12 Common Decorating Mistakes You Didn’t Know You Were Making

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Decorating your home can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes that impact the look and feel of your space. Some of these mistakes are so common that many people don’t even realize they’re making them! By understanding these common pitfalls, you can create a more balanced, comfortable, and visually appealing home.

1. Overcrowding a Room with Furniture

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Too much furniture can make a room feel cramped and overwhelming. It’s important to give each piece enough space to breathe, allowing for easy movement throughout the room. Instead of packing in multiple pieces, focus on selecting a few key items that serve both function and style. Open spaces create a sense of flow, making the room feel larger and more welcoming.

2. Choosing Paint Colors Before Furniture

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Choosing paint colors before you have your furniture can make decorating much more difficult. Furniture, rugs, and decor items often have specific colors or patterns that can be hard to match after the walls are already painted. Instead, start by selecting key pieces like sofas, rugs, or curtains, and then choose a paint color that complements them. This approach makes it easier to achieve a cohesive look.

3. Relying Too Much on Overhead Lighting

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If overhead lighting is the only source of light in a room, it can be harsh and uninviting. A well-lit room should have a mix of lighting types, such as floor lamps, table lamps, and accent lights. Layering different light sources helps create a warm, cozy atmosphere and allows you to adjust the lighting for different moods or activities. Think of lighting as a way to add depth and character to your space. Read more on layering your lighting here.

4. Ignoring Scale and Proportion

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Scale and proportion are key to creating a well-balanced room. Using furniture that is either too large or too small for the space can make the room feel awkward. For example, a giant sectional in a small living room can make it feel cramped, while tiny furniture in a large space can make it feel empty. Always consider the size of your space and how each piece fits in relation to the others.

5. Pushing All the Furniture Against the Walls

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Pushing all the furniture against the walls might seem like a good way to create more space, but it often has the opposite effect. This arrangement can make the room feel boxy and uninviting. Instead, try floating some pieces away from the walls to create more intimate seating areas. This can make the room feel more dynamic and comfortable, encouraging conversation and connection.

6. Using Rugs That Are Too Small

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A rug that is too small can make a room look disjointed and out of proportion. Ideally, your rug should be large enough for at least the front legs of your furniture to rest on it. This helps anchor the space and create a cohesive look. If the rug is too small, it can end up visually breaking up the room rather than tying it together.

7. Over-Matching Decor Elements

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Matching everything too perfectly can make a room feel lifeless and uninspired. While coordination is important, a little variety adds character and charm. Mix different textures, patterns, and colors to create an interesting and layered look. The goal is to create a space that feels natural and lived-in rather than overly planned or rigid.

8. Forgetting About Focal Points

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Every room needs a focal point—a place where the eye naturally lands. This could be a fireplace, a piece of artwork, or even a statement piece of furniture. Without a focal point, a room can feel cluttered and directionless. Decide on a focal point and arrange the furniture and decor to highlight it, giving the room a sense of purpose and balance.

9. Ignoring the Power of Texture

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Texture adds depth and interest to a room, and ignoring it can leave your space feeling flat. Mixing different textures—such as soft fabrics, smooth wood, and rough stone—can make a room feel more inviting and complete. Don’t be afraid to layer different materials to add warmth and complexity to your decor.

10. Not Considering Traffic Flow

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Traffic flow is crucial for a functional and comfortable room. If furniture blocks pathways or makes it hard to move through the space, it can feel awkward and uncomfortable. Make sure there is enough room to walk around comfortably, with clear pathways between furniture pieces. This helps create a space that feels open and easy to navigate. Read more on kitchen design traffic flow here.

11. Hanging Artwork Too High

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Hanging artwork too high is a common mistake that can throw off the balance of a room. Ideally, artwork should be hung at eye level, which is about 57-60 inches from the floor. When it is placed too high, it can make the space feel disconnected and make the walls seem taller in an unflattering way. Keeping artwork at the right height helps create a comfortable, cohesive look that draws the eye naturally.

12. Neglecting to Personalize the Space

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A home should reflect the personality of those who live in it. Neglecting to add personal touches can make your space feel impersonal and bland. Incorporate items that have meaning to you, such as family photos, travel souvenirs, or handmade pieces. These personal elements help make your house feel like a home, adding warmth and individuality.

Wrapping It All Up: Avoiding Common Decorating Pitfalls

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Decorating your home is about creating a space that feels comfortable, functional, and truly yours. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can transform your home into a more welcoming and cohesive environment. Remember to keep an eye on scale, balance, and personal touches—these are the key ingredients for a beautifully decorated space. With a few thoughtful changes, you can make your home not only look better but also feel more like the haven you want it to be!

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