When renovating, we rely on our own feelings, not knowing the basics of design, which is why the result so often does not live up to expectations.
We have collected the most common mistakes that are made when decorating the interior of a living room.
Your living room only has overhead lighting.
Lighting creates atmosphere and should take into account your mood, so a living room can't get by with just a chandelier in the center of the room. Create your own lighting system ( desk lamp, sconces, floor lamps, ceiling lighting, etc.).
Missing or incorrectly sized carpet
Small carpets bring imbalance to the room, you should select a carpet correct size for your living room. A large carpet will provide visual extension space, and the interior will take on a finished look.
Your TV is out of place
The best place to place the TV is empty wall. Do not install the TV opposite or near a window; this is harmful to your eyesight and prevents you from seeing the image clearly. The distance between the TV and the sofa depends on the size of the screen: the distance should be 3–5 diagonals. Consider this when buying a new TV.
You underestimate the power of pillows
Sofa cushions create a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. When choosing pillows, consider whether the texture of the material will match the upholstery of the sofa or chair. If cushioned furniture in the living room is made of velvet or velor, then cotton or linen textiles will be inappropriate. For small-sized furniture, neat and small products are suitable, and a massive sofa can contain several voluminous pillows.
Your sofa is against the wall
This rule works for large rooms. If you have the opportunity to place the sofa not against the wall, then be sure to do this - thereby you will visually increase the space and create comfort. A sofa near the wall in a spacious room looks more like a dance class than a living room.
Dark furniture in a low room
Your living room will become visually squat and cramped if you purchase furniture dark shades. Suitable for a low living room compact sofas, armchairs and neat tables, always on raised legs. Opt for neutral light shades.
You choose furniture based on design, not personal convenience
Just because a piece of furniture looks nice doesn't mean it will suit your home. Make sure your furniture is comfortable for you and test it out. Sit in a chair or at a table that you like. Otherwise, you will rarely use these things and will have to part with them.
Furniture that has lost its relevance
There is also furniture fashion. Bulky upholstered furniture with voluminous backs and armrests has long lost its relevance. Pay attention to furniture with straight lines and a clear silhouette. You can choose a traditional sofa, but in an unexpected and modern color.
Photos are not hanging correctly
The ideal height is 153 cm from floor level to the center of the image. If you have too many photos, then great solution there will be a gallery on the wall, and not photo frames placed in all corners.
Large furniture
The most common mistake- fill the room with furniture that does not fit in size, especially sofas. This makes the room seem even smaller. If you have a large living room, then you can afford a spacious corner sofa. For small living rooms, a double sofa and a pair of armchairs would be preferable.
You neglect the functionality of the living room
If you have rectangular room, then you can adjust it using a cabinet or rack, since square shape the room is most advantageous and it is easier to maintain balance in such a room.
Several options for zoning:
- Living room and bedroom - the bedroom will always be closer to the window, since by definition sleeping area should be away from the entrance.
- Living room and kitchen - the placement of both areas is strictly according to your taste, although it is preferable to place the kitchen near the window so that it is convenient for the hostess and there is enough light to prepare food.
- The living room and dining room are two full-fledged units that should have enough space and space in one room.
- Living room and office - the office can occupy a very small corner, the main thing is to install an additional light source.
The center of the room is not indicated
The living room needs a bright accent. The center can be a fireplace, a painting, a mirror, photo wallpaper - everything that catches the eye. You can also make the relaxation area a focal point, highlighting it with contrasting colors, prints or a mixture of complex tones.
Whether you have started a renovation, are furnishing a rental property, or simply want to refresh your usual interior, it is important not to make things worse. Designer of the Pillow Conversation studio Ekaterina Galochkina told The Village what mistakes in bedroom design are most common and how to correct them.
Mistake 1: inappropriate interior style
Abundant stucco, paintings in gilded frames, canopies, elaborate furniture and curtains reminiscent of palaces - all this looks at least out of place in living spaces: just imagine yourself in such an interior in a robe or pajamas with Mickey Mouse. Everything should be organic, so don’t try to make a medieval castle in your one-room apartment. The interior should suit your lifestyle and even the way you dress.
Mistake 2: poor sound insulation
Keep your bedroom dark and quiet while you sleep. Thick curtains will save you from the early morning sun and white nights. And silence (if available) noisy neighbors) will only provide good sound insulation. Don’t exclude it from the list of jobs: you do the repair once, and you’ll enjoy the result every night. Silence in the bedroom is important not only for good night: it creates a feeling of privacy that is so lacking in a big city.
