10 decorating tricks you’ll regret once you actually live with them

Some decorating tricks look clever on social media but get old fast in real life. Either they’re too hard to keep up with, or they start to feel more like clutter than design. These are the ones people tend to regret once they’re actually living with them.

Open Kitchen Shelving

It looks clean and modern in photos, but it takes constant upkeep to keep it looking tidy. Dust, grease, and clutter build up fast—especially near the stove.

Unless you’re committed to minimalist dishes and regular wiping, it’s not practical for everyday life. Cabinets hide a lot of real-world mess.

Layered Rugs

The look is popular, but in high-traffic areas, layered rugs can slide around, bunch up, or become tripping hazards. Plus, they’re a pain to vacuum properly.

They work better in staged rooms than real ones. If you’re not careful, it just looks messy or overdone.

Gallery Walls

Gallery walls can be beautiful, but they’re harder to pull off than people think. Frames shift, spacing gets tricky, and too many small pieces can start to feel chaotic.

Without a clear plan, it starts looking cluttered instead of curated. It’s one of those ideas that needs real restraint.

Fake Book Spines

Books with blank spines or “aesthetic-only” covers might look tidy, but they’re not functional. You end up hiding books you actually want to read—or buying ones that are purely decorative.

If you actually use your books, you’ll probably end up undoing the look within a few weeks.

Tiny Lamps Everywhere

Multiple small lamps might seem cozy, but they don’t always offer enough light. And you’ll end up with cords everywhere and limited space on your tables.

One well-placed floor lamp often works better than five tiny ones. Less fuss, more function.

Excess Throw Pillows

They look great on beds and couches—until you have to move ten pillows every night just to sleep. They take up space, collect dust, and become more work than they’re worth.

A couple of solid options go further than an overstuffed pile that ends up on the floor daily.

Painted Floors

Painted wood or concrete floors might seem like a quick upgrade, but they scratch and chip easily. High-traffic areas start to look worn almost immediately.

Unless you’re ready to touch them up regularly, it’s often more trouble than it’s worth.

Artificial Fireplaces

They look cozy in photos, but they often feel fake once installed. Some don’t give off real heat, and many are made of lightweight materials that don’t hold up well.

If you’re using it for ambiance only, fine. But don’t expect it to feel like the real thing.

Too Much Wallpaper

An accent wall might work, but covering every room in bold wallpaper can feel overwhelming fast. What looks trendy online can be hard to live with day after day.

It’s also a pain to remove later. If you’re not 100% sold on it, it’s safer to go with paint first.

Hanging Plants Without Drainage

Hanging plants are cute until they start dripping. If the pot doesn’t drain properly, you’re risking water damage or root rot—neither of which are fun to deal with.

It takes more planning than people expect. Without the right setup, it turns into a mess fast.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.