Common Living Room Design Mistakes to Avoid in Calgary Homes

It’s easy to get excited about decorating your living room, but small mistakes can throw things off. Maybe the layout feels awkward, or the space doesn’t feel comfortable. Calgary homes come in all shapes and sizes, so your design approach must work with your space.

Let’s walk through the most common living room design mistakes homeowners in Calgary make—and how to avoid them.

Pushing Furniture Against the Walls

This is one of the most common layout mistakes. It leaves a big gap in the middle of the room and makes conversation harder.

Instead, pull your furniture inward. Group chairs and sofas around a rug or coffee table. This helps create a cozy space that feels intentional.

You’ll find perfect pieces for this kind of setup at Showhome Furniture Calgary, where layout-friendly custom sectionals and accent chairs are easy to browse in person.

Buying the Wrong Rug Size

In many Calgary homes, people pick rugs that are too small. A small rug can make the space look unfinished.

To fix this, choose a rug that goes under the front legs of your furniture. It should help anchor the whole seating area.

Showhome Furniture Calgary offers large area rugs in all styles. You can even shop for furniture deals in Calgary that include bundled rugs with furniture sets.

Relying on Just One Light Source

Overhead lighting alone can make your room feel cold and harsh, especially during Calgary’s darker months.

Layer your lighting. Add a floor lamp beside your sofa, use table lamps on side tables, and add sconces for a warm glow.

The best furniture outlet in Calgary—Showhome Furniture—has an entire lighting section to help you get started.

Sticking to Matching Furniture Sets

Buying a complete matching set might seem easy, but it can make your living room feel flat.

Mix materials, colours, and shapes. Try a leather sofa with fabric armchairs. Add wood or metal side tables to break things up.

Are you unsure how to mix styles without clashing? Showhome Furniture offers free interior design consultations to help you choose pieces that work together.

Getting the Scale Wrong

Oversized furniture in a small room makes it feel cramped. Tiny furniture in a big room looks lost.

Measure your space before you shop. Think about how furniture height and depth work together, too.

The massive showroom at Showhome Furniture Calgary gives you a better idea of how pieces fit together. You can walk through full living room setups and compare options in person.

Skipping Personal Touches

Your living room should feel like yours, not a display. Many people forget to add personal touches after buying the main furniture pieces.

Add books, photos, art, and small decor pieces. These elements help your space feel more inviting and unique.

Showhome Furniture offers shelves, mirrors, and decorative accessories for styling your home your way. Look for seasonal furniture deals in Calgary to update your look without overspending.

Final Thoughts

A well-designed living room isn’t just about style—it should also work for how you live. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll create a space that feels balanced, functional, and welcoming.

Whether you're just starting out or refreshing your space, Showhome Furniture Calgary is the place to shop. With over 70,000 sq. ft. of furniture, lighting, and decor at North Hill Centre, it’s the best furniture outlet in the city. Their free design services and ongoing furniture deals in Calgary make upgrading your living room simple and affordable.

FAQs About the Common Design Mistakes to Avoid in Calgary Homes:

1. What’s the biggest mistake people make when designing their living room?

One of the biggest mistakes is pushing all the furniture against the walls. It may seem like it opens up space, but it actually creates a disconnected layout. Instead, try floating your sofa and chairs inward to create a cozy conversation area. Adding a rug underneath can also help anchor the space. At Showhome Furniture Calgary, you’ll find sectionals, chairs, and area rugs that make layout planning much easier.

2. How do I choose the right size rug for my living room?

A good rule is to make sure the rug goes under the front legs of all your main furniture. This helps tie the room together and creates visual balance. In a Calgary home with an open floor plan, a larger rug can help define the living area. Showhome Furniture Calgary carries large and custom rugs to fit both small and spacious homes. They also offer design consultations to help with tricky measurements.

3. How can I improve my living room lighting?

Layering your lighting is the key. Don’t rely only on overhead lights. Add a combination of floor lamps, table lamps, and wall lights to warm up the space. This is especially helpful during Calgary’s darker winter months. Showhome Furniture Calgary has a wide selection of lighting options that suit every style and budget. Their team can also help you choose fixtures that work with your furniture and room size.

4. Is it okay to mix different furniture styles?

Yes, mixing styles often creates a more interesting and personalized living room. You don’t need to buy a matching set. Pair a leather couch with fabric chairs, or mix wood and metal finishes. This adds texture and contrast to your space. If you’re unsure how to start, Showhome Furniture Calgary offers free interior design consultations to guide you. Their huge selection makes it easy to experiment with different combinations.

5. Where can I find furniture deals in Calgary?

Showhome Furniture Calgary offers some of the best furniture deals in Calgary. From regular discounts to seasonal sales, they make it easy to furnish your home without spending too much. Their large showroom at North Hill Centre has everything you need for your living room—sofas, lighting, rugs, and decor. As a bonus, loyal repeat customers enjoy exclusive perks and offers. It's one of the reasons they’re known as the best furniture outlet in Calgary.