15 Home Decor Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Space (And How to Fix Them)
In 2024, the U.S. home decor market achieved a staggering revenue of $237.87 billion, with projections aiming for $392.56 billion by 2030—a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%. Among the various segments, furniture reigned supreme, driving the lion’s revenue share.
Yet, no matter the market’s grandeur or your personal investment, a home’s soul isn’t forged by expense alone. It’s about intention, balance, and avoiding missteps that sabotage even the most well-meaning interiors. Here are some of the biggest decor blunders—and how to sidestep them with flair.
1. Lighting That Leaves You in the Dark
“Lighting is everything,” says world-class interior designer Kelly Wearstler. “It can change and alter architecture. It can make art look more important. It can raise the ceiling of a room. It can create a mood.” Harsh overhead lights or dimly lit spaces? Neither work.
Layer your lighting. Combine task lighting (desk lamps), ambient lighting (wall sconces), and accent lighting (string lights or candles) for a balanced, welcoming glow. Warm light tones typically make spaces feel more inviting. Smart bulbs like Philips Hue allow you to adjust brightness and warmth for any mood.
2. Overused Themes
Farmhouse chic? Tuscan villa? Overused themes can quickly date a space. Incorporating trends can be fun. However, going all-in on one trend risks your home becoming one big Pinterest board from 20-and-late.
Blend elements from different styles for a timeless look. A rustic wood dining table pairs beautifully with sleek, modern chairs. Mixing trends while staying true to your personal style creates a space that feels current but not forced.
3. DIY Fails
About 3 in 4 homeowners do DIY, mainly to save money. DIY projects can be fun, but poorly finished or over-ambitious projects (like wobbly furniture or uneven paint jobs) can feel budget rather than bespoke. Data from RubyHome shows that 80% of people attempting DIY projects make mistakes.
45% of DIYers have even reported completely botching a project. Stick to DIY tasks within your skill level or take a workshop to refine your technique. For any DIY fail, consider salvaging with professional help or upgrading materials.
4. Cluttered Spaces
Walk into a cluttered room, and the walls seem to close in. It’s chaos incarnate: shelves brimming with trinkets, mismatched decor strewn about, and surfaces suffocating under their load. Decluttering isn’t merely tidying—it’s curating.
Invest in storage solutions like built-in shelves or chic storage baskets to tuck away unnecessary items. Follow the “one-in, one-out” rule—when you bring something new into the room, remove something old. Not only will this maintain balance, but it keeps the space feeling intentional and airy. Bonus? It’ll make cleaning much easier, too.
5. Plastic Plants and Flowers
Nobody’s fooled by dusty, fake plants—they look cheap and do nothing to liven up a space. For those sensitive to pollen, allergies, or asthma, choose one or two premium-quality faux greenery, like those from brands such as Terrain or Nearly Natural, that mimic the look of authentic leaves.
On a budget? Try low-maintenance real plants like snake plants, succulents, or pothos—they’re almost impossible to kill!
6. Mismatched Colors
Bad color coordination can instantly throw off the harmony of a space. Neon green pillows with red curtains? Bright yellow wallpaper with bold purple rugs? Yikes.
Stick to a cohesive color palette. Start with neutrals (think whites, beiges, or soft grays) as your base, and layer in one or two accent colors. Use tools like a color wheel or apps like Sherwin-Williams’ ColorSnap to find shades that complement each other.
7. Unorganized Bookshelves
A cluttered bookshelf can look more chaotic than cozy. Piles of random books jammed into shelves? A quick fix can take it from messy to Pinterest-perfect in no time. Rule of Thumb: one-third of books, one-third of accessories, and one-third empty space per shelf.
You can also organize 60 percent of books vertically and 40 percent horizontally—this ensures both balance and spontaneity. Or go the classic way and organize books by size or even color. Decorative elements like plants, picture frames, and decorative objects can help break up the monotony. But don’t overcrowd the shelves!
8. Cheap Furniture
Flimsy furniture might save some dollars upfront, but sagging sofas, uneven tables, and peeling finishes scream “low quality.” Cheap furniture often lacks durability and craftsmanship, and it shows quickly.
Invest in fewer but higher-quality pieces. Interior designer Nate Berkus advises looking for couches made with kiln-dried hardwood frames and high-density foam for cushions. While they may cost a bit more initially, they’ll last years longer. Alternatively, try gently used furniture; many high-quality pieces go for a fraction of their original price in secondhand markets!
9. Visible Cords and Wires
Tangled cords dangling under TVs or sprawled near power strips? It’s an eyesore—and completely fixable. Try cord covers or cable management boxes to tidy up wires. Additionally, wall-mounting TVs and using cordless chargers can help minimize the mess. Stylish woven baskets can also hide routers and cables seamlessly.
10. Overdecorating
It’s tempting to display all your favorite decor pieces, but too much devalues the overall impact. Adopt the “rule of three” in decorating—group items in sets of three for visual harmony. Keep surfaces like coffee tables or countertops at least 50% clear to avoid visual overload.
11. Rugs That Ruffle Feathers
Rugs take a beating, and it shows. Stains, frayed edges, or faded patterns detract from a room’s vitality. Regular cleaning or professional deep-clean services can refresh a rug’s look. If it’s past its prime, consider budget-friendly options from stores like IKEA or Wayfair, which offer trendy rugs for less.
Want a statement rug? Natural fiber rugs like jute or wool are durable and more timeless. Or consider vintage Persian or Turkish rugs, which age gorgeously.
12. Low-Quality Bedding and Linens
Flat, worn, or mismatched bedding can undermine the elegance of a bedroom. Low-thread-count sheets often look—and feel—cheap. Invest in high-thread-count sheets (between 300 and 500), quality pillows, and bedding in neutral or coordinated tones.
“Materials such as jersey, flannel, and microfiber are measured not by thread count but by GSM, and silk is measured by momme (the unit of measurement used to grade the weight of silk),” advises Deborah Young, a textile expert and educator. Small upgrades, such as a textured throw blanket, can elevate the entire space.
13. Uncoordinated Finishes
Clashing finishes can end up making rooms appear chaotic or less refined. For instance, pairing matte black faucets with gold cabinet knobs often feels disjointed. Mixing metals is trending. ‘As a starting rule, choose to blend two metals but no more,’ advises Paul McFadyen, a metals specialist at metals4U.
Metals such as copper and gold pair perfectly due to their warm undertones, adding softness, especially to darker schemes. Metals like stainless steel, chrome, or nickel are cooler, sitting well against white kitchen ideas and modern designs.
14. Blindingly Bad Curtains
Flimsy, sheer, or poorly sized curtains do more than block sunlight—they block your style flow. Ill-fitting curtains can make rooms feel incomplete or awkward. Aim for floor-to-ceiling drapes made from heavier, lined fabrics like linen or velvet for an elegant upgrade.
Custom-length options might sound pricey, but brands like IKEA and Wayfair offer budget-friendly high-quality alternatives. Or go bare. “If curtains aren’t serving a purpose like filtering light or providing privacy I think it’s nice to keep windows uncovered—so long as they are well made and a good scale,” says designer Jenny Brown.
15. Tacky Wall Art
We’ve all seen them—the Eiffel Tower prints and “Live, Laugh, Love” signs. There’s nothing inherently wrong with them. However, tacky wall art often lacks authenticity—it feels like it’s trying too hard to look chic without actually adding personality.
Opt for original or meaningful pieces instead. Local artists, family photographs, vintage posters, or even DIY abstract art can make your space feel unique and engaging. Pro tip? Frame it well for a polished look.
