10 decorating choices that instantly date a house as ‘90s

The ‘90s left behind plenty of unforgettable design choices, and not always in a good way. While some trends feel nostalgic, others make a house look stuck in time. If your home still has these details, it might be worth updating to bring it into the present.

Oak Everywhere

Golden oak cabinets, trim, and furniture defined the decade.

At the time, it felt warm and inviting. Now, that orange tone can overwhelm a space and make it look dated. Painting or refinishing oak is one of the quickest ways to modernize a home without a full remodel.

Sponge-Painted Walls

DIY sponge painting was a favorite weekend project in the ‘90s.

Unfortunately, those blotchy finishes haven’t aged well. They make walls feel busy and chaotic compared to the clean lines people want today. A fresh coat of paint in a neutral tone instantly updates the space.

Glass Block Accents

Glass block windows and walls were everywhere.

Meant to feel modern, they often ended up bulky and awkward. They cut light strangely and make bathrooms or kitchens look older than they are. Replacing them with frosted glass or updated windows makes a huge difference.

Hunter Green and Burgundy Color Schemes

These two colors ruled every living room and dining room set.

Dark, moody tones combined with heavy fabrics felt cozy at the time, but now they read dated. Swapping these shades for lighter, earthy tones or soft neutrals can completely refresh a room.

Vertical Blinds

Sliding glass doors almost always came with vertical blinds.

They rattled, tangled, and broke constantly. While they were practical for large windows, the look is very ‘90s. Roller shades or wide drapes work better today and bring in a softer, more modern feel.

Shiny Brass Fixtures

Polished brass lighting, faucets, and knobs were considered stylish.

Now, they’re one of the fastest giveaways that a house hasn’t been updated. Swapping shiny brass for brushed nickel, matte black, or oil-rubbed bronze is a small upgrade with a big impact.

Word Art Borders

Wallpaper borders with quotes, flowers, or country motifs ran along ceilings and chair rails.

They were meant to add charm but quickly locked a room into a specific look. Today’s cleaner wall finishes make a house feel bigger and fresher without extra clutter on the walls.

Track Lighting

Track lighting was marketed as sleek and versatile.

In reality, the bulky tracks often looked industrial and dated. Recessed lights or modern fixtures can brighten a room without drawing unwanted attention to the ceiling.

Overstuffed Furniture

Giant puffy couches and recliners were the centerpiece of every living room.

Comfortable? Sure. But they ate up space and made homes look heavy. Slimmer silhouettes with structured cushions offer the same comfort without weighing down the whole room.

Wall Niches for TVs

Built-in wall boxes for bulky TVs were a sign of a “modern” home.

Today, those niches don’t fit flat screens and limit design options. Closing them off or reworking them into shelving makes a living space feel current again.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.