Six Common Mistakes to Avoid in Living Room Decoration
You’ve furnished your living room, added accessories, and chosen the wall colors, yet something still feels off. It could be one of these common decorating mistakes:
1. Choosing a Teeny Tiny Rug
A common error in living room decoration is selecting a rug that's too small. Take a look around your living room: is all the furniture sitting on top of the rug? If not, the rug is too small. An area rug should fit under all key furniture pieces, or at least the front legs of major upholstered pieces. Smaller pieces should have all their legs on the rug. Proper rug placement ties the room together, so consider your furniture layout before choosing a rug.
2. Selecting Uncomfortable Furniture
A piece of furniture might look fantastic, but if it’s uncomfortable, it’s pointless in a space where comfort is key. Even in a formal living room, the furniture should be inviting for guests to sit in. Comfort should never be sacrificed for style; find pieces that offer both.
3. Insufficient Lighting
Effective lighting is crucial in any room. Your living room should have the three main types of lighting: ambient (overall illumination), task (directed light for specific activities), and accent (highlighting particular objects or features). Since living rooms serve various purposes, ensure there’s enough lighting to accommodate different activities by incorporating different light sources throughout the space.
4. Ignoring the Focal Point
A focal point anchors a space. Sometimes, focal points are natural, like windows or built-in mantles; other times, you create them with media units or artwork. Once you establish a focal point, arrange your furniture to enhance it. Without a focal point, a room can feel disjointed and unfocused.
5. Overlooking Mirrors
Mirrors are essential in any living room because they reflect light, making spaces feel larger and brighter. When hanging a mirror, consider what it will reflect. While wall space often dictates mirror placement, what’s reflected is more important. Mirrors should be hung at the right height for the space, which varies depending on what you want to reflect. While eye level works in many cases, higher or lower placements can also be effective.
6. Skipping Window Treatments
Avoid the mistake of opting out of window treatments to maximize light or preserve views. Window treatments like curtains, drapes, blinds, or shutters are vital decorative elements that complete a space. They help set the room’s tone and should never be overlooked. There are many options that allow light in and maintain views, so don’t be afraid to dress every window.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a living room that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
1. Choosing a Teeny Tiny Rug
A common error in living room decoration is selecting a rug that's too small. Take a look around your living room: is all the furniture sitting on top of the rug? If not, the rug is too small. An area rug should fit under all key furniture pieces, or at least the front legs of major upholstered pieces. Smaller pieces should have all their legs on the rug. Proper rug placement ties the room together, so consider your furniture layout before choosing a rug.
2. Selecting Uncomfortable Furniture
A piece of furniture might look fantastic, but if it’s uncomfortable, it’s pointless in a space where comfort is key. Even in a formal living room, the furniture should be inviting for guests to sit in. Comfort should never be sacrificed for style; find pieces that offer both.
3. Insufficient Lighting
Effective lighting is crucial in any room. Your living room should have the three main types of lighting: ambient (overall illumination), task (directed light for specific activities), and accent (highlighting particular objects or features). Since living rooms serve various purposes, ensure there’s enough lighting to accommodate different activities by incorporating different light sources throughout the space.
4. Ignoring the Focal Point
A focal point anchors a space. Sometimes, focal points are natural, like windows or built-in mantles; other times, you create them with media units or artwork. Once you establish a focal point, arrange your furniture to enhance it. Without a focal point, a room can feel disjointed and unfocused.
5. Overlooking Mirrors
Mirrors are essential in any living room because they reflect light, making spaces feel larger and brighter. When hanging a mirror, consider what it will reflect. While wall space often dictates mirror placement, what’s reflected is more important. Mirrors should be hung at the right height for the space, which varies depending on what you want to reflect. While eye level works in many cases, higher or lower placements can also be effective.
6. Skipping Window Treatments
Avoid the mistake of opting out of window treatments to maximize light or preserve views. Window treatments like curtains, drapes, blinds, or shutters are vital decorative elements that complete a space. They help set the room’s tone and should never be overlooked. There are many options that allow light in and maintain views, so don’t be afraid to dress every window.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a living room that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
