Decorating your home is an exciting process, but it’s also one where common interior design mistakes can sneak in, leaving your space feeling unbalanced, cluttered, or even uncomfortable. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or tackling a full home makeover, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing the best design practices.
In this guide, we’ll highlight 10 interior design mistakes to avoid at all costs so you can create a home that’s cohesive, functional, and beautiful. From bad lighting to overcrowded spaces, we’ll cover the most common pitfalls—and how to fix them.
1. Ignoring Lighting Layers
Why It’s a Problem:
Poor lighting can make even the most beautifully designed room feel flat, cold, or uninviting. Relying solely on overhead lights creates harsh shadows and lacks the depth and warmth of a well-lit space.
How to Fix It:
- Layer Your Lighting: Combine ambient lighting (overhead fixtures) with task lighting (desk or reading lamps) and accent lighting (wall sconces, string lights, or LED strips).
- Use Dimmers: Dimmers allow you to adjust light intensity for different moods and times of day.
- Natural Light: Maximize natural light by keeping windows unobstructed with sheer curtains or blinds.
Pro Tip:
Position table and floor lamps strategically to illuminate darker corners, making the room feel larger and more inviting.
2. Choosing the Wrong Rug Size
Why It’s a Problem:
A rug that’s too small for the space can make a room look disjointed and incomplete, while an oversized rug can overwhelm the decor.
How to Fix It:
- Living Room: The rug should be large enough for at least the front legs of your furniture (sofa and chairs) to rest on it.
- Dining Room: Ensure the rug is big enough that chairs remain on it, even when pulled out.
- Bedroom: A rug should extend at least 24 inches beyond the bed on either side.
Pro Tip:
Measure your furniture layout before purchasing a rug to avoid sizing mistakes.
3. Overcrowding with Furniture
Why It’s a Problem:
Filling a room with too much furniture can make it feel cramped, cluttered, and difficult to navigate.
How to Fix It:
- Edit Your Space: Start with the essentials (sofa, coffee table, chairs) and add secondary pieces like side tables or ottomans only if they serve a purpose.
- Prioritize Walkways: Leave at least 3 feet of clearance for pathways around furniture.
- Consider Scale: Choose furniture pieces that fit the proportions of your room—avoid oversized items in small spaces.
Pro Tip:
Use multifunctional furniture, such as a storage ottoman or a sofa bed, to save space.
4. Hanging Artwork Incorrectly
Why It’s a Problem:
Artwork that’s hung too high or too low disrupts the flow of the room and can feel out of place.
How to Fix It:
- Eye Level Rule: Hang artwork so the center is at eye level, typically 57–60 inches from the floor.
- Above Furniture: When hanging art above a sofa or console table, leave 6–8 inches of space between the furniture and the bottom of the frame.
- Gallery Walls: Plan the layout before hanging by arranging the frames on the floor or using paper cutouts taped to the wall.
Pro Tip:
If you’re unsure, it’s better to hang art slightly lower than higher for a more grounded feel.
5. Matching Everything Too Perfectly
Why It’s a Problem:
Overly matching furniture and decor can make a room feel sterile and lacking in personality.
How to Fix It:
- Mix Textures: Combine materials like wood, metal, and fabric to add depth.
- Vary Styles: Pair contemporary pieces with vintage or handmade items for an eclectic look.
- Layer Colors: Use complementary tones instead of sticking to just one color scheme.
Pro Tip:
The 80/20 rule works well: 80% of your pieces can match in style or tone, but use the other 20% to bring contrast and interest.
6. Ignoring Scale and Proportion
Why It’s a Problem:
Using furniture, decor, or art that’s disproportionate to the room’s size can throw off the balance of the space.
How to Fix It:
- Furniture Proportion: In a large room, opt for larger pieces (e.g., a sectional sofa), while smaller rooms benefit from sleek, low-profile furniture.
- Decor Balance: Use tall items like floor lamps or plants to draw the eye up in rooms with high ceilings.
- Artwork Sizing: Choose art that’s proportional to the wall—small art gets lost on large walls, while oversized pieces dominate small ones.
