Adding wall art and decor is a great way to give any space instant personality. However, when done without taste, certain wall art styles can look distracting, tacky, or even dated.
These days, there are plenty of wall art trends to explore — from murals to gallery walls — but not all are created equal.
To help you narrow things down and choose the right look for your space, we’ve asked three designers to share the wall art styles they consider outdated, why they should be avoided, and what they choose instead.
1 – Unauthenticated Prints
Framed posters from museum exhibits or unverified reproductions no longer cut it, says interior designer Kendall Wilkinson.
“The days of framing low-quality posters — especially museum prints — as substitutes for real art are gone,” says Wilkinson, founder of Kendall Wilkinson Design. “These pieces often lack the depth, intent, and craftsmanship we look for in interior curation.”
Instead, she suggests looking for authenticated lithographs and limited-edition photography through accessible sources.
“For example, Selects Gallery in New York is a fantastic place to discover iconic and emerging fashion photographers,” Wilkinson says. “They offer curated, collectible works that give any space a refined editorial touch — proof that art can be both personal and polished.”
2 – Fake Antiques
Much like faux plants, fake antiques can make a space feel inauthentic. So instead of choosing filler pieces with fleeting appeal, choose wall art that genuinely reflects your style. It’s always great to be able to tell a story about where you got it.
“I’m not a fan of anything that’s not real,” says Gregory Feller, lead designer and co-owner of Hudson Home. “Fake vintage items, clocks, signs, shutters — anything that’s not authentic. My advice: find the real thing or don’t do it at all.”
3 – Overly Themed Art
Themes can help create cohesion in a room, but when overdone, they can take away from the overall impact.
“I’m not a fan of artwork with words like ‘beach’ or anything overly thematic or cheesy — they tend to take away from the space rather than add to it,” says Stephanie Mahaney, founder and principal designer at Stephanie Rae Interiors. “I prefer pieces that are more thoughtful or personal and can still reflect your personality without being cliché.”
4 – Gallery Walls
Gallery walls are great — when they include pieces you’ve collected over time or that hold personal meaning, Feller notes. However, he warns against buying pre-packaged gallery walls with art that’s already curated. “It’s just sad,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to use your imagination.”
5 – Faux Plaster Finishes
While Wilkinson deeply appreciates craftsmanship and historic references, she finds that traditional faux plaster finishes can feel dated or flat.
“Instead, we love working with visionary decorative artists who elevate wall treatments to a contemporary, artistic level,” she says. “Caroline Lizarraga from Oakland is one of my favorites — her custom murals and expressive wall techniques transform surfaces into immersive art installations.”
6 – Accent Walls
According to The Spruce, while accent walls became popular as a way to introduce color or pattern into a space, Wilkinson finds that they can often make a room feel disjointed or incomplete.
“In some cases, it can come off as an afterthought — like you ran out of wallpaper or didn’t finish the design,” she explains.
Instead, she recommends a more holistic approach. “Whether it’s a refined wallpaper, a custom mural, or full decorative painting, wrapping the entire room allows the walls to feel like a cohesive part of the design story,” she says. “It creates an immersive sense of beauty and intention that feels much more elevated and timeless.”
7 – Fake Maps
Feller avoids framed maps unless they’re truly vintage or original. “Don’t hang that fake map of Paris unless it’s the real deal,” he advises. “Again, anything that’s not authentic is a no for me.”
8 – ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ Signs
Farmhouse-style signs with phrases like “Live, Laugh, Love” or “Home Is Where the Heart Is” are best replaced with art that actually evokes those feelings rather than spelling them out.
“Instead, I suggest hanging something you love, something that makes you smile, or even black and white family or friend photos,” Feller says.
Source: The Spruce
Stay up to date through our Facebook page.
