12 Living Room Decorating Mistakes Stylists Want You to Stop Making

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 #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 #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 #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 #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.