Mistake 3: Too bright or dull beige shades
Even if you are a creative and extraordinary person, express yourself in other rooms, but not in the bedroom. Excessive saturation - with color, texture or little things from travel - does not allow the brain to relax. On the other hand, if there is nothing to catch the eye in a light beige room, then it will be stuffy and boring.
Choose complementary rather than matching colors. A win-win option is natural shades - different tones of brown, gray, calm green. Textiles will help to revive the bedroom with the help of color: curtains, pillows, blankets and bedside rugs. Bright posters and framed photographs will also help save the situation.
Mistake 4: uncomfortable furniture
Not everyone has a separate bedroom - often this function is performed by the living room. If you can’t install a full-size bed, choose a sofa that folds forward and provide access to the sleeping area from both sides so that everyone has the opportunity to get up without disturbing their partner.
Lack of storage space is one of the most big problems. There is no need to fill the room with furniture around the perimeter; stop at one thing: a pair of chests of drawers or a large wardrobe. Master open storage, for example, clothes racks and shelving - this way you will get rid of heavy rectangular cabinets that are small room create a depressing feeling. Don't forget about space under the bed and vacuum bags.
Mistake 5: Poor lighting
In the bedroom, more than anywhere else, you need to have additional lighting: personal reading lamps, dressing table with lighting, floor lamp by the bed. Dimmers to adjust the lighting are a good idea. For the bedroom, it is preferable to choose lamps with warm light: they provide soft light and do not interfere with the production of melatonin, unlike fluorescent lamps.
Error 6: poor microclimate
It is generally accepted that it is better to sleep at a temperature of 18–20 degrees - scientists explain this by the physiological characteristics of a person. In any case, choose blankets and pillows from natural, breathable fabrics. Ventilate the room before going to bed: a lack of oxygen is not as bad as an excess carbon dioxide. During the heating season, buy an air humidifier - it will be easier to breathe and you will get better sleep.
Mistake 7: incorrectly selected underwear
Bed linen should please both the eye and the skin. Choose only natural fabrics (cotton, linen) or linen made from artificial fibers (bamboo, tencel) - this way you will reduce the risk of skin irritation and hair electrification. The colors of the linen should set the mood for rest and relaxation, so energetic and bright shades leave for other rooms.
We have collected the most common mistakes that are made when decorating the interior of a living room.
Your living room only has overhead lighting.
Lighting creates atmosphere and should take into account your mood, so a living room can't get by with just a chandelier in the center of the room.
Create your own lighting system (table lamps, sconces, floor lamps, ceiling lighting, etc.).
Missing or incorrectly sized carpet
Small rugs bring imbalance to the room, you should choose the right size rug for your living room.
A large carpet will provide a visual expansion of the space, and the interior will take on a finished look.
Your TV is out of place
The best place to place a TV is on an empty wall. Do not install the TV opposite or near a window; this is harmful to your eyesight and prevents you from seeing the image clearly.
The distance between the TV and the sofa depends on the size of the screen: the distance should be 3–5 diagonals. Consider this when buying a new TV.
You underestimate the power of pillows
Sofa cushions create a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. When choosing pillows, consider whether the texture of the material will match the upholstery of the sofa or chair.
If the upholstered furniture in the living room is made of velvet or velor, then cotton or linen textiles will be inappropriate.
For small-sized furniture, neat and small products are suitable, and a massive sofa can contain several voluminous pillows.
Your sofa is against the wall
This rule works for large rooms. If you have the opportunity to place the sofa not against the wall, then be sure to do this - thereby you will visually increase the space and create comfort.
A sofa near the wall in a spacious room looks more like a dance class than a living room.
Dark furniture in a low room
Your living room will appear visually squat and cramped if you purchase furniture in dark shades.
For a low living room, compact sofas, armchairs and neat tables, always with raised legs, are suitable.
Opt for neutral light shades.
You choose furniture based on design, not personal convenience
Just because a piece of furniture looks nice doesn't mean it will suit your home.
Make sure your furniture is comfortable for you and test it out.
Sit in a chair or at a table that you like.
Otherwise, you will rarely use these things and will have to part with them.
Furniture that has lost its relevance
There is also furniture fashion. Bulky upholstered furniture with voluminous backs and armrests has long lost its relevance.
