No matter the size of your space, you probably already know the importance of making every square foot count and creating a layout that perfectly suits the shape of each room.
And when it comes to investing in furniture, there are some lifelong pieces worth the splurge—and some pieces designers deem as totally unnecessary.
So, if you want to make the most out of your floor space, these are the seven pieces of furniture experts suggest steering clear of.
Meet the Expert
- Emily LaMarque is an interior designer and founder of her eponymous design studio.
- Nina Lichtenstein is the founder and principal home designer at her eponymous design studio.
- Peter Spalding is the co-founder and creative director of Daniel House Club.
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Short-Term Storage Furniture
Moving into a new home is an expensive process, and buying furniture on top of all your other costs can be overwhelming.
With that in mind, interior designer Emily LaMarque recommends opting for thrifted vintage pieces over flat-packed furniture for pieces that will last.
“Particle board furniture can be inexpensive, but in storage pieces with drawers, the material tends to fall apart quickly,” LaMarque says. “It can often be better to get a vintage piece that is well made and will continue to hold up for years to come.”
Formal Dining Sets
Even though many modern families no longer make use of formal dining rooms, houses on the market still tend to include them.
But there’s no rule saying the room can’t be turned into something else that suits you and your family’s needs better, like a home office or playroom.
“In many homes, formal dining sets rarely see use and occupy significant space,” home designer Nina Lichtenstein says. If you find yourself dining casually more often, consider a smaller, more flexible dining arrangement.
Futons
“Futons are inextricably linked to the college dorm or teenage basement hangout,” Daniel House Club’s co-founder and creative director Peter Spalding says. “Their usual proportions make them uncomfortable for both sitting and sleeping.”
If you’re a small space dweller in need of a sleeping solution for your overnight guests, Spalding recommends a sleeper sofa instead, which he sees as a refined version of the collegiate staple.
These can give the same functions and comforts as a regular couch, and fold out for a cozy night of sleep without any poking metal or wood.
Oversized Seating
“Bulky pieces like huge ottomans that offer little functionality or flexibility tend to be a waste of space,” Soni Mehra of Marble Lotus Interiors says. “Multi-purpose, streamlined pieces make better use of the room, especially in smaller areas.”
Lichtenstein agrees, and avoids oversized seating options. Instead, she advises considering versatile modular sofas to achieve a similar plush look with added functionality and versatility, which can be rearranged and modified to perfectly fit your living room.
Recliners
Another style of seating our designers discourage in modern homes is the traditional standalone recliner seat, which tends to be just as bulky as your typical accent chair without as much style or aesthetic appeal.
“I may stir up a debate here, but I have to say, recliners are officially outdated,” designer Dana Lee Calabrese shares. “They’re super-bulky, and nowadays you can find more stylish, cozy sofas with built-in recliners—so I always recommend my clients go that route instead.”
Display-Only Furniture
Another type of furniture our designers avoid? Anything purely decorative without an everyday function. Instead, they prefer to bring dimension and life to rooms through art and wall decor, preserving precious floor space for open movement.
“Antiquated furniture pieces designed solely for display—like fragile china cabinets and overly ornate accent pieces—can often feel out of place in a modern, functional home,” Lichtenstein says. “Instead, invest in furniture that combines beauty with practicality, like a stylish bookshelf that showcases decor while providing storage.”
Too-Big Beds
Although the furniture you select for common areas is super-important, it’s also key to consider the flow and layout of your bedroom so your sleep sanctuary stays as soothing as possible.
And when it comes to picking the perfect bed, Lichtenstein reminds us that bigger isn’t always better.
“Overly large bed can dominate a bedroom and leave little room for movement or additional furniture,” Lichtenstein says. “Consider the size of your bedroom when choosing a bed size; a queen or even a full-sized bed will offer just as much comfort without overwhelming the space”