Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid: Lessons from Common Decorating Errors

Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid | Mollywood Furniture Dothan AL

Why Talking About Mistakes Matters

Interior design is exciting, but it’s also easy to get wrong. A sofa that’s too big, curtains hung too low, or clashing styles can throw off an entire room. The good news? Most design mistakes are simple to avoid once you know what to look for.

At Mollywood Furniture in Dothan, AL, we’ve seen it all — from Wiregrass farmhouses overwhelmed by oversized furniture to coastal 30A retreats that felt more cluttered than breezy. Here’s a list of common design mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Buying Furniture That’s Too Big (or Too Small)

Scale is one of the biggest issues we see.

• Too Big: A massive sectional crammed into a small Wiregrass living room overwhelms the space.

• Too Small: Tiny sofas in open-concept coastal homes look lost.

Solution: Measure your space before shopping. Use painter’s tape to map out dimensions. Choose furniture that fills but doesn’t crowd your room.

👉 Explore our Living Room Furniture page for sofas and sectionals in a range of sizes.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Flow & Function

Every room needs a natural flow.

• Common Error: Blocking walkways with bulky furniture.

• Result: A space that feels cramped and awkward.

Solution: Leave 30–36 inches of clearance for walkways. Arrange furniture for conversation, not just TV viewing.

👉 Our can help with layout planning.

Mistake #3: Hanging Art Incorrectly

Artwork can elevate a room — but only if it’s placed properly.

• Too High: Makes ceilings feel lower.

• Too Small: Looks out of proportion above sofas or beds.

Solution: Hang artwork so the center is about 57–60 inches from the floor. Scale pieces to two-thirds the width of the furniture.

👉 Learn more in our Wall Art Placement Guide.

Mistake #4: Forgetting Lighting Layers

Many homeowners rely on just one overhead light — which creates harsh shadows.

Solution: Layer lighting:

• Overhead pendants for general light.

• Table lamps for warmth.

• Floor lamps or sconces for accent.

👉 Browse our Lighting collection for coastal, farmhouse, and modern styles.

Mistake #5: Matching Everything

A room full of matching furniture feels flat.

• Example: Buying a full “bedroom set” with no variety.

• Result: Lacks character.

Solution: Mix textures and styles. Pair a modern sofa with a rustic coffee table. Use antique accents with new buffets.

👉 Read our Mixing Old & New Furniture Guide.

Mistake #6: Skipping Rugs or Choosing the Wrong Size

Rugs anchor furniture. Without them, rooms feel incomplete.

Solution: Choose rugs that extend under front legs of sofas or fully under dining tables. Too-small rugs make spaces feel unbalanced.

👉 Explore our Rugs page for farmhouse neutrals and coastal jutes.

Mistake #7: Neglecting Storage

Clutter can ruin even the best design.

Solution: Choose furniture with built-in storage:

• Buffets for dining rooms.

• Ottomans for living rooms.

• Storage beds for bedrooms.

👉 See our Buffets & Sideboards and Storage Solutions.

Mistake #8: Forgetting Personality

Homes should feel personal, not like a furniture showroom.

Solution: Layer in pottery, greenery, candles, and family pieces.

👉 Our Décor & Accessories and Southern Oak Candle Co. lines help bring warmth to your home.

Mistake #9: Ignoring Seasonal Changes

A room that looks great in summer may feel cold in winter.

Solution: Swap accents seasonally — lighter fabrics in summer, cozy textures in fall and winter.

👉 Visit our Seasonal Home Refresh Guide for inspiration.

Local Inspiration

Wiregrass Farmhouse Mistakes We See

• Oversized sectionals in small living rooms.

• Heavy curtains that block natural light.

• Skipping rugs on hardwood floors.

Coastal 30A Mistakes We See

• Cluttering airy spaces with too many accessories.

• Using dark, heavy furniture in light-filled cottages.

• Forgetting slipcovers for easy cleaning in vacation rentals.

FAQs About Interior Design Mistakes

Q: What’s the #1 design mistake?

Buying furniture without measuring the space first.

Q: Can I mix farmhouse and coastal styles?

Yes — both emphasize natural textures; just keep colors consistent.

Q: How do I know if my rug is too small?

If your furniture doesn’t touch it, it’s undersized.

Q: Is it okay to buy matching furniture sets?

Yes, but break them up with accents to avoid a showroom look.

Why Shop Mollywood Furniture for Design Help?

• 35+ years of experience serving Dothan and beyond.

• Expert sourcing of farmhouse, coastal, and modern imports.

• Delivery within 150 miles, reaching the Wiregrass, Atlanta, and 30A coast.

• Styling expertise available through our.

Final Word: Mistakes Are Easy to Avoid

The difference between a room that feels “off” and one that feels inviting often comes down to avoiding a few simple mistakes. By focusing on scale, flow, lighting, and personality, your home will feel balanced and beautiful.

📍 Visit Mollywood Furniture in Dothan, AL for sofas, dining tables, rugs, and décor that avoid these pitfalls. Serving the Wiregrass and 30A coastal towns, we’ll help you design with confidence.

✨ Shop local. Design smart. Love your home.