Five Mistakes You May Be Making In Your Living Room

It’s where so many special moments happen, so it’s important for your living room to feel inviting, comfortable, and uniquely you. We’ve noticed a few common design mistakes that can make the room feel less than ideal, either cramping space or cramping style. Here are a few simple things to avoid if designing from scratch and a few simple ways to fix them if designing halfway through.

A rug does more than add color—it grounds the entire room. When a rug is too small, it can throw off the proportions of the space and make it feel cramped. We like to ensure that at least the front two legs of your larger furniture pieces are on the rug. While it’s more traditional to place all four legs on the rug (something we rarely do), we never leave the rug floating in the middle of the room. And when it comes to end tables, keep them either fully on or off the rug—no one wants a wobbly table! Need more help? For more information on rug sizing, check out this in-depth guide on choosing the right rug size.

Concetta Hand-Knotted Wool Rug

McGee & Co.

Girona Cream Handwoven Jute Rug

McGee & Co.

Campanella Hand-Knotted Rug

McGee & Co.

Many people assume that a small space requires smaller furniture, but that’s a common misconception. Opting for a few substantial pieces instead of trying to squeeze in multiple small ones can make a room feel more balanced and functional. Choose a larger sofa and coffee table, and skip the side table in favor of a floor lamp or sconce to save space. Just remember: if you have a big couch or sectional, make sure your coffee table or side table isn’t too small—it should hold its own in the room.

Byron Chair

McGee & Co.

Wilhelmina Slipcover Sofa

McGee & Co.

Orla Side Table

McGee & Co.

Clegg Lounge Chair

McGee & Co.

Harvey Coffee Table

McGee & Co.

Elijah Floor Lamp

McGee & Co.

This is one of the most frequent mistakes we see. Artwork that’s hung too high can disrupt the visual flow of a room. The key is to find the right piece that speaks to you and then hang it at a height where it feels connected to the furniture below. As a rule of thumb, the center of your artwork should be at eye level. Check out our guide for tips on How to Hang Art.

Dappled

McGee & Co.

Give Back the Dreams

McGee & Co.

Thomwell Woven Textile

McGee & Co.

Over-styling is another common pitfall of living room styling. Filling every inch of a shelf, tabletop, or built-in with decor can create a cluttered look. Instead, give your accessories space to breathe. When there’s no visual rest, the decor feels chaotic and overwhelming. You don’t have to style every single spot. Instead, create intentional groupings by mixing small objects with larger ones. Use trays, bowls, or boxes to corral smaller items and keep things tidy.

Victoire Vase

McGee & Co.

Raina Frame

McGee & Co.

Tayva Bowl

McGee & Co.

It’s easy to fall in love with a trend and go overboard. But when you lean too heavily into one material—whether it’s brass, wood, or marble—it can overwhelm the space. Instead, balance it out with a mix of complementary materials. If you’re a fan of brass, try pairing brass accents with pieces in wood, stone, or glass. This mix helps the space feel collected and layered, rather than looking like it came straight out of a catalogue.

Mendes End Table

McGee & Co.

Jean Silk Pillow Cover

McGee & Co.

Carmella Mohair Chair (Ready to Ship)

McGee & Co.

Moresby Floor Lamp

McGee & Co.

Parker Coffee Table

McGee & Co.

Jarah Lounge Chair

McGee & Co.