7 Common Interior Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Designing a home is deeply personal—but even with the best intentions, some common mistakes can throw off the balance and flow of a space. Whether you're decorating a new place or refreshing a room, avoiding these missteps can make a huge difference in how your home feels and functions.

Here are some of the most frequent interior design mistakes—and how to fix them with ease.

1. Choosing Paint Colors First

It’s tempting to pick paint colors before anything else, but wall color should support the overall design, not lead it. The lighting, furniture, and textures in the room can completely change how a color appears.

Fix: Choose textiles, rugs, and furniture first, then sample a few paint colors after they’re in the room. Test swatches on all walls and view them in different lighting throughout the day.

2. Hanging Art Too High

One of the easiest ways to throw off a room is by hanging art too high. Art should relate to the furniture or architectural elements around it.

Fix: A good rule is to hang artwork so the center is at eye level—about 145–150 cm from the floor. When hanging art above furniture, keep the bottom of the frame 15–20 cm above it.

3. Using Rugs That Are Too Small

A small rug can make a room feel disjointed or awkward, especially in living rooms or under dining tables.

Fix: In a living room, the rug should be large enough so at least the front legs of your furniture sit on it. In a dining room, the rug should extend at least 60–70 cm beyond the table on all sides.

4. Overcrowding the Space

More furniture doesn't mean better design. Cramming too much into a space makes it feel smaller and harder to move around.

Fix: Prioritize flow and breathing room. Leave pathways around furniture, and allow space between pieces so each one can be appreciated.

5. Ignoring Lighting Layers

Many homes rely on a single overhead light, leaving rooms feeling flat or cold.

Fix: Use a mix of lighting—ambient (ceiling lights), task (desk or reading lamps), and accent (wall sconces, floor lamps). Layered lighting adds warmth and flexibility to your space.

6. Forgetting Scale and Proportion

A tiny sofa in a huge room or an oversized table in a small one can throw off balance.

Fix: Measure carefully. Use painter’s tape to map out furniture on the floor before buying. Choose pieces that match the scale of your room and each other.

7. Buying Everything from One Store

Matching sets can make a room feel flat or impersonal.

Fix: Mix textures, materials, and eras. Pair a vintage piece with something modern, or a soft fabric with a sleek finish. That contrast adds depth and character.

Final Thoughts

Design doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful—but avoiding these common mistakes can help your space feel more cohesive, comfortable, and reflective of you. With a few intentional adjustments, your home can go from “almost right” to effortlessly balanced.