26 Home Decor Mistakes That Scream Cheap Instantly

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Ah, home sweet home – a place where your personal style should shine as bright as a diamond, not resemble a discount bin.

Yet, some decor choices can unintentionally make a home appear less luxurious and more like a thrift store find.

Let’s navigate through the maze of design blunders that can instantly cheapen your space and discover creative ways to avoid these faux pas.

1. Overstuffed Furniture

You’re not running a furniture warehouse sale, so why does your living room feel like one? Overstuffed furniture can overwhelm a space, making it appear cramped and cluttered.

Instead, opt for pieces that suit the size of your room and offer a balance of comfort and style. Choosing streamlined designs can create a more open and airy environment, allowing your decor to breathe.

Remember, less is often more in the quest for a serene living space. Your guests will thank you for not having to navigate through a maze of cushions.

2. Too Many Throw Pillows

Have you ever tried to sit on a couch only to be engulfed by a sea of throw pillows? It’s a common decor blunder that screams “too much of a good thing.” While throw pillows can add color and texture, overdoing it can lead to a cluttered look.

Opt for a few well-chosen pieces that complement your space without overwhelming it. A strategic selection of pillows can enhance your decor, offering comfort without the chaos. Your couch should invite guests to sit, not swim through fabric.

3. Mismatched Furniture Styles

Mixing furniture styles can be like trying to match stripes with polka dots—bold, but potentially disastrous. While eclectic can be charming, too much mismatch makes a room feel disjointed and cheap.

Finding a common thread or theme can help. Consider color, material, or period to create harmony in your decor. A cohesive look doesn’t mean boring; it means thoughtfully curated.

Your space will feel more intentional and inviting, like an artfully composed symphony rather than a chaotic jam session.

4. Exposed Cords and Wires

Nothing screams “cheap” quite like a tangle of exposed cords and wires. They can turn even the most sophisticated setup into an unsightly mess.

Streamlining your electronics with cable management solutions can prevent visual clutter. Invest in cord concealers or choose furniture that hides these distracting elements. Your room will instantly gain a polished look, allowing your decor to shine.

A tidy electronic setup is not just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a seamless and inviting atmosphere.

5. Inadequate Lighting

If your room feels more dungeon than den, inadequate lighting might be to blame. Good lighting is essential in transforming a space, yet all too often it’s an afterthought.

Consider layering light sources—ambient, task, and accent lighting can create a warm and welcoming environment. Invest in stylish lamps or fixtures that not only illuminate but enhance your decor.

Brightening up your space can highlight your design choices and create a cozy ambiance. Let there be light, and plenty of it!

6. Cheap Rugs that Look Cheap

A rug can tie a room together, but a cheap one will unravel your decor efforts. Thin, poorly made rugs can scream “budget” and detract from the overall aesthetic.

Investing in a quality rug doesn’t mean breaking the bank; it means choosing wisely. Look for durable materials and timeless designs that complement your space.

A well-chosen rug can add warmth and texture, becoming a stylish anchor for your decor. Your floors deserve as much attention as your walls and furniture.

7. Visible Clutter

Are you living in a home or a storage unit? Visible clutter can instantly cheapen the appearance of any room. Beyond looking untidy, clutter distracts from your carefully curated decor and makes spaces feel cramped.

Adopt smart storage solutions to keep surfaces clear and organized. Decluttering isn’t just a trendy buzzword—it’s about enhancing your living space. When every item has its place, your home can truly shine. Simplify your surroundings to amplify your style.

8. Fake Plants Overload

Fake it till you make it? Not when it comes to plants. An abundance of artificial greenery can look tacky and lifeless. While low-maintenance, they lack the vibrancy and air-purifying benefits of real plants.

Incorporate a mix of real and high-quality faux options for a balanced approach. Even a single live plant can breathe life into a space.

Your decor should feel fresh and vibrant, not like a plastic jungle. Nature has a place in every home, and a touch of green can work wonders.

