6 Interior Design Items Experts Say You Should Toss And 6 They Approve Keeping

Ever wondered if those dusty design relics cluttering your home deserve to stay or go? Interior design experts have strong opinions about what makes a space feel fresh versus dated.

I’ve gathered their wisdom to help you decide which items to trash and which treasures to keep, so you can transform your living space without starting completely from scratch.

1. Toss: Matching Furniture Sets

Remember when buying an entire bedroom suite was the height of sophistication? Those days are long gone! Professional designers now cringe at rooms filled with identical wood finishes and matching fabrics.

Mixing different pieces creates visual interest and makes your space look thoughtfully curated rather than plucked straight from a showroom floor. Try pairing your existing dresser with a different nightstand style or swapping out just the headboard for a fresh look.

2. Keep: Quality Wooden Furniture

Got a solid wood dresser or table that’s seen better days? Hold onto it! Well-made wooden pieces often just need some TLC to shine again. That scratched-up table might look dated now, but it has serious potential.

Quality wood furniture can be refinished, painted, or updated with new hardware for an entirely new look. I’ve seen 50-year-old dressers transformed into stunning statement pieces with just a weekend of work and some creativity.

3. Toss: Word Art Signs

Those ubiquitous “Live, Laugh, Love” and “Home Sweet Home” signs had their moment, but designers unanimously agree it’s time to retire them. Generic word art has become the ultimate design cliché, making spaces feel impersonal and dated.

Your home should reflect your unique personality, not generic phrases mass-produced for everyone. Replace these with actual artwork that speaks to you emotionally or photographs that tell your personal story for a more authentic home environment.

4. Keep: Books You Actually Read

Contrary to those minimalist influencers suggesting you ditch all paper, designers love books as decor – but only if you actually read them! Real books add personality, color, and dimension to your shelves.

Arrange them both horizontally and vertically for visual interest. Leave some breathing room rather than cramming every inch. Books reveal your interests and spark conversations with guests, functioning as both practical items and meaningful decor elements.

5. Toss: Outdated Window Treatments

Heavy, ornate curtains with swags, tiebacks, and valances make rooms feel smaller and darker while collecting dust. Those vertical plastic blinds from the 90s aren’t doing your space any favors either!

Modern window treatments focus on clean lines and functionality. Simple panels that reach from ceiling to floor create height and elegance. Natural materials like linen or cotton in neutral tones offer timeless appeal while letting in precious natural light.

6. Keep: Vintage Rugs

That faded Persian or kilim rug you inherited? Absolute gold in designers’ eyes! Vintage rugs bring instant character, history, and warmth to any space, even the most contemporary rooms.

Natural wear patterns add charm rather than looking shabby. The muted colors in aged rugs work beautifully as neutral foundations for various design styles. If yours needs cleaning, find a professional specializing in handmade rugs rather than attempting DIY solutions that might cause damage.

7. Toss: Fake Plants That Look Fake

Low-quality artificial greenery fools absolutely no one and screams “I don’t care enough to maintain the real thing.” Dusty silk arrangements and plastic palms from decades past make spaces feel neglected rather than designed.

If you can’t keep real plants alive, focus on high-quality faux options that mimic natural variations and imperfections. Better yet, try low-maintenance live plants like snake plants, pothos, or ZZ plants that thrive even with minimal attention and natural light.

8. Keep: Family Heirlooms With Stories

That quirky vase your grandmother brought from her homeland or the slightly worn chair your father built? These pieces carry irreplaceable history and personal meaning that no store-bought item can match.

Display family treasures prominently rather than hiding them away. Designers love incorporating pieces with stories that spark conversation. Even if an heirloom doesn’t match your current style perfectly, one meaningful piece can become the characterful anchor that makes your space uniquely yours.

9. Toss: Mass-Produced Wall Décor

Those canvas prints from big box stores that show up in every other home on your block? Time to say goodbye. Mass-produced wall art lacks the personal connection that makes a house feel like your home.

Instead, look for original pieces from local artists, vintage finds from thrift stores, or even frame your own photography. One-of-a-kind art creates emotional resonance and visual interest that cookie-cutter prints simply cannot achieve, even if you have to start small with just one special piece.

10. Keep: Statement Lighting Fixtures

Quality lighting fixtures are worth every penny as they function as both practical necessities and sculptural art pieces. A striking chandelier or unique pendant light can transform an ordinary room into something extraordinary.

Unlike trendy furniture that dates quickly, well-designed lighting often remains stylish for decades. Even when moving homes, these investment pieces can come with you. Look for fixtures with interesting shapes, materials with patina potential, or designs that reference classic styles without copying them exactly.

11. Toss: Overstuffed Reclining Furniture

Those bulky leather recliners and massive sectionals with built-in cup holders might feel comfortable, but they dominate rooms visually and scream “man cave” rather than thoughtful design. They’re also notoriously difficult to place in future homes.

Comfort doesn’t require sacrificing style! Today’s well-designed seating offers both relaxation and good looks. Consider streamlined recliners, tailored sofas with deep seats, or adding plush ottomans to existing furniture for put-your-feet-up comfort without the visual bulk.

12. Keep: Natural Material Accents

Wood, stone, rattan, clay, linen – elements from nature never go out of style. These materials add texture, warmth, and timeless appeal to any space while connecting us to the natural world.

Even as trends cycle through, natural materials remain relevant by developing beautiful patinas over time. Mix different natural elements together for rich visual interest. A wooden bowl, stone coasters, or linen throw pillows bring organic authenticity that manufactured materials simply cannot replicate.