7 Common Home Decor Mistakes and How to Easily Fix Them

Even the most beautifully furnished homes can feel off if certain design elements aren’t quite right. From awkward furniture placement to overlooked details, small home décor mistakes can make a space feel unfinished, unbalanced, or less inviting than it should be.

The good news? These common home styling errors are These common home styling errors are easy to fix! Here’s how to correct them like a designer and create a space that feels effortlessly stylish and polished.

The Mistake: A rug that’s too small makes a room feel disjointed and ungrounded . It can make furniture look disconnected and out of place in your home. 

The Fix:

• In the living room, the rug should be large enough for at least the front legs of all seating to rest on it.
• In the dining room, it should extend at least 24 inches beyond the table to accommodate chairs.
• In bedrooms, place a large rug under the bed or two runners on each side.

Designer Tip: Layering a larger natural fiber rug with a smaller decorative rug on top adds texture and warmth to any room in a home.

The Mistake: Relying only on overhead lighting makes a room feel harsh and flat instead of warm and inviting.

The Fix: Use three layers of lighting in every room of your home:

• Ambient lighting (ceiling fixtures, chandeliers)
• Task lighting (table lamps, reading lights)
• Accent lighting (wall sconces, candles). Swap cool-toned bulbs for warm LED lighting (2700K-3000K) to create a cozy atmosphere. Add dimmable lighting to adjust brightness based on mood and time of day.

Quick Upgrade: A statement floor lamp or sculptural table lamp instantly elevates any room.

The Mistake: Keeping all furniture lined up against the walls of your home makes rooms feel empty and disconnected, even in larger spaces and homes.

The Fix: Float your sofa or seating arrangement in the center of the room to create a more intimate, inviting layout.

• Use a console table or shelving behind the sofa to create separation.
• In large spaces, create distinct conversation zones with furniture groupings.

Best Layout Rule: Aim for at least 3 feet of walking space around furniture while keeping seating close enough for easy conversation.

The Mistake: Sticking to flat, one-dimensional materials (like all sleek surfaces or only smooth fabrics) can make a space feel stark and uninspired .

The Fix: Mix materials like wood, glass, stone, and soft textiles for depth.

• Add woven baskets, boucle chairs, linen drapes, or wool throws to break up uniformity.
• Use layered rugs or a mix of matte and glossy finishes for contrast in your home.

Instant Upgrade: A plush throw and textured pillows make any sofa feel more inviting.

The Mistake: Bare windows or cheap, ill-fitted blinds make a home look unfinished and less luxurious.

The Fix:

• Use floor-to-ceiling curtains to elongate the walls and create an elegant feel.
• Stick to neutral or soft-toned drapes that blend seamlessly with your home décor.
• Choose woven shades or linen curtains for an organic, sophisticated touch.

Hanging Hack: Install curtain rods 6-12 inches above the window frame and extend beyond the edges for a more expansive look.

The Mistake: Purchasing perfectly matching home furniture sets (sofa, coffee table, side tables) can make a home feel generic and overly staged .

The Fix:

• Mix different furniture styles, eras, and materials for a more curated, personal look.
• Pair a modern sofa with a vintage coffee table or antique armchairs for balance.
• Use a mix of wood tones, metal finishes, and textiles to add richness and depth.

Pro Tip: Stick to a cohesive color palette to unify different pieces without them looking mismatched.

The Mistake: A home without personal elements can feel like a showroom instead of a welcoming, lived-in space.

The Fix:

• Display travel souvenirs, family heirlooms, or original artwork that tell a story.
• Layer in books, sculptural objects, and personal collections that spark conversation.
• Incorporate handmade or custom pieces that reflect your personality.

Final Thought: The best homes aren’t perfectly styled—they’re curated over time with pieces that have meaning.