10 Common Decorating Mistakes You Should Avoid for a Stylish Home
Even the most well-intentioned home decorators can fall into a few common traps that throw off the look and feel of a space. From choosing the wrong paint color to overcrowding a room with furniture, these small missteps can make a big difference in your home’s overall aesthetic. Don’t worry, though—most of these decorating mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for. Here are the top ten decorating errors to avoid and how to correct them for a more balanced, beautiful home.
1. Hanging Artwork Too High
One of the most common decorating slip-ups is hanging artwork way too high. If your art is floating awkwardly on the wall with nothing beneath it, it’s probably placed wrong. The center of your artwork should ideally sit about 60 inches from the floor—that’s around eye level for most people. When hanging art above a bed, sofa, or table, keep it 4 to 8 inches above the furniture for a balanced look. And yes, while there’s no magic number, trusting your eye within that range usually gives the perfect result.
2. Avoid the Matchy-Matchy Furniture Trap
When all your furniture matches perfectly, your room can start to look more like a showroom than a home. Mixing different fabrics, colors, and textures adds warmth, character, and that effortlessly stylish, collected feel every space needs.
3. Stop Decorating Around a Paint Color
One of the biggest decorating mistakes is choosing your paint color before anything else. It might seem logical to start with the walls, but it’s actually much easier to match paint to your fabrics and finishes—not the other way around. With thousands of paint shades available, always pick your furniture, fabrics, and décor first, then select a wall color that ties everything together perfectly.
4. Choosing the Right Scale for Side Tables
Getting the proportions right can make or break a room’s balance. Side tables should generally be within 2 inches of the arm height of the chair or sofa they sit beside. Beyond height, pay attention to visual weight—a delicate chair pairs best with a lighter, legged table, while a solid, heavy piece of furniture calls for a sturdier table to match. Keeping both scale and weight in harmony creates a space that feels cohesive and thoughtfully designed.
5. Avoid Bright White Trim with Warm Neutrals
While crisp white trim can look fresh and modern, it often clashes with warm, muted tones like taupe or beige. In homes with cozy, neutral palettes, stark white can feel too harsh and out of place. Instead, opt for softer off-whites—like Sherwin-Williams Pure White, Alabaster, or Benjamin Moore White Dove—to create a smoother, more harmonious look that complements your warm color scheme.
6. Stop Hanging Drapes Too Low and Too Tight
Nothing shortens your windows faster than hanging drapes too low or too close together. Many people with 8-foot ceilings use 84-inch panels, which place the rod right at the top of the window trim—making the space feel smaller and darker. To create the illusion of height and let in more light, hang your curtain rod closer to the ceiling and extend it wider than the window frame. The result? Taller-looking windows and a brighter, airier room.
7. Avoid Using a Too-Small Rug in a Big Room
A rug that’s too small can make even a spacious room feel awkward and disconnected. To anchor your space properly, make sure all main furniture pieces—like your sofa and chairs—have at least their front legs on the rug. In an average-sized living room, go no smaller than 8′ x 10′, and in larger rooms, aim for 9′ x 12′ or even 10′ x 14′. When in doubt, always size up—a bigger rug helps define the space and brings the whole room together beautifully.
8. Avoid Cluttering Your Space with Too Many Small Accessories
It’s easy to go overboard with décor, but when every surface is filled with tiny trinkets, your space starts to feel chaotic instead of curated. The key is quality over quantity—choose a few larger statement pieces rather than lots of small ones. Give your shelves and surfaces some breathing room so the eye has a place to rest. Thoughtful spacing and balance make your accessories look intentional and your home feel calm and stylish.
9. Stop Pushing All Your Furniture Against the Walls
Contrary to popular belief, your furniture doesn’t need to hug the walls. Pulling pieces away from the edges of the room can actually make the space feel more open and inviting. Floating your sofa or chairs creates a cozy, conversational layout that feels intentional and well-designed—no “Wild West” defense stance required!
10. Don’t Play It Too Safe with Color
A neutral palette can feel calm and timeless—but playing it too safe can also make a space fall flat. Don’t be afraid to bring in some color and personality! Start small with pillows, artwork, or accessories, then work your way up to colorful rugs, drapes, or even furniture. Once you see how a pop of color can completely transform a room, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to try it.
Final Thoughts
Decorating a beautiful home isn’t about following strict rules—it’s about creating a space that feels comfortable, balanced, and uniquely yours. By avoiding these common design mistakes—like hanging art too high, choosing the wrong rug size, or playing it too safe with color—you can make your rooms look more polished and inviting. Remember, great design is all about proportion, personality, and flow. Trust your eye, take a few risks, and let your home tell your story with style and confidence.
