The 5 Most Common Decorating Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
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Avoid these pitfalls and create a home you love
Decorating your home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Even the best designers started somewhere—and yes, we all make mistakes.
But here’s the good news: many decorating mishaps are easy to fix once you know the trick. Let’s look at the 5 most common decorating mistakes and how you can turn them into wins for your space.
1. 🛋️ Mistake: Choosing Furniture That’s the Wrong Size
Why it happens: Sometimes we pick pieces that are too big, too small, or just don’t fit the room’s flow.
How to fix it:
- Measure your space carefully before buying.
- Use painter’s tape on the floor to map out furniture placement.
- Choose furniture that fits the scale—large sofas for big rooms, compact chairs for small spaces.
2. 🎨 Mistake: Ignoring the Lighting Layer
Why it happens: People often rely on just one overhead light, missing out on the magic of layered lighting.
How to fix it:
- Add table lamps, floor lamps, and sconces to create warmth and depth.
- Use dimmers to adjust mood and function.
- Don’t forget natural light—keep window areas clear.
3. 🖼️ Mistake: Hanging Artwork Too High or Too Low
Why it happens: It’s easy to misjudge the right height, especially in rooms with different ceiling heights.
How to fix it:
- Hang art at eye level—usually about 145-152 cm (57-60 inches) from the floor to the center of the artwork.
- Group smaller pieces together as a gallery wall if you want impact.
- Use templates with paper cutouts taped to the wall to test placement.
4. 🏠 Mistake: Overcrowding the Space
Why it happens: We want to include all our favorite pieces, but too much furniture or decor can feel cluttered.
How to fix it:
- Edit with intention—remove anything that doesn’t serve the room’s function or vibe.
- Create breathing room between furniture.
- Use open or leggy furniture to keep sightlines open.
5. 🧩 Mistake: Forgetting Cohesion
Why it happens: Mixing too many styles, colors, or patterns without a guiding thread can create visual chaos.
How to fix it:
- Choose a color palette to unify the space.
- Repeat textures, colors, or shapes throughout the room for harmony.
- Balance statement pieces with simpler ones.
✨ Final Thoughts
Decorating is a journey, not a race. The biggest mistake is not trusting your instinct and having fun.
Mistakes are just opportunities to learn, and with these tips, you’re well on your way to a home that feels beautiful, comfortable, and 100% you.
