Inside 9 Pieces Utah Interiors Believe Have No Market And 9 They Warn Against Buying
Ever wondered what Utah interior designers secretly roll their eyes at? I’ve gathered insights from local design experts about items that simply won’t sell and others you should avoid buying altogether.
Utah’s unique design sensibilities mean certain pieces consistently flop in the resale market, while others can actually decrease your home’s value and appeal.
Let’s explore what the experts say about these design missteps.
1. Broken Light Fixtures Gathering Dust
Cracked chandeliers and damaged sconces sit untouched in Utah resale shops. Most buyers want ready-to-install pieces without electrical concerns or safety hazards lurking beneath pretty glass shades.
Even vintage or antique fixtures with minor damage struggle to find new homes. The cost of rewiring and repair often exceeds the purchase price of a brand-new fixture with warranty protection.
If you’re hoping to offload that broken pendant light, you might be stuck with it. Professional designers recommend either investing in proper repairs or responsibly recycling these items rather than expecting someone else to take on your lighting project.
2. Torn Upholstered Furniture Faces Rejection
Ripped sofas and frayed armchairs face almost universal rejection in Utah’s secondhand market. Even high-end brands with quality frames get overlooked once upholstery shows significant wear, tears, or stains.
The economics simply don’t work in the seller’s favor. Reupholstering costs often exceed the price of buying new, especially with Utah’s preference for fresh, clean furnishings that reflect the state’s family-friendly lifestyle.
Professional stagers and designers report that torn pieces become instant deal-breakers during home showings too. If your beloved chair has seen better days, consider donating it to furniture restoration programs rather than trying to sell it.
3. Old Rattan Plant Stands Finding No Homes
Those woven plant stands from the 70s and 80s just won’t move in Utah’s marketplace. Despite occasional boho and vintage revivals elsewhere, Utah buyers consistently pass on weathered rattan pieces, especially when they show yellowing or structural weakness.
Local designers note that Utah’s dry climate makes these pieces particularly prone to brittleness and breakage. Many homeowners have been burned by purchasing these stands only to have them collapse under the weight of a prized houseplant.
Modern, minimalist plant stands in metal or wood consistently outperform their rattan counterparts in Utah stores. If you’re stuck with old wicker plant holders, consider repurposing them as outdoor garden accents where their eventual deterioration won’t matter as much.
4. Cracked Ceramic Vases Languishing on Shelves
Chipped pottery and fractured ceramic vases gather dust in Utah thrift stores. Even hairline cracks render these pieces virtually unsellable as most buyers worry about water leakage ruining their surfaces.
Utah’s practical homeowners typically seek vessels that function properly rather than merely decorative pieces. The local design community notes that damaged ceramics face particular challenges in a market that values both beauty and utility.
Attempts to market cracked pieces as “wabi-sabi” or intentionally imperfect rarely succeed outside specialty art circles. If you’ve accumulated damaged vases, consider repurposing them as dry flower holders or breaking them down for mosaic projects rather than hoping for a buyer.
5. Stained Ottomans Facing Total Rejection
Water rings, pet accidents, and mysterious discolorations make ottomans virtually impossible to resell in Utah. These functional pieces face extra scrutiny because they often serve as impromptu coffee tables or footrests in family-oriented Utah homes.
The intimate nature of ottomans frequently used with bare feet makes buyers particularly squeamish about visible stains. Even deep cleaning rarely restores market confidence in these pieces.
Utah designers report that clients would rather purchase new ottomans at budget retailers than take a chance on a pre-owned piece with questionable history. If your ottoman shows wear, consider reupholstering it yourself as a weekend project rather than attempting to sell it as-is.
6. Outdated Wallpaper Rolls Collecting Cobwebs
Partial rolls of floral or striped wallpaper from previous decades find no takers in Utah’s decor marketplace. The practical challenges of matching patterns and calculating coverage make even pristine vintage wallpaper nearly impossible to offload.
Utah’s design community reports that even during wallpaper’s recent revival, buyers specifically seek fresh, contemporary patterns rather than leftover stock. The state’s preference for clean, bright spaces works against heavily patterned papers from earlier eras.
