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11 Things To Keep Out Of Your Living Room, According To Designers

Robin August 29, 2025 0

1. Oversized Furniture

Bulky sofas and massive sectionals can dominate a living room, making the space feel cramped, cluttered, and uncomfortable. Designers stress the importance of scale—furniture should fit the room, leaving enough space for movement and allowing the layout to breathe. Before purchasing, it’s critical to measure both your room and the prospective furniture to ensure a harmonious fit. Instead of oversized pieces, consider modular options or sleek seating that offers flexibility and style. For expert advice on selecting well-proportioned furniture, consult Architectural Digest’s guide to avoiding common living room mistakes.

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2. Excessive Clutter

Overloading your living room with decor, stacks of books, or numerous knick-knacks can quickly lead to visual chaos, making it difficult to relax and unwind. Designers recommend keeping only a few meaningful or beautiful objects on display and storing the rest elsewhere to maintain a sense of calm. Regularly editing your collections and rotating pieces can keep the space fresh and inviting. For actionable decluttering strategies that foster a more serene atmosphere, check out The Spruce’s expert advice on simplifying your living spaces.

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3. Outdated Electronics

Old, bulky televisions, tangled cords, and forgotten tech gadgets can make even the most stylish living room feel dated and chaotic. These elements distract from your overall design and disrupt the room’s aesthetic flow. Designers recommend upgrading to sleeker, more modern devices and minimizing visible technology when possible. Concealing cords with smart solutions not only tidies up the space but also creates a cleaner, more sophisticated look. For a range of effective cord management products and tips, visit Wirecutter’s cable management guide to streamline your setup.

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4. Too Many Personal Photos

While family photos add warmth and personality, covering every surface with them can overwhelm your living room and make it feel more like a personal gallery than a shared, welcoming space. Designers suggest being selective and intentional—choose a few favorites to display, or create a curated gallery wall for visual impact without cluttering the room. This approach maintains intimacy while ensuring the space remains inviting for guests. For further inspiration and expert advice on striking the right balance with photo displays, explore House Beautiful’s guide to living room decor mistakes.

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5. Low-Quality Lighting

Depending solely on harsh overhead lights or a few dim lamps can flatten the mood of your living room and diminish both its functionality and comfort. Designers recommend embracing layered lighting by combining ambient, task, and accent sources—think ceiling fixtures, table lamps, and wall sconces—to create a warm, inviting atmosphere and ensure every corner is usable. This approach allows you to tailor the light for reading, entertaining, or relaxing. For practical guidance on crafting the perfect lighting plan, see Better Homes & Gardens’ lighting design tips.

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6. Mismatched Styles

Clashing furniture styles, competing patterns, or an array of uncoordinated decor themes can make your living room feel disjointed and visually chaotic. Designers emphasize the importance of cohesion—choosing a consistent color palette or sticking to a clear design direction helps unify the space. For example, pairing mid-century modern chairs with a contemporary sofa works when the color story or material finishes echo one another. Thoughtful mixing can add depth, but too much variety leads to confusion. For more guidance on creating a harmonious look with mixed styles, check out Elle Decor’s advice on style cohesion.

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7. Fragile Decor

Filling your living room with delicate vases, glass sculptures, or other breakable decor can spell disaster—especially in busy households with children or pets. Fragile items often require constant vigilance and detract from a relaxed, livable atmosphere. Designers suggest opting for durable, family-friendly materials like woven baskets, sturdy ceramics, or wood accents that can withstand daily wear and tear. These choices not only offer peace of mind but also maintain the room’s style and functionality. For more suggestions on practical and attractive living room accessories, browse Real Simple’s guide to living room decor.

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8. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

Many designers steer clear of wall-to-wall carpeting in living rooms, favoring the versatility and style of area rugs instead. Full carpeting can trap dust, allergens, and odors, making maintenance more challenging over time. In contrast, area rugs are easier to clean, replace, and layer, allowing for frequent style updates and targeted warmth where it’s needed most. They also help define seating areas and introduce color or texture without overwhelming the space. For more information on the pros and cons of different flooring types, check out Consumer Reports’ flooring buying guide.

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9. Fake Plants

Artificial plants often fall short in creating the lively, fresh feel designers seek in a living room. Over time, faux greenery can look dated, accumulate dust, and detract from the vibrant energy that real plants provide. When possible, opt for easy-care live houseplants, which purify the air and add authentic texture and color to your decor. If real plants aren’t practical, invest only in high-quality faux versions that closely mimic the real thing. For tips on choosing and caring for indoor greenery, browse Martha Stewart’s guide to houseplants.

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10. Uncomfortable Seating

Seating that’s too hard, lacks proper cushioning, or features awkward shapes can quickly make your living room an uninviting place for family and guests alike. Designers emphasize the importance of comfort—always test sofas and chairs before buying, focusing on support, depth, and softness to ensure everyone feels at ease. Well-chosen, comfortable seating encourages relaxation and conversation, turning the living room into a true gathering space. For expert tips on selecting the right sofa and prioritizing comfort without sacrificing style, explore Good Housekeeping’s sofa buying guide.

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11. Excessive Themed Decor

Over-committing to a single motif—such as nautical, farmhouse, or retro—can make your living room feel more like a themed attraction than a comfortable, timeless haven. Designers caution that heavy theming often dates quickly and can overpower the space. Instead, they recommend weaving in subtle references to your chosen style through color, textiles, or a few select accessories, allowing for personality without sacrificing balance. This approach keeps your decor fresh and adaptable. For inspiration on how to achieve a harmonious look with just the right amount of theme, check out Apartment Therapy’s guide to balanced theming.

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Conclusion

By making thoughtful choices and steering clear of these common living room missteps, you can craft a space that is comfortable, stylish, and enduring. A well-edited, intentionally designed living room not only welcomes guests but also reflects your personality while remaining functional for years to come. For more expert tips on creating harmonious interiors, explore resources like Architectural Digest’s DIY section and House Beautiful’s living room ideas.

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