When decorating a home, even well-intentioned choices can lead to a space that feels "off" or cluttered. Based on advice from top interior designers, here are the 10 most common decorating mistakes homeowners make and how to avoid them:
1. Choosing an Improper Rug Size
This is often cited as the #1 design mistake. Homeowners often buy rugs that are too small to save money or because they misjudge the scale.
- The Fix: Ideally, all furniture legs in a seating area should rest on the rug. At the very minimum, the front legs of sofas and chairs must be on it.
2. Hanging Artwork Too High
Many people hang art at a height that requires looking up, which makes the piece feel disconnected from the furniture and the room.
- The Fix: Hang art at "eye level." A good rule of thumb is to place the center of the piece about 57 to 60 inches from the floor. If it's over a sofa, leave 6 to 8 inches of space between the top of the sofa and the bottom of the frame.
3. Relying on Overhead Lighting Only
Using only a single overhead light or harsh recessed lighting can make a room feel sterile, flat, and uninviting.
- The Fix: Layer your lighting. Aim for at least three sources: ambient (general light), task (reading lamps/under-cabinet), and accent (sconces or art lights). Use dimmers to control the mood.
4. Ignoring Scale and Proportion
This happens when you have a massive overstuffed sectional in a tiny apartment or tiny, spindly chairs in a grand, high-ceilinged room.
- The Fix: Measure your space before buying. Use painter's tape on the floor to visualize the "footprint" of new furniture to ensure there’s enough breathing room (ideally 2-3 feet) to walk around.
5. Pushing All Furniture Against the Walls
People often do this thinking it makes the room look bigger, but it actually creates a "waiting room" vibe with a large, awkward empty space in the middle.
- The Fix: "Float" your furniture. Pull the sofa a few inches away from the wall, or group seating in the center of the room to create cozy conversation zones.
6. Hanging Curtains Too Low or Too Short
Hanging curtains right at the top of the window frame makes the ceiling feel lower and the window look smaller.
- The Fix: "High and Wide." Hang the rod 4–6 inches above the window frame (or even closer to the ceiling) and extend it past the sides so the fabric doesn't block the glass when open. Curtains should "kiss" or slightly puddle on the floor, never "flood" (stop inches above the floor).
7. Buying Matching Furniture Sets
Buying a "bedroom set" where the bed, dresser, and nightstands all match perfectly can make a home feel like a furniture showroom rather than a curated home.
- The Fix: Mix and match textures, styles, and eras. If you have a wood bed, try metal or painted nightstands to add character and depth.
8. Choosing Paint Color First
It is much easier to match a paint color to a rug or sofa than it is to find a rug that perfectly matches a specific wall color you’ve already committed to.
- The Fix: Choose your "hero" pieces (rug, upholstery, or large art) first. Pick your paint color last, as it can be custom-mixed to perfectly complement your fabrics.
9. Over-Decorating (lack of room to breathe & rest)
Filling every surface with small knick-knacks or "Live, Laugh, Love" signs creates visual clutter and leaves the eye with nowhere to rest.
- The Fix: Practice restraint. Group small items in odd numbers (the "Rule of Three") on trays to make them look intentional, and leave some surfaces clear to give the room "breathing room."
10. Prioritizing Aesthetics Over Function
Choosing a beautiful but rock-hard sofa or a delicate glass coffee table in a house with toddlers is a recipe for regret.
- The Fix: Always consider how you actually live. If you like to eat on the couch or have pets, opt for performance fabrics. Design should serve your lifestyle, not just look good in a photo.