9. Wrong Art Size

Art is meant to inspire, not confuse. Hanging a tiny painting on a vast wall can feel like a missed opportunity. The wrong art size can disrupt a room’s balance and make decor feel haphazard.

Choose pieces that suit the scale of your walls and furniture. Art should complement your space, acting as a focal point or harmonious addition.

Correct sizing can enhance the aesthetic flow, ensuring your wall art is appreciated, not lost in translation. Let your walls tell a story worth viewing.

10. Neon Paint Colors

Is your home a nightclub or a place of repose? Neon paint colors can clash with decor, making spaces feel chaotic rather than calming.

While bold colors can be invigorating, neon can be overwhelming in a home setting. Opt for hues that complement your decor and create a harmonious environment. Soft tones can add sophistication and warmth, allowing your style to shine.

Your walls should welcome you home, not leave you wearing sunglasses indoors. Choose wisely, and paint with purpose.

11. Outdated Window Treatments

Window treatments, like hairstyles, can age a room instantly. Heavy, outdated curtains can clash with modern decor, making spaces feel trapped in a time warp.

Updating your window dressings can breathe new life into a room. Consider sleek blinds or light, airy fabrics for a contemporary refresh.

Your windows should frame the world outside while complementing your interior style. Don’t let the sun set on your decor with drapery from decades past. Your space deserves a modern makeover.

12. Unkempt Outdoor Spaces

Don’t let the outside of your home look like the aftermath of a garden party gone wrong. An unkempt outdoor space can detract from the overall appeal of your home, no matter how stylish the interior.

Keep lawns groomed and outdoor furniture maintained to create a welcoming atmosphere. A little landscaping can go a long way in enhancing curb appeal.

The exterior is the first impression guests have of your home—make it a good one. A tidy yard is the ultimate accessory.

13. Wallpaper Overload

Wallpapers are fabulous, but too many patterns can turn your home into a circus tent. Wallpaper overload can overwhelm spaces, making them feel busy and disjointed.

The key is moderation—use wallpaper to accentuate, not dominate. Select a statement wall or subtle designs that complement your decor.

Balance is essential in achieving a cohesive look. Remember, your walls are a canvas, not a scrapbook. Less is often more when it comes to patterns. Choose wisely to create a sophisticated space.

14. Plastic Furniture

Plastic furniture might be great for picnics, but inside your home, it can scream “cheap and temporary.” While practical, it often lacks the elegance needed for a sophisticated decor scheme.

Opt for furniture made from durable and stylish materials. Wood, metal, or high-quality synthetics can offer both beauty and function.

Your space should reflect your style and personality, not a fast-food restaurant’s patio. Investing in quality pieces will elevate your home decor, making it anything but ordinary.

15. Fake Book Displays

Books are for reading, not just decoration. Fake book displays can feel inauthentic and staged, like a movie set rather than a home.

Real books tell a story about your interests and personality, adding depth to your decor. Create an authentic display with books you’ve read or plan to enjoy. A genuine collection can serve as both a visual and intellectual focal point.

Your bookshelf should reflect your unique taste, not a generic style catalog. Authenticity is always in vogue.

16. Misaligned Wall Art

Crooked wall art can make your home feel more funhouse than fine art gallery. Misaligned pieces create visual chaos and disrupt the flow of a room. Achieving balance and symmetry is key to a polished look.

Use measuring tools or templates to ensure even spacing and alignment.

A carefully curated gallery wall can enhance your design and captivate visitors. Your art deserves to be showcased, not skewed. Hang with precision to elevate your space.

17. Faux Finishes

Faux finishes can be fabulous, but when done poorly, they look like a cheap cover-up. Imitation marble or wood can lack the depth and richness of real materials, diminishing the overall decor quality.

Invest in authentic materials when possible, or choose high-quality imitations that closely mimic the real thing.

