When it comes to designing your living room, there are plenty of things to consider. From furniture placement to color schemes, it can be easy to make mistakes that can turn your living room into a tacky mess. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we have compiled a list of 40 common living room mistakes that you should steer clear of. Common Living Room Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overcrowding: One of the biggest mistakes in living room design is overcrowding the space with too much furniture or accessories. This can make the room feel cramped and cluttered. 2. Wrong Sized Furniture: Choosing furniture that is too big or too small for your living room can throw off the balance of the room. Make sure to measure your space and choose pieces that fit well. 3. Too Many Pillows: While throw pillows can add a pop of color and texture to your living room, too many can make the space look messy and overdone. 4. Ignoring Functionality: It's important to consider the functionality of your living room when designing it. Don't sacrifice comfort and practicality for the sake of aesthetics. 5. Using the Wrong Rug: A too-small or too-large rug can throw off the proportions of your living room. Make sure to choose a rug that fits well in the space and complements your furniture. 6. Matching Everything: While it may be tempting to match all your furniture and accessories, this can make your living room look dull and lacking in personality. Mix and match different colors and textures for a more interesting look. 7. Ignoring Lighting: Proper lighting can make all the difference in a living room. Make sure to have a mix of overhead lighting, task lighting, and ambient lighting to create a well-lit and inviting space. 8. Not Considering Traffic Flow: When arranging furniture, it's important to consider the flow of traffic in the room. Avoid blocking doorways and walkways with furniture. 9. Forgetting About Storage: A cluttered living room can make the space feel chaotic. Make sure to have enough storage options, such as shelves, baskets, and cabinets, to keep things organized. 10. Too Much Clashing Pattern: Mixing patterns in your living room can add visual interest, but too many clashing patterns can make the space look chaotic and overwhelming. 40 Tacky Living Room Design Mistakes to Avoid
11. Ignoring the Focal Point: Every living room should have a focal point, whether it's a fireplace, a TV, or a piece of artwork. Make sure to arrange your furniture in a way that highlights this focal point. 12. Not Considering the Room's Proportions: A large, overstuffed sofa may look great in a showroom, but it may not be the best choice for a small living room. Consider the proportions of your space when choosing furniture. 13. Using Too Many Trends: While it's fun to incorporate trends into your living room, using too many can make the space look dated and overwhelming. Stick to one or two trends and balance them with timeless pieces. 14. Not Personalizing the Space: Your living room should reflect your personality and interests. Don't be afraid to add personal touches, such as family photos or unique artwork, to make the space feel more like home. 15. Too Much Clutter on Surfaces: It's important to leave some open space on surfaces, such as coffee tables and shelves, to avoid a cluttered look. Stick to a few well-chosen accessories for a cleaner, more organized look. 16. Ignoring Scale: When choosing furniture and accessories, it's important to consider scale. A large, bulky coffee table may look out of place in a small living room, while a tiny side table may get lost in a larger space. 17. Not Incorporating Different Textures: A living room with all smooth, sleek surfaces can look cold and uninviting. Mix in different textures, such as a plush rug, a woven basket, or a velvet sofa, to add warmth and interest to the space. 18. Not Creating a Conversation Area: A well-designed living room should have a designated conversation area where people can comfortably gather and chat. Make sure to arrange your furniture in a way that encourages conversation. 19. Ignoring the Ceiling: The ceiling is often overlooked in living room design, but it can make a big impact. Consider adding a statement light fixture or painting the ceiling a bold color for added interest. 20. Not Considering the Room's Purpose: Your living room may serve different purposes, such as a space for entertaining, watching TV, or reading. Make sure to design the space to fit your specific needs. How to Avoid These 40 Tacky Living Room Mistakes
21. Using Too Many Dark Colors: While dark colors can add drama and sophistication to a living room, using too many can make the space feel small and gloomy. Balance dark colors with lighter shades for a more inviting look. 22. Not Considering the View: If your living room has a nice view, make sure to arrange your furniture to take advantage of it. Don't block windows or doors with furniture. 23. Ignoring Symmetry: Symmetry can add balance and harmony to a living room design. Consider using matching pairs of furniture or accessories for a more cohesive look. 24. Not Mixing Old and New: A living room with all brand new furniture can look sterile and lacking in character. Mix in some vintage or antique pieces for a more interesting and unique space. 25. Using the Wrong Size Artwork: Artwork that is too small for a large wall or too big for a small space can throw off the balance of a living room. Make sure to choose artwork that fits well in the space. 26. Not Enough Seating: Your living room should have enough seating for all the members of your household, as well as any guests. Consider adding extra seating options, such as ottomans or poufs, for added versatility. 