Six Common Interior Design Mistakes—and How to Fix Them
The way you arrange your furniture and choose your decor can affect the atmosphere in your home more than you might think. Small mistakes in interior design can make a room feel cramped, dark, or a bit disjointed—but there are simple tricks that can quickly fix that. Here are five common mistakes and smart solutions that will enhance both the style and the atmosphere.
1. Too few and too small light sources
Many rooms feel dark or cramped because there aren't enough lights or because they're too small. This makes it difficult to both create a cozy atmosphere and use the room in different ways.
Here's how to do it:
Be sure to use several lights—around 4–8 light sources is usually considered just right.
Combine:
- General Lighting (Ceiling)
- Spot lighting (coziness and ambiance)
- Task lighting (reading, working, doing crafts)
Spread the light at different heights—high, low, and in between—to make the room feel more lively.
2. For small rugs
If the rugs are too small, the room often takes on a disjointed and fragmented feel. Groups of furniture appear to “float,” and the room feels smaller than it actually is.
Here's how to do it
Choose a rug that’s large enough for your furniture—at least the front legs of sofas and armchairs should rest on the rug. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 20 cm of rug extending beneath the furniture. This gives the room a cohesive look and makes the furniture feel more put together.
3. The curtain rods are hanging too low
When curtain rods are hung too low, the room loses both light and a sense of space. Light doesn't enter the room as effectively as it could, and the room may feel smaller than it actually is.
Here's how to do it
Install the curtain rods close to the ceiling, and feel free to extend them beyond the window frame. This makes the room feel taller and brighter, and gives you more space for curtains that frame the window nicely.
4. All the furniture is pushed up against the wall
Always pushing furniture up against the walls can make a room feel cramped and smaller than it actually is. It limits both the flow of the space and the ability to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Here's how to do it
Dare to make full use of the room and create a sense of space by moving the sofa or armchairs away from the wall. Place a sideboard behind the sofa with lighting and plants—it adds both depth and warmth to the room, while also opening up space for movement and creating a more lively flow throughout your home.
5. The paintings are hanging at the wrong height
A common mistake is hanging pictures too high or too low. This can easily create an imbalance that disrupts the overall look of the room.
Here’s how to do it
Hang the center of the picture at eye level—a good guideline is about 145–150 cm from the floor. Above a piece of furniture, there should be 15–25 cm between the furniture and the bottom edge of the picture. Also consider functionality: above the sofa, you should be able to lean back without hitting your head on the frame.
6. Copying the magazine style exactly
Simply following trends can make your home feel stiff and impersonal. When everything looks perfect, it can easily feel more like a catalog than a home.
Here’s how to do it
Mix old and new items, flea market finds, and your favorite pieces. Bring in furniture and accents that mean something to you, like an old wooden cabinet or a beloved lamp. This creates warmth and personality and makes the room feel alive—just as a home should.
Remember: every home has its little imperfections, and that’s totally okay! You don’t have to follow all the “rules”—the most important thing is to create a home where you feel comfortable. Try out the tips that feel right to you, play around with furniture, lighting, and details, and let your heart guide you. Small changes can make a big difference, and the best home is always the one that feels personal and full of life.
