The 8 most common decorating mistakes in the living room – and how to avoid them

Meeting place, retreat, everyday stage: The living room is the central room in the home. That's why it's especially important that the design is harmonious. We show you how to avoid typical mistakes – and create a balanced living experience with minimal effort.

1. Placing furniture without a plan

The sofa is against the wall, the TV opposite – done? Unfortunately, it's not that simple. Simply placing furniture anywhere risks making the room feel empty or cramped. Often, a clear spatial concept is lacking, one in which space and furnishings truly complement each other. Our tip, therefore, is to think of the room as a whole – with zoning, sightlines, and open spaces. A sofa can also be placed in the middle of the room, for example, to separate the living and dining areas. The crucial factor is that furniture pieces are proportionate and functionally compatible – and that there is enough space to walk, sit, and move around.

2. Too many functions in one room

Reading, working, relaxing, watching TV – the living room should be able to do many things. But if we try to cram too much into the room, it feels cluttered. Creating clearly defined zones can help. A small workspace, for example, can be separated with a curtain or discreetly integrated into a shelf. Rugs, light sources, or low shelves are also suitable for visual separation. The important thing is that each area functions independently – and that the room as a whole exudes a sense of calm.

3. Fear of color

White, gray, beige – these tones appear understated, but often also a little timid. Yet, a single colored wall can be enough to give a room more depth and personality. Our tip: start gently. A wall in a delicate light blue, a muted rust red, or an invigorating olive green will noticeably change the feel of the room – without dominating it. If you don't want to commit immediately, test the color on a small area first and observe how it changes in daylight. 

4. Overdo it with the decorations

A vase here, a picture there, plus a few cushions and blankets – what looks beautiful individually can quickly become overwhelming when combined. This is especially true if the materials and colors don't coordinate. It's better to place fewer, but carefully chosen accents. A striking picture, a sculptural vase, or a statement cushion is often enough to create atmosphere. The rest can then take a backseat.

5. Poor lighting design

Few things influence the atmosphere in a living room as much as light. Too little or incorrectly placed light can ruin even the best room design. A single ceiling light isn't enough if the room is meant to serve multiple functions. It's better to plan for a mix of functional ceiling lights and cozy, indirect light sources such as table and floor lamps for reading, eating, or relaxing. Warm light at around 2700 Kelvin creates the most inviting atmosphere.

6. Mix materials wildly

Velvet, metal, glass, wood, stone – variety can be exciting, but it can appear arbitrary without a unifying element. This is especially true in open floor plans, where it creates too many jarring contrasts. Our advice is therefore: choose a calm base and add deliberate accents. Consider wood in a uniform tone, paired with matte textiles – and perhaps a single piece of metal furniture or a glass element for contrast. Also important: think about functionality. Materials for high-traffic areas should be robust and easy to clean. Delicate leather or glossy stone is better suited to areas that aren't used daily.

7. Everything as pictured in the catalog

Harmonious, but also a bit generic – that can easily happen when all the furniture and accessories are perfectly coordinated. The room then often feels polished, but lacks vibrancy. What helps are personal touches. An heirloom, a flea market find, or a unique piece with a story breaks up the perfect picture – and makes the room truly your own. Style should be evident, but it needs character and individuality to create a real home.

8. A carpet that is too small

Rugs are more than just a bit of fabric for the floor – they structure a room, unify furniture groups, and create a cozy atmosphere. However, if the rug is too small, the room can appear fragmented and restless. The rule of thumb: the rug should at least extend under the front legs of the furniture – ideally, under the entire sofa or dining area. This creates a cohesive framework that exudes calm and unity.

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