Mushroom Lamps, Wavy Mirrors & More: Gen Z Decor That’s Actually Timeless

Analyzing which trends are worth the hype—and which to skip (plus affordable finds)

In the world of interior design, no generation has embraced aesthetics, personality, and TikTok-fueled expression quite like Gen Z. From mushroom lamps glowing in neon hues to squiggly, wavy mirrors in pastel frames—Gen Z décor is bold, cheeky, and deeply personal. It’s the aesthetic of the now.

But here’s the big question: will these pieces still look cool in five years? Or will they age like lava lamps in a ‘90s basement?

If you’re furnishing your first apartment or just want to sprinkle in some youth-coded flair without regretting it later, this guide’s for you. We’re diving deep into today’s most viral Gen Z home décor trends, sorting the timeless treasures from the trend-fueled throwaways—and sharing budget-friendly options for each.

Mushroom Lamps: Worth the Hype

Let’s start with a fan favorite. These whimsical little lamps have gone from niche flea market find to full-blown TikTok obsession—and for good reason. With their rounded silhouette, ambient glow, and range of materials (glass, ceramic, resin), mushroom lamps feel nostalgic yet futuristic all at once.  If you’re like Nick, you are wondering what in the heck I’m talking about with mushroom lamps.  While they are whimsical, trust me they can look completely modern and sleek, like this one here by CB2.

Why It Works Long-Term:

• They soften a space with curved lines and warm lighting

• Their shape is rooted in mid-century and Scandinavian design, which rarely goes out of style

• Available in tons of finishes: retro orange glass, sleek black ceramic, or subtle white matte

How to Make It Timeless:

Choose neutral or soft earth-tone shades over neon or glitter versions. Look for frosted glass, creamy resin, or stone-inspired finishes.

Affordable Find:

• IKEA “TOKABO” Table Lamp – $25

• Urban Outfitters “Ansel Mushroom Lamp” – $59

• Amazon Mushroom Glass Lamp – $38

Wavy Mirrors: Trendy, But Tread Carefully

Those curvy mirrors you’ve seen all over IG and Pinterest? They’re fun. They’re playful. And they’re definitely attention-grabbing. Inspired by Ettore Sottsass’s 1970s Ultrafragola mirror (which sells for thousands), this trend became accessible thanks to colorful DIY versions and acrylic knockoffs.  If you read my post on Top 10 Design Trends for 2025, you will notice that is also plays into my prediction about rounded curves.  These waves can work into all kinds of design styles from modern to coastal.

Why It’s Risky:

• The bold shape can dominate a small space and clash with other design styles

• The candy-colored frames scream “2023 TikTok trend”

• Cheap acrylic versions can feel flimsy or look juvenile

How to Make It Timeless:

Opt for subtle waves or rippled frames in neutral tones (think cream, soft blush, or muted black). Hang it where it makes sense functionally—like by the entryway or above a vanity.

Affordable Find:

• Target “Project 62” Irregular Wall Mirror – $70

• IKEA “KRÄCKA” Decorative Mirror (wavy-inspired) – $25

• Etsy Custom Wood-Frame Wavy Mirrors – $80+

 Checkerboard Rugs: Surprisingly Timeless (If You Do It Right)

Checkerboard prints exploded across Pinterest boards—from rugs and bath mats to coffee mugs and pillows. While the classic black-and-white combo feels mod and timeless, the pastel versions (like pink and sage) are very much of-the-moment if you are daring enough!   For a more subtle look, you can still lean into the checkboard look in a more tonal and sophisticated way with a rug like this from Pottery Barn.

Why It Works:

• It plays into both modern and retro aesthetics

• The pattern adds boldness without overwhelming

• It balances geometric energy with minimalism

Timeless Tip:

Stick to classic color combos or earthy tones. A high-contrast monochrome checkerboard rug can look chic and last for years.  Also, try mixing the classic geometric look of checkboard rugs with more organic or botanical prints to really elevate your space.

Affordable Find:

• Ruggable Checkerboard Rug – starts at $109

• Urban Outfitters Tufted Bath Mat – $29

• Amazon Washable Area Rug (neutral checks) – $65

LED Strip Lights: Leave Them in the Dorm Room

This one’s a tough love moment. While multicolor LED strip lights are cheap, customizable, and fun, they often make a space look… like a gamer cave. Or worse, a teenager’s TikTok backdrop.

