Don’t Make These 7 Mistakes When Using Colour to Decorate Your Home

Incorporating colour when styling your space can feel really daunting. But don’t worry, we have a list of common mistakes people make when using colour in their homes, and most importantly, how you can avoid them. 

Curating a Stunning, Colourful Home 

Colour can bring so much life and personality to your home. It’s always better to embrace colour in your space, in our opinion, even if it might feel intimidating to style at first. Below we have some common mistakes people make when decorating with colour, but the most important thing to remember is that the space is yours. You should decorate it in a way that feels true to you and sparks the most joy.

Not Pairing the Right Tones

When mixing tones, don’t assume colours in the same family will naturally harmonise. For instance, pairing two blues, like turquoise and cobalt, can clash if their undertones don’t align. Undertones – either warm or cool – play a crucial role in creating a cohesive palette. Cool-toned blues often feature hints of green or grey, while warm blues may lean towards purples. The key is consistency: stick with blues that share similar undertones for a balanced look. Thoughtful tone pairing helps to create a cohesive and pleasing colour palette.

Featuring our Sanderson Anthea China Blue Rug.

Only Focusing On the Walls

When adding colour to a home, many people focus solely on the walls, overlooking the floor, ceiling, and everything in between. Colourful ceilings, whether painted or wallpapered, can create an unexpected statement, drawing the eye upward and adding depth to the room. Looking downwards, bold and vibrant rugs are a fantastic way to introduce personality and warmth underfoot while tying the room together. Accessories like cushions, curtains, and finishing touches offer extra opportunities to play with shades and textures. By thinking beyond the walls, you can craft a dynamic, cohesive space where every element contributes to the room as a whole.

Featuring our Hive Teal Rug.

Playing It Too Safe

It can be easy to find yourself playing it too safe with colour; but when you do this, you are missing out on so many chances to add joy and personality to your space. While neutrals are timeless and easy to style, they’re not always the best choice. If colour feels daunting, start small – try a vibrant rug, a bold cushion, or an accent chair. And remember, not every item in the room needs to match your palette and mood board perfectly. The most important thing is to choose pieces and shades that bring you joy, creating a home that feels personal and full of character rather than perfectly recreating a colour scheme.

Featuring our Basket Weave Coral Rose Rug.

Not Distributing Colour Thoughtfully 

Distributing colour thoughtfully is essential for a cohesive, balanced space. Avoid clustering colours in one area; instead, dot them around the room to guide the eye naturally. For instance, if your walls feature a specific colour, echo it subtly with cushions, a rug, or even a plant pot. This repetition creates harmony while preventing the room from feeling disjointed. Visualise the room as a whole, considering how each element interacts with the others. A well-distributed palette ensures no colour feels overpowering or out of place, transforming your space into a beautifully connected and inviting environment that feels complete.

Featuring our Morris & Co Bower Twining Vine Green Rug.

Ignoring the Importance of Lighting 

Lighting is an integral factor when it comes to how colours look in your home, and it should always influence your decorating decisions. In smaller spaces with limited natural light, darker shades can feel heavy and claustrophobic, whereas lighter tones can make the room feel brighter and more spacious. For larger rooms, darker colours or even a painted ceiling can create a snug, cosier feel. 

Always test your colours in your actual space – what looks like the perfect colour under shop lights might look completely different at home, whether it’s in bright sunlight or under your favourite lamp. The same goes for furniture and rugs. Thoughtfully considering how light interacts with your colour choices is essential.

Smothering Your Statement Pieces 

Bold statement pieces, like a striking rug, patterned sofa, or colourful wallpaper, can transform a room, but they need breathing room to really shine. Without careful styling, the pieces can become overwhelmed by the rest of the space. Unless you’re embracing a maximalist look (which we love, if that’s your style!), be mindful of the surrounding decor. Avoid clashing patterns or overly contrasting colours that might compete with your feature piece. Instead, highlight its beauty by pulling out key colours and repeating them subtly throughout the room. This approach creates a cohesive, balanced space where your statement piece takes centre stage, feeling intentionally styled and effortlessly impactful.

Featuring our Pop by Louis Tiger Green Rug.

Forgetting the Room’s Purpose 

When selecting colours, always consider a room’s purpose and the atmosphere you want to create. Do you want your bedroom to feel calming and restful or vibrant and energising? Should your kitchen prioritise functionality or reflect your unique style? The colours you choose should enhance how you use the space and evoke the feelings you want to experience there. By aligning your palette with the room’s purpose, you’ll create a home that feels intentional, cohesive, and personal.

Discover The Perfect Colourful Rug For Your Space 

Explore our range of stunning rugs and find the perfect piece to brighten up your room. From subtle, pastel tones to bold, bright hues, we’ve got a beautiful rug for you. Shop our collections now and enjoy free UK delivery on your order.