The 5 Biggest Decorating Mistakes People Make

Mistake #4: Putting Your Back Against the Wall

"Many people think that to maximize the space in their rooms, they need to push all furniture against the walls. Don't do this! When the furniture, especially the sofa, is along the edges of a room, with a small 'floating' rug in the middle, it actually makes the space seem smaller. Instead, use this visual trick: If the rug's edges are hidden, the room seems bigger than it actually is. The rug should be under most of the furniture."—Janet Lee

Left: The sofa’s front legs are just over the edge of the graphic rug, and the green chair isn't smashed against a wall—perfect harmony in the space!