Is your bedroom a comfy spot or does it look like it’s from a long time ago? Our bedrooms should show who we are now, not the past. Sometimes, old decorations can make a room feel old-fashioned instead of relaxing.
If you’re not sure if your bedroom needs a new look, keep reading. Here are 20 clear signs that it’s time to update your sleeping area to today’s style.
Your walls have bold 1970s floral wallpaper
If your walls have big, bright flowers like from the 1970s, it’s probably time for a change. While old styles can be cute, these loud wallpapers might make a room feel too busy and old. Think about painting the walls a soft, plain color or choosing new wallpaper that’s simple and doesn’t take over the room.
Wood paneling takes over your room
Wood paneling used to be popular in the middle of the last century, but now it can make a room feel dark and small. If your bedroom looks like an old cabin, try painting the paneling a light color to make it brighter. Or, you could take it off to show off any cool features of the walls and try new wall styles.
Popcorn ceilings are still there
Popcorn ceilings used to be liked because they hid bumps and cracks, but now they just make a room look old and they gather dust. Making the ceiling smooth or adding decorative panels can make your bedroom look newer, cleaner, and bigger.
Heavy chintz curtains cover your windows
Thick, flower-covered chintz curtains used to be stylish, but now they block sunlight and make your room look old. Replace them with light, see-through drapes or simple blinds that let the sun light up your room. New window covers can improve your view and make the room feel open and fresh.
Matching bedroom furniture
Having all your furniture match was once a sign of a nice bedroom, but now it can make the room boring. Try using different pieces to add your own style. Think about adding a unique headboard, fun nightstands, or an old dresser to make things more interesting.
A waterbed still stands out in your room
If you still have a waterbed, it shows your bedroom is out of date, like from the ’80s. Waterbeds aren’t as supportive as newer mattresses and they might leak. Switching to a memory foam or hybrid mattress can make your bed more comfortable and modern.
Shag carpeting covers your floors
Shag carpeting might remind you of old times, but it can catch allergens and make a room look old. Think about replacing it with hardwood floors, laminate, or modern carpets that are easy to clean. You can also add a rug with a simple pattern to keep the room cozy and stylish without being too much.
A bulky tube TV still takes up space on your dresser
An old tube TV not only fills up too much space but also makes your bedroom look outdated. Getting a flat-screen TV can save space and make your room look nicer. If you don’t want a TV in your bedroom, you could remove it and use your dresser for decorations or storage.
Brass bed frames with fancy details
Brass bed frames with lots of details used to be fancy, but now they can make a bedroom feel old-fashioned. Modern beds usually have simple lines and plain materials. Changing to a wooden or fabric-covered frame can help make your room look more modern.
Frilly canopies and ruffled bedspreads cover your bed
Canopy beds with lace and ruffled sheets might look like something out of a fairy tale, but they can also make your room feel crowded and outdated. Choosing simple, high-quality bed linens in solid colors or gentle patterns can make your sleeping space calm and modern.
Your room is full of light and peach colors
Rooms painted with light pastels and peach colors were very popular in the ’80s and ’90s. To make your room feel new, try using modern colors—think simple tones with bold accents or calming earthy colors. Even a new coat of paint can really change how your room feels.
Fake plants and dried flowers decorate the room
Even though they’re easy to take care of, fake plants and dusty dried flowers can make a room seem dull. Adding real, easy-to-care-for plants like succulents or peace lilies can bring nature inside and help clean the air. Or, you might like modern sculptures or artwork that look interesting and don’t need much care.
Mirrored closet doors reflect the past
Floor-to-ceiling mirrored closet doors used to be a fancy touch, but now they can look tacky and old. You can replace them with smooth wooden doors or frosted glass panels for a more modern look. If you still like having a mirror, think about putting a decorative full-length mirror somewhere else in your room.
Ceiling fans with fancy designs and pull chains
Ceiling fans with detailed designs, brass finishes, and pull chains can make your bedroom look outdated. Modern fans with simple designs and remote controls work better and look nicer. Some even have built-in lights to make the room look cleaner.
Knick-knacks fill every space
Having lots of little decorations and souvenirs can go from cute to messy quickly. Keeping fewer items out can make your room look more modern and feel more peaceful. Choose a few special things to display and store or give away the rest.
Lace doilies and crocheted accents are everywhere
Even though handmade items like lace doilies and crocheted decorations are special, having too many can make a room look outdated. Using modern fabrics like thick knit throws or cushions with geometric patterns can keep the room feeling fresh while still showing off your love for textured items.
An old flip clock radio is your alarm
Flip clock radios are a fun reminder of the ’70s, but technology has improved a lot since then. Switching to a modern smart alarm clock can add many useful features like voice commands and customizable screens. This new clock can make your nightstand look up-to-date and convenient.
Vertical blinds cover your windows
Vertical blinds were popular in the ’80s and ’90s, but now they can make a room feel less cozy. Changing them to Roman shades, bamboo blinds, or even motorized window coverings can make your bedroom look nicer and give you better control over light and privacy.
Bulky armoires and huge dressers fill the space
Big furniture like armoires and large dressers can take over a room and make it feel small. Think about switching to smaller storage options like built-in closets or simple dressers. This change can open up your room and make it feel more modern and spacious.
Faded art prints from long ago are on your walls
Art shows your style, but old, faded prints or posters can make your room less attractive. Update your walls with new art that you like now—maybe a painting from a local artist, a framed photo, or even something you’ve made yourself.