Pay attention to furniture with straight lines and a clear silhouette.
You can choose a traditional sofa, but in an unexpected and modern color.
Photos are not hanging correctly
The ideal height is 153 cm from floor level to the center of the image.
If you have too many photos, a gallery on the wall is a great solution, rather than photo frames placed in all corners.
Large furniture
The most common mistake is to fill a room with furniture that does not fit in size, especially sofas. This makes the room seem even smaller.
If you have a large living room, then you can afford a roomy corner sofa.
For small living rooms, a double sofa and a pair of armchairs would be preferable.
You neglect the functionality of the living room
If you have a rectangular room, then you can adjust it with the help of a cabinet or shelving unit, since the square shape of the room is most advantageous and it is easier to maintain balance in such a room.
Several options for zoning:
- Living room and bedroom - the bedroom will always be closer to the window, since, by definition, the sleeping area should be further away from the entrance.
- Living room and kitchen - the placement of both areas is strictly according to your taste, although it is preferable to place the kitchen near the window so that it is convenient for the hostess and there is enough light to prepare food.
- The living room and dining room are two full-fledged units that should have enough space and space in one room.
- Living room and office - the office can occupy a very small corner, the main thing is to install an additional light source.
The center of the room is not indicated
The living room needs a bright accent. The center can be a fireplace, a painting, a mirror, photo wallpaper - everything that catches the eye.
You can also make the relaxation area a focal point, highlighting it with contrasting colors, prints or a mixture of complex tones.
Indoor plants in small pots
It is better to place one tree in a large pot than many small plants on the windowsill.
This will make your space seem larger and more comfortable.
Outdated cases
By changing the covers you can transform the entire room and make your design stylish and modern.
You can also change the look of your living room according to your mood and time of year.
Following the same style
If you are especially close to a certain type of interior and do not allow another, then your room loses its coziness and becomes very formulaic.
Combine your favorite style with others: eclecticism, retro, loft, grunge and many other design options will make your living room original, from which you will not want to leave.
Your curtains visually reduce the space
Something as small as incorrectly hung curtains can make your room look smaller.
It is important to hang your curtains as high and as wide as possible to make your ceilings appear high and your living room feel large.
Choose curtains that are brighter and more saturated in color than the rest of the textiles in the room.
We have said more than once that the bedroom is the most an important part at home, because we spend almost 1/3 of our lives there. Of course, when we sleep, we don’t care what color the curtains are or how many paintings are hanging on the wall, but you must admit, we want to fall asleep and wake up in a beautiful and cozy room.
So, if you are just about to renovate your bedroom, read our tips, remember them, and don’t make stupid mistakes when decorating your bedroom. If the renovation has been done for a long time, and you do not plan to undertake major alterations, think about how to change the room with small means so that it is not only comfortable, but also stylish.
Mistake 1. There is too much furniture in the room
It happens that you go into the bedroom, and there they stand: a large bed, huge wardrobe, chest of drawers, desk, dressing table, small sofa, another nightstand. There are 5-6 shelves on the walls, filled with books and souvenirs. It turns out that it is impossible to pass normally. It happens when the bedroom and living room are one and the same, and in general you have only one room, and you tried to fit everything into it. It’s another matter if you have at least two rooms, but the bedroom is still filled with unnecessary furniture. Understand that a cluttered bedroom seems small, cramped, stuffy, and the furniture also collects double the amount of dust.
It should be? Decide what you can’t do without and what you can really do without. It is clear that the bed, wardrobe and bedside table will remain in their places. But is it possible to remove the sofa or the second chest of drawers? It is likely that it is better to move some things to the closet in the hallway, and the table with the computer to the living room. Let only the essentials be in the bedroom, and think about replacing the huge wardrobe with a narrow but spacious wardrobe.
Mistake 2. One large light source
Does the bedroom have one large chandelier? This is wrong and inconvenient. How to get a good night's sleep when bright light floods the entire room? How to read a book before bed? In other words, one chandelier is clearly not enough here.
It should be? In fact, lighting in the bedroom is important, and you need to think about it when you just start renovating. The ideal option for the bedroom is multi-level ceiling With spotlights all over the room plus a few additional sources light above the bed (for example, two small sconces). If you are not going to change the ceiling, leave the usual chandelier with 2-3 powerful lamps, but be sure to place a couple of floor lamps in the room or attach a table lamp to the bedside table.
