10 home upgrades that photograph well but frustrate in real life

Some upgrades are made for the camera. They look great in listing photos, Pinterest boards, and magazine spreads—but once you’re actually living with them, the downsides creep in fast. Between maintenance, awkward layouts, or inconvenient designs, here are the upgrades that tend to disappoint once the photos are taken.

Open shelving in kitchens

It looks clean and styled in photos, but open shelves are dust magnets. Every dish has to be organized and spotless 24/7, or the whole kitchen looks messy. If you cook often, the grease and grime build up fast. Behind a camera? Beautiful. In real life? High maintenance.

Freestanding tubs

They look stunning in luxury bathroom shots, but in real life, they can be hard to clean around and take up more space than a standard tub. There’s also no ledge for products, and installing a shower setup with one often feels awkward or impractical.

High-gloss cabinetry

Shiny cabinets reflect light beautifully in listing photos, but they show fingerprints, smudges, and scratches in everyday use. If you’ve got kids or you’re constantly in and out of the kitchen, keeping them looking good takes way more work than it’s worth.

Vessel sinks

These are the sinks that sit on top of the counter—and they look fancy. But they splash easily, are harder to clean around, and often sit too high for comfort. What looks like a sleek upgrade in pictures turns out to be less functional day-to-day.

Waterfall countertops

Waterfall edges look high-end and clean in photos, but they limit how you can use the surrounding space. You can’t tuck stools or trash cans under the edges, and the extra material can add unnecessary cost. They’re also more prone to visible scuffs.

Floor-to-ceiling windows

Large windows look incredible in pictures, but they can turn your living space into a greenhouse. You’ll fight heat gain in the summer, lose warmth in the winter, and pay for it in utilities. Privacy’s another issue—especially if you’re anywhere near neighbors or a road.

All-white kitchens

They photograph beautifully and feel timeless in design trends. But living in one means constantly wiping down cabinets, walls, and backsplashes. They show every bit of dust, dirt, and splatter—and the upkeep can get old fast if you cook frequently.

Floating vanities

They’re modern and create visual space in a bathroom, but they don’t offer much real storage. Plus, that open bottom area collects dust and hair like crazy. Unless you’re committed to daily cleaning, they’re more of a style piece than a practical choice.

Barn doors for bathrooms

They look rustic and stylish, but they don’t offer much privacy. Most don’t seal all the way and can leave gaps on the sides. They’re also louder to open and close and can feel out of place once the trend fades.

Dark grout with light tile

It’s striking in photos—but hard to keep looking sharp. Grout lines get unevenly stained, and once dirt settles in, it’s difficult to get that crisp contrast back. Over time, the grout starts looking messier than a lighter, more forgiving option would’ve.

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