We all make decorating mistakes. Some are small slip-ups, like an accent pillow that clashes. But others are total disasters that make you wonder what you were thinking. Looking back on my home decor journey, I definitely cringe at a few choices that seemed like good ideas at the time. Here are the absolute dumbest decorating decisions I’ve made over the years, so you can avoid making the same mistakes!
Using Trendy Colors That Didn’t Stand the Test of Time
When I first bought my house, I wanted to make it feel fresh and current. At the time, bright aqua was a huge trend. It was all over home magazines and catalogs. Without thinking about the long term, I painted an accent wall in my living room a vivid turquoise. I complimented it with aqua and lime green accents like pillows and vases.
It definitely achieved the fun, trendy look I was going for initially. But after just a couple of years, I realized the bright aqua wall and accessories felt dated and juvenile. The color was no longer on-trend. I ended up repainting the wall a neutral beige. I replaced all the bright accessories with more subtle, sophisticated neutrals and earth tones that will stand the test of time better.
The takeaway: Avoid trendy paint colors and accessories that likely won’t remain stylish for long. Stick to versatile, neutral backgrounds for your walls and decorate with classic accent colors that transcend trends.
Buying a Couch That Was Way Too Big for the Room
When we moved into our first apartment after getting married, we needed a sofa. We found a huge, super plush sectional on sale and thought, “How could this be bad?” Well, it turned out to be a disaster in our small living room.
The massive sectional took up nearly the entire room. You could barely walk around it! It was so big it made the whole room feel dark, crowded, and cave-like. And of course, with such limited space, dirt and crumbs accumulated quickly since it was impossible to vacuum thoroughly around and under it.
We made do with the oversized sectional for a year before finally selling it at a loss. The lesson: always measure carefully and choose seating sized appropriately for the room. Bigger is not always better.
The takeaway: Carefully measure both your space and any large pieces you are considering before purchasing. Make sure it will fit the room properly and leave enough open floor space.
Utilizing Fad Decorating Techniques
When shabby chic and distressing were popular, I hopped right on those bandwagons. I spent hours trying to make brand new furniture and accessories look old and weathered. I remember dry brushing white paint onto a beautiful wood dresser to make it look worn. I also did a terrible job trying to distress end tables to get that rustic farmhouse look.
In the end the pieces just looked sloppy, dirty, and damaged. Once the appeal of those fads wore off, I realized the finishing work I had done didn’t stand the test of time. It just made nice furnishings look worse and dated my home.
The takeaway: Focus on decorating techniques that showcase the innate beauty of your belongings, rather than trying to alter their original character. Fad finishing like distressing rarely improves pieces long-term.
Hanging Art Too High
This is a mistake nearly everyone makes at some point. When I first starting decorating on my own, I hung art too high on the wall because I didn’t know better. Pictures and mirrors seemed to float awkwardly on the wall.
The key is to hang art so its center is about 57-60 inches above the floor. This feels more natural to the human eye and grounds the piece on the wall. The closer to the ceiling you hang art, the more uncomfortable and disconnected it feels.
The takeaway: Research recommended art hanging heights and use them consistently throughout your home for a polished look. About 60 inches up from the floor to the center of the piece is ideal.
Buying Impractical Decor Items Just Because They Look Nice
When I see a unique decorative object like a vase or candlestick, I’m sometimes tempted to buy it even if I don’t have place to actually use it. For example, I once purchased a striking hand-blown glass vase that I absolutely loved. But I didn’t own any surfaces it would actually fit on nicely. So the gorgeous vase sat in a closet unused for years.
It’s easy to do this with art as well. I’ve bought pieces that I loved but that didn’t fit with my existing style or color palette at all. I ended up never framing or displaying them. Now I know items have to meet practical needs as well as aesthetic ones. Before purchasing, I always consider:
- Will this actually fit my decor?
- Do I have a surface to display this properly?
- Is it Versatile enough to work in multiple rooms/homes?
The takeaway: Before buying any decorative object, think about where you would actually use it and make sure it fits your overall style. Don’t purchase based on looks alone.
Getting Swept Away by Themed Rooms
The one time I tried to make a themed room, it failed miserably. I thought it would be fun to turn my small home office into an English library-style retreat. I bought a big, tufted leather chair and scattered around books along with other Anglophile accessories.
The room felt so contrived and overdone. And because everything tied into that one theme, the room seemed one-note and ridiculous. A space should never feel like a parody of itself! Furthermore, themed rooms rarely “age” well as your tastes change.
The takeaway: Thoughtfully collected pieces you love create a more authentic, interesting room versus trying to force a whole thematic concept.
Attempting DIY Projects Beyond My Skill Level
In an effort to save money, I’ve attempted all kinds of DIY home projects through the years. Some were very successful, like repainting cabinets and hanging curtains. But others were embarrassing fails!
One of my biggest lessons learned is knowing my limits as an amateur. Some projects require a professional to get right. For me, these include installing a bathroom mirror properly (I tried…it fell and shattered), laying floor tile evenly (I had large uneven grout lines), and sanding/staining wood (I made scratches and blotches).