Humidity concerns in Utah’s dry climate further complicate the resale of older wallpaper rolls, as paper can become brittle over time. Rather than hoping for a buyer, consider using leftover wallpaper for craft projects, drawer liners, or gift wrapping.
7. Worn Area Rugs Piling Up Unwanted
Faded, threadbare rugs with visible traffic patterns struggle to find new owners in Utah. The state’s active lifestyle with outdoor recreation means families prioritize durable, washable floor coverings rather than delicate or pre-worn options.
Utah’s abundant sunshine streaming through mountain-view windows accelerates fading, making even quality rugs look tired faster. Designers note that while genuine antique rugs retain value, everyday worn rugs from the last few decades face rejection.
Concerns about allergens and previous pet exposure make worn rugs particularly difficult to resell. If your area rug shows significant wear, consider cutting it down for smaller accent rugs or doormat use rather than expecting it to fetch a reasonable price on the secondhand market.
8. Bent Metal Shelving Units Going Nowhere
Warped metal shelves with compromised stability face immediate rejection in Utah’s resale scene. Safety concerns dominate buyers’ thinking, especially in this earthquake-aware state where proper anchoring and structural integrity matter.
Even minor bends that don’t affect functionality create perception problems. Utah’s practical homeowners simply won’t risk their books, collectibles, or family photos on shelving that appears compromised.
Metal shelving units with rust spots face similar challenges, regardless of their structural soundness. If you’re stuck with bent metal shelves, consider straightening salvageable pieces or repurposing the metal for garden projects rather than trying to sell them in their damaged state.
9. Faded Wall Art Prints Losing All Appeal
Sun-bleached artwork languishes in Utah’s secondhand stores, with faded colors and yellowed paper finding no interested buyers. The state’s abundant sunshine makes this a common problem, as even properly framed pieces deteriorate over time.
Utah’s design aesthetic tends toward vibrant, clear imagery that complements the state’s dramatic natural surroundings. Washed-out prints simply can’t compete with fresh, affordable art widely available at local retailers.
Mass-produced prints face particular challenges once they show fading, as their original low value diminishes further with visible aging. If you’re holding onto faded prints, consider salvaging the frames and replacing the artwork rather than attempting to sell the compromised pieces.
10. Popcorn Ceiling Tile Panels: Major Red Flag
Run—don’t walk—away from homes with popcorn ceiling panels, warn Utah designers. These textured nightmares trap dust, create harsh acoustics, and potentially contain asbestos if installed before the 1980s.
Removal costs can quickly escalate into thousands of dollars, especially if testing reveals hazardous materials. Utah’s real estate professionals report that popcorn ceilings consistently rank among buyers’ top dealbreakers when house hunting.
Beyond the practical concerns, these outdated ceilings instantly date a home and clash with Utah’s popular mountain modern aesthetic. If you’re renovating, budget for smooth ceiling installation rather than attempting to save money with these problematic panels that will ultimately hurt your home’s value.
11. Heavy Floral Draperies: Instant Dating Effect
Massive floral drapes overwhelm spaces and block Utah’s spectacular mountain views. Local designers unanimously advise against these heavy window treatments that trap dust and make rooms feel smaller and darker.
The ornate patterns clash dramatically with the clean, natural aesthetic that dominates Utah’s preferred design style. These draperies also tend to fade unevenly in Utah’s intense sunlight, looking shabby far sooner than their owners expect.
Modern Utah homes favor simple window treatments that frame views rather than concealing them. If you’re tempted by elaborate floral drapes, designers suggest channeling that desire into smaller accent pieces like throw pillows that won’t overwhelm your space or block natural light.
12. Mirrored Closet Doors: Designers’ Nightmare
Those full-length mirrored sliding doors from the 80s make Utah designers cringe. They create confusing reflections, show every fingerprint, and frequently derail from their tracks, causing frustration for homeowners.
Safety concerns arise with families, as these large mirrors can crack or shatter during Utah’s occasional seismic activity. The dated look instantly marks a home as needing updates, potentially reducing resale value.
Beyond practical issues, these mirrors often distort proportions and create unpleasant visual effects in bedrooms. Utah interior experts recommend replacing them with modern sliding doors, curtains, or barn door installations that better complement contemporary mountain and transitional styles popular throughout the state.
