27 Tacky Design Items that Will Make Your Home Look Cheap
Some home decor choices can elevate a space, making it look stylish and put-together, while others do the exact opposite—turning a home into a cluttered, outdated, or downright tacky mess. From overdone trends to questionable design decisions, certain items instantly cheapen a room, no matter how much effort you put into decorating. If you want a home that feels elegant and modern rather than chaotic and cringeworthy, it’s time to ditch these décor disasters. Here are the worst offenders that could be making your home look far less sophisticated than you’d like.
Futons
Futons may have been a space-saving lifesaver in college, but they don’t do much for an adult home. While they offer a budget-friendly seating option, they often look flimsy, feel uncomfortable, and instantly make a room feel temporary.
Instead of holding onto this outdated furniture piece, upgrade to a stylish loveseat, daybed, or even a sleek sleeper sofa that offers both comfort and aesthetic appeal. A well-designed seating area can completely transform a space, making it feel intentional rather than thrown together. If you’re aiming for a more polished, inviting home, it’s time to retire the futon for good.
Live, Laugh, Love Signs
Nothing makes a home look more generic than mass-produced word art, especially the overused “Live, Laugh, Love” signs. While the sentiment is positive, the decor itself has become a cliché, found in homes, offices, and discount stores everywhere.
These signs often lack personality and can make a space feel outdated rather than stylish. Instead of relying on pre-made slogans, opt for unique artwork, framed quotes that hold personal meaning, or even custom pieces that reflect your taste. A well-curated space should feel like an extension of you—not a page out of a mass-market catalog.
Plastic Storage
Plastic bins are great for keeping things organized, but when they’re out in the open, they can make a space look cluttered and cheap. These see-through drawers and bulky tubs are better suited for garages, closets, or under-the-bed storage, not as a permanent fixture in your living areas.
If you need accessible storage, consider woven baskets, decorative boxes, or furniture with built-in compartments. These options keep your space neat and contribute to the overall decor. A well-organized home should feel stylish and intentional, not like a makeshift storage unit filled with plastic containers.
Untidy Cables
Few things can ruin a well-designed space like a mess of tangled cords. Exposed cables hanging behind the TV, snaking across the floor, or bunched up in the corner instantly create visual chaos. Luckily, there are plenty of simple solutions. Use cord covers, cable organizers, or furniture placement to keep them out of sight.
A small investment in cable management can make a room look significantly cleaner and more modern. Whether in a living room, office, or bedroom, hiding cables helps maintain a sleek, polished look—because no one wants their decor overshadowed by a tangled mess of wires.