Creating the perfect living room can feel like a high-stakes game of interior design Jenga. You want it to look great and be cozy enough for your family and guests to gather. The ideal space has plenty of seating, room to move around, and focal points that keep things interesting. Ultimately, it’s all about finding the right balance. To help you achieve this, here are a few common mistakes to avoid when decorating your living room.

The Wallflower Sofa

Pushing all your furniture against the walls might seem like a good idea, but it can actually create a dead zone in the middle of the room, making your space feel more like a waiting area than a cozy living room. Instead, give your sofa and other pieces some breathing room by pulling them away from the walls. Arrange seating around a central point, like a coffee table or fireplace, to create intimate conversation zones and a more inviting atmosphere.

Ignoring the Flow

Have you ever tried to navigate a living room where you have to dodge coffee tables and squeeze between chairs like you’re playing a game of human Tetris? Poor traffic flow can make your space feel cramped and chaotic. To improve the flow, think about how you move through the room and leave enough space to walk around comfortably without bumping into furniture. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 18 inches between the edge of your coffee table and the sofa.

The One-Lighting Wonder

Relying on a single overhead light can make your living room feel stark and uninviting, more like an interrogation room or a DMV office—neither of which says “cozy evening in.” To create a warmer, more inviting atmosphere, layer your lighting. Combine overhead lights with floor lamps, table lamps, and even candles to achieve a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. This adds warmth and depth to your space and highlights your stylish decor. Plus, everyone looks better in the soft glow of a strategically placed table lamp.

Don’t Have Rug Regrets

Choosing a rug that’s too small is a common mistake. A tiny rug can make your living room look disjointed and, quite frankly, a little sad. On the other hand, an oversized rug can overwhelm the space, making it feel cramped and out of place. The key is to go reasonably big. Your rug should be large enough to anchor the main pieces of furniture and serve as the foundation of the room. Measuring, rather than relying on guesswork, is essential here. Ideally, all furniture should fit comfortably on the rug or at least have the front legs on it. This ties the room together and creates a cohesive, polished look. So, let’s roll out the perfect rug and make that space sing.

Art at Nose Level

Hanging artwork too high can throw off the balance of your room and leave you craning your neck like you’re at an art museum with unusually tall walls. Instead, hang your art at eye level, with the center of the piece about 57 inches from the floor—the average eye level. This placement keeps your artwork in harmony with the rest of your decor. And don’t forget that grouping of smaller pieces can be as impactful as one large statement piece. So, bring those frames down from the ceiling and into the spotlight where they belong.

Furniture Overload

Overloading your living room with too much furniture can make it feel cluttered and overwhelming, like a storage unit with a sofa. Less is more. Be selective with your pieces, prioritizing functionality and comfort. A well-placed statement chair or an elegant side table can add style without overcrowding the space. Consider the flow and leave some areas open—your furniture needs personal space, too.

Matching Everything

A living room where everything matches perfectly can feel a bit sterile, more like a showroom than a cozy, lived-in space. So, mix it up! Combining different textures, patterns, and styles adds character and warmth to your home. Think of pairing a sleek modern sofa with a vintage coffee table or draping a fluffy throw over a streamlined chair. Your living room should reflect your unique personality, so don’t hesitate to mix and match.

Forgetting the Function

A living room that looks stunning but lacks functionality is like having a beautiful car with no engine—it might look great, but it won’t take you anywhere. It’s important to balance form and function. Start by considering how you use your living room. Is it a space for entertaining, lounging, or family time? Choose furniture and layouts that support these activities. Functional doesn’t have to mean boring—opt for stylish storage solutions, comfortable seating, and durable fabrics that can withstand the demands of everyday life.