What decorating mistakes should I avoid? What is the rule of three?

The most common mistakes are about size and light: rugs too small, art hung too high, furniture bought without measuring and a single ceiling light. The rule of three helps with decoration: group objects in threes, or other odd numbers, for a more natural look.

The rule of three

Objects grouped in threes look balanced but not stiff. Pairs feel formal, and odd numbers keep the eye moving. To make it work:

• Vary the heights: tall, medium, low.
• Vary the shapes: a vase, a stack of books, a small bowl.
• Keep one link between them: a colour, a material or a style.

Mistakes to avoid

1. Buying before measuring. Measure the room, doors, stairs and lift. A sofa that doesn't fit through the door is a common story.

2. A rug that's too small. At least the front legs of the sofa and chairs should sit on it. A small rug floating in the middle makes the room look smaller.

3. Art hung too high. Aim for the centre of the piece at about 145 to 150 cm from the floor. Above a sofa, leave about 15 to 25 cm between them.

4. Curtains hung low and short. Hang them close to the ceiling and let them touch the floor. Windows look taller.

5. One ceiling light. It flattens the room. Add lamps at different heights.

6. Everything against the walls. Pulling the sofa slightly forward, or grouping seats around a table, makes a room feel more lived in.

7. Matching sets. A sofa, armchairs and tables from the same set look like a showroom. Mix shapes and materials within one palette.

8. Choosing paint from a tiny sample. Colours change with light. Test a large patch on two walls and look at it in the morning and evening.

9. Too many small objects. Fewer, larger pieces calm a room.

Avoid them before you buy

Most of these mistakes show up clearly in a 3D render: wrong rug sizes, art heights, furniture scale and light. Fixing them on screen costs nothing.