September 6, 2025, 10:23 am | Read time: 6 minutes

1. TV Recliner with Extendable Function and Cup Holder

A recliner with an extendable function and cup holder can be practical when watching a movie, but aesthetically, it diminishes the appeal of a living room. They appear bulky and reminiscent of home theater or business-class airplane seats. They often don’t match the rest of the decor because they dominate the space instead of blending in. For me, it’s an absolute no-go in decor. It’s better to opt for a high-quality lounge chair or even a classic wingback chair with an ottoman, which is similarly comfortable. A small side table is often more practical than an integrated cup holder.

2. Double Bed with Two Mattresses

A phenomenon often found in German bedrooms is the double bed with two separate mattresses. It’s practical because you can choose your own firmness and height. However, the different heights and the infamous “visitor’s gap” don’t contribute to comfort. It’s a no-go! Visually, it’s not appealing either. A gap looks like a separation in the bed and robs the feeling of coziness. You feel somewhat isolated.

A large bed with a continuous mattress is a thousand times more comfortable. It looks calmer and has no gap in the middle. If two mattresses are a must, a comfortable topper can potentially eliminate the gap—but it should be a higher-quality one that can also level everything out.

3. Round Paper Lampshades

The white round paper lampshades, available for just a few euros, were once found almost everywhere. Whether in the living room or bedroom, it felt like every apartment had at least one. But they don’t really create a homely atmosphere. They look unfinished, reminiscent of dorm rooms or doctors’ offices, and don’t create a cozy ambiance. Their diffuse, flat light makes rooms look pale rather than inviting. That’s why they are also a no-go for me in decor. It’s better to use lamps made of fabric, rattan, or glass for the home. They diffuse light more softly, appear higher quality, and look good, too.

4. Glass Coffee Tables with Shelves and Neon Lighting

Few pieces of furniture are more reminiscent of the ’90s than a glass coffee table with built-in shelves—sometimes even equipped with neon tubes, which can look even tackier. It was once considered practical because you could neatly store and display magazines, remote controls, and glasses. Today, such a table can look cluttered and messy, reminiscent of a waiting area at a hair salon. Therefore, such a piece of furniture has no place in my home and is, unfortunately, also a decor no-go.

Coffee tables made from warm materials like wood, natural stone, or ceramic are much better alternatives and make the living room cozier. If additional storage is needed, opt for a table with drawers. Baskets are also practical and have more style.

5. Corner Benches Made of Dark Wood and Floral Patterns

Corner benches, especially the old models, immediately bring to mind old times and perhaps how uncomfortable they were. However, they were once seen as a practical solution. Today, classic corner benches appear bulky, inflexible, and outdated. Additionally, the person sitting in the corner has to ask everyone to stand up, which is not very comfortable.

Nowadays, there are more attractive benches for the kitchen that don’t require a corner. You can mix and match with a straight bench and chairs that can be adjusted flexibly. A round or oval table can be used, which fits nicely and keeps the kitchen open and friendly. While there are modern corner bench variants, the ones from the past have had their time. If you still have a fondness for this kitchen classic, you can find something in the second-hand market, at flea markets, or from certain dealers.

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6. Bulky Sofas with Extendable Function

Bulky sofas with an extendable function look unattractive and develop deep indentations after a short time, whether you’re sitting on the sofa or sleeping on the extendable part. They are usually oversized, appear cumbersome, and lose seating comfort due to the mechanism. The extendable mechanism often creaks and is usually difficult to operate alone. Of course, a sofa with an extendable function has its appeal, as it can be converted into a bed when needed, but the reality is different.

With many of these sofas, you have to spend a lot to get something of high quality. If you compromise, you end up with an uncomfortable sofa where the storage compartment becomes a storage space. With such a sofa, you’re usually not happy, as neither the bed nor the sofa is convincing. It’s better to switch to a modular sofa with ottomans or a high-quality daybed. If you’re really looking for a combo option, you should opt for better quality.

Also interesting: How to Spruce Up Furniture with 5 Interior Trends

7. Folding Chairs at the Dining Table

Folding chairs are practical, and almost everyone has one in the basement, on the balcony, or in the attic—in case more guests come than there are chairs. For this purpose, they are perfectly fine. However, if you’re looking for a permanent solution for the dining table, they are real style killers. They always look like a stopgap and aren’t particularly comfortable.

Moreover, the dining room appears somewhat makeshift. Especially in a place where you spend more time with family or friends, it should be more homely and inviting, not like a campsite. If you want to avoid this no-go, you can use them as a temporary solution in an apartment, but as a permanent solution, they have no place in my home. Comfortable, stable chairs that match the table both visually and ergonomically are better. If you want flexibility, you can also opt for stackable chairs.