Decorating your home should be fun and fulfilling — a way to express your style and personality. But even the most stylish homes can suffer from simple decorating mistakes that throw off balance, comfort, or visual harmony. Whether you’re moving into a new house or refreshing your current space, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what works. Here are 17 Common Decorating Mistakes to Avoid you should avoid — plus how to fix them like a pro, with photo ideas to inspire your next makeover!
1. Ignoring the Importance of Lighting
Lighting can completely transform the mood of a room. Relying only on harsh overhead lights can make even beautiful spaces feel flat and lifeless.
Fix it: Layer your lighting — mix ceiling fixtures, floor lamps, and accent lighting for depth and warmth.
2. Choosing Paint Colors First
Picking paint before selecting furniture or fabrics can lead to mismatched tones and frustration.
Fix it: Choose main furniture pieces and fabrics first, then find a paint color that complements them.
3. Pushing All Furniture Against the Walls
It might seem logical for creating space, but it often makes rooms feel awkward and disconnected.
Fix it: Pull furniture slightly away from walls to create cozy conversation areas.
4. Overcrowding the Room
Too much furniture and décor make even big rooms feel cluttered and stressful.
Fix it: Keep only what’s necessary. Choose fewer, well-sized pieces that allow for movement and breathing room.
5. Hanging Artwork Too High
Art that’s hung too high looks awkward and disconnected from the rest of the décor.
Fix it: Hang artwork at eye level — the center should be about 57–60 inches from the floor.
6. Ignoring Scale and Proportion
A huge sofa in a tiny room or a small rug under a large table ruins visual balance.
Fix it: Measure before buying. Use proportionate furniture and ensure rugs anchor key pieces properly.
7. Neglecting a Focal Point
Without a focal point, a room feels directionless and cluttered.
Fix it: Create one — like a fireplace, large artwork, or statement mirror — and arrange furniture to emphasize it.
8. Using Too Many Small Décor Items
Too many small objects create visual chaos.
Fix it: Group smaller items in odd numbers (like threes) and combine them with larger pieces for variety.
9. Matching Everything
Perfectly matched furniture sets can make a room look dull and impersonal.
Fix it: Mix and match materials, patterns, and textures for a curated, layered look.
10. Forgetting About Function
A beautiful room is useless if it doesn’t serve your lifestyle.
Fix it: Prioritize comfort and practicality. Choose pieces that fit your daily needs — not just aesthetics.
11. Skipping the Rug (or Choosing the Wrong Size)
A missing or undersized rug makes rooms look incomplete.
Fix it: Choose rugs that fit under at least the front legs of furniture in a seating area.
12. Neglecting Window Treatments
Bare windows make spaces feel unfinished and cold.
Fix it: Add curtains or blinds that complement your décor. Hang them high and wide for a more elegant effect.
13. Overdoing Trends
It’s easy to get carried away with popular styles, but trends fade fast.
Fix it: Use trendy colors or materials in small doses — pillows, vases, or rugs — instead of permanent fixtures.
14. Ignoring Texture
A room with only smooth finishes feels flat and sterile.
Fix it: Mix textures — pair rough with soft, shiny with matte. Add throws, plants, woven baskets, and layered fabrics.
15. Forgetting Vertical Space
Ignoring walls and ceilings wastes potential design space.
Fix it: Use tall plants, vertical shelving, or hanging lights to draw the eye upward.
16. Not Testing Paint Samples
Paint shades look different under natural and artificial light.
Fix it: Always test paint swatches on multiple walls and observe them throughout the day.
17. Ignoring Personal Style
Copying every Pinterest trend can make your home feel impersonal.
Fix it: Incorporate meaningful pieces — family photos, heirlooms, travel souvenirs, or your favorite colors.
Final Thoughts
Good design isn’t about perfection — it’s about balance, comfort, and personality. Avoiding these 17 Common Decorating Mistakes to Avoid helps you create a home that looks great and feels truly you.
Remember, even small changes like rearranging furniture, testing colors, or improving lighting can make a big difference. Design with intention, embrace your style, and let your home tell your story.
Bring It All Together – 17 Common Decorating Mistakes
Decorating your home isn’t about following every rule — it’s about creating a space that reflects who you are and how you live. Mistakes happen, but they’re part of the learning process that helps you discover your personal style. Take your time, experiment with colors, play with textures, and adjust your layout until it feels right. When design choices come from both intention and emotion, your home becomes more than just a beautiful space — it becomes a true reflection of you.