---
title: 5 Decorating Mistakes You Want to Avoid
description: Here are some of the most common decorating mistakes you might want to avoid in your home.
image: https://blog.watsons.com/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/rug.jpg
---
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# 5 Decorating Mistakes You Want to Avoid
Posted by [Watson's](https://blog.watsons.com/blog/author/watsons) on Mar 2, 2023 5:04:09 PM
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Decorating your home can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s a thrill hunting for the right [furniture](https://www.watsons.com/furniture), artwork, and antiques to outfit your space just the way you like it. And nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing every element of your perfect home come together.
But while there’s no right or wrong way to express your style through home decor, small interior design errors can affect the flow of your space and make your home feel less comfortable than it really is.
Here are some of the most common decorating mistakes you might want to avoid in your home.
## Wrong Size for the Space
One of the most common mistakes that folks make when decorating their home is using furniture that’s that wrong size for the space.
For example, a [sectional sofa](https://www.watsons.com/furniture/living-room/sectional-sofas) can fit perfectly in a large open plan living room with high ceilings, but the same sofa can make a smaller space feel cramped and claustrophobic. On the other hand, a [loveseat](https://www.watsons.com/furniture/living-room/love-seats) and an [ottoman](https://www.watsons.com/furniture/living-room/ottomans) may be all that you need for a small apartment, but those same pieces of furniture will feel absolutely lost in a larger room.
This is also true of artwork, mirrors, and even [area rugs](https://www.watsons.com/furniture/living-room/indoor-rugs). If you’re dependent on an area rug to tie your space together, make sure it’s the right size. All furniture in the room should be able to sit on the rug, or at least the front legs of each piece.
Simply put, make sure that your furniture and decor is the appropriate size for the room. Compare the height and width of your furnishings to the dimensions of your space and match accordingly. As a rule of thumb, larger spaces need larger furniture pieces while smaller sized furniture is best for smaller spaces .
## Hanging Too High (Or Not High Enough)
Curtains, artwork, mirrors, and even chandeliers all need to be hung at the appropriate height for your space. This can be easier said than done, and it’s often one of the most common decorating mistakes in American homes.
Many homeowners hang their framed photos, artwork, and mirrors too close to the ceiling. Although height varies from person to person, any hanging decor should be placed at about eye-level for maximum impact. But in general, it’s better to hang your decor a little too low than too high up.
Similarly, many homeowners make the mistake of using curtains that are too small for their windows. Curtains should be long and flowing, just skimming the floor as they hang. Using curtains that are too short for the window can create the illusion of a smaller space, making walls feel compact.
## Overcrowding the Space
You want to make your space feel like your own. But overdecorating your [living room](https://www.watsons.com/furniture/living-room) can lead to trouble. Not every square inch of floor space needs to be occupied. In fact, you need to leave some empty space to make your furniture pop.
It’s a good idea to stick to a basic layout with a few reliable pieces of furniture rather than continuously adding new pieces. Too much decor in one space can overstimulate the senses and make it difficult to get comfortable.
This also goes for seating space. Don’t rely on too many throw pillows as decorative accents - a few are okay, but remember that you shouldn’t have to move a dozen pillows just to sit down on your couch.
## Themed Rooms
Themed rooms can be a lot of fun to design. But even kids outgrow their themed rooms after a year or two, and what you’re obsessed with today might make you sick in the future. And when you get tired of your theme, you’ll have to spend time and money replacing your decor.
Try to avoid a heavy-handed theme where every single element of the room is coordinated. Instead, just incorporate a few specific design elements to suggest your theme. For example, if you have a beach house or nautical theme, try adding a few fishy prints against neutral colored furniture rather than making every single thing related to the sea.
## Poor Lighting
Try not to rely too much on overhead lighting to illuminate your space. The best lit homes use a mixture of overhead, floor, and ambient lighting. That means incorporating accent lamps and natural light from your windows into your current lighting design. It’s up to you to create the perfect lighting design for your house, but all that matters is that you use several different light sources for best results.
If you’re looking for new ways to decorate your home, Watson’s has everything you need.
When you shop with us, you’ll find an amazing selection and personalized service, along with the guaranteed lowest prices in the USA. We offer all the furniture you need for any space in your home. So, if you want to spruce up your space with some new decor, shop online or stop by your nearest Watson’s location today.
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