By Revital Reich – Architecture & Interior Design
10 Interior Design Mistakes in the Living Room
Interior designers spend their lives studying the small details that make a room perfect. A well-designed living room can be attractive and impressive—not only for the residents but also for guests who enjoy spending time in it. In this article, we will shed light on the most common interior design mistakes in your living room.
1. Choosing the Wrong Sofa
Many designers agree that a great living room starts with a great sofa. Sometimes people hold on to an existing sofa (because it’s still “fine”) or choose one that doesn’t fit the space.
Clients often mention that their previous sofa was uncomfortable or incorrectly sized. In living rooms, the sofa is key to comfort. Pay attention to seat height (a low seat can be difficult to get in and out of), and it’s recommended to create a furniture layout plan before purchasing to ensure proper fit.
Impulse buying may work for accessories—but never for a sofa, as it can be a costly mistake.
2. Creating a “Showroom” Look
Another common mistake is designing a living room that looks like everything was purchased from the same store.
It’s important to mix new, old, and vintage elements to create a more interesting, eclectic, and personalized space.
3. Buying a Rug That’s Too Small
One of the biggest offenders in living room design is choosing the wrong rug size.
The “small rug syndrome” occurs when rugs don’t match the scale of the room or furniture, creating a disconnected look. Larger rugs, although sometimes more expensive, help tie furniture together and create cohesion.
4. Poor Furniture Layout Planning
It’s tempting to push seating against the walls facing the TV, but arranging furniture to encourage conversation—especially in long, narrow rooms—is often more effective.
5. Hanging Art Incorrectly
Incorrectly hung artwork can disrupt the room’s balance and feel visually uncomfortable.
While many say art should be hung at eye level, this depends on the space. For example, if you divide the wall into four vertical sections, artwork should typically be placed in the third section (counting from the floor).
6. Choosing Furniture That’s Too Precious to Use
Although covering furniture in plastic is a thing of the past, it’s still important to choose pieces that suit daily life.
Select fabrics and rugs that are practical—especially for families with children—and easy to clean.
7. Not Mixing Styles and Periods
People often feel limited by their home’s architecture and choose furniture accordingly.
Instead, mix styles. For example, an eclectic design can combine contemporary furniture with traditional details, Moroccan rugs, African benches, and modern art.
8. Forgetting to Measure
When mixing styles and eras, pay attention to furniture height—traditional furniture is often taller than modern pieces.
Also, ensure there is sufficient storage in the living room for items like books, toys, and everyday essentials.
9. Choosing the Wrong Fabrics
There are many durable fabrics suitable for homes with children and pets.
Choose rugs that are practical—avoid delicate silk rugs, and consider wool rugs, which are more durable and family-friendly.
10. Not Considering the Room Layout
Always consider what you see from seating areas.
In large rooms, it’s pleasant to face artwork while still engaging with the space. In smaller rooms, seating facing windows can create a more open and airy feel.
Bulky TV units, on the other hand, can make the space feel heavy and crowded.
