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By Rachael Thompson Interiors 16.11.2023

12 Living Room Decorating Mistakes Stylists Want You to Stop Making

#11 is incredibly easy to overlook.

Kitchens and bathrooms may sell houses, but your living room really is the heart of your home. It's the space where you entertain guests, have quality time with your loved ones, and even spend entire weekends by yourself binge-watching the latest TV series – so why not make it as stylish and comfortable as possible?

If you've ever struggled to get your living room looking just right, you're not alone. While we like to think there are no "rules" when it comes to styling your home, there are some things that many of us do that result in our spaces not meeting their full potential.

Whether you’re moving into a new home or just looking to make an update, here are the 12 most common "mistakes" stylists want you to stop making when it comes to decorating your living room, and advice on how to fix each one.

Mistake #1: Selecting the wrong sofa

Your sofa is the focal point of your living room, so choosing a design you love that fits in the space and suits the architecture of your home is key.

Solution:

The first thing to do is choose an overarching style for your space. Do you fancy mid-century, coastal, cottagecore, or maybe ultra-modern? Or maybe you want to prioritise comfort. From there, you can hunt for some designs that speak to that specific style.

Once you've identified some designs you like, it's crucial you measure up your space and work out what size sofa can comfortably fit. A sofa that's too large will dominate the space and leave little room for anything else.

If you're living in a rental home and see yourself moving homes every few years, it's worth opting for a more simple, classic design that will fit within a variety of home styles.

Mistake #2: Purchasing a rug that’s too small

We get it, huge rugs can be expensive and a daunting commitment. However, second to a sofa, a large rug is the most important aspect of a living room. A rug that's too small can make the room look unbalanced and visually disproportionate.

Solution:

Before placing furniture down, simply use painter’s tape to mock outlines on your floor so you can envision the rug you will need to fit neatly into your space. A good rule of thumb is to pick a size that's longer than your sofa.

Mistake #3: Lining walls with furniture

Most people push all their furniture up against the walls because they think they’re creating more open space and covering bare walls simultaneously. However, placing furniture against walls can make a room feel cramped as it limits the sense of openness.

Solution:

Instead, place your furniture from the centre out so the backs of the furniture aren’t against the walls. Create a central focal point and arrange furniture in a way that encourages social interaction and gives the illusion that the room is larger than it actually is.

Mistake #4: Falling prey to a ‘showroom’ look

If you walk into a furniture showroom, you’re more than likely going to find almost everything is sold in sets. While purchasing a set straight from a catalogue or showroom may seem like an easy way to fill up your living room, a space that looks too coordinated is visually boring and can make your space feel soulless.

Solution:

Mix new and vintage elements, play with complementary colour palettes, add personal details such as books and photographs, and experiment with different fabrics. This will create an interesting and personalised room that demonstrates you actually took the time to curate your space.

Mistake #5: Hanging art incorrectly

An incorrectly hung artwork can stand out like a sore thumb and can deter from the real value of the artwork and its meaning. This can be particularly bad if you're going for a 'gallery wall' look with lots of different artworks arranged together.

Solution:

Firstly, you want to select the right piece of art for the room and something that will complement the mood you want to create.

If you're working with several artworks, before you pick up the hammer and nails, it's best to start planning your art arrangement on the floor first. To make sure everything lines up, use a large drop sheet and tape to map out where each piece will go.

Need more help? here's how to start an art collection on a budget and a complete guide on how to create the perfect gallery wall.

Mistake #6: Hanging curtains incorrectly

It’s easy to hang your curtains rods just above the window and call it a day, but this will automatically make your space feel smaller.

Solution:

Instead, you want to hang your rod at least 30cm (or 12 inches) above the window frame or all the way to the ceiling. Also, try extending your curtain rod out 7-14 cm on each side for maximum effect. You also want the material to drape to the floor – with a little excess – which will make the ceilings seem higher.


Mistake #7: Forgetting furniture heights

We love aesthetics, but functionality is equally important when it comes to selecting furniture. Every furniture item needs to work cohesively in the spaceand be comfortable, and this means paying attention to height.

Solution:

Coffee tables should reach about the same level as the top of the couch cushions, while side tables should be about the same height as the sofa arms so items on the table are easy to access.

Mistake #8: Overlooking budgeting for small decor items

Large pieces of furniture such as your sofa, tables, TV, and even lamps can set you back thousands of dollars, but what about the rest of the pieces that are needed to complete the feel of a cosy living room? If you've ever wondered why your space feels unfinished or 'unstyled', this might be why.

Solution:

Make sure to set aside some cash for smaller decor items such as candles, ceramics, coffee table books, indoor plants, and cushions to really bring your space to life. All of these items are responsible for injecting personality and warmth into your home.

Mistake #9: Choosing a disproportionate coffee table

Don’t settle for the first coffee table you see that happens to be on sale! Contrary to its name, a coffee table is more than just a table for your coffee (and popcorn bowl). Choosing a coffee table that's too small/big, doesn't suit the style of your space, or lacks the functionality you need, won't do much for your living room.

Solution:

Think through the needs you have within your space before investing in a coffee table. Ask yourself: Do you need one that has storage or drawers? Do you need it to be child-friendly? What material matches the rest of the room? How high do you need it to be? And last but not least, how much space do you have to work with so the table isn’t obstructing any walkways?

Mistake #10: Missing layers

Yes, you can fill a living room with a sofa, a coffee table, and a lamp, but your room will look and feel a little flat. It’s worth layering decor items of different scales, various tones and materials to add depth, scale, and a sense of completeness.

Solution:

You might need to experiment with various scales, tones and materials introducing pieces such as large mirrors, throws or cushions, artworks, vases, ceramics, candles, and books, will help create a rich and visually pleasing space.

Mistake #11: Discounting lighting

Updating lighting fixtures is one of the most budget-friendly (and landlord-approved) ways to improve the overall aesthetic of your living room.

Solution:

Low lighting works best in living rooms as opposed to overhead light, so look for stylish floor lamps and table lamps that also add personality to your space. Consider placing accent lighting on bookshelves, a fireplace mantel or above artwork – again, this will help create layers.

Mistake #12: Sacrificing comfort for style

You might spot the most exquisite living room you absolutely love in an interior design magazine or on your Pinterest feed, but ask yourself the following: Does it feel comfortable? Will you be too cautious to actually use any of the furniture?

Solution:

Even if you’re on a budget, adding in a few pillows or a cosy throw will make a huge difference. Opt for a sofa and armchairs that not only look good but are actually comfortable to sit on, and arrange your furniture in a way that promotes conversation and easy interaction.

Create the living room of your dreams.

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