How to Fix a Room That Feels Off
Does something about your room feel off? These decorating tips will help you pinpoint what’s wrong and fix it so your home feels right.
Sometimes the second you walk into a room you feel like something is off but you can’t figure out exactly what it is that doesn’t feel quite right. While the colors may be fine, the furniture may look good, and you may have added little touches to accessorize, the room still can feel unfinished or even uncomfortable.
You’re not alone if you’ve ever felt like a space in your home is “off.” Let’s go through a few common decorating drawbacks and how to overcome them.
Step Back and Look at the Layout
The way furniture is arranged in a room is a potential factor making a room not look quite right. If the pieces are too cramped, too far apart, or aren’t centered around a focal point, the space’s balance could be off.
Laying out a room with good intentions should inspire conversation and feeling welcoming as you step into the space.
Start by moving one or two larger pieces in order to see if the room flows better. A lot of the time, pulling furniture pieces away from the walls and creating a cozy seating arrangement is all it takes.
If you feel stuck when putting together this room layout, take a look at my living room layout ideas, where I walk through different approaches at arranging furniture in real-life spaces. You may be surprised at how a simple switch, like floating the sofa or repositioning a pair of chairs can completely shift the feel of a space.
When working with a trickier space, such as one with multiple architectural features or fireplaces, check my tips on what to do if you have two focal points in your living room.
With the right layout, you can instantly change the feel of your space and create this balance while showcasing intention.
Check the Scale and Proportion
Oftentimes, when the furniture, rug, or decor pieces aren’t the right size for the space it can make a room look off.
Scale and proportion are part of the core principles of interior design—guidelines that designers use to create spaces that feel balanced and pulled together. They play a major role in how comfortable and harmonious a room feels.
Using the foyer in our new-to-us house as an example, you’ll see that it took me a few tries to get the scale of the entry table correct.
This one is just right – the perfect, width, height and depth.
Other common problem areas to watch out for:
- A rug that is too small could potentially make the room feel disconnected.
- Lamps that are also too small won’t give enough presence or balance on a side table.
- Taking it a step further, even artwork that isn’t hung at the right height on the wall can throw the entire room off.
While you may not follow every principle perfectly, being mindful of how big or small each piece is compared to others can ultimately bring your room into alignment.
One of my favorite tricks is to “shop” my own home and swap some of my own pieces around until I am satisfied with a combination. A larger lamp from a bedroom may suite the living room better, or a more substantial coffee table may anchor the seating area better than a more delicate one.
By paying attention to proportion, you can make small tweaks that create the biggest differences in your spaces.
Pay Attention to Color Balance
While you may love your color palette, it is possible to have too much of one shade. A space filled with only neutrals may fall flat, but too much of a bold color can feel overwhelming.
Use the 60-30-10 rule as a guide: 60% of a main color, 30% of a secondary color, and 10% of an accent. This easy ratio helps keep the colors in your spaces balanced without feeling too matchy-matchy.
If you struggle to choose shades that work well together, take a look at my guide on how to choose paint colors for a room, that breaks down where to start and how to avoid common mistakes in color palettes.
But, if you’re ready to go beyond the basics, my post on decorating with color gives various tips for using color in a way that feels stylish and livable.
By giving a room the right balance of color, it can completely change the way the space feels. For example, adding just a few accents of a contrasting shade in pillows, throws, or artwork can easily wake up a space that may be too neutral.
Add Layers for Warmth and Depth
A common mistake in a room that may feel off is that it is missing layers. Think of curtains, pillows, throws, rugs, and accessories as the finishing touches in a room giving it personality.
Without these decorations, the space can often feel bare and uninviting. This can happen even if the larger furniture pieces are all in place.
Layering is more than simply adding pieces just for the sake of adding more stuff—it’s the intentional mix of textures, patterns, and finishes that helps a room feel complete. Everyday items such as baskets, trays, and textiles can be used in layered combinations to add depth and interest without making the space look cluttered.
One simple starting point to adding layers is through fabric. Mix smooth finishes like leather or glass with cozier materials like knit throws, linen pillows, or a textured rug.
A layered room looks much better and also feels more comfortable encouraging you to spend more time in that space.
Consider the Lighting
One of the most overlooked factors of decorating is lighting. However, it has the power to completely change how a room feels.
If your space feels gloomy or unfinished, you may not have enough light sources or the right type of light fixtures. A good idea is to have at least three sources of light in every room. This includes overhead, task, and accent lighting.
Table lamps are one of the easiest ways to add both function and beauty, but getting the right size is important. Too small of a lamp will look out of place or get lost in the room, while too tall of a table lamp can overpower the table that it sits on.
But also don’t be afraid to combine different light sources, like a pair of lamps on end tables, a floor lamp beside a chair, or sconces on the wall. Layered lighting will add to your home in functionality and will also create a warm, cozy glow that makes a room feel inviting at any time of the day.
Edit and Simplify
Sometimes a room can feel off because it has too much going on. Too many accessories, too many furniture pieces, or too many different styles can leave a space feeling disordered and careless.
Editing can be a simple solution to this issue. By taking a few things away, you can see if the room breathes easier as less sometimes really is more.
One of my favorite ways to simplify a room is by rearranging and reusing pieces that I already own. Try moving a piece from one room to another or only using accessories that fit the space to make a difference and save money.
When it comes to decorating, editing a room is similar to the fashion rule that says to put your outfit together, then take one thing away. The same idea applies to a room—removing an item with intention can make the space feel lighter, brighter, and more balanced.
Trust Your Gut
One of the most important parts of decorating is that it isn’t about following every rule perfectly. Instead, it is about creating a space that feels like home to you.
If you feel something is off, make the change. It could be a color that clashes, a piece of furniture that doesn’t fit right in your space, or just that too many things are competing for attention. Find what catches your eye in a negative way and adjust it until it fits your desires.
Your home is your own and does not have to look like anyone else’s. While rules and tips for decorating can be helpful when you feel a little lost, they aren’t meant to keep you from designing how you like, just to simply guide you.
Lots of really great information in this post.
I’m in the process of completely redecorating my living room from scratch. The addition of new built-in’s has completely changed the rooms feel.
Thank you for today’s post. I will be referring back to it again and again.