Even the most beautifully styled living rooms can feel a little "off" if the layout isn’t working. A great layout isn't just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that works with how you live, move, and gather.

The good news? Most of these design mistakes are easy to fix with a few thoughtful tweaks—no full-blown reno needed.

Here are 9 living room layout mistakes you might be making—and exactly how to fix them.

1. Pushing All the Furniture Against the Walls

We get it—you want to make the room feel bigger. But hugging every piece of furniture to the wall just creates a weird empty dance floor in the middle (and not the fun kind). Instead, try floating your sofa or chairs a few inches in to create a more inviting layout.

This shift will help define a more inviting layout—especially when paired with a coffee table and an accent rug to tie it all together.

2. Skipping a Rug (or Choosing the Wrong Size)

Rugs might fly under the radar, but they’re total game-changers for your space. No rug at all can make the room feel cold and disconnected, while one that’s too small can make your space feel crowded or even smaller. Your rug should sit beneath the front legs at least tie everything together while adding that much needed texture.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure on size, go larger. A slightly oversized rug looks intentional—while a too-small one can make the whole layout feel cramped.

3. Buying a Matching Furniture Set

It might seem like a safe bet, but a fully matched set can leave your living room feeling flat and overly staged. The most inviting spaces feel layered and personal, with a mix of textures and tones.

Try combining your sofa (bonus points for performance fabric) with a softer, natural wood coffee table, or mixing metal finishes for added depth. The goal? A look that feels collected over time—not pulled from a catalog.

Even just swapping out one piece—like an accent chair or textured side table—can shift the whole energy of the room. Start small and build as you go; the beauty is in the mix.

4. Forgetting to Scale (Yes, Decor Counts Too!)

Scale isn’t just for furniture. When decor pieces like art, lighting, or accent chairs are out of proportion, the room can feel a little off—even if everything is beautiful on its own. If your artwork feels too small above the sofa, or your rug barely extends past the furniture legs, it’s likely a scale issue. Aim for pieces that complement the size of your furniture and space and don’t forget to layer (see mistake 7 for more deats)! Getting the proportions right helps everything feel more balanced.

5. Not Considering the Flow of Traffic

A beautiful room isn’t much help if it’s hard to move through. Pay attention to the way people naturally walk through your space, especially between key areas like the entryway, seating, and doors.

Ideally, you want at least 30–36 inches of clearance in main pathways to avoid that cramped, side-step shuffle. A well-designed layout should feel easy to navigate and welcoming—whether you're hosting guests or just grabbing a snack mid-movie. It’s about creating comfort through function, not just form.

6. Too Many Oversized Throw Pillows

We love a good pillow moment, but let’s not go overboard. If you have to move three pillows just to sit down, it might be time to dial it back. Aim for 2–3 pillows on each end of your sofa with varied shapes and textures. For double-sided seating, a few centered pillows can add just enough softness without overwhelming the space.

And if they’re swallowing your seating? Swap a few out for smaller or more structured options. Pillows should invite you in, not block your seat.

Pro Tip: Look for pillow inserts in the 20"–22" range for your sofa, and opt for covers with zippers so you can easily switch them out as the seasons (or your style)—change.

7. Overdecorating Every Surface

It’s tempting to fill every shelf and tabletop with something, but visual clutter can quickly take over. When styling your surfaces every piece should have a reason for being there. Layer items with different heights and textures, leave a little breathing room between objects and be intentional about what stays and what goes.

Pro tip: You don’t have to show off everything at once. Rotate items seasonally or store extras to keep things fresh, intentional, and easy on the eyes.

8. Leaving Walls Blank

Blank walls can make your space feel unfinished, but adding art doesn’t mean defaulting to generic prints. Instead, look for pieces that spark interest—whether it’s a bold abstract, a moody landscape, or something personal like photography or hand-collected finds.

Want to take it to the next level? A statement wall—whether it’s wallpapered, painted, or textured—can do a lot of heavy lifting. It’s a great way to bring in an added color or contrast to the space.

You don’t need to decorate every inch—just one well-decorated wall can make the whole room feel more pulled together.

9. Skimping on Storage

If your living room looks like a lost-and-found by the end of the day, it’s probably time to level up your storage game. Think baskets, storage ottomans, or a media console with hidden compartments.

Use trays to collect remotes and coasters, tuck away toys or blankets in lidded bins. Consider choosing furniture pieces that double as functional and beautiful, like a coffee table with drawers. You don’t need to see everything you own to know it’s there. And let’s be honest: out of sight, out of stress!

Not sure where to start or how to bring your space to life? Whether you’re redesigning a single room with new furnishings or reimagining your entire home, our design team is here to help.

Contact us today to get started—we’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up!

9 Mistakes You’re Making with Your Living Room Layout (and How to Fix Them)