5 Big Decorating Mistakes We All Make And How To Fix Them

Stop making these common decorating mistakes. Easy fixes can help your home feel more beautiful, balanced, and pulled together.

Decorating should be fun and rewarding. But sometimes what looks so right in your head just does not work in your home. I hear from so many readers who feel frustrated because their rooms do not feel quite finished or pulled together, even though they have tried so hard.

Here is the good news. Most of the time, it is not about starting over. It is usually about tweaking a few things that can make a big difference.

I have made these decorating mistakes myself. The kind that make a room look off without being able to put a finger on why. Through a lot of trial and error (and a lot of rearranging), I have figured out how to fix them.

If you have ever looked at a room and thought, “Something is not working here,” this post is for you. These are five big decorating mistakes I see over and over again, and the simple changes that can make your home look more beautiful and feel just right.

The Number Mistake: The Wrong Paint Color

Choosing the right paint color can be tricky. Even though it might look great on a tiny paint chip or in someone else’s home, you usually know pretty quickly if it does not work in your space.

The Mistake

Picking the wrong paint color is one of the most common decorating missteps I see. I have done it too, more than once. It can be a little heartbreaking and frustrating, not to mention expensive and time-consuming. But thankfully, it is one of the easiest things to fix.

The Importance Of Undertones

Undertones are the subtle colors underneath the main color you see. They often make a color look “off” in your room. A neutral beige can suddenly look pink, peachy, or yellow depending on its undertone. And gray can shift to blue, green, or even purple.

Understanding undertones will help you pick a color that works with the things already in your home. That one detail can make all the difference between a paint color that looks just okay and one that makes your whole room sing.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid this mistake:

• Start by finding a color that is already in your room as inspiration
• Learn about the anatomy of a paint strip so you can compare related colors
• Pay attention to the tone, tint, and shade of the color you are considering
• Know whether the color leans warm or cool
• Paint wide test strips of different colors directly on your wall
• Watch how the paint looks in morning light, afternoon light, and under your lamps
• If the wall is painted a very dark or bright color, paint it white first so you get a true read of your samples

The Easy Fix

If you struggle to choose the right color, I have a post to help you feel confident about picking the perfect one. Head over to 6 Tips For Choosing The Perfect Paint Color. You will also find the paint colors I used in our StoneGable home.

Here are some very helpful posts about color and paint:

The Ultimate Guide For Choosing White Paint

Is Gray Paint Totally Out?

The Color Beige: A Fresh Take On A Decor Classic

Can You Mix Warm And Cool Colors?

Is Brown The Next Big Color?

Too Many Wall Colors

Using too many different wall colors throughout your home can make it feel disconnected and busy. Your home should flow together and feel like it belongs to the same space. One of the best ways to create that flow is by keeping your wall colors consistent from room to room.

The Mistake

Painting each room a different color is such an easy mistake. But when every room is painted a totally different color, even beautiful rooms can feel out of sync with the rest of the house. It can make your home look choppy and mismatched, even if everything else is decorated well.

The Easy Fix

Pick one wall color that works well in most of your home and stick with it. You can also build a whole house color palette with just a few colors that relate to one another. This keeps things interesting but still cohesive.

Make sure to read Mastering the Art of Choosing the Perfect Color Palette and How to Move to a Whole Home Color Palette.

Here are a few tried and true tips for choosing wall colors throughout your home:

• Always choose wall colors while keeping the other colors in a room in mind
• Simpler is better. A small palette is easier to work with and always looks more intentional
• If you want to use different paint colors in different rooms, choose shades or tints of one main color
• All the trim throughout your home should be painted the same color! I know this is not on trend right now, but do this for a cohesive looking home. The only exception is beautiful wood trim.

What About Wallpaper

Wallpaper can add so much personality and charm to a space, but it still needs to fit with the rest of your home. If you are thinking about using wallpaper, make sure the colors in the pattern work with your overall home color palette.

Look for wallpaper that picks up one or two of your core colors. Even bold patterns can feel right at home when the colors blend with the flow of the rest of your house. And just like paint, it is a good idea to bring home samples and see how they look in your lighting before making a final decision.

And do not miss this helpful post: 6 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Paint Color.

You might also enjoy reading Brown Is The New Hot Decorating Color. For more ideas on using warm, earthy tones that work beautifully throughout a home.

Choosing A Rug That Is Too Small

Using a rug that is too small for a room is one of those mistakes that can instantly throw a space off. A rug should help ground the furniture in a room, not float under it like a tiny island. When a rug is undersized, it makes the whole room feel out of proportion, even if everything else is beautiful.

The Mistake

Oh, goodness. I have made this decorating mistake more than once. I still cringe a little when I think about the first rug I used in our dining room. It looked fine at first glance, but it was way too small for the table and chairs. Once I replaced it with the same rug in a larger size, the entire room finally felt right.

Many of the rugs in magazines or online look pretty in photos because they are styled perfectly and shot from flattering angles. But take a wide shot of the room, and you will often spot the problem: the rug is too small!

A rug should cover a generous amount of the floor and allow the furniture to sit fully on top of it—not just hug the coffee table or barely peek out from under a bed or table.

The Easy Fix

If you already have a rug that is too small, try layering it over a larger neutral rug. Something simple like sisal or jute can create a beautiful base and fill in the floor space while adding a little texture too.

