We’re Calling It: Lego Decorations Aren’t Just For Kids Anymore

Once her boyfriend moved in, Dani started using clear plastic shelves to display some of his Lego sets.

Dani Klarić

“I think [Legos] work the same way as a piece of art,” says Jessica Ayromloo, principal owner of Ayromloo Design. In fact, Jessica states she’s not at all surprised Legos are experiencing a bit of a comeback. It definitely makes sense with the resurgence of kitsch in the design world, which can be seen in other trends like baguette lamps or even subtle wiggles in the shapes of furniture and rugs. Jessica specifically points to contemporary artists like Jeff Koons and Kaws, who have popularized design toys in the high art world, as contributing to the rise of slightly kitschy toys like Legos finding a home in the interiors space—and in the larger world of fashion and streetwear. “It’s an inexpensive, fun way to add something interesting to your home that’s maybe, like, a conversation starter,” Jessica adds.

It’s also a bit of a nod to the fantasy rooms we all dreamed of having as kids: the swinging bed in Raven’s room in Disney’s That’s So Raven, or the gummy bear chandelier in Carly’s room on Nickelodeon’s iCarly. Dani even says some people compare her own home to Carly’s room.  

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Using Lego decorations and other toys as design objects also works even if your personal style errs on the side of simple and understated. TikTok creator Bao Nguyen explains that when it comes to furniture, she likes to play it safe and sticks primarily to neutrals. But she colors outside the lines with her accent decor, using Lego sets and different toys, like her Brickheadz collection, to elevate her space.

Jessica and Bao also call out the fact that it’s decor you get to craft yourself. As you know, building Legos can be tough. (Bao’s pro tip is to give yourself plenty of time to do it.) It’s especially hard when it comes to rendering something in Lego form that doesn’t easily match with the shape of Legos themselves, like flowers. But for Bao, that’s exactly what makes Lego decorations so special and what brings them to life in our own homes. Take the Starry Night set, which is inspired by Van Gogh’s famous work of art that is known for its graceful curls and swirls—this is somewhat ironic for anyone who knows the rush of pain from stepping on a Lego block. But it’s that modular and 3D quality that brings sets like these to life in a way that’s distinct from the original.