4 Outdated Furniture Trends That Are Making A Comeback

There are five steps to the trend cycle: introduction, rise, peak, decline, and obsolescence. The con is that you wonder if anything is ever truly timeless, but the pro is that it doesn’t matter—the cycle never ends. (That’s part of what makes antiquing so fun!) There’s still room for evolution, however. When trends are reintroduced, we often see them interpreted in a new way or styled completely differently. This keeps them fun and keeps them from feeling dated.

Inspired? Designers say four retro furniture trends inspire their present design choices. Consider this your checklist when shopping at Grandma’s house or the local thrift shop.

Ornate Woods and Detailed Carving

“As more homeowners seek character and craftsmanship in their interiors, they’re gravitating toward furniture with a sense of history and away from mass-produced pieces,” says Cheynne Ely, owner and principal designer of Cheyenne Paige Interiors in The Woodlands, Texas. “That might mean sourcing antique pieces or choosing new furniture inspired by traditional techniques.”

The goal for many is to mix vintage finds with contemporary pieces, creating a curated, collected-over-time look that feels personal and storied. They also provide necessary contrast for new builds and renovated homes. If pieces like hand-carved coffee tables or heirloom-quality sideboards and hutches intrigue you, Ely recommends using keywords like “primitive,” “pine,” “heavy,” and “antique” in your online searches.

Dark, Moody Woods

The warmth and depth we’ve all been craving have officially been rediscovered in wood like espresso-stained oak, rich walnut, and even ebonized finishes. “The key to making them feel fresh is balancing them with lighter elements, like creamy textiles, natural stone, or brushed brass hardware,” Ely advises.

Not only will pairing them with other dark elements make your space feel dated, but it’ll also make it feel dingy and gloomy (which is different from “moody”). In the end, you’ll most likely end up feeling unmotivated to spend time there.

Curves and Soft Edges

“Originally a staple of mid-century design, these organic shapes bring a sense of movement and calm,” says Alexis Earman, founder of The Woodbury Home in Wilmington, North Carolina. “The fluid lines soften harsh edges, making a space feel more inviting and effortlessly stylish.”

She predicts the trend is here to stay because it transforms a room with warmth and flow compared to the sharp lines of most modern furniture. There’s no need to replace all of your belongings, though. Even one curvy piece can change the personality of a room, instantly creating contrast.

Reclining Sofas

You’re probably thinking about overstuffed, cup holder-laden La-Z-boys from the early 2000s right now—but don’t. “As it turns out, the design world has come a long way,” Ely admits. “There are actually some gorgeous recliners out there that don’t scream ‘man cave’ or ‘Dad’s football chair.’” In fact, you may not even notice you’re sitting in a recliner until someone points it out to you. Finally, furniture designers are proving that you don’t have to choose between comfort and aesthetics.