6 Furniture Styles on Their Way Out in 2024, According to Designers
A house doesn’t become a home until it’s filled with items you love — and before you add lighting, decor, or a fresh coat of paint, you’ll want to figure out your furniture, fast. From the upholstered bed frame you wake up in, to the portable kitchen island that’s perfectly suited for meal prepping, to the snugly sectional you curl up in after a long day, the right furniture can set the foundation for how you move throughout your day.
Like anything else in your home, choosing your furniture is an incredibly personal decision. Still, there are some styles that designers are ready to part ways with, which is why I asked a handful to share the specific furniture pieces they’re tired of seeing in 2024. Though their picks run the gamut from the outdated to the overplayed, remember that these are just suggestions. At the end of the day, how you furnish your home should be a reflection of your style — and the only person who can make that call is you. But if you are itching to zhuzh up your furniture configuration, this might be a good place to start.
Cut Out Cheap Couches
Buying a sofa for a couple hundred dollars sounds like a total steal, but Linda Hayslett of LH. Designs says you shouldn’t be fooled by that too-good-to-be-true price point. (Oftentimes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.)
“They look good, but are poor quality and will be uncomfortable in a year, such as a sofa or chair for a living or even dining room,” she says. “Start investing in pieces that are of better quality and will last over time with their style.” Hayslett is a big fan of antique and vintage pieces, but if you want to try a direct-to-consumer couch, do your research. For example, brands like Maiden Home partner with craftspeople in North Carolina to create couches that look good and are built to last.
The Dune Sofa
Swap Temporary WFH Solutions for the Real Deal
When the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order went into effect almost four years (!!) ago, people with nine-to-five desk jobs likely scrambled to recreate their cubicles at home. But if you’re still working from home and still relying on those early day essentials, Jessica Shaw, the interior design director of The Turett Collaborative, says it’s time to take an audit of your work wares.
“Consider swapping out that spare dining chair you’ve been using for something more ergonomically agreeable,” Shaw says. “What have you been using for storage? Boxes? Shelves on a nearby bookcase? Why not invest in a dedicated piece of furniture for all your WFH office needs — a filing cabinet or small storage cabinet.”
The good news is that you don’t have to look far to find a solid setup. For inspiration, check out our guides for the best office chairs and desks.
Mid-Century Mini Secretary
Find Alternatives for Your Entryway
First impressions matter, so it’s always a good idea to decorate your entryway with care. That said, if the area by your front door is filled with furniture that often goes unused, Shaw says it’s time to kick some pieces to the curb. “If this has been a problem area, we are guessing that your furniture choices may be the reason,” Shaw says. “An offender can be the small stool or nice looking bench that lacks true functionality.” Instead, she recommends replacing those afterthought accents with “a more functional piece that limits clutter,” such as a coat rack or shelving unit.
VASAGLE Coat Rack
Grow Up from Holdover Furniture
Calling all parents: Here’s your sign to finally upgrade your kids from the bed they had as a toddler to something a little more… well, mature. “Have you been maximizing your child’s toddler bed for too long?” asks Shaw. “Chances are, it is the converted crib you purchased when the baby first arrived. Keep your growing child’s space fresh and relevant: Holdover baby furniture that is clearly out of proportion should move on out.”
For furniture that can endure all the eras of your little one’s life, spring for a simple bed that can be dressed up or down to suit their style and needs as they grow up.
Wild Arlo Interiors Osburn 16.5" Sturdy Metal Bed Frame
$65.99 (was $204.99) at Wayfair
Buh-Bye, Bar Carts
While I love a well-appointed happy hour as much as the next person, it might be time to rethink the bar cart. Not only can they take up some precious square footage — especially if you’re living in a small space — but a booze-filled cart can appear cluttered and a little chaotic. Instead, designer Raili Clasen recommends incorporating your liquor library into another piece of decor. “If possible, trade out your bar carts for a small section of shelving, styled with all your favorite libations,” she says. “Better yet, install a real mini bar if space allows.” That way, your cocktail accoutrements will look good even after last call.
Mercer41 Gretlies Gold Bookshelf
$132.99 (was $147.99) at Wayfair
Opt Out of Anything Uncomfy
Regardless of your style or shopping budget, most of us have fallen into the trap of buying furniture that looks comfortable, only to find out that it’s anything but. Sound familiar? Well, here’s your call to kick discomfort to the curb once and for all. “In 2024, uncomfortable furniture is out,” says designer Emily Del Bello. “Instead, make an educated purchase and test your furniture prior to ensure it is comfortable and long-lasting.”
From researching durable upholstery to taking on the sit test, take your time to find pieces you’ll actually want to use. To help, check out these certifiably cozy chairs.
