Curious what home decor trends millennials and Gen Z care about?
Whether you guessed millennial mood lighting or tossed up between sustainable materials and style statements, you’re partially right.
Gen Z and millennials are changing the way we think about interior design. How we light our homes. Even how we decorate during the holidays.
Let’s dig in
Contrary to past generations, younger homeowners care about how their homes look, feel, and align with their values. They’re also great at sharing those spaces on social media.
In this article you’ll learn
- How Millennials Décor Their Homes Compared to Gen Z
- Gen Z is Prioritizing Mood Lighting More Than Ever
- Sustainability Is a Major Purchasing Factor
- Millennial Holiday Lighting Trends Are Taking Over
How Millennials Décor Their Homes Compared to Gen Z
Millennials and Gen Z buyers don’t agree on decor styles.
If you guessed millennials prefer minimalistic style and function, you’re right. Neutral colours, simple furniture lines, and purpose-built pieces rule this generations closets and living rooms. Think millennial grey on the walls and IKEA vibes.
What about Gen Z?
They could not be more different.
Known for maximising space and expressing personality through décor, Gen Z decor aesthetic is anything but minimalist. These youngest of homeowners want bold colours, funky patterns, and statement pieces that showcase who they are.
Which leads us to an important takeaway…
Gen Z and millennials actually have one large similarity. They both value sustainability. According to SwiftBeacon research, 62% of Gen Z are more likely to buy from sustainable brands. Millennials are not far behind them when it comes to using this as a factor when deciding to purchase.
Seasonal décor and millennial holiday lighting trends are even more telltale. If you remember your parents’ decoration style or spoke to relatives during the holidays, you might remember basic string lights around the roof and window of your house.
These young homeowners are switching it up with holiday lighting for millennials blending mood, style, and smart tech into something entirely new.
Curious how everything is changing? Let’s keep diving in.
Gen Z is Prioritizing Mood Lighting More Than Ever
Who knew lighting could make such a statement?
When it comes to lighting, Gen Z has changed the game. Out went bright overhead fixtures. In comes mood lighting with lamps, bubble lights, and yes, even fireplace pits.
This isn’t hearsay. According to Taskrabbit’s 2024 Trend Report, searches for hanging lights increased 42% among young shoppers.
“They’re ditching overhead lighting for moodier vibes”
Mood lighting serves more purposes than just ‘looking good’ too.
Smart home technology is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 23.5% from 2024-2029. Millennials and Gen Z want technology they can use. That means integration with smart home devices and spoken technology.
They want lights that:
- Can change colour based on the mood or activity
- Have energy efficient and long-lasting LEDs
- Sync with voice commands and smartphone apps
- Are aesthetically pleasing to enhance home decor
Sustainability Is a Major Purchasing Factor
Sustainability. It’s what every millennial and Gen Z shopper wants you to know they care about.
When it comes to furniture and décor, Gen Z leads the pack. 68% say they prefer furniture made with natural materials. Millennials aren’t far behind at 61%.
What’s the big takeaway?
These generations care about purchasing items that use ethically sourced materials, recycled materials, and production methods that have less harm on the environment.
Millennial and Gen Z buyers aren’t spending money on furniture they don’t intend to keep. Trends come and go. Quality pieces that will last remain on these home owners’ shopping lists.
The trend spills over into seasonal decorations, as well.
LED string lights are the popular choice. Not only can homeowners zip through those lights quicker with increased energy efficiency, but they’re also durable. These young homeowners also shop for reusable decor and ethically sourced decorations.
Thrifting is another popular way these generations shop for furniture and decorations. Gen Z and millennials love second-hand furniture and upcycling decorations. In fact, Gen Z is leading a revival of thrifted clothes, furniture, and decor.
What does this mean for your brand?
If you can’t prove that you’re sustainable, you’re losing out on millennial and Gen Z buyers. This demographic doesn’t care about your “green” marketing strategy. They’ll research the product, look at reviews, and find the answers they want before giving you their hard-earned money.
Social Media Influence Décor Style and Choices
Ever scrolled through Instagram and found yourself inspired to DIY that fireplace you saw?
Welcome to millennial and Gen Z home decorating.
“49% of Americans say social media influences their holiday lighting”
Sound about right? For households with kids ages 18 and under, that number grows to 61%.
Social media has a particular impact on Gen Z.
86% of their purchasing decisions are influenced by what they find on social media. Whether it’s YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram. Gen Z is creating content based on their homes too.
“If you’re not on social media, you’re missing out on a huge design influence.”
No surprises here. These generations want their homes to be “Instagrammable”. Decors and spaces that make for a good social content background are very intentional.
Budgets Still Matter for Practical Décor
While we’re on the topic of Instagram worthy spaces. Yes, millennials and Gen Z care about how their homes look.
But they’re also bargain hunting and getting creative to stretch their dollar.
The average millennial spends $770 per year on furniture. Deals and steals? You bet. Chances are they compared prices at a few retailers before making a purchase.
Gen Z will spend around $430 per year on furniture. A smaller budget means creativity is king when it comes to sprucing up their spaces.
How do they stretch their dollars?
Entrepreneurship and DIY makes millennial and Gen Z buyers unique. Restoring vintage furniture, building their own furniture, and creating homemade décor allows young homeowners to save money and add personality.
Furniture with more than one utility are also big selling points. When you’re living in a small space, you need furniture that can do more than one thing. Think storage ottomans, sofa beds, and wall mounted shelves.
Wrapping It Up
Millennials and Gen Z are changing the way we approach interior design.
Mood lighting > overhead fixtures. Sustainability > trendiness. Social Media > magazines. Personal expression > guidelines.
Here are a few key stats to remember:
- Millennial and Gen Z shoppers want mood lighting. In fact, hanging light requests are up 42%
- Sustainability and ethical sourcing is important. 62% of Gen Z are more likely to shop with sustainable brands
- Social Media influences 49% of American’s holiday light decisions
- Smart technology is growing in the household sector by 23.5%
Home décor trends are changing to accommodate millennial and Gen Z buyers. Whether you agree with their buying habits or not, these are the current consumers your buying. Ignore them at your own peril.
