Interior designers reveal the 8 decorating rules you should (almost) never break

• We spoke with interior designers about the top decorating rules people should never break.
• One designer said if you don’t have a rug big enough for your space, you’re better off without one.
• Buying all your furniture from the same collection can make your space feel like a showroom.

Choosing stylish pieces without thinking about their function can cause your space to look cluttered.

Your space might feel awkward if you hang artwork too high.

“Art is commonly hung too high and looks best at eye-level,” Sara Ray, owner of Sara Ray Interior Design in Nashville, said.

She said the sweet spot tends to be about 57 to 60 inches above the floor.

“There are exceptions to every ‘rule,’ but this one holds true most of the time,” she said.

Buying all your furniture from the same collection can make your home look like a showroom.

It can be tempting — and certainly convenient — to purchase all your furniture, rugs, and accessories from one store.

However, Ray said, you should mix your pieces unless you want the space to feel like a furniture showroom.

“It’s better to buy from a variety of sources, as well as from different eras, so you can mix vintage and new pieces,” she said. “The space feels more collected when older pieces are used, and it adds to the ‘story’ of your home.

This story was originally published on November 16, 2019, and most recently updated on September 8, 2026.