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I love that you’re thinking critically about your space, it’s so relatable! The living room is like the front page of a book. It’s the first thing people see when they enter your home, and if it’s not on point, well, it can leave a lasting meh impression. Trust me, it doesn’t matter how expensive your couch is or if you’ve splurged on the latest flatscreen TV, if the room feels off, it just feels off. So, if you’re side-eyeing your living room right now and wondering what’s not quite clicking, you’re in the right place.

Here are 10 common living room decor mistakes you might be making and most importantly, how to fix them ( and don’t worry, we’ve all been there!)

Mistake 1: Ignoring A Cohesive Color Palette

First things first, take a good look at the color palette in your living room. Do you have more than three shades going on? If so, that could be the main reason why your space looks cheap. The secret to a cohesive palette, whether it’s for your living room or any other space, is sticking to just two or three core shades and incorporating different tones within those shades.

To fix this, keep your bigger pieces like the couch, coffee table, and accent chairs in a neutral palette. The more solid and neutral these items are, the easier it will be to layer decor on top of them. You’ll have more freedom to play with textures and accent colors while still achieving a polished, cohesive look.

Mistake 2: Wrong Furniture Layout

If the furniture in your living room isn’t arranged with a natural flow, it can throw off the entire space and cheapen the overall look. For example, is all your furniture pushed up against the walls? Doing this can create a disconnected seating arrangement, making it hard for guests or even family members to sit down and comfortably chat.

To fix this, rethink the layout. Does it feel natural when you sit down, or does it feel like something’s missing, maybe another side table or seating option? You don’t need big, expensive changes; sometimes simply rearranging what you already have can make a huge difference and instantly elevate the space.

Mistake 3: Relying Only On Overhead Lighting

Lighting can completely transform how a space feels! If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out my other blog posts where I dive deep into the importance of lighting and the fundamentals for getting that designer-style look.

Now, if you’re still relying solely on the overhead ceiling lights that came with the house, no matter how many you have, this is likely cheapening the look of your living room. Without layered lighting, the space can feel flat and cold. It’s the lamps, sconces, and other light fixtures that truly add that warm, cozy vibe, making the room more inviting.

So, bring in a floor lamp, table lamp, picture lights above your wall art, or even a candle on your coffee table! Trust me, these small additions will instantly elevate the entire space, I guarantee it!

Mistake 4: Ignoring The Scale & Proportion Of The Furniture & Decor

You’ve got all the right pieces, a couch, accent chairs, coffee table, side table, floor lamp, basically everything a designer-style living room should have. But something still feels off, like it’s missing that final touch. If that sounds familiar, this one’s for you!

The issue could be that the scale of everything in your living room is off. Maybe the floor lamp is too tall, or worse, you’ve got identical floor lamps in each corner (a surefire way to cheapen the look, by the way). Your coffee table might be too small, or maybe your rug isn’t filling up enough of the space, leaving your furniture looking like it’s floating in the room.

These are common mistakes that can throw off the whole vibe. To fix it, make sure all the pieces are in proportion with each other. For example, your coffee table should be about two-thirds the length of your couch. The rug should be large enough so that the front legs of all your furniture rest on it. And instead of identical floor lamps in each corner, try one floor lamp paired with a table lamp, they shouldn’t match exactly but should complement each other for a more balanced, designer look.

Mistake 5: No Focal Point

A focal point is a key concept in interior design, playing a crucial role in setting up any room. It’s the element, whether furniture, art, or a feature, that naturally draws the eye when you first walk in. In living rooms, the focal point is often the fireplace, the TV, or a combination of both.

If your furniture isn’t arranged in relation to this focal point, it can throw off the balance and cheapen the entire space. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to point every single piece of furniture directly at the focal point, but arranging your seating and other elements with it in mind helps the room feel more cohesive. The trick is to keep the focal point as the center without making it too obvious.

Mistake 6: Dated Decor Elements

Yes, your living room might have wall art or hangings, but instead of adding beauty, they could be cheapening the space! Nothing makes me cringe more than text decor. You know, those wooden signs that say ‘Welcome’ or ‘Home Sweet Home’? It’s just not cutting it anymore!

Take a look around, do you have decor that feels outdated, like geometric-shaped shelves or sputnik mirrors? These are classic examples of dated pieces that pop up in so many living rooms. Instead, opt for simpler, more timeless art. An oversized abstract painting with neutral tones that complements your decor can instantly elevate the space and give it that designer feel.

Mistake 7: Overcrowding With Furniture

Too much furniture makes a space feel cramped rather than cozy. Instead of creating a welcoming atmosphere, it can feel like you're navigating an obstacle course just to walk through the room.

This is particularly true for small living rooms. With the lack of space, people get very ambitious and try to fit in a lot of furniture to create enough seating areas in the small living room. For small living rooms, be sure to read this post where I’ve laid 7 game-changing tips to design one.

Edit ruthlessly! Ask yourself, what do you actually use and what’s just taking up space? You don’t need to fill every inch of the room with furniture or decor. Start by removing unnecessary pieces, and you’ll notice how much bigger and more open the room feels. Multi-functional furniture, like ottomans with storage cut down on clutter without sacrificing style.

Sometimes less really is more, and creating some breathing room between your pieces will make the space feel more intentional and high-end.

Mistake 8: A Wrong Wall Paint Color

Unless you’re intentionally going for a moody vibe, which is rare for formal or smaller living rooms, you might want to rethink those dark walls! Dark paint colors can be a major reason why your living room feels cheap and, not to mention, smaller than it really is.

To fix this, repaint the walls in lighter shades, especially whites or soft neutrals. This simple change will instantly brighten up the space, making it feel larger and more open. Plus, lighter walls reflect natural light much better, and your light fixtures will shine even brighter at night, giving the whole room a fresh, airy feel.

Mistake 9: Skimping On Quality Materials

You may have saved a few bucks by going for a cheaper couch or rug, but guess what? This could be cheapening your entire space! Does your couch sink when someone sits on it? Does it creak? Is the fabric of your accent pieces rough, or is the leather starting to wear out? These little details make a big impact, and they can be what’s making your living room feel less high-end.

I’m not saying you need to spend thousands to fix this, but if you’re considering replacing any pieces, look for high-quality options that are still affordable. Sometimes just swapping out one or two key items can elevate the whole space without breaking the bank.

Mistake 10: Wrong Window Treatments

Window treatments like blinds, shades, and drapes play a huge role in softening the look of any space, and your living room is no exception. If you want the room to feel warm, inviting, and cohesive, the right window treatments are key.

If your living room windows, whether large or small, are covered in basic blinds that scream “office space,” this could be cheapening the vibe. Windows are a perfect opportunity to bring softness and texture into the room.

To fix this, add neutral-toned drapes for a timeless look. Roman shades with a flowing feel are also a great option if you prefer something a bit more structured but still cozy. These additions will instantly elevate the room, giving it a more luxurious, designer-style feel.

Which of these common living room decor mistakes did you find yourself nodding along with? Don’t worry, these mistakes aren’t deal-breakers! If you can relate to any of them, just remember that small fixes and tweaks can make a big difference. Your space can still look polished and beautiful with a few thoughtful adjustments.

Keep reading, and let’s dive into how you can make your dear home even more beautiful!

10 Common Living Room Decor Mistakes Cheapening Your Home's Style