The Most Common Home Decoration Mistakes
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As a homeowner, it’s natural to want a beautiful, cohesive space. But even the most well-intentioned design choices can quickly turn into a decorating mistake. From choosing the wrong rug size to pushing all your furniture against the walls, these interior design mistakes can make your home feel awkward, cramped, or unfinished.
While some errors are subtle, others are design mistakes interior designers always notice. By spotting these common decorating mistakes, you can create a home that feels stylish, comfortable, and timeless.
1. Matching Furniture Too Closely
One of the most common mistakes to avoid is buying furniture that’s all the same height or part of matching furniture sets. This makes the room design look flat and predictable. Instead, mix furniture pieces of varying heights, shapes, and colours. For example, pair a tall floor lamp with low side tables or vary the size of your vases and shelves to add depth and character.
2. Styling Dark Furniture in a Small Space
Dark, heavy sofas and chairs can make a small space feel cramped. Interior designers often recommend choosing lighter finishes, fabrics, and paint colour for compact rooms. Opt for furniture that helps create a space that feels open and welcoming, rather than one that swallows the light.
3. Choosing the Wrong Rug Size
A rug is often the focal point of a living room design, but choosing the wrong size is a common design mistake. A rug that’s too small looks lost, while one that’s oversized overwhelms the space. The rule of thumb: rugs in living rooms should fit under the front legs of sofas and chairs, grounding the seating area without dominating the room.
Read more rug sizing tips from Architectural Digest.
4. Hanging Artwork Too High or Too Low
Artwork hung too high makes a room feel disconnected, while hanging it too low can throw off the balance of the space. A good rule of thumb is to hang art at eye level, or create a gallery wall that aligns with the centre of the room. When in doubt, step back and check the look of the room from different angles.
5. Chasing Every New Design Trend
Interior design trends change constantly, but decorating with every new design scheme can quickly drain your budget and leave your home without personality. Instead of following fads, choose timeless pieces of furniture like sofas, dining tables, or a statement fireplace that reflect your style. This makes your home feel authentic and cohesive.
See Houzz’s expert advice on timeless vs. trendy design.
6. Relying on a Single Light Source
A room without layered lighting is one of the biggest interior design mistakes. Relying only on an overhead bulb creates harsh shadows and makes a space feel unwelcoming. To keep the room feeling warm and balanced, mix table lamps, side lamps, and a floor lamp. This layered lighting design helps create focal points and sets the right mood.
7. Forgetting Greenery
Plants add life and colour to a room, yet they’re often treated as an afterthought. A simple vase with fresh flowers on a coffee table or a tall plant near a window can make a room feel vibrant and complete. Choose greenery that suits your lifestyle, whether that’s easy-care succulents or statement indoor trees.
8. Avoiding Investment Pieces
One of the biggest mistakes designers always notice is skimping on major furniture pieces. Don’t be afraid to invest in a high-quality sofa or bed—pieces of furniture you’ll use every day. Balance them with more affordable décor elements like cushions, curtains, or shelves to keep the budget manageable.
9. Pushing Furniture Against the Walls
Many people make the mistake of arranging furniture flush against walls in hopes of creating more space. But pushing sofas and chairs to the perimeter often makes the room feel sparse. Instead, pull furniture away from the walls and arrange them in conversational groups. This will make your home look more welcoming and create a space that feels comfortable and sociable.
Better Homes & Gardens shares tips on arranging living room furniture.
Final Thoughts
Household decoration mistakes happen—even to those with an in-house interior designer. The key is to recognise these common design mistakes and adjust your room design to create a home that reflects your personality while remaining functional.
By following these simple design tips—choosing the right rug, layering your light sources, and avoiding clutter—you can make a space feel cohesive, stylish, and truly yours.
