Top 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes—and How to Fix Them

Ignoring the Scale of Furniture

One of the most frequent decorating blunders is ignoring the scale of furniture in a room. Imagine trying to fit a king-sized bed into a tiny bedroom—it just doesn't work.

Oversized furniture can make a space feel cramped and uncomfortable, while pieces that are too small can look awkward and out of place. To fix this, always measure your space before buying furniture.

Consider the room's dimensions and the furniture's proportions. Use painter's tape to outline potential furniture sizes on the floor; this will give you a better visual understanding of how the pieces will fit.

Remember, balance is key, and every piece should complement the room's size.

Overlooking Lighting Layers

Lighting can make or break a room's ambiance, yet many people rely solely on overhead lighting. This often results in a space that feels flat and uninspiring.

To remedy this, incorporate multiple layers of lighting. Start with ambient lighting to provide overall illumination.

Add task lighting, such as desk lamps or under-cabinet lights, for specific activities. Finally, include accent lighting like wall sconces or table lamps to create warmth and depth.

By layering your lighting, you can transform a dull room into a cozy and inviting space.

Choosing Paint Colors First

Many people make the mistake of choosing paint colors before selecting furniture and textiles. This can limit your options and make it difficult to find pieces that match.

Instead, start by picking out key furniture items and textiles, such as rugs or curtains. Once you have these elements in place, choose a paint color that complements them.

This approach ensures a cohesive look and allows for more flexibility in your design choices. Remember, it's easier to match paint to a fabric than the other way around.

Hanging Artwork Too High

Hanging artwork too high is a common mistake that can disrupt the visual flow of a room. The general rule is to hang artwork at eye level, which is typically around 57 to 60 inches from the floor to the center of the piece.

This creates a natural line of sight and makes the artwork more accessible. When hanging multiple pieces, treat them as one large piece and center them accordingly.

This simple adjustment can make a significant difference in the overall balance and harmony of your space.

Neglecting the Power of Texture

Texture adds depth and interest to a room, yet it's often overlooked in decorating. A space without texture can feel flat and uninviting.

To fix this, incorporate a variety of textures through fabrics, finishes, and materials. Consider velvet pillows, a woven rug, or a leather chair to add richness and dimension.

Mixing textures also creates a more dynamic and engaging environment. Remember, the goal is to create a tactile experience that invites you to touch and explore.

Forgetting About Functionality

A beautiful room is of little use if it doesn't function well. Many people focus solely on aesthetics, forgetting that rooms need to serve a purpose.

Always consider how a space will be used and ensure the layout supports that function. For example, in a living room, arrange seating to facilitate conversation.

In a kitchen, ensure there's ample counter space for meal prep. By prioritizing functionality, you can create a space that's both beautiful and practical.

Overcrowding with Accessories

While accessories can add personality to a room, too many can create clutter and overwhelm the space. It's easy to fall into the trap of over-accessorizing, resulting in a chaotic environment.

To avoid this, adopt a more minimalist approach. Choose a few favorite pieces that complement the room's style and color scheme.

Group similar items together for a cohesive look, and leave some surfaces bare to give the eye a place to rest. This approach creates a more balanced and harmonious space.

Ignoring the Importance of Rugs

Rugs are often an afterthought in decorating, but they play a crucial role in defining a space. A rug that's too small can make a room feel disjointed, while one that's too large can overwhelm the space.

To get it right, choose a rug that fits the seating area, with all furniture legs either on or off the rug. This anchors the room and creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Additionally, consider the rug's texture and pattern, as these elements can add depth and interest to the space.

Neglecting Window Treatments

Window treatments are more than just decorative—they're functional, too. Yet, they're often overlooked or chosen without much thought.

The wrong window treatments can make a room feel unfinished or out of balance. To fix this, consider both form and function.

Choose treatments that complement the room's style and provide the desired level of privacy and light control. For a more polished look, hang curtains high and wide to create the illusion of larger windows and taller ceilings.

Misjudging the Importance of Color Flow

A cohesive color flow is essential for a harmonious home, but it's often neglected. Random color choices can result in a disjointed look that disrupts the overall flow.

To create a seamless transition from room to room, choose a consistent color palette. Use varying shades of the same color or complementary colors to unify the space.

This approach creates a sense of continuity and makes your home feel more connected and inviting.

Not Considering Room Functionality

It's easy to get caught up in aesthetics and forget about how a room will be used. A beautiful room is of little use if it doesn't function well.

Always consider how a space will be used and ensure the layout supports that function. For example, in a living room, arrange seating to facilitate conversation.

In a kitchen, ensure there's ample counter space for meal prep. By prioritizing functionality, you can create a space that's both beautiful and practical.

Disregarding the Focal Point

Every room needs a focal point, yet it's a detail that's often overlooked. Without a focal point, a room can feel scattered and lacking direction.

To create a focal point, choose a standout feature such as a fireplace, a large piece of art, or a statement piece of furniture. Arrange the room around this focal point to draw the eye and anchor the space.

This simple strategy can transform a room from ordinary to extraordinary.

Overlooking the Importance of Balance

Balance is key to a well-designed room, yet it's a concept that's often misunderstood. A room that's too symmetrical can feel rigid, while one that's too asymmetrical can feel chaotic.

To achieve balance, mix different shapes, sizes, and textures. Use visual weight to create equilibrium, ensuring that no side of the room feels heavier than the other.

This approach creates a more harmonious and inviting space.

Failing to Edit and Declutter

Clutter is the enemy of good design, yet many people struggle to let go of unnecessary items. It's easy to accumulate belongings over time, resulting in a cluttered and overwhelming space.

To fix this, regularly edit and declutter your home. Keep only the items that you love and that serve a purpose.

This not only creates a more organized and functional space but also allows your favorite pieces to shine.

Ignoring Personal Style

Finally, one of the biggest mistakes is ignoring your personal style. It's easy to get caught up in trends and forget about what truly resonates with you.

Your home should reflect your personality and be a place where you feel comfortable and happy. To achieve this, incorporate elements that speak to you, whether it's a favorite color, a cherished piece of art, or a unique piece of furniture.

By staying true to your style, you can create a home that's both beautiful and uniquely yours.