Setting up your home for the first time can feel like stepping into a dream but with one wrong move it might start feeling more like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. Whether you’ve just moved into your first apartment or you’re finally revamping your family flat, decorating isn’t just about buying pretty things—it’s about creating a space that feels right.
Unfortunately, most beginners make the same decor mistakes that lead to cluttered, disconnected, or even impractical spaces. Here are the top home decor mistakes to avoid, and smart ways to fix them.
1. Mistake: Prioritising Form Over Function
That sleek, ultra-modern chair might look Instagram-worthy, but if it’s awkward to sit on, it’s going to end up in a corner collecting dust.
Why it’s a problem:
A home that looks good but doesn’t feel good won’t keep you or your guests comfortable.
What to do instead:
Always ask: Will I actually use this? If you’re shopping for a wall painting, don’t pick one just because it’s trending or expensive. Instead, choose something that speaks to you. Maybe a calming ‘Meditating Ganesha’ painting for your meditation corner, or a vibrant wildlife or nature painting for your hallway. Personal joy always trumps perfection.
2. Mistake: Overcrowding with Decor Items
We’ve all been there, buying one too many candle holders, figurines, or vases during Diwali sales.
Why it’s a problem:
An over-decorated space doesn’t just feel chaotic—it makes cleaning harder and robs your favourite pieces of attention.
What to do instead:
Think of your home like a good thali. Each item has a purpose and enough space to be appreciated. Start with 3–5 statement pieces per room, and give them breathing room. Rotating decor seasonally also keeps your space fresh and clutter-free.
3. Mistake: Leaving Walls Bare (or Overdoing Them)
Some people leave walls totally empty. Others cover every inch with art, shelves, and clocks.
Why it’s a problem:
Walls are visual anchors. Ignoring them (or overwhelming them) makes your room feel incomplete or chaotic.
What to do instead:
Strike a balance. Use your wall to tell a story—perhaps a gallery wall of family photos, a Radha Krishna painting above the bed, or floating shelves with travel souvenirs. Mirrors, especially in narrow Mumbai hallways or smaller flats, help open up space and reflect natural light.
4. Mistake: Not Measuring Before Buying
You fell in love with a tall brass God idol online but when it arrives, it doesn’t even fit into your puja shelf. Classic rookie move.
Why it’s a problem:
Size mismatch can throw off balance, make movement difficult, and cost you unnecessary returns or replacements.
What to do instead:
Keep a measuring tape handy and note down dimensions before shopping—especially online. Look for reference images showing scale (like objects or hands next to the item). No size mentioned? That’s a red flag. Skip it or contact the seller.
5. Mistake: Following Every Decor Trend Blindly
From “Japandi” to “Minimaluxe”, there’s always a new trend being pushed online. But what works in a Tokyo loft might not suit your Mumbai apartment or Delhi villa.
Why it’s a problem:
Trendy spaces age fast and might feel alien to your lifestyle or cultural habits.
What to do instead:
Use trends for inspiration, not imitation. If you like the earthy tones of Japandi, introduce a wooden bench or neutral rug—but skip the full overhaul. Infuse your personal story through local art, family heirlooms, or a colour that reminds you of your childhood home.
6. Mistake: Skipping a Colour Plan
Does your living room feel like Holi exploded inside it? This usually happens when you pick decor without a colour vision.
Why it’s a problem:
Uncoordinated colours make the room feel busy and restless. It also becomes harder to swap or upgrade items later.
What to do instead:
Pick a 2–3 colour palette before you begin. Choose one base colour (like beige or grey), one accent (like emerald green or terracotta), and one metallic (like gold or brass). This gives you a structure while still leaving room for creativity. You can use Canva or Pinterest to create a mood board before committing to any theme.
Conclusion
Decorating your space isn’t about filling it with things, it’s about creating a feeling. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll save money, time, and future headaches. Most importantly, you’ll build a space that grows with you.
Start slow. Let your space evolve. And trust your instincts—if something makes you smile every time you walk past it, that’s the right choice.
Looking to Shop for Home Decor That Reflects You?
Check out Satguru’s. It is a well-loved home decor store based in Mumbai, featured in The New York Times as one of the top 5 places to shop in the city. Their curated collection of paintings, brass God idols, elegant wall clocks, and handcrafted figurines helps you blend tradition with modern design beautifully.
Whether you’re after a calming Buddha statue or a vibrant Durga Mata marble idol, there’s something that will match both your aesthetic and your intention. Shop Now.
