There is nothing more ‘retro’ than the plastic couch cover trend from the ’60s and ’70s. Originally, the ‘clear plastic cover over the couch’ trend had a very simple and functional reason: you could protect your furniture while still being able to look at it. However, many people just adopted this as a home decor trend, and it’s definitely overstayed its welcome.
The cover does lengthen and maximize the life of your furniture, but it also looks like you’re living in a furniture store where everything is on display and in its original wrapping. Talk about the opposite of homey.
The Disastrous Waterbeds
The infamous waterbed was all the rage back in the late 1980s, but this innovative, and terrible, idea first originated back in the 1800s, when Scottish physician Dr. Neil Arnot invented a "hydrostatic bed for invalids", with the intention to help with bed sores.
But through the years, the waterbed evolved to become a groovy house trend associated with excitement, and even debauchery. And if you've ever had the displeasure to sit or sleep in one, you know these beds should've stayed back in the 1800s.
The Completely Unnecessary Pelmet
The pelmet originated back in the 15th century, during the Renaissance. They added a certain elegance and flare to the very lavish rooms of monarchs. However, in plain English, the pelmet is simply a framework placed above a window in order to conceal curtain fixtures. And it is completely unnecessary and looks absolutely tacky in any modern house.
It's curtain overkill and just unnecessary extra work. Just chose some nice curtains and be done with it. It's not like you're Queen Elizabeth II.
Stop With the Ivy Wall Designs
The popular ivy wall design had its peak at some point during the '90s and 2000s, and while we appreciate the effort of someone not wanting to have a plain, white wall in their kitchen (or anywhere in their house), that doesn't justify making your house look like a tacky fairytale forest.
A few ivy vines on one of the wall's borders? Yes. Covering your entire house in decorating flourish? Absolutely not.
The Clear Furniture Craze
Back in the '80s, clear furniture was all the rage. You'd see it in Hollywood blockbusters, at your friend's house, in the furniture stores, and thankfully, four decades later, you'll only see it on the street.
Unless you're a mobster in Miami in the 1980s, or an Art Deco magazine cover photographer, you have no excuse for owning clear furniture.