At a Glance
- Realtor Gina Tempera says clutter, bulky pillows, ornate lights, and thick rugs instantly date a space
- She handpicked eight Wayfair swaps-up to 78 percent off-to modernize furniture and décor
- Upgrades include recessed LEDs, storage sectionals, and low-pile rugs from Kelly Clarkson Home and Joanna Gaines’ Loloi line
- Why it matters: Small swaps can boost a home’s perceived value for buyers or renters
A shopping writer turned to her realtor mom for guidance on which furniture and décor pieces scream “dated” and found eight budget-friendly Wayfair replacements-discounted as much as 78 percent.
The Biggest Offenders
Gina Tempera, now a licensed realtor, flagged four elements that instantly age a room:
- Clutter that accumulates over time
- Dark or oversized throw pillows
- Ornate chandeliers or large center-stage fixtures
- Thick, shaggy area rugs
“When people see furniture and décor that is dated, they assume everything is dated and needs to be refurbished, and they’re usually right,” she told Jonathan P. Miller. The rule applies to renters, too: updated styling signals a well-cared-for space.
Lighting First
Tempera starts every remodel by reassessing lighting. Many older homes feature chandeliers that pull focus from the rest of the room. She swaps them for recessed LEDs, specifically a 24-pack of 6-inch slim dimmable lights now $222 (was $259). The low-profile fixtures keep ceilings visually clean while cutting electric bills.
Storage That Disappears
Clutter morphs living areas into “museums of knick-knacks,” Tempera warns. Her fix: furniture with hidden compartments. The Hokku Designs Jossilynn L-shape convertible sectional, marked down to $720 from $830, hides games, pillows, or guest bedding beneath its cushions while offering full-size seating.
Rugs That Define, Not Drag
A rug “makes a room more inviting, sort of like a welcome mat,” she notes, but high-pile or shag versions fight modern lines and trap dirt. She recommends:
- Kelly Clarkson Home Soprano jute area rug, $110 (orig. $495) – 78 percent off
- Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi Henley ivory area rug, $402 (orig. $669)
- Magnolia Home Ryder sage area rug, $380 (orig. $509)
All three stay low-profile for easy upkeep.
Pillow Covers Over Bold Bolsters
Bulky bolsters and loud patterns date sofas instantly. Tempera opts for neutral Joss & Main pillow covers, $21 for a set of two. Hidden zippers allow seasonal swaps without “overpowering the room.” Reviewers call the look “high-end.”
Quick-Hit Upgrades
Two more small swaps complete her refresh list:
- House of Hampton Amram tufted round storage ottoman, $142 (was $463), stows blankets out of sight
- Homechoice Internationals velvet round throw pillows, $37 for two, add texture without bulk
Shop the Sale
All picks remain live on Wayfair’s winter clearance event while inventory lasts. Tempera advises acting fast: “When someone keeps up with the styles, it shows they are taking care of their space.”
Key Takeaways
- Replace ornate fixtures with recessed LEDs for instant modernization
- Choose low-pile rugs and neutral pillow covers for cleaner lines
- Invest in dual-purpose furniture-storage sectionals and ottomans hide daily clutter
- Score up to 78 percent off on realtor-approved pieces during Wayfair’s current sale
