Interior designers have shared five common features that can make a living room look cheap and tacky. According to experts, removing or modifying these elements can instantly elevate the room's sophistication without breaking the bank.
Mirrored Accessories Overload
Designer Terri Brien advises packing away mirrored accessories. "What may have once felt glam now reads as cheap and mass-produced," she told Real Simple. While a touch of shine can still feel chic, too many glittering surfaces create an impression of a mall decor haul rather than a thoughtfully curated space. If you can't part with everything, at least scale back the collection.
Faux Fur Throws
Terri Brien is also unenthusiastic about faux fur throws unless they are of superior quality and in excellent condition. Flattened throws appear particularly outdated. "What once read as cosy now just looks cheap and tired," she said. She recommends opting for a traditional wool or knit throw instead.
Accent Walls
Designer Jamie Gasparovic, founder of Studio Gaspo, is against accent walls. She told The Spruce: "It looks like you cheapened out, and the space looks incomplete and a little amateur." She urges homeowners to apply trim work, paint, or wallpaper across all four walls for a more finished, sophisticated appearance.
No Clear Colour Scheme
Laura Chiddey, home interior expert at Fabb Furniture, warns that having numerous colours that fail to complement each other can "create a busy, unpleasant atmosphere" and make the room look cheaper. She advises sticking to neutral, understated colours. Interior designer Nicolene Mausenbaum agreed, telling Ideal Home that "a limited colour palette makes a space look more curated and expensive." This doesn't mean you can't add a pop of colour occasionally, but mixing conflicting tones produces a fragmented impression.
Badly Hung Curtains
Laura Chiddey explains that short curtains make a room look unfinished and cheap. "Curtains add depth and character to a room, so it's crucial to get this feature right," she said. Instead, opt for long, fuller curtains that touch the ground to add an extra touch of luxury.
