The Common Living Room Decor Mistake That Makes Your Home Look Cheap – Designer Tips to Avoid It

When guests walk into your living room, you want it to feel elegant, cosy, and inviting — not cluttered or tacky. But according to interior designer Paulina Wojas of Stunning Chairs, there's one common decorating mistake that could be downgrading the look of your space without you even realizing it.

Wojas explains that over-decorating is a widespread issue — especially when people try to personalize their space too much. "While we all love to spruce up our homes and add personal touches, too many accessories can overwhelm the space and achieve the opposite effect," she says.

The biggest culprit? Soft furnishings like throws and cushions.

"Layering too many items onto a chair or sofa can make the furniture appear cluttered and suffocated," Wojas explains. "This not only affects the look of the individual piece but can cheapen the entire room."

Living Room

How Many Cushions and Throws Should You Use?

Wojas offers a helpful guideline to strike the perfect balance:

• For chairs: Stick to one or two cushions and a single throw.

• For a two-seater sofa: Use three to five cushions and up to two throws.

• For a three-seater sofa: Use five to seven cushions and up to three throws — but make sure the layering is intentional and neat.

“When draping a throw over a chair, lay it over the arm to create an expensive, elegant look. Just make sure it doesn’t touch the floor to maintain a polished style,” she adds.

Choose the Right Materials and Colours for a Luxurious Look

When selecting soft furnishings, material matters. Wojas recommends velvet or silk cushions to create a chic, high-end aesthetic. Opt for soft neutrals for a timeless, polished look. If you prefer colour, go bold with deep tones like emerald green — but avoid overly bright or flashy colours that can tip the room into tacky territory.

"Throws made of cashmere, velvet, or high-quality wool elevate the overall look and feel of the space," Wojas advises.

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Living Room

Styling Tips for a Cohesive Living Room

Wojas stresses the importance of cohesion over chaos. "Avoid clashing styles," she says. "Instead, choose cushions and throws that share a common element — whether it’s colour, texture, or overall style."

You don’t need everything to match perfectly, either. Slight variations in color and texture can add interest — just make sure there’s a thread of consistency running through your accessories.

What to Avoid at All Costs

Some accessories are just too much. "Skip cushions with sequin embellishments," says Wojas. "They can look over-the-top and tacky. Go for texture instead — think velvet, woven, or linen cushions."

She also warns against overusing patterns. "Too many patterns can feel chaotic and visually jarring. Use them sparingly and pair with solid colours to maintain a balanced, sophisticated look."

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Ultimately, it’s your space — if you're a fan of sparkle and maximalism, go for it! But if you're aiming for a refined and stylish living room and aren't sure where to start, these expert-backed tips offer a great foundation.

Just remember: less is often more — especially when it comes to achieving a luxury look that feels effortless.