I still DIY simpler things, but I call in the experts for skills I just don’t have yet. It ultimately costs less than having to redo a botched project!
The takeaway: Know your skill level and don’t attempt DIY projects that require special expertise. Pay for quality workmanship when it’s truly needed.
Buying Furniture That Wasn’t High Enough Quality
When I was younger, I often bought inexpensive furniture to save money. Pieces from certain budget-friendly retailers seemed like a good deal. Unfortunately, they rarely held up well.
Cheap wood looked scratched and dinged after just a little use. Fabrics faded, ripped, and pilled quickly. And bargain furniture smelled terrible – the awful chemical odor took weeks to fully air out.
Now I invest in fewer quality, timeless solid wood pieces from reputable companies. Though the initial price tag is higher, they save me money in the long run because they’re durable and crafted to last. I also appreciate how they look far more refined.
The takeaway: You often do “get what you pay for” when it comes to furniture. Spend more upfront for keepsake quality that will remain beautiful for decades.
Putting Form Over Function
At one point, I was more concerned about how pretty my home looked than how livable and functional it felt. But decorating should always emphasize comfort, convenience, and practicality.
One way I did this was buying coffee tables and side tables that were too low. They looked nice and sleek but were awkward for serving food and drinks. I also once bought a bed with a footboard that was so high it was hard to get in and out comfortably.
Now I’m careful to buy pieces that look great but also work with my lifestyle. If form and function conflict, function should win out. After all, your home’s purpose is to make your life easier and better. Never sacrifice usability for looks alone.
The takeaway: When evaluating any decor item, consider comfort, ergonomics, and practicality as much as aesthetics. Focus on pieces that are highly functional as well as attractive.
Making Impulse Purchases
If I really love something in a store, my natural instinct is to grab it immediately so I don’t miss out. But doing this has led me to accumulate more unused items and unnecessary duplicates than I can count.
Now I force myself to always sleep on a purchase for at least a few days before committing. No matter how much I love a piece in the moment, I give myself time to think it over logically before buying.
This small change has saved me from numerous hasty purchases. More often than not, I decide during the waiting period that it wasn’t right for my needs after all. Letting initial excitement fade before making big decor decisions prevents poor choices.
The takeaway: Resist impulse buying. Give yourself a mandatory waiting period of at least 24 hours before any decor purchase. Chances are you’ll have a new perspective with more thought.
Not Planning Room Layouts Beforehand
In my early decorating endeavors, I would buy individual pieces without thinking about the full room layout. I purchased and arranged furniture as I went, with no big picture plan in mind.
The result? Rooms that felt choppy, aimless, and disconnected. The layout and pieces didn’t work in cohesion. Now I sketch a basic room plan on paper first, using measurements and furniture outlines. This helps immensely in creating a thoughtful layout with purposeful furniture placement.
Planning a layout in advance also prevents purchasing items that are the wrong size or won’t coordinate well. It gives me clarity on exactly what pieces I need and how they’ll connect.
The takeaway: Always draft at least a simple room layout and floor plan before buying any furnishings. This prevents expensive mistakes that create a disjointed look.
Picking Trendy Decor Over Timeless Classics
I used to seek out all the latest home decor trends and fads. Any time a new trendy style emerged, I wanted to try it. But these trendy pieces looked dated fast, while cleaner and more classic styles stood the test of time.
Now I avoid flashy trends and seek out true classics: solid wood furniture, ceramic lamps, wool rugs, cotton curtains, leather armchairs. Their simple elegance always remains in style. I mix these timeless essentials with less expensive pillows, art, and accessories to freshen the look occasionally.
The classics anchor each room in beauty while still allowing small pops of current trends here and there. But the core remains consistent.
The takeaway: Build your rooms around classics with longevity instead of whatever is new and trendy. Layer in more affordable trendy items sparingly if you want to liven things up temporarily.
Not Thinking About Traffic Flow and Floor Plans
Like many novice decorators, I hadn’t given much thought to floor plans and traffic flow when arranging furniture. I put pieces where I thought they looked best aesthetically. But this made rooms uncomfortable to move around and use.
For example, I blocked pathways and doors with bulky furniture. Pieces crowded each other with no breathing room. The rooms looked pretty but totally failed at practical utility.
Now I include floor plans and traffic paths in my initial layouts. I make sure doorways, hallways, and major routes stay open. I space furniture with room to comfortably pass between. A beautiful room doesn’t matter if you can’t walk through it!
The takeaway: Consider floor plans and traffic flow when planning a layout, just as much as visual appeal. Leave proper clearance for openings and passages so rooms function well.
Choosing Style Over Comfort
Comfort is paramount to a home’s function and livability. But in the past, I sometimes chose decor items for visual appeal without considering comfort. Hard wooden dining chairs, low sleek coffee tables, firm pillows – they looked great in photos but weren’t actually comfortable for real life.
Now comfort is one of my top priorities. My couches are deep and cozy. My beds have thick mattresses and soft sheets. Chairs and pillows provide strong lumbar support. I’ll compromise a tiny bit of style for a major comfort upgrade. A beautiful home isn’t much use if it’s uncomfortable to relax and lounge in.
