I'm an interior designer. Here are 7 things that should never be in your living room
Furniture that takes up too much — or too little — space can be distracting.
It's important to consider scale when mapping out any space. If your living room has a sofa that's too large, it can make the room feel small. In turn, having a sofa that's too small will make the room look empty.
Before purchasing any furniture, I recommend finding the specs and taping those dimensions on the floor. This will allow you to really visualize how much space the item will take up.
Plastic light switches and outlet covers lack personality.
Another pet peeve of mine is outlet and light-switch covers being an afterthought. I've seen homes that have thousands of dollars worth of renovations — but the outlets are concealed by plastic covers you can find at a dollar store.
Updating plastic covers to something more luxe is one of the easiest things you can do to upgrade your living space. There are some great options on Amazon, or, if you're like me and like to shop in person, Menards also carries a good selection.
Steer clear of shiny paint finishes.
High- or semi-gloss paint finishes give walls a shiny, almost oily look. However, I think this overly reflective style screams "outdated."
A more subdued wall finish can let the furniture and art make a statement without competing with a shiny wall. Minimal sheen is also easier on the eyes and gives the overall aesthetic of the space a more relaxed tone.
This story was originally published on October 1, 2022, and most recently updated on May 19, 2026.
