5 Living Room Design Mistakes You Didn’t Know You Were Making

As the space where guests spend most of their time, your living room deserves a little extra attention. But even the most beautifully decorated rooms can fall victim to subtle design mistakes that disrupt the flow and balance.

From overly coordinated cushions to awkward furniture placement or a lack of greenery, small details can make the difference between a space that feels flat and one that feels warm and cohesive.

Here, interior designers reveal the most common living room design mistakes they see — and share how to fix them to create a space that feels effortlessly stylish.

Table of Contents

Mistake #1: Over-coordinating your cushions

When it comes to your sofa, designers warn that a matchy-matchy look — often achieved with identical scatter cushions — can leave the space feeling flat and uninspired.

‘While they match perfectly, that’s exactly the problem – the look can feel generic,’ says Katie Malik, interior designer at Katie Malik Design Studio.

Sofology

Combine different colours, patterns and textures for depth. Pictured: Astoria 3 Seater Sofabed – Vintage Chenille ‘Coral Sands’ All Over, Sofology

Instead, ‘Swap them out for cushions in contrasting colours, textures and scales.’ Opt for a mix of bold patterns and varied sizes to add depth and character. This simple switch can instantly make your sofa — and the whole room — feel more layered, dynamic, and inviting.

More living room design tips:

Mistake #2: Forgetting to measure your furniture

When choosing living room furniture – especially large pieces like sofas, armchairs or bookcases – it’s easy to get swept up in the colour and style rather than the practicalities.

‘I always recommend measuring twice, and buying once,’ says Hannah Ashe, interior designer at Hannah Ashe Interior Design. Taking the time to double-check your dimensions will help you avoid pieces that feel awkwardly oversized or disappointingly small once they’re in place.

‘It’s important to also take into account any tricky angles when purchasing – I’ve heard horror stories of people struggling to fit furniture in,’ she adds.

Mistake #3: Skipping the greenery

Books, candles, and vases are easy go-tos when styling a living room, but many people forget the finishing touch — greenery.

a living room with a teal sofa, a coffee table with a tray and a vase of tulips on it, and shelving with picture frames on it

James Balston

Flowers and plants are perfect for sprucing up coffee tables and shelves

‘Introduce layered greenery, such as a tall floor plant, a diminutive succulent on a coffee table, and new seasonal blooms,’ suggests Nathan Thorne, designer and CEO of Handy Flowers.

As well as adding colour and texture, plants bring a sense of vitality to any living space, and in some instances, can help to purify the air.

Mistake #4: Hanging your TV too high

Mounting your TV on the wall is a smart small-space solution, freeing up valuable floor space and keeping the room feeling streamlined. However, positioning it too high can make for an uncomfortable viewing experience.

‘The best viewing height is at or just below eye level when you’re seated, not standing,’ reveals Katie. ‘Mounting it too high can strain the neck and throw off your room’s proportions.’

Before installing, measure your seating height and viewing distance to find the ideal placement — your neck (and your living room design) will thank you.

Mistake #5: Relying on just one light source

Creating a cosy atmosphere in your living room is key to making guests feel welcome — but achieving that warmth takes more than just a single light source.

cosy living room corner with wall and table lamp and open shelving

Laura Ashley

Introduce a layered lighting scheme for depth. Pictured: Mayville Cottage Collection, Laura Ashley

‘Relying on a single ceiling light can leave a room feeling flat and cold,’ explains Katie. ‘Combine task and accent sources to create warmth and mood.’

Creating a layered lighting scheme through table lamps, wall sconces and candles helps to build depth and ambience. Picture lights are also a great way to draw attention to artwork or architectural details, giving the room a more elevated and considered look.

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