Mistake 3. Complete lack of decor on the walls
The minimalist style has its advantages, but this does not mean that the bedroom will have one bed and nothing else. Absolutely bare walls make the room uncomfortable, empty and boring. Even in modern hospitals there are pictures or instructive posters hanging, so why is your bedroom worse than a hospital corridor?
It should be? Several photographs of relatives and loved ones, a beautiful painting, a bright poster, decorative plates brought from different countries, original Wall Clock- all this can transform your bedroom in literally 10 minutes (bought, hammered in a nail, hung). Not all at once, of course, choose one thing and create your own unique design for the main room in the house (a few more words on this topic in paragraph 9).
Mistake 4. Mirror next to or opposite the bed
Some people like to wake up and immediately see the reflection of their loved one, while others get scared when they get up at night to get some water and find “night monsters” in the mirror by the bed. We joke about monsters, of course, but most designers do not recommend that a person’s reflection be visible from the bed. It is believed that this arrangement of the mirror creates psychological discomfort and the effect of someone else's presence. So you shouldn’t place a wardrobe with mirrored doors along the bed or hang a mirror too close to the sleeping area.
It should be? If you still want to install a mirrored wardrobe in the bedroom, try to place it as far as possible from the bed, preferably in the opposite corner. Either place a mirror at the foot of the bed or on the side of the bedside tables, another idea is to use a mobile mirror on wheels that can be moved anywhere in the room.
Mistake 5. Massive shelves above the bed
Place massive heavy shelves directly above the bed - not the smartest solution. What can I say: it will be simply scary to sleep under them. It’s hard psychologically: you wake up and the closet is pressing on top of you.
It should be? Ideally, remove the shelf above the head of the bed altogether. However, if this option is not even considered, the maximum that can be hung above the bed is a small narrow shelf, on which 2-3 light objects will stand. And make sure it's nailed down well.
Mistake 6. The bed is very close to the door
The closer the bed is to the door, the better you can hear all the sounds coming from the corridor, and the greater the risk that you will catch a cold due to the draft, and in general, you will feel uncomfortable sleeping.
It should be? The bed is the central object in the bedroom. And, first of all, you must understand where the bed will be, and only then come up with everything else. It’s better to let the bed settle by the window: at least it provides pleasant sunlight.
Error 7. Single color curtains and other textiles
Using one fabric to sew curtains, bedspreads and even chair covers or bed headboard upholstery is last century. Such an interior has long been considered tasteless, bland, and boring.
It should be? Now a combination of different shades and textures is in fashion: don’t be afraid to mix red velvet and blue silk, decorate your windows blue curtains and yellow tulle, cover the bed with a fuchsia-colored bedspread and place orange pillows on it. Of course, you don’t need to overdo it with colors either, but still try to prevent your bedroom from turning into a monochromatic canvas.
Mistake 8. Storage systems are not thought out
The second very important question that arises when decorating a bedroom (after the question “where to put the bed”) is where to put all the things? It's one thing if you have a separate Walk-in closet, but most residents of typical city apartments do not have it. Usually all clothes are stored in the bedroom: they hang in a huge closet, which takes up half the area of the room, and in the worst case, they are scattered everywhere. Agree, chaos and disorder do not add coziness to the bedroom.
It should be? IN furniture stores you can find compact but quite spacious cabinets. Also, please note wardrobe systems- these are special designs that include many shelves, rods, drawers and retractable guides. Your clothes will be visible, but they will be neatly laid out on shelves and hanging on hangers.
9. A lot of unnecessary things
Sometimes in pursuit of unique design people who understand nothing at all about design fill the room with a million pseudo-fashionable things. There is a bright pouf, paintings in the impressionist style, Chinese vases, souvenirs from trips, luxurious lamps with stucco, and decorative pillows all the colors of the rainbow. Wait, a bedroom isn't a museum, is it?
It should be? Some original items The decor is enough to give the room personality. Simple and tasteful - this is the main rule to follow when decorating a bedroom.
It happens that the owner of the apartment has enough knowledge to competently decorate and put in order the area allocated for the bedroom. And then the place that is perceived as the coziest and most comfortable in the house turns into a warehouse of unnecessary things and dusty trash.
