Top 9+ Decor Pieces That Lower Your Home’s Value

Overly Personalized Art Makes Buyers Pause

Personal art is like a secret language. You might love your gallery wall of family vacation photos or that abstract painting your cousin made, but potential buyers see “someone else’s story.” Designers warn that art with names, faces, or niche references can make it hard for visitors to imagine themselves living there.

Think of it as leaving footprints in wet cement—it’s hard for others to make their own mark. Instead, swap in landscapes, abstracts, or black-and-white photography that feel welcoming but not too personal.

This small switch lets buyers project their own dreams onto your walls.

Themed Decor Can Feel Like a Costume Party

A “Parisian café kitchen” or “beach house bathroom” sounds charming, but going all-in on a theme can backfire. Real estate stagers say themed decor narrows your home’s appeal, making your house feel like it’s wearing someone else’s clothes.

Imagine house hunters who love modern lines walking into a room with anchors, seashells, and rope everywhere—it’s a mood-killer. Instead, pull just one or two elements (like a navy stripe or a vintage map) to hint at a theme without overwhelming.

Subtlety invites curiosity; over-the-top themes close doors.

Outdated Furniture Styles Shrink Your Space

Bulky, carved wood armoires and overstuffed sofas might have signaled “luxury” twenty years ago, but now they can make rooms feel crowded and old. According to Zillow’s 2024 market report, homes staged with slimmed-down, modern furniture sold up to 10% faster.

Old-fashioned styles can also make buyers mentally calculate the cost of replacing everything. Swap ornate or heavy pieces for clean-lined, neutral furniture.

This instantly makes any room feel bigger, lighter, and more expensive, even if you’re working with a small budget.

Bold Wallpaper Choices Overwhelm the Senses

Wallpaper is having a moment, but bold patterns are risky. Large florals, geometric prints, or dark, busy designs can make a room feel smaller and harder to decorate around.

One designer shared, “I’ve seen buyers walk out because they can’t see past the wallpaper.” If you love pattern, use it in small doses—like an accent wall or powder room. For resale, stick with light, textured papers or subtle prints.

These create a feeling of calm and make rooms look more spacious, which buyers crave.

Too Many Knickknacks Create Visual Noise

There’s a fine line between “collected” and “cluttered.” Shelves crammed with figurines, travel souvenirs, and trinkets can make even a big room feel chaotic. Home stagers often spend hours packing away personal items before a showing.

Imagine walking into a serene living room with just a single sculptural vase or a neatly stacked set of books—the space breathes. Edit your surfaces so every piece earns its place.

Less truly is more when it comes to letting your home’s features (not your stuff) shine.

Heavy Drapes and Curtains Block Out Light

Natural light is the number one thing buyers look for, according to a recent Houzz survey. Thick, dark drapes turn bright rooms into gloomy caves, making spaces feel smaller and less inviting.

Heavy window treatments also signal “dated” to today’s buyers, who want open, airy spaces. Replace them with sheer curtains or simple blinds.

Even a minor change—like raising curtain rods to the ceiling and using lighter fabrics—can make ceilings seem higher and windows appear larger, adding instant appeal.

DIY Projects Gone Wrong Undermine Confidence

DIY can be a budget lifesaver, but poorly executed projects are value killers. Uneven shelves, messy paint lines, or tiling that doesn’t quite meet the wall make buyers worry about hidden issues.

One agent told me about a house where a crooked backsplash led to questions about the whole kitchen’s quality. If you love DIY, focus on projects you can master—like updating hardware or painting a single wall.

For anything structural or permanent, it often pays to hire a pro and give buyers confidence in your home’s craftsmanship.

Overly Trendy Items Date Your Home Quickly

Today’s “it” look can be tomorrow’s punchline. Think neon accent walls, chevron everything, or that brief obsession with barn doors.

When buyers spot overly trendy pieces, they often see “future renovation” instead of “move-in ready.” Designers recommend investing in timeless basics—like a classic sofa, neutral rugs, or simple lighting fixtures—then layering in trendy accents with pillows or throws. This keeps your home looking current, but not stuck in a specific year, which helps protect your value.

Excessive Use of Color Creates Chaos

Bright, bold color everywhere might suit your taste, but it can be overwhelming for buyers. Hot pink bedrooms, emerald green kitchens, or rooms painted in every color of the rainbow often leave people feeling unsettled.

Real estate pros say homes with neutral palettes photograph better and sell faster. If you love color, pick one statement wall or use colorful accessories you can swap out.

A harmonious palette acts like a calm soundtrack, letting buyers relax and imagine themselves at home.

Statement Rugs That Dominate Rooms

A giant, patterned rug can tie a room together—or completely take over. Rugs that are too bright, too busy, or the wrong size make spaces feel off-balance.

Imagine a living room where the rug is so bold you barely notice the fireplace or the view outside. Designers suggest using rugs to anchor, not dominate, a space.

Choose textures and colors that complement your furniture and let the room’s best features shine. By recognizing and avoiding these common decor pitfalls, you create a home that not only feels welcoming but also maximizes its value and appeal to buyers.