The biggest decor mistakes people are making with their living room

Are you hanging your curtains WRONG? The biggest decor mistakes people are making with their living room

  • The experts from lifestyle company Bed Threads have listed decor mistakes 
  • Many often hang curtains incorrectly and choose the wrong couch for a space 
  • It’s important to consider each piece of furniture to create a stylish living room 


From hanging curtains incorrectly to buying rugs that are too small, the experts from Australian lifestyle company Bed Threads have shared the biggest décor mistakes people make when styling their living rooms.

These mistakes often occur when moving houses and choosing to keep the same furniture from the previous home.  

It’s important to ensure the style of each furniture piece, such as the couch, rug and coffee table, accents one another to create the perfect living room look. 

The experts from Australian lifestyle company Bed Threads have shared the biggest décor mistakes people make when styling their living rooms

Choosing the wrong couch

One of the most common mistakes made in the living room is selecting a couch that doesn’t match the space, which often occurs when moving houses.

The experts said the simplest solution is to buy another couch that fits the diameter and feel of the room – though understandably this may not be ideal for those who are renting.

But when purchasing a new couch, the experts recommend picking one that’s comfortable and simple in style.     

One of the most common mistakes made in the living room is selecting a couch that doesn't match the space, which often occurs when moving houses

One of the most common mistakes made in the living room is selecting a couch that doesn’t match the space, which often occurs when moving houses

Buying a rug that’s too small

When planning a living room, it’s important to visualise what would suit the area – including the floor.

Far too often people don’t consider the different rugs available and the styles or textures that would suit the living room.

For instance, circular rugs look completely different to square or rectangular rugs, as do cotton rugs compared to woolen or woven rugs.

When planning a living room it's just as important to consider which rug would be best for the space

When planning a living room it’s just as important to consider which rug would be best for the space 

Lining a wall with furniture

While many opt to push their furniture up against the back wall, the experts do not recommend this option and instead encourage considering ‘floating furniture’.

‘This means that you place your furniture from the centre out and the backs of the furniture aren’t against the walls,’ the experts wrote.

‘Contrary to popular opinion, floating furniture makes the room feel and look larger because you’re creating a more intimate seating arrangement while freeing up the wall space.’

Alternatively opt to place chairs closer to the centre of the room to balance the overall layout.

Hanging curtains incorrectly

It’s simple to hang curtains into place above a window, but the experts said this will make the whole room feel smaller.

Instead they suggest hanging the rod at least 30cm above the window frame or as close to the ceiling as possible.

‘You also want the material to drape to the floor with excess material as this will add to the effect of a higher room,’ the experts said.

The biggest styling mistakes people make in the living room 

Choosing the wrong couch

Buying a rug that’s too small

Lining wall with furniture

Falling prey to a ‘showroom’ look

Hanging art incorrectly

Hanging curtains incorrectly 

Forgetting furniture heights

Overlooking budgeting for small décor items

Selecting a disproportionate coffee table

Discounting lighting

Sacrificing comfort for style 

Source: Bed Threads