Space small room is filled with unnecessary or too bulky furniture, it turns out that the owner of the room thought out the lighting scenarios in it rather poorly. This significantly affects the ability of the bedroom to satisfy the main requirement for it and provide us with a good rest after working days.
However, solving this issue correctly is not that difficult. It is enough to listen to the small list of basic mistakes that should be avoided, which we present in this article, and put them into practice.
In cramped conditions, it often turns out that it becomes not only a place to relax and sleep, but also a space for storing clothes and things. It may happen that you manage to place everything you need in this room, but at the same time free space There will be very little left in the room.
What to do: Remove everything from the bedroom that is not related to rest or sleep so as not to take up precious space. The center of the room should be the bed, you can add a small wardrobe to the composition ( best option- choose a wardrobe) and bedside tables. The latter are a good replacement for a regular U-shaped shelving unit directly above the bed. If such a need suddenly arises, purchase a spacious chest of drawers.
When calculating what furniture you will place and where in the bedroom, do not forget about the basic rule - do not block the passage through the room. To prevent the room from visually looking even smaller, it is worth leaving a clear “path” from the entrance to the opposite wall.
One of the most common mistakes when decorating a small bedroom is use the same color for all four walls. The interior is classic in light colors, which visually increases the space of the room. However, someone may also like dark colors, which visually weigh down and narrow the perception of the room.
A single color for all surfaces can kill all the personality of a bedroom and turn it into a boring warehouse, despite the beautifully and intelligently arranged furniture. Even elegant curtains will not save the situation if you select them in the same uniform way.
What to do: It is not necessary to leave the color scheme of the house pale, for fear of externally reducing the area of the room. However, you shouldn’t go to extremes and paint everything a deep emerald color. It would be best to place the only accent on the wall, which is closely adjacent to the head of the bed. Firstly, it will really decorate the room, and secondly, while you are relaxing, your field of vision will not come across bright, irritating colors. More dark tone among light shades will make the interior much more dynamic, and bright colors will add some playfulness.
For even greater contrast, you can prefer, which are now presented in a very wide range, with a variety of patterns, textures, perspective depth and other characteristics.
For owners of small sleeping spaces, the following logic is typical: you cannot overload the room with unnecessary objects - which means you need to give up mirrors. This conclusion is erroneous, because in fact, mirrors, on the contrary, add spaciousness to a small bedroom.
What to do: mirror and glossy surfaces, subject to their correct location in the space of a room can magically transform it. They increase the area of the room, move the walls apart and fill the space with air. It will become even more spacious if you allow the mirror to reflect sunlight from the window.
Those who are not too limited in budget can be advised to completely decorate one of the walls with mirror panels. Original modern solution can be considered the appearance mirror ceiling in the room. In this case, not only do certain positive optical illusions appear, but it also becomes much lighter. If you are installing a wardrobe in a room, make it mirrored doors.
For many years, classic rooms assumed the presence of a single source of overhead light. This was usually the only chandelier on the ceiling. However, for a bedroom this solution is quite inconvenient, since too bright light from the ceiling will hurt the eyes and will also not allow you to read quietly before going to bed.
What to do: both small and large rooms should not be confined to a single light source on the ceiling. Otherwise there is a risk of getting discomfort in the eyes due to too harsh and direct light. Also, a chandelier cannot be an ideal source of uniform illumination for all areas of the bedroom.
Decide on a specific set of turned light fixtures for the room. Suitable for these purposes:
- floor lamps;
- Spotlights.
Thus, you will kill several birds with one stone: ensure a sufficient level of illumination in all areas where it is necessary; you will be able to provide a cozy intimate atmosphere at home; You will save quite a lot on electricity.
Decorative small things are used to give individuality to a room filled, as a rule, with standard pieces of furniture. However, the main thing here is comply with the norm and do not fill the entire room with vases, figurines, paintings and other details, so as not to give guests the feeling of visiting a provincial museum.
What to do: in a small bedroom you should get carried away with placing large decorative compositions, save them for larger rooms. Choose small details for decoration and maintain moderation in their quantity.
Don't block the passage sunlight using heavy dark curtains. Prefer light tulle, leaving it free to flutter in the wind from the slightly open window. If night lighting prevents you from sleeping, or you wake up from the first rays of dawn, then add window decoration blinds.
Avoid massive floor decorations such as vases, floor lamps or flower pots. Emphasize your individuality with beautiful paintings, family photos framed, small bright “thoughts” on the bed.