Why They Don’t Age Well:

• The plastic strip and bright hues often clash with grown-up design elements

• The RGB glow can flatten your space and make everything look like a YouTube setup

• It’s rarely cozy—it’s clubby

Better Alternative:

• Warm white fairy lights or color-adjustable table lamps

• Smart bulbs (like Philips Hue) that let you set a vibe without harshness

• Ambient lighting from mushroom lamps, sconces, or lanterns

Gallery Walls with “Cluttercore” Prints: Trendy, But Can Evolve

Gen Z has embraced maximalist, self-expressive gallery walls like no other generation. Think: framed photos, postcards, ironic art prints, dried flowers, and sculptural mirrors—all crammed onto a single wall.

What’s Great:

• Reflects personality, humor, nostalgia

• Affordable way to fill up space

• Highly customizable

Where It Can Go Wrong:

• Too many competing styles or no color cohesion

• Overly niche pop culture references that won’t make sense later

• Clutter can stress rather than inspire

Timeless Version:

Curate your wall with a limited color palette, balance between vintage and modern, and keep some breathing room between pieces. Think Parisian art salon vibes—not dorm room.

Affordable Find:

• Desenio or Society6 art prints – $10 to $25

• IKEA “LOMVIKEN” frames – $5 to $12

• Etsy vintage print bundles – $15+

Bubble Candles & Abstract Sculptural Decor: Cute, but Short-Lived

Bubble candles, knot pillows, and curvy trays took over aesthetic TikTok feeds in 2022. While they’re undeniably cute, most of these pieces fall into the “look but don’t touch” trap—visually fun but not functional.

Why They Might Not Last:

• Foam and wax materials don’t wear well

• Often bought for the trend, not the utility

• Easily dated once the TikTok wave passes

Better Alternatives:

• Handmade ceramic candles with natural shapes

• Wood or stone decorative objects with a tactile, organic feel

• Choose 1–2 sculptural items that blend with your overall decor rather than compete with it

Faux Vines & Hanging Ivy: Skip It, Go Real or Go Chic

Faux ivy vines taped along the wall were a staple of 2020 TikTok room makeovers, but they’ve quickly started to feel artificial (because, well… they are).

The Problem:

• Looks plastic-y and dust-collecting

• Often sag or peel off with time

• Doesn’t pair well with more grown-up aesthetics

Try Instead:

• Hanging macramé planters with real trailing plants (like pothos or string of hearts)

• Wall-mounted propagation tubes for minimalist greenery

• Dried florals like eucalyptus for subtle texture

 Gen Z Decor That Is Timeless (and Here to Stay)

If you’re decorating a new space and want to channel Gen Z’s energy without being a slave to trends, these are your safe bets for timeless-but-fun style:

1. Earthy Neutrals with Bold Pops

Start with a calming base—beige, terracotta, soft gray—and layer in your personality with a splash of color (a cobalt mug, a forest green chair, a funky lamp).

2. Curves and Organic Shapes

Sofas with rounded backs, oval coffee tables, mushroom stools—these biomorphic forms feel current yet grounded in design history (hello, Eero Saarinen).

3. Natural Materials

Swap out plastic for stone, wood, linen, rattan, or clay. These textures age gracefully and mix beautifully with colorful or whimsical pieces.

4. Multifunctional Furniture

Think: side tables that double as stools, floating shelves that act as mini desks, or bed frames with built-in drawers. Gen Z knows that form must meet function—especially in small spaces.

5. Statement Lighting

Mushroom lamps, paper lanterns, or arc floor lamps in warm tones will always elevate a space. The right lighting instantly transforms the vibe.

Quick Shopping Guide: Where to Get Gen Z Chic for Less

Looking for budget-friendly versions of these trends? Try these spots:

• H&M Home – Great for trendy-yet-minimal textiles and ceramics

• Target (Project 62 / Opalhouse) – Surprisingly stylish mirrors and lamps

• Wayfair & Overstock – Search filters = budget hunter’s paradise

• Etsy – Handmade pieces that feel one-of-a-kind

• Facebook Marketplace – Score real vintage at half the price

• IKEA – Their new releases often echo TikTok vibes with lasting structure

Decorating with Personality and Longevity

You don’t have to choose between self-expression and timeless design. Gen Z décor is exciting precisely because it invites play, experimentation, and joy. The trick is knowing which pieces are just having their viral moment—and which ones are secretly future classics.

