Are Neon Light Fixtures A Cute Home Accent Or Seriously Outdated?

Trendy neon signs were once a fun and playful statement piece that many people wanted to add to their home decor. There was a point where it felt like every decor enthusiast either owned—or seriously considered—a bright sign above their bed that read "All you need is love," inspired by that perfectly curated Tumblr aesthetic that was once so popular. But according to Martha Stewart, neon light fixtures are one of the lighting trends that will give way to more elegant and subtle ambient lighting solutions that ebb and flow better with refined interior styles in 2025. Interior designers say neon signs can even make a space look and feel tacky.

But that doesn't necessarily mean neon signs no longer have a place in a modern home. When used intentionally and sparingly, they can still serve as a playful accent piece that really highlights your creative side. For instance, if you're decorating a kid's bedroom or a playroom, neon signs would be a fun addition to the already whimsical aesthetic. Look for heart- or star-shaped lights, or even an animal-shaped one. Just how fun would this Lucunstar Dachshund Neon Decor be in a playroom?

There will always be people drawn to certain design choices, whether they're considered outdated or not. Neon signs continue to be popular with many homeowners and amateur decorators, but if you are worried a neon sign may be outdated like the Hollywood-style bulb bathroom lighting, we're here to tell you: as long as you can find a way to elevate the space with your neon light of choice, rather than making it feel like a retro item from the past, you can absolutely make it work.

As much as neon light fixtures have always been a bold design choice, real style has never been about whether an object trending or not. It comes down to how you use it. The key is to recognize when neon decor can enhance a space or completely overwhelm it. As with any bold design choice, it's important to be intentional about the placement, color, and context of your neon sign.

According to Interior Designer at Bri Macdonald Designs, Abraham Chavez, the right style of neon, like soft pastels and subtle curved font writing, has some potential and won't make a space feel tacky. That's why you might want to use soft, cooler-colored neon lights as an accent piece for areas that are meant to be cozy and expressive, like a powder room or even a spacious dressing room. A custom neon sign like CRUMBIT's customized neon decor would truly personalize these spaces.

As we've said, neon lights can still shine depending on where they're placed. In a playroom or child's bedroom, they can add an exciting and playful element to the overall feel of the room. When used in a powder room or dressing room, soft-toned neon lights can make for a chic, personalized touch.

However, they can seriously do a space wrong when overused or placed in the wrong context. If your home has more of a refined and minimalist interior style, a super bright neon sign in lime green or a bold red is bound to clash with the overall subtle aesthetic, making the space unable to flow together at all. Neon signs can overwhelm the design of a room and have your guests confused at what the interior design goals were for the space.

Don't ever let the neon sign you're wanting to add to your space become the focal point in a room. It should be an accent piece that adds a touch of personality and fun energy without completely dominating the space. With this in mind, soft-toned neon light fixtures can look outstanding as an addition on an already existing gallery wall or in a cozier, understated corner of your space.