5 Common Decor Mistakes To Avoid In The Living Room

While decorating your own space can be an exciting venture, it’s essential to recognize that a certain level of expertise is required to achieve a truly stunning outcome. To avoid common pitfalls, every design enthusiast understands that it’s crucial to consider more than just visual elements like colors, patterns, and textures. In the pursuit of helping decorators of all levels create their ideal living space, we’ve identified 5 essential mistakes to steer clear of in the living room.

By heeding our advice, both professionals and novices can successfully craft an atmosphere that fosters a sense of relaxation and comfort.

Too Small Rug

While it’s true that a living room without a rug is essentially just a space, the key to achieving the desired ambiance lies in selecting a carpet that harmoniously complements the dimensions of your room. The size of the rug should be carefully considered based on its intended purpose, such as defining the sitting or dining area. In general, a minimum size of 8-by-10 feet is recommended for living rooms, with some designers even advocating for larger rugs of up to 9-by-12 feet.

However, it’s worth noting that smaller spaces may not require anything larger than a 6-by-9-foot rug. As stylist and TV host Emily Henderson advises, ‘Unless you have a tiny living room, stay away from anything under 6-by-9-feet.’ Our team agrees wholeheartedly with this sentiment. One crucial consideration when choosing a rug is ensuring that either all or most of the feet of the furniture rest on it.

This principle applies to dining rooms as well, where even when chairs are pulled out for seating, all four feet should remain on the rug.

Wrong Couch

When it comes to designing a living room, many designers agree that the sofa is the heart of the space. A great sofa can make or break the overall aesthetic and functionality of the room. According to designer Henderson, even if an owner already has a sofa they love, it’s often necessary to replace it in order to achieve their desired room design. ‘They don’t want to replace it because it’s not that old and they don’t mind it,’ explains Henderson.

‘But I’ve had to break the news over and over that with a sofa like that, they would never get the room they want.’ This emphasis on selecting the right sofa is echoed by Michael Wiltbank, who advises being extremely picky when choosing a lounge suite. Every aspect matters, from shape and size to color and material. A sofa that’s too narrow or uncomfortable can quickly become a source of frustration, especially since it’s intended to be a relaxing space.

To ensure the best possible experience, Wiltbank recommends purchasing a sofa directly from a shop rather than online. This season’s hottest sofas feature soft velvet in dark shades like navy blue and green.

Lack of Green

West Elm’s mention of plants as decorative elements highlights their dual function – not only do they add aesthetic appeal, but they also play a vital practical role in purifying the air. Whether you opt for lush greenery or the trendy pampas grass in sepia, incorporating plants into your space is always a good idea. Not only do they bring life and joy to any room, but they also create a sense of completion – making your living room feel truly whole.

Bad Furniture Layout

A well-designed layout can elevate even the most beautiful furniture from ordinary to extraordinary. Conversely, a poor layout can completely undermine the aesthetic appeal of a room. One common mistake is creating an empty space in the middle of the room by placing all furniture against the walls. This lack of separation can make the space feel vast and impersonal.

By strategically placing furniture and rugs, you can create distinct areas within the living room that foster intimacy and coziness. This approach allows each zone to have its own unique character, making it easier to relax and socialize. Emily Henderson emphasizes the importance of considering the view from major seating elements, whether it’s a favorite chair or sofa. In open rooms, this means being able to take in the surrounding space while seated.

In smaller spaces, prioritizing necessary window views is crucial. And in rooms with fireplaces, finding the perfect spot for the TV can be a challenge, requiring a balance between practicality and aesthetics.

No Personal Touch

A showroom-like space filled with luxurious furniture, yet devoid of personal touches, can feel sterile and uninviting. Even if the pieces are high-end designer brands, the absence of sentimental items or photographs makes it difficult for visitors to form a connection with the owner. In contrast, incorporating personalized elements such as family photos, artwork, or meaningful trinkets can transform the space into a true reflection of one’s personality and passions.

This unique approach allows guests to gain insight into the owner’s interests and experiences, making the living room feel truly special.

DORIS LESLIE BLAU CAN HELP YOU FIND THE RIGHT PERSIAN CARPET OR ORIENTAL RUG. WE HAVE A LARGE SHOWROOM IN NEW YORK CITY PLUS ONLINE CATALOGS AND SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR HELP CHOOSING A PRODUCT FOR YOUR NEEDS, CONTACT US ONLINE OR CALL 212-586-5511.