13. Plastic Vertical Blinds: Universal Rejection
Flimsy plastic vertical blinds top Utah designers’ most-hated list. These budget window coverings yellow quickly in Utah’s intense sunlight and collect dust in hard-to-clean crevices, becoming breeding grounds for allergens.
The constant clicking sound as they move irritates homeowners, while the individual slats frequently break or warp. Utah’s temperature fluctuations between seasons accelerate their deterioration.
Real estate professionals report that these blinds immediately signal “rental property” rather than cherished home. Instead, designers recommend investing in quality roller shades, wood blinds, or simple curtain panels that withstand Utah’s climate while providing the clean aesthetic preferred by local homeowners.
14. Fake Granite Contact Paper: Fooling No One
Stick-on granite patterns have become a running joke among Utah designers. These temporary solutions bubble, peel at the seams, and fool absolutely nobody into thinking they’re looking at actual stone countertops.
Heat damage occurs quickly when hot pans meet these vinyl surfaces, creating permanent scorch marks. Utah’s dry climate often accelerates adhesive failure, causing embarrassing peeling edges within months of installation.
Property managers report that contact paper “upgrades” actually reduce rental value rather than enhancing it. If genuine stone exceeds your budget, designers recommend quality laminate, butcher block, or concrete countertops that provide honest materials rather than unconvincing imitations that will need replacement almost immediately.
15. Shag Carpeting Remnants: Instant Rejection
High-pile shag carpet pieces face universal rejection from Utah design professionals. These dense fibers trap dust, pollen, and allergens—a serious concern in Utah’s seasonal allergy environment.
Cleaning challenges make these carpets particularly problematic in a state where outdoor recreation brings extra dirt and debris into homes. The deep pile shows traffic patterns almost immediately and proves nearly impossible to restore once compressed.
Beyond practical concerns, the dated appearance conflicts with Utah’s preference for cleaner lines and more natural textures. Designers recommend low-pile wool carpets, washable area rugs, or hard surface flooring with warming elements for Utah’s climate rather than these maintenance-intensive remnants from decades past.
16. Loud Novelty Wallpaper: Quick Regret Purchase
Wildly patterned novelty wallpaper quickly leads to buyer’s remorse, according to Utah designers. While these bold patterns might look fun on Pinterest, living with intense designs day after day creates visual fatigue and dated spaces.
The installation expense makes these regrettable choices particularly painful. Removal costs often exceed the original installation price when homeowners inevitably tire of their flamingo, cactus, or geometric explosion walls.
Utah’s real estate professionals report that bold wallpaper choices consistently reduce property values and extend time-on-market statistics. If you’re craving pattern and personality, designers suggest incorporating bold designs through easily changeable elements like throw pillows, artwork, or even framed wallpaper samples rather than full-wall commitments.
17. Glass Block Partitions: Dating Your Space Instantly
Glass block walls scream “1980s bathroom” to Utah buyers and designers alike. These chunky translucent dividers collect dust in their seams while creating distorted shadows that make spaces feel smaller and more cramped.
Cleaning challenges plague these installations, as the textured surfaces show water spots prominently in Utah’s hard-water areas. The dated appearance instantly marks a home as needing renovation, potentially reducing property values.
Modern Utah interiors favor cleaner dividing solutions like frosted glass panels, sliding barn doors, or partial walls that maintain openness while providing privacy. If your home features glass block elements, designers recommend budgeting for their removal during your next renovation rather than trying to incorporate them into updated designs.
18. Overly Themed Décor Sets: The Matching Mistake
Matchy-matchy themed collections make Utah designers wince. Whether it’s rustic cabin overload with bears on everything or beach-themed rooms in landlocked Utah, these coordinated sets create spaces that feel impersonal and inauthentic.
The all-or-nothing approach to these themes makes rooms feel like hotel spaces rather than personal homes. Utah’s design community emphasizes that truly inviting spaces evolve gradually with meaningful, collected pieces rather than one-stop shopping sprees.
Beyond aesthetic concerns, themed décor typically represents poor investment value, with entire collections becoming dated simultaneously. Instead, designers recommend building rooms around a few quality anchor pieces while gradually adding personal touches that tell your unique story rather than following a predetermined theme package.
