60+ Most Common Decorating Mistakes And How To Fix Them

Decorating your home is one of the most rewarding ways to express your style and create a space you love. But even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make small mistakes that can throw off the look and feel of a room. See 71 of the most common decorating mistakes and how to fix them.

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If you’ve ever looked at a room and felt like something was “off” but couldn’t quite figure out what, this list is for you. I’ve rounded up 60+ must-know decorating mistakes (and how to fix them) to help you avoid common pitfalls and make your home look effortlessly beautiful. These practical tips will help you create a home that’s both stylish and functional.

So before you make another decorating decision, check out these easy-to-follow solutions to some of the most common mistakes. You’ll be amazed at how small changes can transform your space!

• Hanging curtains too low makes windows look smaller, so always hang them high and wide.
• Choosing the wrong rug size can throw off a room, so make sure at least the front legs of your furniture sit on it.
• Ignoring the power of lighting makes a space feel dull, so layer overhead, table, and floor lamps.
• Pushing all the furniture against the walls makes a room feel disconnected, so create cozy conversation areas instead.
• Buying a matching furniture set can look generic, so mix and match styles for a more curated look.

• Forgetting about scale can make furniture feel out of place, so keep proportions balanced.
• Using too many small accessories creates clutter, so opt for fewer, larger statement pieces.
• Skipping the entryway makes a home feel unfinished, so add a mirror, a lamp, or a small table if you can.
• Overlooking texture results in a flat-looking room, so mix soft, rough, shiny, and matte surfaces.
• Hanging art too high or too low throws off a room, so keep it at eye level, about 57–60 inches from the floor, unless you hang a wall gallery.

• Neglecting small spaces makes them feel forgotten, so decorate them with purpose.
• Going overboard with trends can date a home quickly, so balance them with timeless pieces.
• Not testing paint colors first can lead to regrets, so always sample swatches in different lighting.
• Choosing style over comfort makes a home feel uninviting, so prioritize both beauty and livability.
• Piling on too many throw pillows can be overwhelming, so keep it balanced and functional.

• Skipping window treatments can make a room feel stark, so add curtains or shades for warmth.
• Cluttered bookshelves can look messy, so mix books with decorative objects and leave some open space.
• Forgetting to layer lighting leaves a room feeling flat, so include different sources like lamps and sconces.
• Not defining spaces in an open floor plan can feel chaotic, so use rugs and furniture placement to create zones.
• Overlooking the foyer makes a home feel unwelcoming, so style it with thoughtful details.

• Leaving out greenery makes a space feel lifeless, so add real or faux plants for a fresh touch.
• Overlooking functional decor misses a chance for beauty and purpose, so use stylish storage solutions.
• Using too many different wood tones can look disjointed, so aim for a mix that feels intentional.
• Neglecting hallways wastes valuable decorating space, so add rugs, art, or a console table.
• Ignoring the power of scent misses a key detail, so use candles, diffusers, or fresh flowers.

• Forgetting a focal point makes a room feel scattered, so highlight a statement piece like art or a fireplace.
• Displaying too many collections at once can feel overwhelming, so curate and rotate your favorites.
• Skipping personal touches makes a home feel generic, so incorporate meaningful pieces.
• Overdoing a theme can feel forced, so add subtle nods instead of going all-in.
• Not measuring before buying furniture leads to poor fits, so always check dimensions first.

• Choosing furniture that’s too big can make a room feel cramped, so scale it to the space.
• Not editing decor can make a space feel cramped, so step back and remove what doesn’t belong.
• Forgetting cozy elements makes a home feel cold, so add layers like throws, pillows, and candles.
• Hanging a chandelier that’s too small can look awkward, so choose one that suits the room’s scale.
• Leaving cords exposed can ruin a polished look, so use cord covers or tuck them away neatly.

• Not mixing old and new decor can make a home feel one-dimensional, so blend vintage with modern.
• Going overboard with matching furniture and decor can feel stale, so mix textures and finishes for interest.
• Neglecting outdoor spaces leaves them underwhelming, so add seating, plants, or lanterns.
• Ignoring traffic flow can make a space hard to navigate, so arrange furniture for easy movement.
• Leaving walls bare can feel cold, so add artwork, shelves, or an interesting paint color.

