6 Interior Design Mistakes Everyone Makes

Whether you hire a designer for a complete home makeover or follow their advice on Instagram, they will often tell you what to do to make your space feel like home. From painting bedrooms blue to installing marble countertops in your kitchen, interior design is a world filled with “yes.” But what about those design mistakes you should avoid? Are you afraid your latest project is about to become a design disaster? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here’s what interior designers say you should never do.

Not Prioritizing Quality for Anchor Pieces

The number one mistake she sees in home design is cutting corners on quality for anchor furniture pieces like sofas, armchairs, beds, and dining tables, says interior designer Kathy Kuo. “I totally understand how this happens,” she says. “These pieces can be expensive, and we live in uncertain economic times—but in the grand scheme of things, it’s better for both the planet and your wallet to spend more in the short term on really high-quality anchor pieces that you know are going to stand the test of time, rather than buying a lower-quality ‘fast furniture’ piece that you’re inevitably going to have to replace in a couple of short years.”

Kuo sees this most often with sofas. “Trust me, you will not regret making a thoughtful investment in a really well-designed and expertly crafted sofa that is going to offer comfort and durability for years and years.” Consider buying floor models, something gently used, or waiting for a sale instead of scrimping on quality. 

Underestimating the Importance of Window Treatments

One major mistake many people make is underestimating how impactful window treatments can be, says interior designer Regan Billingsley. “Drapery that is too long, too short, lacks fullness, or is hung at the wrong height can make a space feel unfinished and disrupt the room’s visual flow.”

The designer shares that curtains should gently “kiss” the floor, just grazing the surface for an elegant and polished appearance. “Avoid lowering the rod height to achieve this look, as it can make the room feel smaller,” she says. “Hang the rod at a height that maintains an open feel and ask a seamstress to tailor extra-long panels to ensure the perfect fit.”

Keep in mind that you don’t need to go custom on window treatments to get the custom look, even if your windows aren’t a standard height. You can buy regular curtains that are a little too long and have them hemmed by your local tailor so you achieve the perfect length without the high price tag.

Using Too-Small Rugs

When it comes to rugs, less is never more, and the wrong size can truly make the room look disjointed. “Undersized rugs can make a room feel visually unbalanced, like islands floating in the space,” Billingsley says. “To create a grounded and cohesive look, rugs should anchor the furniture, with all four legs of each piece resting on them. If you have a cherished rug that’s too small for the area, consider layering it over a larger, neutral rug. This approach maintains a sense of openness while showcasing the piece you love.”

Putting Your Bed in the Corner

Putting a bed in the corner of a room is one of the biggest design faux pas that many people make, explains interior designer Jessika Gatewood. “Unless the room is tiny, pushing a bed into a corner makes it feel cramped instead of balanced.” Luckily, the fix is free—just move the bed, ideally centering it along the wall rather than tucking it in the corner. The result is a room that feels more spacious and relaxing.

Buying Everything From One Store

Buying all of your furniture and decor exclusively from one store is definitely easy, but it isn’t the best way to curate a home. “A home should feel curated, not straight out of a showroom,” Gatewood says. “Mix in vintage, heirloom, or artisanal pieces.” So, take your time when decorating or renovating. Explore all options to create a beautiful space that you want to live in for a long time.

Filling All the Wall Space With Furniture

“The common practice of placing furniture against every available wall can make a space feel rigid and uninviting,” Billingsley says. “To foster conversation and create a warmer atmosphere, try pulling furniture away from the walls, leaving some space to breathe. This approach encourages a more intimate and comfortable seating arrangement while improving flow and interaction within the room.”

If you’re uncertain, take a moment to plan out where each piece of furniture will go by using blue painter’s tape to create an outline on the floor. This simple step helps you visualize the layout and ensures your room will be both stylish and comfortable.