So yes—buy the mushroom lamp. Choose the checkerboard rug. Paint the mirror frame bubblegum pink if it makes you happy.

But remember: the most timeless design choice you can make is to decorate with intention. Choose items you love, style them in ways that feel personal, and let your space grow with you.

Because the trendiest room isn’t the one that racks up the most likes—it’s the one that feels like home.

 Design Psychology: Why Gen Z Is Actually Onto Something

Gen Z’s approach to décor isn’t just quirky for the sake of being different—it reflects deep shifts in how younger generations view space, identity, and emotion.

Here’s why many Gen Z trends have staying power:

1. Personal Identity Over Perfection

Millennials embraced minimalism and clean white walls. Gen Z? They’re putting themselves on display—literally—with bold colors, mismatched gallery walls, and handmade objects. This emotional connection to space makes their rooms more memorable—and more sustainable in the long run

“Your space is a self-portrait. It’s not about what looks good to others. It’s about what feels good to you.”

2. DIY and Upcycling Culture

From painting squiggles on old furniture to sculpting their own candles, Gen Z leans into handmade, low-waste creativity. That thrift-meets-modern approach can create totally unique interiors—without fast furniture burnout.

3. Digital Nostalgia

Yes, some of it’s irony. But mushroom lamps, checkerboard rugs, and lava-lamp colors also tap into digital-era nostalgia that mirrors fashion’s Y2K revival. But when styled thoughtfully, they transcend the “meme” and feel like a wink to the past.

Creating a Mood Board: Blending Trendy with Timeless

Want to bring Gen Z energy into your home without going full TikTok dorm room? A mood board is the best place to start.

How to Create Yours:

1. Pick Your Base Vibe

   • Neutral, earthy, minimalist, colorful, glam, boho, etc.

2. Add Your “Statement Pieces”

   • Maybe it’s a mushroom lamp, a squiggle mirror, or a neon sign.

3. Balance It Out With Classics

   • Wood textures, linen fabrics, metal finishes, and structured furniture pieces.

4. Choose 2–3 Main Colors

   • Keep your palette tight to avoid chaos. Add contrast with one unexpected accent (like poppy red or cobalt blue).

5. Save Pins or Screenshots

   • Use Pinterest, Canva, or Milanote to build a visual guide that keeps you focused when shopping or decorating.

   • Pro Tip: Every “loud” piece should be balanced by 2–3 calming or grounding elements. It’s like fashion—statement earrings? Keep the outfit simple.

How to Transition a Trendy Room Into a Timeless One

Already decked out your space in Gen Z trends and starting to feel a bit overwhelmed? Don’t toss everything—edit and elevate instead.

1. Repaint or Refinish Trendy Pieces

Have a neon mirror or bright pink dresser? Try repainting it in a muted tone or sanding down for a more natural finish. The shape still adds personality, but now it’s versatile.

2. Swap in Natural Textures

Soften the look with wood, jute, ceramic, rattan, or linen. These elements tone down hyper-trendy features while keeping your space grounded.

3. Reframe the Gallery Wall

If your art feels chaotic, try reframing everything in the same material (wood, black metal, or acrylic) and give each piece a little more breathing room.

4. Upgrade Your Lighting

LED strips → sconces. TikTok ring light → dimmable mushroom lamp. Instant coziness.

Gen Z Home Décor Starter Kit (For the First Apartment)

Moving into your first apartment or dorm? Here’s a budget-friendly list that blends viral trends with long-term style.

We asked a few interior designers (and scrolled a lot of design forums) to get the scoop on what pros think about the Gen Z aesthetic wave.

What They Love:

• “Gen Z has totally broken the rules of design—in the best way. Their fearlessness is pushing the whole industry to loosen up.” — Sara L., LA-based designer

• “Color and curves are back thanks to Gen Z. It’s refreshing after a decade of gray and white everything.” — Nico R., Brooklyn stylist

What They Warn Against:

• “Trendy lighting can be a slippery slope. One neon sign too many and suddenly the room looks like a themed party.”

• “Over-accessorizing kills the vibe. Let some objects speak louder by giving them space.”

Final Advice: Aesthetic vs Authentic

There’s nothing wrong with following trends. But the best interiors are a mix of style and soul.

Ask yourself:

• Would I still love this piece even if it wasn’t trending?

• Does this reflect something about my personality or lifestyle?

• Can this piece evolve with me if my tastes shift?

Timelessness doesn’t mean boring—it means intentional.