27. Too Many Knick-Knacks: While it's nice to add personal touches to your living room, too many small decorative items can make the space look cluttered and messy. Choose a few meaningful items to display and keep the rest stored away. 28. Not Considering Pets or Kids: If you have pets or kids, it's important to choose durable, easy-to-clean materials for your living room furniture. Avoid delicate fabrics or materials that can easily be stained or damaged. 29. Ignoring the Entryway: The entryway to your living room sets the tone for the rest of the space. Make sure to keep this area neat and organized, and consider adding a statement piece, such as a mirror or artwork, for added impact. 30. Using Too Many Bold Patterns: While patterns can add interest to a living room, using too many bold patterns can make the space look chaotic and overwhelming. Stick to one or two statement patterns and balance them with more neutral pieces. The Top 40 Tacky Living Room Mistakes You Should Never Make
31. Not Enough Lighting: A living room with insufficient lighting can feel dark and unwelcoming. Make sure to incorporate a mix of natural and artificial light sources for a well-lit space. 32. Too Much White: While white can make a room feel bright and airy, using too much of it can make the space look bland and sterile. Add pops of color and texture to break up the white. 33. Not Enough Texture: A living room with all smooth, flat surfaces can look one-dimensional and boring. Incorporate different textures, such as wood, metal, and fabric, for added visual interest. 34. Using Furniture with Sharp Corners: Furniture with sharp corners can be dangerous, especially if you have small children. Consider choosing pieces with rounded edges for added safety. 35. Ignoring the Mantel: If your living room has a fireplace, make sure to make the most of the mantel. Decorate it with artwork, mirrors, or seasonal decor for added impact. 36. Not Enough Color: While a monochromatic color scheme can be elegant, using too much of the same color can make the space look dull and boring. Add pops of color with accessories or accent furniture. 37. Too Much Furniture: It's important to leave open space in your living room for a more airy and spacious feel. Don't overcrowd the space with too much furniture. 38. Not Incorporating Greenery: Adding plants to your living room can bring life and freshness to the space. Choose low-maintenance plants, such as succulents or snake plants, for easy upkeep. 39. Using Cheap or Mismatched Furniture: Your living room is often a reflection of your style and taste, so make sure to invest in quality furniture that fits your aesthetic. Avoid using cheap or mismatched pieces. 40. Not Adding Personal Touches: Your living room should feel like a reflection of you and your personality. Don't be afraid to add personal touches, such as artwork, family heirlooms, or travel souvenirs, to make the space feel more unique and personal. 40 Common Living Room Design Mistakes and How to Fix Them
41. Using Too Many Metallics: While metallic accents can add a touch of glamour to a living room, using too many can make the space look gaudy and overdone. Stick to one or two metallic accents for a more subtle look. 42. Not Considering the Season: Your living room decor should change with the seasons. Consider adding cozy throws and pillows in the winter and bringing in fresh flowers and bright colors in the spring and summer. 43. Forgetting About Comfort: Your living room should be a place where you can relax and unwind. Make sure to choose comfortable furniture and add cozy touches, such as soft textures and plush rugs. 44. Ignoring the Walls: The walls of your living room are a blank canvas waiting to be decorated. Consider adding wallpaper, a gallery wall, or a statement piece of artwork to add interest and personality to the space. 45. Using Too Many Trends: While incorporating trends into your living room can be fun, using too many can make the space look dated and unoriginal. Choose one or two trends to incorporate and balance them with timeless pieces. 46. Not Considering the Style of Your Home: Your living room decor should complement the overall style of your home. Make sure to choose pieces that fit with the overall aesthetic to create a cohesive look. 47. Using Too Many Bold Colors: While a pop of color can add interest and personality to a living room, using too many bold colors can make the space look chaotic and overwhelming. Stick to a few well-chosen colors and balance them with neutrals. 48. Ignoring the Importance of Curtains: Curtains can add texture, color, and privacy to a living room. Don't overlook the impact they can have on the overall design of the space. 49. Not Incorporating Layers: Layering different textures, colors, and patterns can add depth and interest to a living room. Don't be afraid to mix and match different elements for a more dynamic look. 50. Using Too Many Small Rugs: Small, scattered rugs can make a living room look disorganized and cluttered. Instead, opt for one large rug that can anchor the space and tie all the furniture together. Avoid These 40 Tacky Living Room Decor Mistakes
51. Not Considering the Scale of Your Artwork: Artwork that is too small for a large wall or too big for a small space can throw off the balance of a living room. Make sure to choose artwork that fits well in the space. 52. Using Too Many Patterns: While mixing patterns can add interest to a living room, using too many can make the space look busy and overwhelming. Stick to one or two statement patterns and balance them with more neutral pieces. 53. Not Enough Personalization: Your living room should feel like a reflection of you and your style. Don't be afraid to add personal touches, such as family photos or travel souvenirs, to make the space feel more unique and personal. How to Create a Stylish Living Room: Avoid These 40 Tacky Mistakes