The 5 Biggest Decorating Mistakes (and How to Fix Them for a More Comfortable, Curated Home)

Decorating your home should be joyful—but it’s easy to make small mistakes that throw off the balance and harmony of a space. The good news? Most decorating missteps are simple to fix once you know what to look for. Here are five of the most common design mistakes people make—and how to correct them so your home feels effortlessly polished and inviting.

1. Rugs That Are Too Small for the Space

A rug that “floats” in the middle of a room can make the entire space feel disjointed and smaller than it really is. This is one of the most common decorating mistakes—and also one of the easiest to fix.

How to fix it: Choose a rug large enough that at least the front legs of all major furniture pieces (sofa, chairs, etc.) sit on it. In a living room, the rug should extend several inches beyond the edges of your seating area. In a dining room, make sure the rug is large enough that chairs remain on the rug even when pulled out.

Pro tip: If a properly sized rug is out of budget, layer a smaller vintage or patterned rug on top of a larger, affordable neutral rug like jute or sisal.

2. Hanging Art Too High

We’ve all seen it—beautiful artwork hanging so high it feels like it’s floating above the furniture. When art isn’t connected to the visual line of the room, it feels disconnected.

How to fix it: Hang artwork so the center of the piece is roughly at eye level—around 57 to 60 inches from the floor. If hanging art above furniture, aim for about 6–8 inches above the top of the piece. This creates a cohesive, natural visual flow.

Pro tip: Use painter’s tape to mark out placement before committing to nails—it helps you visualize how the height will feel in the room.

3. Art or Pictures That Are Too Small for the Wall

Tiny art on a large wall can make your space feel unbalanced and sparse. Scale is key in interior design, and underestimating wall space is a common issue.

How to fix it: If you have a large wall, go big with one oversized piece or create a gallery wall using multiple pieces grouped together. The goal is to fill about two-thirds to three-quarters of the wall width above furniture for visual balance.

Pro tip: You don’t need expensive art—framed textiles, mirrors, or even architectural salvage pieces can make a big impact.

4. Not Mixing Patterns and Colors Appropriately

A home that’s all neutrals can feel flat, while one overloaded with color and pattern can feel chaotic. Finding the right balance is about contrast and coordination, not perfection.

How to fix it: Start with a cohesive color palette—three to four main tones that repeat in different areas of the room. Mix patterns in varying scales (large floral, medium stripe, small geometric) to create visual rhythm. Anchor the space with neutrals and let accents add personality.

Pro tip: If you’re nervous about mixing, start small—add patterned throw pillows or a textured rug, then build from there.

5. Copying Trends Instead of Curating a Personal Look

It’s tempting to try to recreate that perfect Pinterest room, but homes that rely solely on trends often end up feeling impersonal or quickly outdated.

How to fix it: Blend what’s current with what you already own. Keep the core of your design timeless—your sofa, tables, and larger investments—and introduce trends through easily changeable items like pillows, paint, or accessories. The goal is a space that feels curated, not copied.

Pro tip: When shopping, ask yourself: “Do I love this because it’s me, or because it’s popular right now?”

Final Thoughts

Creating a home you love isn’t about following strict rules—it’s about finding balance and comfort. By paying attention to proportion, placement, and personality, you can transform your space from “almost right” to perfectly inviting.

Your home should evolve with you—layered, lived-in, and full of thoughtful choices that make you smile every time you walk in the door.