Pro Tip:
Test proportions by mapping out furniture placement with painter’s tape on the floor.
7. Pushing Furniture Against Walls
Why It’s a Problem:
Pushing all your furniture against the walls may seem like it creates more space, but it often makes the room feel cold and uninviting.
How to Fix It:
- Floating Layout: Pull furniture like sofas and chairs slightly away from the walls to create a more intimate seating area.
- Anchor the Room: Use an area rug to define the space and ground the furniture layout.
- Add a Focal Point: Arrange furniture around a focal point, such as a fireplace or a coffee table.
Pro Tip:
Even in small spaces, leaving a few inches between furniture and walls can create the illusion of more space.
8. Overlooking Storage Needs
Why It’s a Problem:
A lack of functional storage leads to clutter, which can make even the most stylish room look chaotic.
How to Fix It:
- Built-In Solutions: Incorporate shelving, cabinets, or bookcases that fit seamlessly into your design.
- Multipurpose Furniture: Use ottomans, benches, or coffee tables with built-in storage.
- Decorative Storage: Woven baskets or decorative boxes can keep smaller items organized while adding texture to the room.
Pro Tip:
Declutter regularly and only keep decor or furniture that serves a purpose or sparks joy.
9. Ignoring Ceiling Design
Why It’s a Problem:
Ceilings are often overlooked in design, leaving the “fifth wall” underutilized and the room feeling incomplete.
How to Fix It:
- Paint or Wallpaper: Add a pop of color or a subtle pattern to the ceiling for a bold statement.
- Exposed Beams: Highlight architectural features like wooden beams or coffered ceilings.
- Lighting Fixtures: Use statement chandeliers, pendant lights, or ceiling medallions to draw the eye upward.
Pro Tip:
In small rooms, painting the ceiling a lighter shade than the walls can make the space feel taller and airier.
10. Forgetting Functionality
Why It’s a Problem:
Focusing too much on aesthetics without considering how the space will be used can result in an impractical and uncomfortable design.
How to Fix It:
- Traffic Flow: Arrange furniture to allow clear, unobstructed pathways through the room.
- Purposeful Layouts: Design with the room’s primary function in mind (e.g., prioritize comfortable seating in a living room).
- Daily Use: Choose durable materials for high-traffic areas and easy-to-clean fabrics for homes with kids or pets.
Pro Tip:
Test your layout by walking through the space—does it feel natural and easy to move around?
FAQs: Avoiding Interior Design Mistakes
1. Can small spaces still follow these design rules?
Absolutely! Many of these tips, like choosing the right rug size or pulling furniture away from the walls, are especially helpful for maximizing small spaces.
2. How do I fix a space that already feels cluttered?
Start by decluttering and removing unnecessary items. Then, focus on a simplified layout and incorporate functional storage solutions.
3. How do I create a cohesive look without overmatching?
Stick to a color palette or theme, but vary textures, patterns, and materials for a layered, dynamic effect.
4. What’s the easiest way to improve lighting in a room?
Add table and floor lamps to dark corners, and use warm-toned LED bulbs for a cozy glow.
5. Can I mix different furniture styles?
Yes! Mixing styles adds personality, but make sure they share at least one common element, like color or material.
6. Should I prioritize aesthetics or comfort?
Both are important, but comfort should come first—your home should be a space you enjoy spending time in.
7. How do I make a large room feel cozier?
Use area rugs, arrange furniture in groupings, and add layered lighting to make the space feel more intimate.
8. How can I add character to a rental space?
Use removable wallpaper, peel-and-stick tiles, and decor items like rugs and curtains to personalize the space without making permanent changes.
9. What’s the best way to decorate on a budget?
Shop secondhand, upcycle furniture, and focus on small changes like throw pillows or paint for maximum impact.
10. How often should I update my decor?
There’s no set timeline, but refreshing your space every few years or when your style evolves can keep your home feeling current and comfortable.
By avoiding these 10 interior design mistakes, you’ll create a home that feels balanced, stylish, and functional. Remember, the best spaces are those that reflect your personality and make you feel comfortable—so let these tips guide you as you design a home you truly love