1. OVERSIZED FURNITURE
The design of your living room furniture will of course have an impact on the space, but the size of the pieces you choose can also have an effect, and designers warn going too big can bring down the aesthetics.
2. UNDERSIZED RUGS
Nothing shrinks a room and makes it look cheap like a rug that's too small. Always opt for a larger living room rug that the majority of your furniture can sit on top of. 'Undersized rugs have to be the biggest mistake that we see people make in living rooms. Rugs are expensive so often it can seem logical to opt for a smaller cheaper rug, but it is a false economy.' says designer Cherie Lee.
3. FAKING ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
If you have the budget to really invest in adding architectural features to a living room, it can work to make a living room look more expensive, but get it even slightly off and it instantly cheapens a living room and can look really jarring.
4. NOT INVESTING IN THE KEY PIECES
The rule of quality not quantity applies here. Easiest way to not make a living room look cheap? Invest in the key pieces that are going to be the focal point of your room. Save on the decor that doesn't need to last as long or won't be as noticed.
5. CURTAINS IN SOLID COLORS AND CHEAP FABRICS
Living room curtains may not seem like a big part of your space, but get them wrong and you will really notice it. Going for cheap, block color drapes in a heavy, synthetic fabric will instantly cheapen your living room. With so many beautiful affordable options out there, this one is really easy to avoid too.
6. NEGLECTING LIGHTING
'Neglecting lighting can bring down the feel of a living room. Inadequate or poorly chosen lighting can diminish the room's ambiance and overall appeal.' says Dara Huang. Living room lighting sets the tone of the room, and is important as the color of your walls or the design of your sofa. Get it wrong and your room can feel harsh and cold, get it right and you create a space that's warm and welcoming. Plus, good lighting can hide a multitude of sins elsewhere in the room.