Does your home feel cluttered? It might simply be down to decorating mistakes. Discover the 8 missteps that throw off the harmony in your home.
What are the 8 most common decorating mistakes?
Mistake
How to fix it
1. Wall art placed at random
Match the artwork's dimensions to the wall and relate it to a piece of furniture in the room (e.g. a 1.70 m frame next to a 2 m sofa follows the golden ratio, about 0.618, as a rough guide)
2. Furniture that's hard to maintain
Avoid very dark woods (dust shows) and glass/mirrors (fingerprints) if you don't like frequent upkeep
3. Walls in dated colours
Dull tones with brown undertones look old-fashioned; opt instead for the light, airy shades that are on trend now
4. Poorly aligned frames
Keep 2 to 5 cm between small frames, 5 to 8 cm between large ones, for a gallery-style hang
5. Visible electrical cords
Tuck power strips into a basket, a drawer, or behind plants and decorative objects
6. Too many accessories
Group objects in threes, with a clear focal point and open space; vary the heights, and arrange at a 45° angle on a square table
7. Rugs of the wrong size
Make sure the front leg of each piece of furniture rests on the rug, not beside it
8. A flat, deflated sofa and cushions
Fluff up the cushions and check that the sofa's upholstery is in good condition
Frequently asked questions
How do you hang a piece of art on the wall correctly?
By matching its size to the wall and visually linking it to a nearby piece of furniture, following the golden ratio as a guide where possible (without treating it as an absolute rule).
How do you hide visible electrical cords?
By tucking them into a basket, a drawer, or hiding them behind plants or decorative objects.
How do you check that your rug is the right size?
The front leg of each piece of furniture (sofa, armchair) should rest on the rug, never beside it.
