shorter and less imposing than their curved predecessors, creating a sleek, minimalist look. Instead of plush or tufted headboards, people are leaning into alternatives like supportive pillows or layering bedding for a cozy and functional aesthetic.

California Modern Style

The once-popular California modern style, characterized by bright whites, neutral tones, and minimalistic steel-and-glass elements, is losing its appeal.

While the intention of this style was to create light and airy spaces, many found it too sterile and lacking in personality. As tastes evolve, homeowners are seeking warmer, more inviting aesthetics that feel connected to their environment.

Try Instead: Nods To Local

Bedroom design is becoming more regionally inspired, with decor reflecting the local environment, culture, and history. 

For example, coastal homes might incorporate driftwood, shell accents, and soft blues, while historic homes might feature antique furniture or vintage artwork. Adding natural materials like wood, stone, and woven textiles can further enhance the connection to the area. 

Another way to achieve this look is by sourcing decor from local artisans or incorporating elements that bring the outdoors in, such as potted plants, natural textures, or earthy color palettes.

Minimalism

Minimalism, particularly in bedding and wall colors, is on the decline. Stark white and gray tones, which dominated for years, are being replaced by more dynamic and colorful options. 

Minimalist bedding with little to no layering is also being swapped out for richer, more visually interesting setups. The all-white aesthetic that once defined many spaces now feels overly simplistic and uninspired to many homeowners.

Try Instead: Patterns and Textures

Bedrooms are being transformed with vibrant colors, bold patterns, and textured decor that adds depth and interest. Layering is key to this approach, with bedding incorporating a mix of colors, fabrics, and patterns. 

Throw blankets in various knits and materials, along with decorative pillows in complementary patterns, bring personality and warmth to the room. Walls are also getting a makeover, with textured or patterned wallpaper becoming a popular choice to add character. 

Floral designs and other detailed patterns are particularly on-trend, offering a fresh and lively alternative to plain, minimalist decor.

A Lack of Zoning

In recent years, open-plan home layouts have become less popular as people gravitate toward designs that prioritize comfort and privacy. 

Bedrooms, in particular, benefit from being divided into functional zones rather than being left as vast, open spaces. 

A lack of zoning can make a bedroom feel empty and uninviting, while thoughtful division of the space can enhance its coziness and functionality.

Try Instead: Zones

Consider breaking the room into distinct areas based on its uses, such as sleeping, working, or relaxing. This can be achieved through creative layouts, using furniture like bookshelves or room dividers, or even incorporating curtains or rugs to define specific sections. 

For example, a nook bed can create a secluded sleeping area, while a seating arrangement or workspace can make another part of the room feel purposeful and separate. By creating clear zones, the bedroom becomes a more welcoming and practical retreat.

Too Much Clutter on Display

Clutter in the bedroom can negatively impact relaxation, making the space feel overwhelming and stressful. 

When items are scattered or piled up, especially at eye level, it demands attention and disrupts the sense of calm that a bedroom should provide. Instead, aim to keep surfaces clear and organized while adding only a few thoughtfully chosen decorative elements.

Try Instead: Discreet Storage

To manage clutter, invest in practical storage solutions such as baskets, trays, and shelves. Baskets can neatly store extra blankets, while trays on nightstands can corral essentials like books or lamps. 

Built-in cabinetry or shelving is another effective way to keep items out of sight while still accessible. The goal is to style the room with enough personal touches to reflect your taste without overloading it with unnecessary items. 

A clean and organized bedroom not only promotes better sleep but also creates an inviting and peaceful atmosphere.