6 Home Décor Mistakes Interior Designers Notice Right Away—and How to Fix Them

You know when a room just feels ... off? Interior designers see these things right away, and, usually, the problem boils down to a few décor missteps. Whether it's pieces that are the wrong scale, awkward layouts, or visual clutter, these small choices can quickly add up and throw off an entire space.

Thankfully, the fixes are often simple, but they're not always easy to spot in your own home. Here, we spoke to designers about the décor mistakes they notice immediately when they enter a room, and how to easily fix them.

The Wrong Size Rug

Nothing throws off a space faster than a rug that’s too small or too big. “It makes everything feel like it’s floating, and not in a good way,” says Mikel Welch, an interior designer and ambassador for Command.

A rug that’s too small, for instance, can make a room feel disjointed and unfinished; it throws off the scale and leaves the space feeling awkward. On the flip side, a rug that’s too large can overwhelm the room, swallowing it whole and making everything else feel out of proportion.

The fix? In living rooms, aim to have at least the front legs of your furniture sitting on the rug. In dining areas, all four chair legs should stay on the rug, even when pulled out. This approach will instantly make the room feel more intentional.

Art That's Off Kilter

Crooked, undersized, or sky-high art might be the biggest interior designer pet peeve out there. “It throws everything off,” says Welch. “Art should feel connected to the furniture below it.”

The good news? It’s an easy fix. “As a general rule, choose pieces that span about two-thirds the width of the furniture beneath them,” says interior designer Lauren Perry. “Hang artwork so the bottom edge sits 6 to 8 inches above the top of the furniture—this creates a visual link that grounds the piece and ties it to the overall composition.”

Welch also recommends centering artwork at eye level, around 57 to 60 inches from the floor, and adjusting the layout until it feels just right.

Matching Furniture

It’s tempting to grab a matching set of furniture and call it a day. It’s easy, it’s safe, and it looks beautiful in the showroom. But at home? That perfectly symmetrical look can leave your space feeling flat, dated, and lacking any real personality.

“Mix styles, finishes, and materials," says Natalie Rich, owner and principal designer of Lee Meier Interiors. “Combine different textures and shapes for a layered, lived-in look. A collected room is always more interesting than a perfectly matched one.”

Think velvet next to worn wood, or something sculptural paired with something streamlined. This contrast and visual tension will make a space feel layered, lived in, and alive.

An Abundance of Small Things

A cluster of small objects might feel personal and intimate, but it often just reads as clutter. “Over-accessorized coffee tables, shelves, or counters can make a room feel chaotic, and distract from key pieces,” says interior designer Kriste Michelini.

Instead, edit and elevate. Group similar items together, vary the heights for visual interest, and always leave some breathing room. Use the rule of odds, arrange objects in groups of three or five, and don’t be afraid to scale up. A few well-chosen, larger pieces feel bolder, more intentional, and instantly bring clarity and calm to the space. Let your surfaces breathe. You’ll feel it, too.

Unthoughtful Overhead Lighting

Ceiling lights aren't necessarily a problem, but if they're your only source of illumination, then your space is going to feel cold and flat. After all, no one wants their living room to feel like a hospital.

“Layer your lighting,” says Welch. “Bring in table lamps, floor lamps, even sconces. It adds depth and makes the space feel warm and inviting.” Also, swap out those harsh, bluish bulbs for soft white ones. Your eyes will thank you.

Awkward Coffee Tables

A coffee table that’s completely out of proportion will make a room feel odd. Too small, and it looks like it wandered in by accident. Too bulky, and it takes over the whole space like an uninvited guest.

“Aim for a table that measures approximately two-thirds the length of your sofa and aligns in height with the seat cushions,” says Perry. “This proportion ensures balance, accessibility, and a look that feels effortlessly refined.”

Think of the coffee table as the anchor of your living room: a place to drop your coffee, stack your favorite books, or kick your feet up at the end of the day. It should feel effortless, and never like an afterthought.