Home decorating is challenging, and unless you have experience as an interior designer, chances are you’re not going to get it 100% right. While there’s no manual for doing it all right, there are still certain elements that many people tend to get wrong. By making the right adjustments, you can help make your space appear bigger or just look like you know what you’re doing. Whether this is your first time decorating or your millionth, here are a few of the most popular home décor mistakes you’re likely to be making.
Mistake #1: Paint Colors
While you would love nothing more than to trust the swatch you fell in love with, chances are the paint is going to look different when actually painted on your walls. Not only should you test the paint before you finally decide which one you want to go with, but you should also consider your space. For instance, if you have a smaller room, then you’ll want to opt for a lighter paint color to help make your space seem bigger. If there is a dark color you love, consider making that an accent wall and using a complementary lighter color on the majority of the walls. This way, you can have your dark color without taking away from the size of the room.
Mistake #2: Curtain Height
Most people assume the curtain rod should be placed right above the window or the window casing. Although this is common in many households around the world, this is not the best way to show off curtains. Instead, your curtains should be rodded closer to the ceiling, which gives the illusion that your ceilings are higher and will make your space seem bigger. In addition, you should also pay attention to the types of curtains you choose. For instance, choosing a thick velvet-like material in a room that’s airy and bright will not look right. Instead, be sure to take furniture, paint color, and overall room theme into consideration when choosing curtains.
Mistake #3: Area Rug Size
Area rugs are very tricky beasts to conquer, but knowing what size area rug to choose is an important thing to do. Your area rug should actually cover most of your floor. It’s okay if it goes underneath the couch and only leaves a little bit of floor exposed. In fact, having this size area rug makes your space look cozier and inviting. If your area rug is too small, it will have an impact on the overall feel of the room and will simply look awkward. When deciding on a size, be sure to consider the size and shape of your room to help make your final decision.
Mistake #4: Wall-Only Furniture
There is no home decorating rule that says all furniture needs to sit against the wall. In fact, when you bring pieces of furniture away from the wall, it can create a breathable space you’ll love and will give you more decorating options. When you push everything against a wall, you make the center of the room seem awkward. Plus, doing it this way makes things like seating or entertainment far away from one another, which again just creates an awkwardness throughout the room. Instead of falling victim to this, consider moving some items toward the middle or away from the wall and see what you can get.
Mistake #5: Too Much Stuff
Your home is your sanctuary and it makes sense for you to fill it with things that are important to you. However, when your home is filled with so much stuff, it takes away from the ambiance of the room and just makes it feel cluttered. For instance, instead of having 15 picture frames on your table, consider making a gallery wall in the foyer or in the hallway. Instead of putting knickknacks and figurines all over shelves, pick a handful you really love and keep those on display. By reducing the number of accessories or items you have around the home, you’ll find that everything appears less cluttered and creates a more open feel.
Mistake #6: Too Themed
No matter how much you love giraffes or are all about ‘Merica, it’s very important you keep your theme idea to a minimum. While having a general idea is always good and can help you maintain focus, it’s not a good idea to over-do it, otherwise your nice space will turn into an ugly disaster.
When you’re ready to start decorating your home, be sure to avoid these mistakes!