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

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

Robin August 29, 2025 0

6. Mismatched Styles

11 Things To Keep Out Of Your Living Room, According To Designers
A vibrant living room comes alive with mismatched furniture and eclectic pieces, unified by thoughtfully curated decor elements. | Generated by Google Gemini

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

11 Things To Keep Out Of Your Living Room, According To Designers
A delicate vase crafted from durable materials adds a touch of elegance to a family-friendly living room setting. | Generated by Google Gemini

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

11 Things To Keep Out Of Your Living Room, According To Designers
A cozy living room features plush wall-to-wall carpeting accented by a stylish area rug in the center. | Generated by Google Gemini

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

11 Things To Keep Out Of Your Living Room, According To Designers
Live houseplants enhance living rooms with authentic color, texture, and a refreshing natural vibe.

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

11 Things To Keep Out Of Your Living Room, According To Designers
A cozy sofa beckons from the corner of an inviting living room, while an uncomfortable chair sits quietly nearby. | Generated by Google Gemini

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

11 Things To Keep Out Of Your Living Room, According To Designers
A living room bursting with themed decor, where every surface is adorned, creating a lively yet balanced interior. | Generated by Google Gemini

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

11 Things To Keep Out Of Your Living Room, According To Designers
A beautifully designed living room features cozy seating, warm lighting, and stylish décor that creates an inviting home atmosphere. | Generated by Google Gemini

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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