• Forgetting symmetry can make a room feel unbalanced, so add pairs of lamps, art, or furniture.
• Overlooking contrast can make a room feel flat, so mix light and dark elements for depth.
• Not updating decor over time can make a home feel out of date, so refresh with small changes like pillows or paint.
• Ignoring the dining table when not in use can make it look bare, so style it with a simple centerpiece.
• Adding too many colors to a room can make it feel overwhelming. Choose 3-5 main colors for a polished look.

• Sticking to only square and rectangular shapes can feel rigid, so mix in curves for softness.
• Overloading open shelving makes it look messy, so leave breathing room for a more styled effect.
• Hanging artwork that is too small on a large wall can make it look awkward, so match art to the size of the wall.
• Leaving the back of a sofa table bare wastes potential, so style it with a lamp, books, or decor.
• Ignoring sightlines can create visual clutter, so consider how rooms flow together.

• Using too many bold colors in one space can feel overwhelming, so balance them with neutrals for a cohesive look.
• Placing furniture without considering conversation flow can make a room feel disconnected, so arrange seating to encourage interaction.
• Neglecting to add mirrors in dark spaces can make them feel smaller, so use mirrors to reflect light and open up the room.
• Not adding lights next to a bed makes it difficult to read. Use sconces at eye level.
• Skipping rugs on hard floors can make a space feel cold, so add rugs for warmth and definition.

• Using only one type of fabric can make a room feel flat, so mix materials like linen, velvet, and wool for depth.
• Forgetting to add personal touches can make a home feel staged, so include meaningful items like family photos and travel souvenirs.
• Overlooking window placement when arranging furniture can block natural light, so keep pathways open for brightness.
• Letting clutter accumulate on surfaces can make a home feel messy, so use trays and baskets to keep things organized. Put things away when you are finished using them.
• Hanging curtains that don’t extend beyond the window frame can make windows look smaller, so hang them wider to create the illusion of more space.

• Placing all your furniture at the same height can make a room feel flat, so vary the heights of furniture, lighting, and decor for visual interest.
• Hanging shelves too high can make them feel disconnected from the room, so place them at a comfortable eye level, usually 4–5 feet from the floor.
• Using only overhead lighting can make a space feel harsh, so add table lamps, floor lamps, and sconces for a warm and layered glow.
• Choosing a coffee table that’s too big or too small can throw off balance, so make sure it’s about two-thirds the length of your sofa.
• Using too many competing patterns can create visual chaos, so stick to a mix of no more than three complementary patterns in a room.

• Ignoring scale when styling a mantel can make it look off, so balance it with a mix of heights, textures, and negative space.
• Placing a bed against a bare wall can feel unbalanced, so use a headboard, artwork, or sconces to anchor it visually.
• Leaving a sofa without accent pillows can make it look unfinished, so add a few well-placed pillows in different sizes and textures.
• Ignoring the importance of symmetry in a bathroom can make it feel off, so balance mirrors, lighting, and accessories on both sides of the vanity.
• Leaving a kitchen island bare can make it feel sterile, so style it with a simple bowl of fruit, a plant, or a small lamp for warmth.

• Skipping wall decor in a bedroom can make it feel impersonal, so add framed prints, mirrors, or a decorative headboard to make it feel inviting.
• Using only neutral colors can make a space feel bland, so add pops of color through pillows, artwork, or accessories to create visual interest.
• Forgetting to update hardware on cabinets and doors can make a space feel dated, so swap in new knobs and pulls for an instant refresh.

Decorating your home should be a joyful experience, not a stressful one. While it’s easy to make small decorating mistakes, the good news is that most of them have simple solutions. A few thoughtful adjustments can make a big difference in how a room looks and feels.

Remember, your home is a reflection of you, and decorating should feel personal, not like you’re following a strict set of rules. The best spaces are the ones that blend function, beauty, and personality in a way that makes you feel truly at home.

So take a step back, look at your space with fresh eyes, and try a few of these fixes. You might be surprised by how small changes can bring new life to your home!

Do you have any decorating mistakes you’ve learned from? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear your experiences!

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Happy decorating, Friends!