Top 5 Interior Design Mistakes That Make Rooms Feel Smaller

When it comes to interior design, even the tiniest missteps can make a space feel cramped, cluttered, and claustrophobic. At Findertory, we believe that great design is not just about what you add but also about what you avoid. Whether you’re decorating a studio apartment in Santo Domingo or a beachfront villa in Punta Cana, understanding what not to do is crucial. Here are the top 5 interior design mistakes that can unintentionally shrink your space, and how to avoid them with flair.

1. Overcrowding the Room with Furniture

One oversized sectional, a coffee table the size of a pool table, and a few extra chairs “just in case” before you know it, your living room feels like a warehouse sale.

Why it hurts: Overcrowding disrupts flow and reduces visual breathing room. Even large spaces can feel smaller when every inch is occupied.

The fix: Choose furniture with slimmer profiles and exposed legs. Use multifunctional pieces like ottomans with storage or wall-mounted desks. Leave intentional negative space to allow the eye to rest.

Think: “Marie Kondo meets Scandinavian chic.” Less mass = more class.

2. Ignoring the Power of Light

If you’re treating lighting as an afterthought, your space is paying the price.

Why it hurts: Poor lighting flattens the room and emphasizes shadows, making it feel closed in.

The fix: Maximize natural light wherever possible. Use mirrors to reflect it. Layer your lighting: ambient (overhead), task (reading lamps), and accent (spotlights or LED strips). Choose light-colored window treatments that don’t block daylight.

As we say at Findertory: “A dark room is just a sad closet with furniture.”

3. Choosing the Wrong Color Palette

Love that deep forest green or moody navy? Us too. But if used poorly, dark tones can visually compress a space.

Why it hurts: Dark walls absorb light, especially if the room is small and lacks windows. It can make the space feel like a shoebox.

The fix: Stick to light and neutral tones for walls and large surfaces if space is a concern. If you love bold colors, use them as accents—in throw pillows, art, or a statement rug.

Paint with caution. Your walls are not Batman’s cave unless that’s your thing (no judgment).

4. Neglecting Vertical Space

We often think in square footage, but forget about cubic footage.

Why it hurts: Low furniture, bare walls, and lack of vertical storage leave a room feeling grounded and heavy.

The fix: Use tall bookcases, vertical artwork, or wall-mounted plants to draw the eye upward. Consider floating shelves and tall mirrors. Make your ceilings part of the design conversation.

Rule of thumb: “When in doubt, think height not heft.”

5. Overdoing Decor and Patterns

Gallery walls, patterned rugs, textured throws, and decorative bowls—oh my.

Why it hurts: Too many visual stimuli compete for attention, creating chaos instead of cohesion. The space feels noisy, busy, and ironically, smaller.

The fix: Embrace balance. Choose one or two statement pieces and let them shine. Use patterns strategically, and contrast them with solid colors to maintain harmony.

A curated space is like a great playlist. Don’t let every object try to be the lead singer.

Big Impact, Small Adjustments

Interior design is both art and science. Sometimes, the most impactful changes are the smallest ones literally. By avoiding these five mistakes, you’re not just optimizing space; you’re enhancing comfort, clarity, and beauty.

At Findertory, we specialize in making every inch count. Whether you lean minimalist, maximalist, or somewhere in between, smart design starts with smart choices.

Keywords: interior design mistakes, small room tips, how to make rooms look bigger, small space decorating, interior hacks, space-saving ideas, Findertory interiors, visual space, smart furniture, room lighting tips.