6 Things That Make Your Living Room Look Tacky, According to Interior Designers

A living room sets the tone for your entire home, so making the right design decisions is paramount. However, even the most carefully decorated spaces can be undermined by a few misguided choices.

Whether it's furniture choices or bad lighting, such missteps can quickly take your living room from elevated to the opposite. Of course, décor is subjective, and one person's ideal design might be another's hard pass—but here are the most common living room mistakes that interior designers and décor experts say they see, along with how to fix them.

Matching Furniture Sets

A room built entirely from a matching furniture set might feel safe, but it leaves no room for character. 

“[It's] one of the fastest ways to make a living room [look] tacky," says Guillaume Drew, home décor expert at Or & Zon. “When the sofa, chairs, coffee table, and even the rug has the same look—as if they were all purchased as a single set—the room no longer feels personal, or like it has its own special charm.”

Personality comes from contrast and curation, like a linen sofa paired with a rustic wood coffee table, pillows in a mix of textures, or a sleek lamp sitting perched next to a vintage side chair. These vignettes tell a story, providing a sense of depth that feels collected over time—not delivered in one afternoon.

Oversized or Overstuffed Furniture

When furniture overwhelms a room, it leaves little space for movement—and makes the whole space feel out of balance.

A living room should feel comfortable, but it should also be able to breathe. Huge sectionals, bulky recliners, and double coffee tables might seem practical, but they can be overwhelming.

Instead: “A sofa with clean lines and a pair of occasional chairs gives breathing room, while still offering plenty of seating," says interior designer Lauren Saab. "Negative space is as important as the furniture itself." This setup offers the same amount of seating, but keeps the proportions right, allowing your décor, artwork, and personal touches to shine.

Remember, the goal is always balance—not bulk.

Poor Lighting

“One blue-hued bulb, and suddenly your living room feels more like a waiting room than a sanctuary,” says interior designer Darci Hether.

Lighting is one of the most overlooked design elements, yet it has the power to completely change how a space feels. So much so that the wrong bulb can strip color from your walls, flatten textures, and cast an unflattering glow on everything in the room.

So instead of relying on a single overhead fixture, create layers of light. Floor lamps, sconces, and table lamps not only add warmth and atmosphere, but also highlight different zones in your living room. Ultimately, a well-lit room turns design details into focal points, rather than letting them fade into the shadows.

Loud Paint Colors and Bold Finishes

Bright neon and glossy black colors might seem bold and fun, but they can take over a living room and make it look dated.

“High gloss faux marble or plastic finishes are [another] quick giveaway of poor quality,” adds Saab. Instead, opt for timeless paint colors like beige or sage, and layer in authentic materials, like wood with patina or stone with natural veining.

These will age gracefully and bring depth, warmth, and sophistication to your space.

Clutter and Too Many Accessories

Even a thoughtfully designed living room can lose its polish when every surface is crowded.

“Too many throw pillows, busy gallery walls, or knick-knacks on every surface can make even a beautifully designed room look disorganized," says Drew. The solution is simple: edit down and choose fewer, higher-quality statement pieces. Examples include a sculptural vase, a bold piece of art, or a textured rug, which will all add impact, without overwhelming the room.

Poorly-Fitting Rugs and Curtains

Nothing makes a living room look unfinished faster than rugs that are too small or curtains that don’t reach the floor. “The tiny floating rug is one of the fastest ways to make a space look amateur,” says interior designer Peggy Haddad.

She adds that curtains hung too low or too short can also cheapen your windows. The fix is simple: invest in the right scale, with rugs large enough to anchor the room and drapery that grazes the floor.