The takeaway: Make comfort a priority over aesthetics for furniture, beds, seating, pillows – anything you use frequently. Choose plush, supportive, and ergonomic furnishings for long-term enjoyment.
Not Measuring Furniture Before Buying
In the beginning, I eyeballed furniture sizes and trusted they would fit the intended space. But I learned the hard way that eyeballing simply doesn’t work. That beautiful dining table I thought would fit perfectly ended up extending 2 feet longer than the room could handle when fully expanded.
Now the first thing I do is pull out my measuring tape. I measure the room’s empty space and write down exact dimensions. Then when shopping, I compare those measurements to furniture sizes listed.
This takes the guesswork out and ensures everything fits my existing layout. While it may sound tedious, it saves huge headaches down the road.
The takeaway: Always meticulously measure both your current space and any new pieces you’re eyeing before purchasing. Simply eyeballing size without measurements will lead to mistakes.
Choosing Flashy Fixtures Over Simple Ones
One of my biggest regrets is choosing brightly colored or heavily ornate light fixtures instead of simple metal finishes. In an attempt to stand out, I chose red lamps, elaborate crystal chandeliers, bright halogen fixtures and more.
But ornate fixtures quickly looked gaudy to me rather than impressive. Solid metal finishes like brass, nickel, bronze, and iron stood the test of time far better and complemented any decor.
When replacing lighting now, I stick with classic shapes and materials to avoid that dated, overdone look. I add interest with creative lamp shades or smart lighting rather than flashy fixtures. Subtle choices create an overall polished look.
The takeaway: For long-term use, select simple, high-quality light fixtures in matte metallics and neutral finishes. Avoid colored and heavily ornamented lamps that can feel dated quickly.
Trying to Decorate Everything at Once
When I first moved into my home, I wanted to decorate every single room immediately. I felt pressure to have each space fully done fast, which resulted in expensive mistakes.
Trying to tackle everything simultaneously also created a disjointed, clashing look throughout the home. Different rooms felt disconnected rather than cohesive.
Now I focus on one room at a time. I do my research, measure carefully, and build it gradually. This helps create a thoughtful, intentional look that flows naturally between spaces.
It also splits up costs over time. Decorating slowly reduces waste, errors, and impulse buys. I let the process unfold gradually for the best final outcome.
The takeaway: Avoid the urge to decorate every room at once. Take it slow by fully completing one space before moving to the next. This creates a cohesive feel and gives you flexibility to make adjustments.
Putting TVs Over Fireplaces
Many living room layouts result in the TV getting mounted above the fireplace. I was initially guilty of this, but quickly realized how bad it is for natural viewing. Staring up for hours strains your neck terribly! The ideal is placing the TV at eye level on an adjacent wall.
But in rooms where this isn’t possible, I now use a swiveling mount or arm to lower the television down when watching. This prevents the neck pain that results from gazing too far upwards. Though not as ideal as eye level, it’s far better than mounting high.
The takeaway: Mount TVs at eye level whenever possible. If a fireplace requires mounting above it, use a movable mount to lower the height for viewing. Looking up for long periods strains necks.
Choosing Bold Paint Colors I Later Hated
In several rooms, I got sucked into using bold paint colors because they were trendy at the time. An almost black navy dining room, bright Kelly green office, spicy red living room – these loud colors might initially excite but later feel overpowering.
Now I stick with light, neutral wall colors as the background. For personality, I use decor accents like art, pillows, and furniture finishes to provide pops of color. This creates rooms with palette flexibility rather than those stuck with a single bold hue.
My rule of thumb: colors should get deeper and richer as you move closer into a room, not overwhelm from the walls outward. Strong wall colors rarely stand the test of time.
The takeaway: For wall colors, opt for soft, neutral hues with mass appeal. Add color through smaller accessories and fabrics that are easier to swap out. Bold wall colors become overwhelming quickly.
Hanging Art Too Low
Just as hanging art too high creates an uncomfortable disconnect, hanging it too low can make a space feel chaotic and cluttered fast. If your artwork sits closer to the floor than to the ceiling, chances are it’s hung too low.
The ideal art hanging height is around 60 inches from the floor up to the center of the piece. This elevates it into the comfortable viewing zone rather than down at clutter level.
One tip is to hang pieces so the center aligns with the average person’s sightline. This creates a relaxed, natural dynamic rather than bringing visual weight downwards.
The takeaway: Avoid hanging art too low on the wall or nearer to the floor. The ideal height is with center at around 60 inches high – aligned with average sightlines.
Not Considering Resale Value
In the past, I only focused on my own tastes when decorating without thinking about resale appeal. But after moving numerous times, I learned to balance personal style with choices that will have mass appeal during selling.
This means keeping wall colors light and neutral when possible. Selecting traditional layouts and avoiding overly opinionated decor. Choosing finishes and materials that buyers expect and value in a home, even if they aren’t my absolute favorite. The more buyers who will love your design choices, the better.
A few personal touches always slip in of course, and that’s fine.