For more helpful tips, see 6 Rules for Choosing the Perfect Dining Room Rug.

And here is one more tip from experience: Always check the return policy before buying a rug online. If it does not work in your space, you want to be able to send it back without any trouble.

Curtains That Are Not Hung High Enough Or Fall Short Of The Floor

The way curtains are hung can make or break a room. Curtains should draw the eye upward, make the windows look larger, and create a finished, polished look. But they can do the opposite if they are hung too low or stop above the floor.

The Mistake

Curtains that are hung too low on the wall or fall short of the floor. This is one of those mistakes that can go unnoticed for a while, until you see how much better things are when done right. Low-hanging curtains and curtains that do not touch the floor make a room feel awkward and unfinished.

The Easy Fix

Curtains should be mounted as close to the ceiling as possible or just under the crown molding. This makes the ceilings feel taller and the windows look grander.

And curtain panels should just kiss the floor, have a slight trouser crease, or even puddle a bit if that is the look you love.

There is no need to invest in heavy, overly ornate drapery anymore. A simple, straight panel in a fabric you love is all you need to frame a window beautifully.

Take a second look at the curtains in your home. Making this small change can have a big impact.

Furniture That Is Too Matchy Matchy

Buying a full set of matching furniture used to be the thing to do. A matching bedroom suite. A dining room set where every piece was made from the same wood in the same finish. Back then, it was considered stylish. But times have changed, and so has decorating.

The Mistake

Furniture that matches too perfectly. It is one of those decorating habits that can make a room feel flat and a little dated. When every piece of furniture looks exactly the same, it takes away the layered, collected look that makes a home feel warm and interesting.

I say this with love because I have been there too. My first dining room had a matching table, chairs, and buffet. My bedroom? One big coordinated set. So if your home has a few matching pieces, I understand.

But now? I much prefer rooms that feel curated over time. At the Tanglewood House, we do not even have a formal dining room anymore. And I do not miss the match at all.

The Quick Fix

Start by separating some of the matching pieces. Try moving one of the end tables to another room or replacing your coffee table with something different.

If you are ready to update, mix materials and finishes. Pair wood with metal or painted surfaces. Bring in an upholstered piece to soften all the wood.

When furniture coordinates instead of matches, your room will feel more personal and collected.

This is such a fun decorating fix that makes a big difference. Your rooms will feel more interesting and like a true reflection of you.

Today’s Take On The Matching Furniture Comeback

A small trend is making its way back into decorating. More traditional wood furniture, like cherry and mahogany, is having a quiet comeback. The trick is to keep the tradition and freshen up the traditional aesthetic.

The trick is to break up the look just a bit. Try using a different style or finish for your buffet or hutch. Or swap out the nightstands in your bedroom for a pair of painted ones with pretty hardware.

This gives your room a fresh look while still letting you enjoy those classic pieces. It is all about balance.

Only One Source Of Lighting

Relying on only one source of lighting in a room, especially overhead lighting, can make even a beautifully decorated space feel flat and uncomfortable. Most overhead lighting casts harsh shadows and does very little to make a room feel warm or welcoming.

The Mistake

Only using ceiling lights is a common decorating misstep. Even if you have a stunning chandelier, it is not enough on its own. Every room needs multiple layers of light. Think in terms of light zones and overlapping pools of light from table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, and accent lighting. This makes a room look romantic and so beautiful.

A room should never have dark corners or shadows. And not every light needs to be the same brightness. Use dimmers where you can. Softer light in the evening creates a cozy glow that flatters everyone and everything in the room.

Overhead lighting might be practical, but it is rarely pretty on its own.

The Easy Fix

You do not need to remove your ceiling fixture, but be sure to layer in other light sources. Add lamps in your seating areas, by the bed, or on a console table. You will be surprised how much better your room looks—and feels—when it is well lit.

More Decorating Mistakes Hurting Your Look (And How To Fix Them)

Pushing All the Furniture Against the Walls
When furniture hugs the walls, it can leave the middle of a room feeling empty and uninviting. Pull a few pieces inward to create cozy conversation areas and better balance.

Too Many Small Accessories
Lots of tiny decor items scattered around can make a room feel cluttered. To increase visual impact, group a few items together or replace several small pieces with one larger item.

Not Adding Any Personal Touches
A home should reflect the people who live there. Add meaningful decor like family photos, artwork you love, or heirloom pieces that tell your story.

Skipping Window Treatments
Bare windows can make a room feel unfinished and cold. Even simple curtain panels or woven shades help frame the windows and add softness and style.

Forgetting About Texture
If a room feels flat, it may need texture, especially if your home is more neutral. Mix materials like wood, rattan, stone, and metal with soft textiles like pillows, throws, and rugs to add depth and warmth.

Neglecting the Ceiling
The ceiling is the often-forgotten fifth wall. A fresh coat of paint, a simple molding, or a beautiful light fixture can bring attention upward and finish a room beautifully.

You are not alone if you have made one or more of these decorating mistakes. I have, too. The beauty of decorating is that it is never about perfection—it is a process. Every small change helps you understand your home better and how you want to live in it.

So do not be afraid to try something new or move things around. Every step you take, even the ones that do not work out, brings you closer to creating a home you love.

You might also like…

• RULES FOR MIXING DECOR STYLES
• WHAT IS TRANSITIONAL STYLE

Shop The Post

Frequently Asked Questions

Happy decorating, friends…