We all have those purchases we regret, especially when it comes to home décor. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a sale or to be swayed by a trendy item that doesn’t actually fit your style or space. I’ve certainly been there, and I’ve learned that it’s not just about wasted money—these ill-fitting items can also clutter up your space and create unnecessary stress. To help you avoid the same mistakes, here are twelve things I wish I’d never bought for my living room.
1. Oversized Furniture
When I moved into my new apartment, I was excited to have more space and decided to fill it with a giant sectional sofa. Unfortunately, I soon realized that it made the room look smaller and more cramped than it really was. Not only that, but its size made it difficult to arrange other furniture around it.
To avoid this mistake, I recommend measuring your space before purchasing any large furniture. Take into consideration doorways and hallways that the furniture needs to pass through. Also, consider how the furniture will affect the flow of the room. A smaller, more modestly sized piece may work better and give you more flexibility.
2. Trendy Decorative Items
I’ll admit, I’ve fallen for the allure of trendy items more than once. I’ve bought pieces that looked cool on Instagram or in a magazine, only to realize later that they didn’t fit my personal style or the overall aesthetic of my living room.
When you’re considering a trendy item, take a moment to think about how it will fit into your home. Will it still look good in a few years, or is it a passing fad? It’s better to invest in timeless pieces that you’ll love for years to come.
3. Cheaply Made Furniture
In an effort to save money, I’ve bought cheap furniture that ended up costing me more in the long run. These pieces often didn’t last long and needed to be replaced frequently. Not to mention, they didn’t provide the comfort or style that I was seeking for my living room.
While it’s understandable to want to save money, it’s worth investing in high-quality, durable furniture. You’ll save money in the long run, and you’ll have pieces that are comfortable and look great in your space. Look for furniture made with good materials and solid construction, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
4. Uncomfortable Seating
I’ve made the mistake of prioritizing style over comfort when it comes to seating. Sure, that sleek modern chair looked great in the store, but after sitting on it for more than a few minutes, I realized it was incredibly uncomfortable.
When choosing seating for your living room, comfort should be a top priority. After all, this is where you’ll be relaxing and entertaining guests. Test out chairs and sofas before buying, and consider the comfort of your guests as well.
5. Too Many Throw Pillows
In a misguided attempt to add color and coziness to my living room, I once bought way too many throw pillows. Not only did they make the space feel cluttered, but they also became a hassle to move around when I wanted to sit or lie down on the sofa.
Throw pillows can be a great way to add a pop of color or pattern to your living room, but moderation is key. Choose a few that you really love and that complement your overall décor. And remember, your sofa should be a place to relax, not a storage space for pillows.
6. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
I’ve learned the hard way that wall-to-wall carpeting is not the best choice for a living room. It’s difficult to clean, prone to staining, and can make a room feel dated.
Instead of wall-to-wall carpeting, consider area rugs. They’re easier to clean, can be changed out when you want a new look, and add a cozy touch to your living room without overwhelming the space.
7. Impulse Art Purchases
Art is a great way to personalize your living room, but I’ve regretted some impulse art purchases in the past. Whether it was a piece that didn’t fit the space or one that I quickly tired of, these purchases ended up being a waste of money.
Take your time when choosing art for your living room. Consider the size, colors, and subject matter. Remember, you’ll be living with this art every day, so make sure it’s something you love and that fits your style.
8. Too Much Matching Furniture
In the past, I thought that all my living room furniture needed to match perfectly. But this resulted in a space that felt too uniform and lacked character.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match furniture styles and finishes. This can create a more interesting and personalized space. Just be sure to keep a common thread, like color or material, to keep the room cohesive.
9. Overly Bright Lighting
I once bought a floor lamp with a super bright bulb for my living room, thinking it would be great for reading. But the harsh light was not relaxing and didn’t create the cozy atmosphere I wanted.
Consider the activities you’ll be doing in your living room and choose lighting accordingly. Opt for adjustable lighting or use different lamps for different tasks. A mix of overhead, task, and accent lighting can create a warm and inviting space.
10. Unused Exercise Equipment
I once bought a stationary bike with the intention of using it while watching TV. However, it quickly became an eyesore and took up valuable space.
If you’re short on space, consider multifunctional or foldable exercise equipment. Better yet, keep the living room for living and leave the exercise equipment for a dedicated home gym or bedroom.
11. Fragile Decorations
In an effort to make my living room look sophisticated, I once bought a bunch of fragile, expensive decorations. Unfortunately, they were not practical for my lifestyle and quickly got damaged.
Choose decorations that are durable and easy to clean, especially if you have kids or pets. Remember, your living room should be a comfortable and welcoming space, not a museum.
12. Too Many Side Tables
Side tables are handy, but I once had so many that my living room started to look like a furniture showroom. They took up too much space and made the room feel cluttered.
Think about your needs before buying side tables. Do you really need a table on each side of your sofa, or would one be enough? Keep your living room functional and spacious by choosing furniture pieces wisely.
