10 mistakes designers wish you would stop making in your living room
Are you guilty of any of these?
The space responsible for hosting family and friends is under a lot of pressure — after all, it has to be stylish and comfortable. We asked some interior designers to find out what mistakes most people make (and how to fix them) so you can show off your room proudly.
Buying furniture you don't want to sit on
Just because it looks lovely, doesn't mean it's right for your home. "Don't get me wrong, I love tiny chairs and super sleek sofas," says designer Ryland Witt. "But make sure there is seating that you and your guests feel comfortable in — otherwise you'll never use the room."
Putting your sofa against the wall
"Nothing drives me crazier than a sofa against the wall in a large room," says Sarah Vaile of Sarah Whit Interior Design. Even though for small spaces this might be necessary, when you have the option you should "float" your sofa away from the wall to make your room appear bigger.
Browse our range of Country Living sofas.
Hanging pictures at the wrong height
"I think the number one question I get asked is how high I should hang my pictures," designer Vern Yip says. The answer? 60 inches from finished floor to center of image, which is the average human eye level.
Not having enough sources of light
"Nine times out of 10, I think when people walk into a room and they like the ambiance, it's because the lighting has been done correctly," Yip says. To achieve this, he says your space should have a variety of light sources, including recessed, hanging fixtures, and more.
Decorating with tons of memorabilia
The smallest items in the room always catch designer Eche Martinez's attention: "I'm obsessive about spaces being uncluttered and personally prefer minimal styling," he says. "So many times I walk into beautiful homes only to encounter endless tiny memorabilia sitting on the mantle gathering dust!"
MORE: 7 common home decorating tactics that actually make clutter
Not having enough seats for guests
Designer CeCe Barfield Thompson of CeCe Barfield Inc. says it's important to make sure seating facilitates conversation. "As a rule of thumb, there should be enough seating to accommodate the number you fit at your dining table," she says.
Underestimating the power of pillows
In this case, Vaile says more is always better: "It drives me crazy when there are only two sad throw pillows on a sofa." Not to mention that multiple throws will make your sofa so much cosier.
Forgetting about everyday needs
Vaile says she once had a client tell her she designs homes for the proverbial dinner party that will only take place once a year. Now, she takes a different approach and encourages homeowners to do the same: "I love imagining how you might use your living room every evening, whether it's in a cozy reading chair or with a puzzle at the game table," she says.
Skimping on your upholstery
If you're going to take the time to add new fabric to a piece of furniture, designer Amy Berry says there's one thing you must consider before going with a less expensive material: "If you've got to sit on it, it better be comfortable." And when it comes to finding an upholsterer, you want someone who's work will last for the long haul, too.
Not having curtains touch the floor
Sure, it seems like a minor detail, but Berry says these gaps can sometimes make all the difference. "I am always hyper aware of things that are out of scale," says Berry. If your curtains don't hit at the right height, it can make your room feel smaller than it really is.
Follow our guide on how to choose the right curtains for you home.
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