7 Living Room Decorating Mistakes Everyone Makes, Interior Designers Say
Your living room is the heart of your home, but it’s also where many decorating blunders happen. I’ve seen even the most style-conscious homeowners fall into common design traps that can make a space feel awkward or unwelcoming.
Interior designers consistently point out these frequent missteps that can throw off your entire room’s vibe. Let me share what the pros say are the biggest living room decorating mistakes and how to fix them.
1. Selecting the Wrong Size Rug
That postage-stamp sized rug floating in the middle of your room is probably the culprit behind your space feeling disjointed. Small rugs create visual confusion and make rooms feel choppy.
Your rug should be large enough for all furniture legs to sit on it, or at minimum, the front legs of each piece. For standard living rooms, I typically suggest at least an 8×10 foot rug.
When your furniture shares one rug foundation, the room instantly feels more cohesive and intentionally designed.
2. Ignoring Traffic Flow
Have you ever felt like you’re navigating an obstacle course just to cross your living room? Ignoring traffic flow is a common decor mistake that disrupts both harmony and usability.
In a well-arranged living room, furniture placement should consider pathways, ensuring easy movement. Rearranging can breathe new life into a room by creating natural walkways.
Additionally, consider angles and lines of sight to keep the room open and inviting. Prioritizing traffic flow not only enhances aesthetics but also boosts functionality, making your living room a welcoming and practical space.
3. Underestimating Vertical Space
Have you noticed how some rooms feel cramped despite having ample vertical space? Overlooking vertical elements is a frequent slip-up in decor planning.
By utilizing walls for shelves or art, you can transform the room’s ambiance. Tall bookcases or hanging plants can draw the eye upward, opening up the space.
Moreover, large mirrors or vertical stripes can add depth, making even a small room feel expansive. Embracing vertical space not only enriches the visual appeal but also optimizes the area, providing a more balanced living experience.
4. Matching Furniture Sets
Remember those showroom sets where everything perfectly matches? While convenient, they’re the fast track to a boring, uninspired living room that lacks personality and depth.
Mix things up by selecting pieces that complement rather than match exactly. Pair your neutral sofa with chairs in a different fabric or color. Add side tables in contrasting materials like wood, metal, or glass.
Your space will feel collected over time rather than purchased in one afternoon, giving it that designer touch that feels authentic and uniquely yours.
5. Forgetting About Scale and Proportion
That massive sectional drowning in your apartment living room? Or perhaps tiny accent tables floating beside your oversized sofa? Scale problems immediately catch a designer’s trained eye.
Furniture should be proportional to your room size and to each other. Before purchasing, I always tape out furniture dimensions on the floor to visualize how pieces will relate to the space and each other.
Taking measurements seriously prevents costly mistakes and ensures your room feels balanced rather than awkwardly mismatched with pieces that are too large or comically small.
6. Clutter Overload
Have you ever been overwhelmed by a room filled with endless knick-knacks? A cluttered space can quickly become stifling and uninviting.
Simplifying your decor by selectively choosing accessories can make a significant difference. Less is often more when it comes to creating a serene environment.
Consider adopting a rotational decor approach, where only a few pieces are displayed at a time. This strategy not only maintains a fresh look but also highlights key pieces without overwhelming the senses.
7. Misjudging Color Balance
Color harmony can make or break a room’s aesthetic. Have you ever walked into a room and felt an immediate color clash? Misjudging color balance leads to visual chaos.
Opt for complementary colors to create a cohesive and pleasing look. Balance bold patterns with neutral tones to avoid overwhelming the senses.
Remember, the right color scheme not only beautifies a space but also affects mood and energy levels. Getting it right can transform your living room into a haven of tranquility.
