The living room is arguably one of the most used rooms in your home. It is a place that has different functions. Sometimes it’s a room for family gatherings, sometimes it’s a relaxing place to read a book, and sometimes it’s a cozy place to watch TV or do your homework. So it’s no wonder that many people struggle to get everything laid out optimally.
Interior designers spend their lives studying the little details that make a room perfect. A well-decorated living room should be both attractive and comfortable. What are the basics of design and in other words what are the layout errors that can affect a living room like the living room? Here’s a look at 10 potential decorating mistakes. The most common to avoid.
Turn your living room into a showroom
The very definition of a living room is to be a living room. And who says life, says movement. Don’t make your living room a showpiece that could be pictured in a furniture catalog. If your living room is too valuable to spend time in, you’ve missed something. If someone tells you that your living room looks like it came straight out of a magazine, okay, if the person telling you is sitting comfortably between the cushions of your sofa and feels that your room is pleasant to live in and made suitable for the conveniences of everyday life. To go in this direction, select textiles and carpets that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday life.
Choose disproportionate furniture
It is about a living room. And who says life, says harmony! Try not to opt for furniture that is disproportionate to each other. If your coffee table is bigger than your sofa, it’s not going to work. If you have a large living room, you can afford a spacious sofa. For small living rooms, a two-seater sofa and a pair of armchairs are preferable. You can mix and match eras and styles, but when mixing new and vintage elements, pay attention to the height of the furniture, as traditional furniture is usually higher than modern pieces. Measure everything! Height, length, space required, leave nothing to chance to make your living room as harmonious as possible.
Neglect the lighting
To make your living room a living space, let the light in. Lighting creates atmosphere. It must take into account your mood, so the living room cannot be satisfied with a single point of light in the center of your room. Add accent lights. Create your own system by opting for reading lamps, wall lamps, floor lamps, ceiling lamps, etc.
Stick to a single style
Following a “monostyle”, focusing on a single color, is sure to make your decoration monotonous. And who wants a boring living room? If you favor a certain style of interior and do not let any other punctuation or hint of madness appear, your room loses heat and becomes very ordinary. Mix your favorite style with others. Does your home have traditional moldings? Opt for example for contemporary furniture and African rugs.
Poorly distribute furniture in space
Who said you had to place a sofa against a wall? If you have the option of placing your sofa away from the wall, do so. You visually expand the space and create comfort. A large room with a sofa against the wall is more reminiscent of a dance studio than a living room. Designers agree on this point: a great living room starts with a large sofa. In a living room, a good sofa is the key to comfort, but it is also essential to the appearance of the room.
Choosing the wrong size rug
Large rugs can seem expensive. But some small rugs create an imbalance in a room. So be sure to choose the right size rug for your living room. A large carpet visually extends the space and finalizes an interior decoration. Reserve small sized rugs for a bedroom – next to a bed, in your kitchen or your hallway.
Underestimating the effect of cushions
Sofa cushions create a warm and relaxed atmosphere. When choosing them, consider whether their material and texture is a good match for the fabric your sofa and chairs are upholstered with. For small pieces of furniture, choose small cushions. Conversely, a massive sofa can accommodate several bulky cushions.
Keep outdated furniture
We are not talking about vintage but rather furniture, covers, curtains, etc. out of fashion. Yes, some pieces of furniture are trendy. Bulky furniture with bulky backs and armrests has, except in some cases, long gone out of fashion. You can choose a traditional sofa, but opt for an unexpected color. Once changed, the covers for armchairs and sofas can transform an entire room and make your design elegant and modern.
Not hanging your curtains correctly
It is enough that your curtains are poorly hung to make your room visually appear smaller. It’s important to hang your curtains as high and as far apart as possible so that your ceilings look higher and your living room looks bigger. Choose a curtain color that is lighter than the rest of the textiles in the room. The idea is always to give your living room an open feeling.
Improperly exhibiting your works of art
If you hang your paintings badly on your walls, for example, we will only see them. But not for the right reasons. In most cases, wall art should be hung at eye level. Of course, this does not apply if your ceilings are really low and you are really tall. No matter what, a living room demands a point of attention. It can be a work of art but also a fireplace, mirror, wallpaper, etc.