10 Decorating Rules Designers Are Begging You to Follow—And 6 You Can Totally Skip

Interior design rules are important because they create structure, balance, and beauty in any space. Just like architects follow blueprints, professional interior designers use specific guidelines to make sure every room looks stylish, well-planned, and inviting. These design rules help them work faster and achieve stunning results, whether they’re planning a luxury living room or a cozy bedroom makeover.

The good news? You don’t need a degree in interior design to use the same tricks at home. By following a few simple design rules, anyone can create a high-end look on a budget. Whether you’re updating your home office, revamping your kitchen, or adding curb appeal to your entryway, these interior design tips will help you design like a pro.

When decorating your home, keeping a few key guidelines in mind can make your space look polished and professionally designed. These basic home décor ideas help remove the guesswork and bring harmony to your living room, bedroom, or even your small apartment design.

But not every rule is set in stone. While some interior design rules are must-follow for creating balance and style, others are flexible and can be broken in favor of creativity and personal taste. That’s why we’re here—to guide you through which decorating rules are essential and which ones you can skip. Whether you’re doing a full home renovation or just looking for quick DIY decorating tips, we’ll help you make the right choices for your space.

Design Rules You Should Always Follow

These are the golden rules of interior design that professional decorators and home improvement experts always recommend. If you want your space to look elegant, balanced, and on-trend, follow these must-know interior design tips when decorating your home.

1. Be mindful of proportions

One of the most important interior design tips is getting the proportions right. If your furniture is too big, the room will feel crowded. If it’s too small, your space might look empty or awkward—like a dollhouse. To create a comfortable and stylish layout, always choose furniture that fits the size of your room.

For example, a large living room looks best with big, comfy pieces like sectional sofas or oversized coffee tables. On the other hand, smaller rooms need slim, space-saving furniture to avoid feeling cramped. Also, make sure your furniture pieces match each other in scale. A giant couch with a tiny coffee table just won’t look right.

Following this simple furniture sizing guide helps make any room feel well-planned and inviting.

2. Pay attention to traffic flow

Furniture placement isn’t just about looks—it’s about how you live in your space. One of the most important furniture arrangement tips is to make sure everything is spaced for comfort and ease.

You should be able to walk around your living room without squeezing between furniture pieces. For example, your coffee table should be close enough to reach your drink but not so close that it’s hard to walk around. Always think about how you move through the room—this helps you design a space with good traffic flow and functionality.

Proper furniture spacing not only improves comfort but also makes your room feel more open and welcoming.

3. Follow the rule of three

The “Rule of Three” is a smart home décor styling tip that helps your space look more balanced and interesting. It’s not a strict rule, but it’s one of the easiest ways to make your decorations stand out.

This design principle says that items look better when grouped in odd numbers—especially in threes. Whether you’re decorating shelves, arranging throw pillows on a couch, or creating a gallery wall, using three similar but different objects adds depth and style.

Odd-number groupings feel more natural and eye-catching than even ones. So next time you’re styling your space, remember: three is the magic number.

4. Measure everything… twice

One of the most important interior design rules is to measure everything before you shop. Before buying any furniture, start by measuring your room to know what sizes will actually fit. Then, check the dimensions of the items you want to buy.

A great tip: use painter’s tape to outline the furniture on the floor. This helps you see how it will fit in the room and avoid costly mistakes. It’s an easy way to plan your layout and make sure the furniture is the right size for your space.

Also, don’t forget to measure for things like window treatments, wall art, shelves, and other décor. These pieces need to be the right size to look balanced and stylish. And always remember the golden rule—measure twice, buy once!

5. Layer textures

If your room feels dull or flat, you might be missing texture. Adding different materials and finishes is one of the easiest interior design tricks to make any space feel cozy and layered.

Use accent pillows, soft throw blankets, textured lampshades, or even indoor plants to bring in texture without spending much. You can also mix furniture materials—like pairing a velvet sofa with a leather armchair or using a wooden coffee table with glass side tables. This mix adds contrast and keeps your design from looking too plain.

Texture is key to creating a rich, stylish space—one that feels both warm and professionally decorated.

6. Rug size matters

A rug that’s too small can throw off the whole room. One of the top interior design rules is to make sure your rug fits your furniture properly. Ideally, all major pieces—like your sofa and chairs—should sit completely on the rug. At the very least, the front legs of each piece should rest on it.

There’s one exception: dining rooms. In that case, your rug should be large enough so that when you pull out chairs, they stay on the rug. This prevents chair legs from catching or wobbling on the edges.

If you’re unsure about size, go bigger. A large area rug helps anchor the space and makes the room feel more put together.

7. Respect the art of hanging curtains

Hanging curtains might seem easy, but doing it right makes a big difference in your room’s appearance. For a polished, designer look, your curtain panels should either just touch the floor or slightly pool at the bottom.

Mount the curtain rod higher—closer to the ceiling instead of right above the window. This window treatment tip creates the illusion of a taller room, which is great for small spaces.

