The Worst Furniture Trends in History

Take a look in horror at the worst furniture trends in history. Trends come and go, but these should have never been. Don’t make these mistakes again.

Human beings are capable of unspeakable horrors, as history has proven. From the bean bag to oversized dresser drawers, designers have assaulted the masses with some monstrous pieces of furniture. Were they among the original trolls, only doing it for the shock factor? Perhaps they were anarchists trying to disrupt the entire system. Who knows? What we do know is that some ghastly furniture mass has made its way into the public eye over the last 70 years. Behold the horrors of the worst furniture trends in history.

The 1950s — Metal Patio Furniture

Like the pared-down furniture sets found in midcentury dining rooms, backyard patios had flimsy metal furniture. Less was considered more during this decade, and that mentality was reflected in just about everything. Metal patio furniture would often sit outdoors all year and rust, mainly because we didn’t have the quality weather-resistant paints we enjoy today. Fortunately, people came to their senses and now enjoy better quality outdoor furniture.

The 1960s — TV Trays

This is by far the worst furniture trend in history. The 60s were centered around the television. Shortly after the invention of the TV dinner, top-heavy, unstable TV trays were found in every home around the country. Families would bake their TV dinner and crowd around the massive TV that sat on the floor. The American dream of eating in front of the TV and binging your favorite show was born.

The 1970s — Wicker Furniture Indoors

Many critics have astutely noted that the wicker furniture trend would have fared better if it took place outdoors where it belonged. Even the incredibly popular peacock chair fit into the earthy attitude of the later 70s when more natural accessories began to gain traction. This would turn out to be only the beginning of this outdoor and indoor train wreck.

The 1980s — Floral Chintz Furniture

At the close of this decade, florals were still just as powerful as they were when Flower Power was in full swing, and they gave way to one of the biggest trends of those years—floral chintz furniture. Since George Washington decided to outfit his estate, Mount Vernon, in chintz paper, this trend has made multiple appearances throughout the years. However, it was especially popular in the 1980s, which was otherwise known as the era of “more is more.” This print was so overdone, in fact, that the Prince of Chintz himself, iconic designer Mario Buatta, admitted, “Chintz was overdone in the 80s.”

The 1990s — The Inflatable Chair

Inflatable chairs were so popular during the latter part of the 1990s that even the princess of pop, Britney Spears, enjoyed lounging around on them occasionally. This chair was the ultimate must-have accessory at the time, and while this sentiment has been echoed time and again, it doesn’t counteract the fact that this invention was incredibly uncomfortable and cheap. Despite being one of the most popular interior design trends of the 90s, many critics are well aware of its failures as an invention.