Looking to redecorate before you sell? Avoid key furnishing mistake that 'puts people off'

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GB News
Susanna Siddell

By Susanna Siddell


Published: 22/06/2025

- 13:49

If you want to indulge in the latest trends, it's best to invest in items that are more easily swapped out

Quite often, homeowners are keen to rejuvenate their property before selling to ensure they get the most out of their soon-to-be former home.

And, during a time when particular trends, such as "cloud couches" and large boucle pieces, are garnering attention online for their visual appeal, a generational difference in opinion could end up driving those house prices down.



As a result, property connoisseur Terry Fisher has cautioned homeowners seduced by TikTok and Instagram's aesthetic-driven décor choices.

Today's most popular furniture trends are creating homes that prioritise aesthetics over practical living, according to the expert.

Row of houses surrounded by trees

Britons are encouraged to invest in items that are more easily swapped out

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Consequently, the divide between online appeal and real-world marketability has left sellers struggling to attract serious buyers.

Among the most problematic trends are oversized boucle chairs and ultra-low cloud couches that have become ubiquitous across social media platforms. These statement pieces, despite their photogenic nature, could create significant issues for prospective buyers.

"People are drawn to minimalist, ultra-modern furniture that looks great on social media but doesn't work for the average buyer," Fisher explained.

"A huge curved sofa might be eye-catching, but if it dominates the living room and makes the space feel smaller, it puts people off."

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"These low-profile pieces often don't align well with other furniture, making rooms feel mismatched or poorly laid out," Terry noted.

The practical implications extend beyond mere aesthetics, with Terry explaining how these trendy furnishings make it particularly difficult for older viewers to envision themselves living comfortably in such spaces.

"It's also harder for older viewers to visualise themselves in a space if the furniture looks uncomfortable or hard to use," he explained, adding that statement pieces leave potential buyers questioning the functionality of daily life in these homes.

Cloud couch

'Cloud couches' have gathered a lot of attention online recently

@atashleythomas/TikTok


"Buyers want to be able to imagine their own lives there. If a home is packed with TikTok trends that scream 'style over substance', it's harder for them to picture it," he warned.

To combat the threat of prices taking a nose-dive, the solution lies in embracing timeless design principles that appeal to genuine buyers.

"If you love the trending look, go for accessories - like cushions or prints – that you can swap out," Terry advised. "But when it comes to big-ticket items, stick to styles that won’t date or divide opinion."