Also, don’t skimp on the curtain width. When your curtains are closed, they should look full, not flat. A good rule: use curtain panels that are 1.5 to 2 times the width of your window.

These simple curtain styling tips can instantly elevate any space, from bedrooms to living rooms.

8. Mix and match your lighting

Lighting plays a big role in setting the mood of your room. That’s why interior design experts always recommend using more than one type of lighting in every space.

Start with natural light from windows, skylights, or glass doors. Then, add layered lighting for the best effect—like a stylish overhead fixture, a floor lamp in an empty corner, and small table lamps for cozy accent lighting. You can even hang wall sconces or fun neon signs for a pop of glow in unexpected places.

By mixing different lighting sources, you create a warm, balanced feel that makes your space more inviting and functional.

9. Don’t let aesthetics get in the way of function

This is Interior Design 101: Never choose style over comfort. While it’s tempting to pick that eye-catching chair or trendy coffee table, it’s not worth it if it doesn’t work well in real life.

Functional furniture is key. The best pieces are both stylish and practical—like a sofa that looks sleek but also feels amazing to sit on. Always look for items that offer both form and function. Your home should not only look good but also feel comfortable and easy to live in.

When in doubt, keep searching until you find something that does both—it’s worth it.

10. Make it your own

With so many home décor trends, styles, and product options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the most important rule in interior design basics is this: your home should feel like you.

If you love a bold color, a vintage style, or a unique décor piece that doesn’t match what’s trending—go for it. Personalized home décor is what makes your space truly special. Trust your instincts and decorate with confidence. This is your home, and every corner should reflect your personality, lifestyle, and taste—not someone else’s.

At the end of the day, the best style is the one that makes you feel at home.

Design Rules You Can Ignore

Not every rule in interior design needs to be followed to the letter. In fact, some are made to be broken. When it comes to expressing your personal style, these are the decorating guidelines you have full permission to ignore—so you can enjoy more creative freedom in your home.

1. No dark colors in small spaces

Traditional interior design advice often warns against using dark colors in small rooms. But that’s one rule you can definitely break. In reality, rich, bold paint colors can make a small space feel cozy, dramatic, and full of personality.

Whether you want to create a moody bedroom, a deep-toned home office, or a bold accent wall in a compact living area, dark shades can actually add depth and charm. With the right lighting and decor, dark paint colors can make even a small room feel stylish and sophisticated.

2. Keep the ceiling white

Many people stick to white ceilings because it’s said to make rooms feel bigger—but that’s a rule worth rethinking. Your ceiling, also called the “fifth wall,” is a great place to get creative and add character.

Painting the ceiling the same color as your walls gives a bold, monochromatic look that feels modern and cohesive. Want something even more eye-catching? Try a contrasting ceiling color or go all in with wallpapered ceilings. These bold design moves can totally transform how a room looks and feels, especially depending on how they affect the lighting.

So don’t ignore your ceiling—it’s a blank canvas for adding depth, color, and personality to your home.

3. Invest in matching furniture

Gone are the days of buying matching furniture sets. Today’s top interior design trend is all about mixing things up. By combining different pieces, you can create a space that feels more layered, stylish, and unique.

You can stick with one style—like boho décor or mid-century modern furniture—and use different colors or textures to keep things interesting. Or go bold and blend styles like industrial and farmhouse for a fun, eclectic look. This mix-and-match approach adds depth and makes your home feel more personal.

Forget perfect matches—your home should tell your story.

4. Artwork must be hung at eye-level

Many interior design experts say artwork should always be hung at eye level—but that’s a rule you can definitely break. In fact, some of today’s most stylish homes use non-traditional art placement to create a more relaxed, artistic feel.

You might love the TikTok-inspired trend of leaning art on a low shelf close to the floor, or displaying framed pieces on a high shelf alongside trailing indoor plants. Both options can look beautiful and modern, even though the art isn’t hung at eye level.

The key is to think about the full space—how the art fits in with your furniture, wall height, and overall layout. When your setup flows naturally, it’ll feel right, no matter where your artwork hangs.

5. Only use one type of wood finish

You don’t have to match every wood piece in your home. In fact, mixing wood finishes is a great way to add warmth, depth, and personality to your space.

For example, try pairing a dark espresso dining table with chairs in a light natural oak. The contrast creates a visually appealing mix that feels intentional and stylish. The key is making sure the tones are different enough to complement each other, not clash.

So go ahead—blend wood styles for a more dynamic and customized look.

6. Don’t mix patterns

Mixing patterns might sound risky, but when done right, it can make your space look bold, creative, and stylish. The key is knowing how to combine patterns without making your room feel too busy.

Start by mixing different pattern sizes—like a large geometric rug with small floral or striped throw pillows. You can also use complementary colors and contrasting materials, like pairing emerald green Art Deco wallpaper with a neutral abstract rug.

From patterned home accessories to bold wallpaper choices, the options are endless. Just trust your eye—if it feels balanced and looks good to you, then it works!