13 Living Room Decorating Mistakes Everyone Makes

Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to refresh your space, decorating can be both exciting and a bit challenging. Even seasoned interior designers will tell you they made their share of missteps when they were starting out.

While it’s tempting to play it safe with familiar choices, sometimes the most stunning living rooms come from stepping outside our comfort zones. The key isn’t following every trend, but rather selecting pieces that feel both fresh and timeless.

Over the years, I’ve learned quite a bit from my decorating adventures. I’m not here to critique anyone’s style choices, but I do want to offer some simple suggestions for transforming your space into something that you’ll love coming home to.

Choosing the Wrong Couch Design

Your couch is the focal point of your living room. Instead of choosing trendy couches, go with one that fits your room’s architecture. Research online and find designs that speak to you.

Once you’ve done that, measure your space and find a couch that will fit comfortably in it. One that’s too big will take up too much room, and one that’s too small will make it feel empty. Don’t overcomplicate it; a simple yet classic design will work in any space.

Buying a Rug That Doesn’t Compliment Your Space

Selecting the right rug can transform your living room from ordinary to extraordinary. Size matters here – an oversized rug can dominate your space, while one that’s too small can make your room feel disjointed. The key is finding balance with size and color.

Before making your purchase, measure your space carefully and outline the dimensions on your floor in tape. This simple step ensures you’ll select a rug that fits perfectly and enhances your room’s overall design.

Having Your Couches Against the Wall

Moving your couches away from the walls can dramatically transform your living room. While it might seem counterintuitive, “floating” your furniture in the center of the room actually creates a more spacious feel and better flow. This simple change makes your room appear larger and more intentionally designed.

Purchasing Things in Sets

Your living room is not a showroom! You’re not trying to advertise how different things go together. Sadly, this is the message you’re sending when you have matching sets of rugs, throw pillows, and other décor.

Your living room should reflect your personal style. So what if you have mismatched pillows or curtains of different colors? That’s what you like, and when well-placed, everyone can appreciate it.

Investing in Meaningless Wall Art

The best wall art is the kind that speaks to you. There are lots of budget-friendly pieces that could tell a story. Trendy, store-bought pieces that cover your bare walls don’t add much to the space as compared to a smaller, custom-made family portrait.

Curating meaningful art takes time, so don’t be in a rush. Be patient in finding what means the most to you, and then put it on canvas!

Hanging Art Incorrectly

The perfect piece of art can make your room really come together, but how you hang it matters just as much as the art itself. Gallery walls might seem trendy, but they can actually make each piece feel less special. Sometimes letting one amazing piece stand on its own creates more impact.

Here’s a handy trick: before you start making holes in your walls, lay out your artwork on the floor first. Play around with different spots and live with the arrangement for a day. Trust me, this little bit of planning can save you from a wall that looks like Swiss cheese and help you find that sweet spot where your art really shines.

Having Your Television Too High Up

Let’s talk about TV placement. Nobody wants to feel like they’re sitting in the front row of a movie theater, craning their neck to see the screen. Sure, mounting your TV above the fireplace might look Pinterest-perfect, but your neck probably won’t thank you after binge-watching your favorite show.

Here’s the thing: the best spot for your TV is simply where it’s most comfortable to watch. Aim for eye level when you’re lounging on the couch, where you can relax and enjoy without feeling like you’re doing neck exercises. It might not be the trendiest spot, but trust me, your comfort matters more than following the crowd on this one.

Not Prioritizing Comfort

Your living room should be your favorite place to unwind, not just a showroom of trendy pieces. While style matters, comfort should always come first – after all, this is where you’ll spend countless hours relaxing, entertaining, and making memories.

Creating a cozy space doesn’t take much. Some soft throw pillows and a couple of snuggly blankets can transform even the most stylish sofa into your perfect relaxation spot. The key is finding that sweet spot where beautiful design meets real-life comfort. Because at the end of a long day, you want a living room that welcomes you home, not one that just looks good in photos.

Having a Single Source of Light

Think of your living room lighting like layers of a cake—you need different types to create something truly special. A single overhead light, no matter how bright, just won’t cut it. Your room needs a mix of lighting that can adapt to whatever you’re doing, whether you’re reading a book, hosting friends, or watching a movie.

Start with good overall lighting to brighten the whole space, then add some table lamps near your seating areas for when you want things a bit cozier. Pop in some accent lights to highlight your favorite decor pieces or create ambiance. The beauty of layered lighting is that you can switch things up depending on your mood or activity. Plus, it shows off all those great design choices you’ve made in your room!

Ignoring Size

Once again, when it comes to choosing furniture and decor, size really does matter. I learned this the hard way with a tiny coffee table that had everyone awkwardly stretching just to set down their drinks! But going too big isn’t the answer either – no one wants to squeeze past oversized furniture just to move around their living room.

The secret is finding pieces that work together in scale. Take a few minutes to measure your space and think about how you actually use your room. When your furniture is properly sized – not too big, not too small – everything just flows better. Your coffee table should be easy to reach from the couch, side tables shouldn’t overpower your seating, and walking through the room shouldn’t feel like an obstacle course. It’s amazing how much more comfortable and pulled-together a room feels when everything is the right size.

Being Afraid of Color

Neutral colors are great, but let’s be honest – an all-gray room can feel about as exciting as a rainy Monday. The good news is that even the most neutral space can come alive with a few pops of color. Think of your gray couch as a blank canvas just waiting for some personality!

Playing with color doesn’t have to be scary. Start small with some vibrant throw pillows, colorful curtains, or a bold rug. The trick is to pick colors that play well together – if you love yellow accents like I do, try pairing them with black for a classic look that really pops. It’s amazing how a few colorful touches can transform your space from “nice” to “wow” without going overboard.

Hanging Curtains Too Low

Want to know a simple designer trick? Hang those curtains high and wide! When you mount your curtain rod just below the ceiling instead of right above the window, it creates an amazing illusion of taller walls and bigger windows. It’s like giving your room an instant lift without moving a single wall.

And here’s another pro tip: go generous with the width of your curtains. They should be about double your window’s width to achieve that perfect, luxurious fold when they’re open. Skimpy curtains that barely cover the window are a missed opportunity for drama, while full, high-hung curtains add that designer touch that makes people wonder if you secretly hired a professional. Trust me, this small change can make your whole room feel more polished and expensive.

Overcrowding Your Living Room

Let’s talk about that “more is more” temptation we all face. You know what I mean – when you find yourself adding just one more vase, one more piece of art, until suddenly your living room looks like a home decor store exploded in it! We’ve all been there, scrolling through Instagram and wanting to buy every trendy piece we see.

But here’s the truth: when it comes to decorating, less really can be more. You don’t need three clocks telling the same time or enough vases to open a flower shop. Pick a few statement pieces that you absolutely love – maybe that gorgeous piece of art you couldn’t stop thinking about, a striking corner vase, and some carefully chosen table decor. These few well-chosen pieces will make a bigger impact than a room full of competing decorations. Plus, they’ll actually have space to shine instead of getting lost in the crowd.