Decorating your home should be a joyful process — a way to express your personality and create a space where you feel comfortable and inspired. However, even the most well-intentioned decor projects can go off track due to some surprisingly common mistakes.
In this guide, we’ll go over the 7 most frequent decorating errors and show you how to avoid them to achieve a more balanced, beautiful, and functional space.
1. Ignoring the Importance of Lighting
One of the biggest mistakes people make is treating lighting as an afterthought.
- Relying solely on ceiling lights makes a space feel flat and sterile.
- Rooms need layered lighting: ambient (general), task (focused), and accent (decorative).
- Use floor lamps, table lamps, wall sconces, and even candles to create mood.
Tip: Always consider how natural light interacts with your decor and adjust accordingly. For example, a darker corner may need a warm lamp to feel inviting.
2. Choosing the Wrong Rug Size
A rug that’s too small can make a room feel disjointed and awkward.
- In a living room, the rug should ideally be large enough to fit under the front legs of your furniture.
- For bedrooms, rugs should extend beyond the bed, not sit just under it.
- In dining rooms, rugs should allow chairs to stay fully on the rug even when pulled out.
Tip: Measure before you buy and don’t hesitate to go larger — it helps ground the space.
3. Pushing All Furniture Against the Walls
Many people assume pushing furniture to the walls makes the room feel larger, but this often creates a disconnected and empty middle.
- Instead, float furniture slightly inward to create more intimate conversation areas.
- Use rugs and lighting to define zones, especially in open-plan spaces.
- Create pathways behind or around furniture to improve flow.
Tip: A central seating arrangement feels cozier and more intentional.
4. Overloading with Decor or Furniture
Cluttered rooms can feel cramped and stressful, no matter how stylish the items are.
- Too many decorations compete for attention and reduce visual clarity.
- Avoid overstuffed bookshelves, crowded walls, and furniture pieces that don’t serve a clear purpose.
- “Less is more” is a solid rule in interior design.
Tip: Choose a few statement pieces and let them shine — negative space is your friend.
5. Ignoring Scale and Proportion
Proportion matters. Even beautiful furniture can look odd if it doesn’t match the room’s scale.
- A giant sofa in a tiny room overwhelms the space.
- Tiny wall art on a large blank wall feels underwhelming.
- Lamps, tables, and chairs should feel balanced with each other.
Tip: Use painter’s tape or cardboard templates to mock up furniture sizes before buying.
6. Choosing Style Over Comfort
Aesthetic appeal is important, but don’t sacrifice livability for looks.
- A sleek chair that’s uncomfortable to sit in is not worth the investment.
- That trendy glass coffee table might look amazing but be a nightmare with kids or pets.
- Certain fabrics (like pure white linen) might stain easily or wear quickly.
Tip: Test furniture in-store if possible and consider durability, maintenance, and comfort.
7. Forgetting About Personal Touches
Many people copy Pinterest-perfect interiors without adding their own personality.
- Your home should tell your story, not just reflect a trend.
- Add photos, heirlooms, artwork, and pieces that matter to you.
- Balance trendy items with timeless pieces and meaningful decor.
Tip: Even one unique item — like a handmade vase or framed postcard — makes a space feel more personal and lived-in.
Final Thought: Decorate With Purpose
Avoiding these common mistakes can help you create a home that not only looks good but also functions well and feels like you. Good design is about balance — between form and function, beauty and comfort, style and substance.
When in doubt, step back, simplify, and ask yourself: Does this make the space better? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right path.