9 ‘Ugly’ Home Accessories That Are Making a Comeback
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This year, all the ugly décor that you never thought you’d see again is coming back. Ruffled bed skirts, lava lamps, and neon signs are reappearing, but upgraded—layered with bold wallpaper, grounded by quilted throw blankets, and finished with warm brass hardware.
“Design remixing has become popular, encouraging people to mix old and new elements to create depth, dimension, and a uniquely personal appearance,” says Nicole Cella, an interior designer at Wayfair Professional. “Thrifting has resurfaced as a popular pastime, making vintage pieces more accessible and desirable.”
The result is a sense of medieval-meets-millennial nostalgia—cozy, a little chaotic, and oddly comforting. It’s about letting familiar, slightly uncommon objects reenter the home in smarter ways. Below, the “ugly” home accessories that are making a comeback, and how to style them so they feel current.
Lava Lamps
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Lava lamps are highly desirable again. Paired with colorful ceramic bases, lighting in general has become much bolder. “Long gone are the days of minimalism—people are more drawn to heavy patterns, mixed colors and textures, and detailed pieces that add personality,” says Cella, adding that these lamps were “once viewed as kitschy and grandma décor, and are now embraced as fun statement pieces.”
Treat these lamps as focal points, not background lighting. Place one on a nightstand, side table, or credenza and balance it with simpler furniture or neutral tones. “It’s perfect for a meditation room, cozy reading nook, or setting the mood without trying too hard,” says interior designer Cristina Mata.
Colorful Frames
Colorful frames are having a moment, encouraging a looser, more expressive approach to wall art. Think saturated primary colors, soft pastels, lacquered finishes, or a combination of different materials. Mixing these different sizes, colors, and textures adds visual interest without requiring symmetry or rigid rules.
“The whole point is fun. If it makes you smile when you walk by, you did it right,” says Mata.
Medieval Décor
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Medieval décor is stepping out of castles and into modern homes. Think iron candle holders, aged wood furniture, heavy linen or velvet curtains, arched mirrors, and stone or plaster finishes.
“Now that we’re in our castlecore era, medieval is exactly what the moment needs,” says Mata. “From antique furniture and dramatic curtains to rich stone and wood textures, this style brings warmth, weight, and realness—everything our fast, disposable world is missing.”
Ruffles
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Ruffles are reemerging as a playful way to add softness and texture to a room. They work best when treated as an accent rather than a theme, appearing on pillows, sofas, curtains, or tablecloths.
“Ruffles will always take you straight to grandma’s house,” says Mata. “Mix them with modern, organic furniture, and you’ve got that perfect grandma chic vibe.”
Bold Wallpaper
“[Wallpaper] was avoided for its cluttered and overstimulating appearance, and now valued for its personality,” says Cella. In 2026, the boldest patterns feel most current, like oversized stripes and expressive, colorful florals.
The key is contrast. Pair statement wallpaper with a pared-down interior, such as a modern bed frame or soft pastel bedding. This will help keep the space grounded. You can introduce a second pattern elsewhere in the room, but do so carefully.
Quirky Collectibles
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Quirky collectibles are returning as meaningful, personality-driven accents, rather than background clutter. Small figurines, travel souvenirs, and inherited objects work best when grouped and given space to breathe.
“Style them on an antique bookshelf, but keep the surroundings modern. Clean lines, calm colors—let the weird little treasures be the stars. Contrast is what makes memories look cool, not cluttered,” says Mata.
Hanging Plates
Hanging plates are making a comeback as an alternative to traditional wall art. When styled, they feel personal, rather than decorative. “Mix them into a mid-century or modern kitchen, and suddenly they’re not just nostalgic—they’re the main character,” says Mata. “They make your home feel more real.” You can also try a monochrome approach to give old treasures a modern treatment.
Patchwork and Quilts
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Patchwork is returning in functional layers and visual statements. Whether vintage, inherited, or newly made, quilting adds color, texture, and a sense of lived-in warmth that modern bedding often lacks. Fold one at the foot of the bed, drape it over a sofa, or hang it casually over a chair to let the pattern shine.
Brass and Bronze Hardware
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Black matte and shiny silver hardware are officially passé, making room for warmer metals like brass and bronze. “These were once viewed as gaudy and now have a vintage appeal, emphasizing warmth,” says Cella. Now these finishes feel timeless, and age more beautifully than high-contrast metals.
To incorporate them, start small. Swap cabinet pulls, drawer handles, or bathroom fixtures before committing to larger changes. Brass and bronze pair especially well with natural materials like wood, stone, and linen.
