Six Decorating Mistakes

Mistakes are a fact of life but that doesn’t have to include home decorating. Knowing what things to avoid can save you both time and money on your project. Here are six decorating mistakes that everyone needs to avoid if they want to create a functional room.

Usually decorators or friends can tell you after the fact, what you didn’t do best. This article endeavours to stop you from ever taking that path in the first place. 

1. Using too many accessories.

It is a fact that you can knick knack yourself to death. Every blank space in your room doesn’t need a bobble head or a glass figurine. When you can’t think of what to fill an empty space with, place a chair or a floor vase there until you come up with something better. Refuse to use a stand loaded with collectibles. It’ll be harder to move than the vase when you do find an item for the spot. 

2. Throw pillows all around.

Pillows are fun, but can be annoying when you have to throw them in the floor to make room on the couch. Now, your room is completely thrown off by the sea of blue, red and green pillow icebergs all over the floor. That’s not attractive to guests. Use pillows sparingly and where the room calls for it. Couches are for sitting and talking or watching television. The occasional family member who wants to sleep can use the arm of the couch or bring their pillow out for a snooze.

3. Large furniture in the room.

This is okay for a large room that needs to be divided up, but most people get larger furniture than they need. A living room set comes with a loveseat, sofa and probably a side chair. You don’t have to use all three pieces in your living room especially if it is too small for them. Measure the dimensions of the room (bedroom, bathroom, family room and living room) before purchasing furniture to be sure it will fit.

4. Heavy curtains to block the light.

There are other methods for blocking out sunlight besides heavy, dark curtains. During the day, they are not so bad but in the evening when the sun goes down, the room gets dark and small. Instead, use shades that filter light but also help to illuminate the room and provide privacy in the evening hours.

5. Eye level wall hangings. 

It seems like it makes sense to hang pictures and mirrors at eye level. The only problem with this is they are too close to the back of the head when you sit on the couch. In the hallway, shoulders can bump them because they are so low. Hanging items on your wall that are above your head, gives the room the illusion of height. They are also out of the way of little hands and not-so little elbows and shoulders.

6. The wrong paint colour.

Avoid darker paint hues for a small room. Your space feels even more cramped when you paint with dark colours. On the opposite side of the coin, keep in mind, large rooms can seem like a cavern with light colours on the walls. Choose a colour that brings about the desired effect for your room. Painting with seasonal colours will see you repainting in no time. Accessorise for a seasonal feel but skip painting for it.

Avoiding mistakes is better than making them in the first place as far as decorating is concerned. If any of these ideas have been on your mind, banish them right away in favour of better suggestions.