Your home should reflect genuine elegance, not a poorly executed illusion. Quality finishes create a lasting impression, ensuring your decor stands the test of time. Choose wisely for a timeless look.

18. Pattern Overkill

Patterns are like spices—use too many, and your decor will leave a bad taste. Mixing too many patterns can create visual chaos, leaving rooms feeling cluttered and disconnected.

Harmonizing your textiles and prints will bring a sense of cohesion. Select a dominant pattern and complement it with subtle designs to enhance your decor.

Balance is key in creating an aesthetically pleasing environment. Your home should tell a story, not resemble a pattern-on-pattern crime scene. Choose wisely for a harmonious look.

19. Excessive Theming

Is it a theme park or a home? Excessive theming can make spaces feel gimmicky rather than genuine. While a hint of theme can add character, going overboard can cheapen the decor and limit design versatility.

Incorporate subtle elements that reflect the theme while maintaining a balance with the rest of your decor. A nod to the beach shouldn’t mean seashell overload.

Your home should feel cohesive and comfortable, not like an attraction. Moderation is key to thematic success.

20. Cliché Wall Quotes

Inspirational quotes are uplifting, but cliché wall art can feel impersonal and overdone. While words can motivate, overused phrases can detract from a sophisticated decor scheme.

Opt for unique art pieces or personal touches that resonate with your style. Your wall decor should inspire, not just fill space with platitudes.

Authenticity in design speaks volumes, making your home truly yours. Let your decor inspire through originality and creativity.

21. Tacky Accessories

One person’s treasure is another’s tacky nightmare. Over-the-top accessories can overwhelm a space, making it feel cluttered and cheap. Opt for meaningful pieces that enhance the room’s aesthetic instead.

Curate your decor with intention, choosing accessories that reflect your style and complement the overall design.

Your home should feel like a sanctuary, not a souvenir shop. Quality over quantity is the key to classy accessorizing.

22. Distracting Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can be a breeze, but outdated models can leave your decor feeling stuck in the past. Noisy, clunky fans distract from the sleek, modern aesthetic you’re aiming for.

Upgrade to a stylish, quiet fan that complements your decor. The right fan can enhance comfort and style, circulating air without circulating design faux pas.

Keep your decor fresh and functional with thoughtful upgrades. Your ceiling deserves some love too.

23. Overdone Gallery Walls

Gallery walls should showcase art, not compete for attention. Overdoing it can make your wall feel more like clutter than a curated collection. Balance is crucial in displaying your artwork.

Select a cohesive theme or color scheme to bring harmony to your gallery. Your wall should invite admiration, not overwhelm the senses. Curate with care to create a focal point that’s both beautiful and personal.

24. Badly Painted Trim

Painted trim can frame a room beautifully, but sloppy edges can cheapen your decor. Uneven or chipped trim paint distracts from an otherwise polished look.

Take time to prepare and execute painting projects with precision, using painter’s tape for clean lines.

A well-painted trim can highlight your room’s architecture and elevate the entire space. Your decor deserves attention to detail, from top to bottom.

25. Low-Quality Bedding

Your bed should be an oasis, not a reminder of your college dorm. Low-quality bedding can feel uncomfortable and look unattractive.

Investing in luxurious sheets and supportive pillows isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about quality of life. Choose materials that offer comfort and style, creating a sanctuary for restful sleep.

Your bedding should invite relaxation, enveloping you in softness and elegance. Transform your sleep space into a dreamland with thoughtful selections.

26. Forgotten Ceilings

Look up! Ceilings often become the forgotten surface, left plain and uninspired. Neglecting this space can diminish the overall impact of your decor.

Consider painting, adding textures, or incorporating architectural details for interest. Your ceiling is an integral part of the room’s design, deserving as much attention as walls and floors.

Elevate your decor by transforming this blank canvas into a stunning feature. A well-dressed ceiling creates a truly cohesive and captivating space.