7 Major Decorating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Looking to give your home a refresh? Whether you're decorating your forever home or preparing to sell, how you style your space can make or break the vibe. And sometimes, the smallest tweaks make the biggest difference.

Here are 7 common decorating mistakes homeowners make — and simple, professional tips to avoid them.

1. Furniture Pushed Against the Walls

Why it’s a mistake: It can make even spacious rooms feel empty and disconnected.
How to fix it: Pull furniture away from the walls and group pieces together to create a cozy, functional layout. Floating sofas or chairs can help define the room — and encourage conversation.

2. Hanging Art Too High

Why it’s a mistake: Art that floats too close to the ceiling feels awkward and disconnected from the space.
How to fix it: Keep the center of your artwork at 57–60 inches from the floor — that’s standard eye level and creates better balance.

3. Rugs That Are Too Small

Why it’s a mistake: Undersized rugs break up the room visually, making it feel smaller.
How to fix it: Choose a rug that can anchor the main furniture — ideally large enough that at least the front legs of chairs and sofas sit on top.

4. Matchy-Matchy Furniture Sets

Why it’s a mistake: Buying all your pieces from one set can make a room feel flat and impersonal.
How to fix it: Mix materials and styles. Try pairing a modern coffee table with a vintage armchair, or layer wood tones and metals for dimension.

5. Poor Lighting

Why it’s a mistake: Relying on just one overhead light leaves a room feeling stark and shadowy.
How to fix it: Layer your lighting — aim for 3 types: ambient (ceiling), task (lamps), and accent (wall sconces, candles).

6. Overdecorating Surfaces

Why it’s a mistake: When every shelf or counter is filled, your space can start to feel cluttered.
How to fix it: Edit down and display in groups of 3 or 5. Let some surfaces breathe — especially if you’re prepping for showings or photos.

7. Lack of a Focal Point

Why it’s a mistake: Without a clear focus, the room feels chaotic or directionless.
How to fix it: Choose one key feature — a fireplace, a bold artwork, a unique light fixture — and arrange the room to draw attention to it.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be a designer to create a beautiful, livable space. Avoiding these common decorating mistakes can make your home feel more intentional — and more valuable, especially if you’re thinking about selling.

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