10 Texas Furniture Designs That Look Outdated
Texas homes have their own unique furniture style that’s changed a lot over the years. What was once trendy in living rooms across Dallas, Houston, and Austin can now make your space look stuck in the past.
I’ve noticed some classic Texas furniture pieces that might be dragging down your home’s style factor, and it’s time for an honest look at what needs updating.
1. Cowhide Everything
Remember when every Texas home had at least three pieces of cowhide furniture? Those spotted sofas and chairs were status symbols back in the day. Now they scream “time capsule from 2005.”
The all-cowhide look has been replaced by more subtle nods to western heritage. If you still have a living room that resembles a cattle ranch gift shop, it might be time for an update. Consider keeping just one statement piece instead.
2. Oversized Carved Wood Armoires
Those massive, ornately carved wooden armoires once dominated Texas bedrooms like gentle giants. Hand-carved with intricate details and dark staining, they were prized possessions in many households.
Today’s design trends favor cleaner lines and more functional storage solutions. The heavy, imposing look creates visual clutter and makes rooms feel smaller than they are. Modern Texas homes are embracing built-ins or more streamlined furniture that doesn’t overwhelm the space.
3. Longhorn Skull Wall Mounts
Walking into a Texas home to find a massive longhorn skull mounted above the fireplace used to be as expected as sweet tea at dinner. These dramatic wall decorations were the ultimate Lone Star statement piece.
The problem? They’ve become such a cliché that designers now consider them the equivalent of a “Live, Laugh, Love” sign. Modern Texas décor incorporates state pride more subtly. If you can’t part with your beloved skull, try moving it to a less prominent position or pairing it with contemporary elements.
4. Tuscan-Inspired Kitchen Islands
Faux-finished, ornately carved kitchen islands with heavy corbels and distressed paint finishes dominated Texas kitchens through the early 2000s. These massive structures aimed to bring Old World European charm to suburban homes across the state.
The aged, artificially distressed look now appears contrived rather than charming. Modern Texas kitchens favor cleaner lines with subtle rustic touches that feel more authentic. Islands with simpler profiles in natural woods or painted in crisp colors have taken center stage, providing the functionality without the dated aesthetic.
5. Matching Western Furniture Sets
Those matching western furniture sets with identical leather sofas, loveseats, and recliners were once the pride of Texas living rooms. Often adorned with nailhead trim and accompanied by coordinating tables, these sets made decorating simple.
Interior designers now advocate for a more collected, personalized approach. Mixing complementary pieces creates visual interest and tells a more authentic story about your home. The matchy-matchy look screams furniture showroom rather than thoughtful design and lacks the character that makes Texas homes special.
6. Oil Derrick Lamps
Oil derrick-shaped table lamps once proudly celebrated Texas’s petroleum industry in homes across the state. Made from metal or resin with fabric shades often featuring western motifs, these novelty lighting fixtures were conversation starters.
The industrial-meets-kitsch look now feels more like outdated souvenir shop décor than sophisticated lighting. Modern Texas interiors embrace cleaner lighting designs that reference regional heritage more subtly. If you’re attached to this petroleum tribute, consider relegating it to a home office or den rather than your main living space.
7. Wrought Iron Everything
Heavy wrought iron furniture and accessories took over Texas homes during the Spanish-inspired design craze. From dining sets to bed frames to wine racks, these dark, ornate pieces dominated interiors with their substantial presence.
The excessive use of wrought iron now makes spaces feel heavy and outdated. Contemporary Texas design incorporates metal more judiciously, often opting for lighter finishes like brushed brass or matte black. If you still love the look, limit yourself to one statement piece rather than an entire home’s worth.
8. Star-Shaped Everything
The Texas star motif experienced such popularity that at one point, you couldn’t walk through a home without spotting it on furniture, cabinet hardware, light fixtures, and accessories. Some enthusiastic homeowners incorporated dozens of stars throughout a single room.
While Texas pride remains strong, the oversaturation of this symbol now feels kitschy rather than patriotic. Modern Texas homes incorporate state symbolism more thoughtfully and sparingly. A single quality star accent makes a stronger statement than a constellation of mass-produced decorations plastered across every surface.
9. Wagon Wheel Furniture
Wagon wheel coffee tables, chairs, and headboards galloped into Texas homes during the height of the western décor trend. These pieces incorporated actual wooden wheels (or replicas) as structural elements, creating conversation pieces that dominated rooms.
The literal interpretation of western heritage now feels more theme-park than tasteful homage. Contemporary Texas design draws inspiration from ranch life more subtly. If you’re still rolling with wagon wheel furniture, consider whether it’s a cherished antique worth keeping or just a dated trend piece ready for replacement.
10. Antler Chandeliers
Massive antler chandeliers were once the crown jewels of Texas dining rooms and entryways. These imposing fixtures, made from real or faux deer and elk antlers, made bold statements about the homeowner’s hunting prowess or admiration for wildlife.
The overwhelming scale and rustic heaviness of these lighting fixtures now clash with more refined contemporary Texas interiors. Modern homes are embracing lighting with cleaner lines while incorporating natural elements more subtly. If you’re still hanging onto your antler showpiece, consider whether it truly enhances your space or simply overwhelms it.
