From oversized boucle chairs to ultra-low sofas, certain looks may rack up likes online but they’re not always practical or appealing to real-world buyers.

According to Terry Fisher of We Buy Any Home, today’s interiors are often designed for aesthetics, not function - and that’s a red flag for many buyers.

“People are drawn to minimalist, ultra-modern furniture that looks great on social media but doesn’t work for the average buyer,” he said. “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.”

The low-slung ‘cloud’ couches and bulky boucle chairs currently dominating TikTok and Instagram interiors aren’t just impractical - they can also distort a room’s sense of space.

“These low-profile pieces often don’t align well with other furniture, making rooms feel mismatched or poorly laid out,” Mr Fisher explained. “It’s also harder for older viewers to visualise themselves in a space if the furniture looks uncomfortable or hard to use.”

He added that homes with statement pieces often leave buyers questioning how they’d actually live in the space - especially in smaller properties or flats.

“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.”

So what does appeal to potential buyers? According to Mr Fisher, neutral, well-balanced furniture with timeless appeal will always win over bold trends.

“A comfortable sofa in a classic shape, sensible layout and pieces that don’t overwhelm the room go a long way,” he said. “Buyers want to see a home that feels inviting, spacious and easy to live in.”

He also advised sellers to think about practicality: furniture that’s easy to move around, suits the scale of the room, and doesn’t make everyday tasks feel difficult.

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

For homeowners hoping to sell, it may be time to rethink that viral velvet sofa and focus on function over feeds.