Builders
Carpenters
Electricians
Flooring Specialists
Gardeners
Handymen
Heating Engineers
Painters & Decorators
Plasterers & Renderers
Plumbers
Roofers
Tilers
my5 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Lounge (And How to Avoid Them!)
Decorating your lounge is a fun project, but it is one of the most used rooms in your home. But even the best of us can go wrong without the right skills and know-how. From uneven shelves to wallpaper disasters, small mistakes can quickly become big eyesores and diminish the comfort and style of your lounge.
If you’re about to revamp your living space, take a minute to read these 5 common mistakes. If you want to get it right the first time without stress, hiring a tradesperson might be the best decision to make.
Crooked and Unstable Shelves
Installing shelves seems easy, but precision is key. A wonky shelf not only looks amateurish but can also be unstable and unsafe. Common mistakes include not using a spirit level, mismeasuring drill points, using the wrong wall plugs or screws. But drilling without checking for hidden pipes or wires can be costly.
For floating shelves, the stakes are even higher. Plasterboard won’t support heavy shelves without reinforcement, so they can collapse under weight
Avoid the hassle—hire a local carpenter or handyman. They’ll get your shelves level, securely fixed and suitable for your wall type, so you get both function and flair.
If you carefully consider these important factors and create a more realistic budget, you can minimise your potential risks of any financial surprises down the line. This will equate to a smoother and much less stressful renovation.
Wallpaper Disasters
Wallpaper can add so much character to your lounge, but if applied wrong, it can be a nightmare. From air bubbles and peeling edges to mismatched patterns, bad wallpapering can make your space look messy, not stylish.
A common mistake is not preparing the wall properly. Old wallpaper residue, uneven surfaces or dust can all stop the wallpaper from sticking. Cutting panels too short or misaligning patterns can make the final result look rubbish.
Professionals have the right tools, techniques and expertise to get the pattern aligned perfectly and the application seamless. Let them do the job, and you’ll get a faultless, long-lasting finish without the stress.
If you carefully consider these important factors and create a more realistic budget, you can minimise your potential risks of any financial surprises down the line. This will equate to a smoother and much less stressful renovation.
Mounting a TV Incorrectly
A wall-mounted TV is sleek and space-saving when done right. However, an incorrectly mounted TV can be costly and dangerous. Incorrect wall mounts, not securing the bracket to wall studs and incorrect height positioning are common mistakes that can make your TV take a tumble. Cable management is another often overlooked factor. Exposed wires down the wall can ruin the look of your lounge.
By hiring a professional installer, you’ll get your TV safely secured at the right height, with hidden cables for a clean, sleek look. A small investment now can save you from costly dramas later.
If you carefully consider these important factors and create a more realistic budget, you can minimise your potential risks of any financial surprises down the line. This will equate to a smoother and much less stressful renovation.
Poorly Installed Curtains and Blinds
Curtains and blinds are essential for privacy and light control, but installing them incorrectly can cause aesthetic and functional problems. Weak wall anchors can cause curtain rails to come loose over time, and incorrect measurements can leave your curtains too short or not covering the window properly.
Older homes can be tricky with hidden lintels or delicate plasterwork, making the installation more complicated. Heavy curtains need to be considered, as improper support can cause fixtures to pull away from the wall.
A professional tradesperson will take accurate measurements, use the right fixtures and get a secure, polished result. Say goodbye to wonky curtain rails and hello to a seamless finish.
If you carefully consider these important factors and create a more realistic budget, you can minimise your potential risks of any financial surprises down the line. This will equate to a smoother and much less stressful renovation.
Mismatched and Uneven Flooring
New flooring can transform your lounge, but a bad installation can do the opposite. Misaligned floorboards or tiles, gaps and uneven surfaces can make the room look unfinished and even create trip hazards.
Common mistakes include not acclimatising flooring materials before installation (which warps it), not using underlay and not preparing the subfloor. The result? Creaky laminate, cracked tiles and a finish that won’t last.
Professional flooring installers have the expertise and equipment to get a smooth, level and durable finish. They can also recommend the right materials for your lounge’s layout and usage.
If you carefully consider these important factors and create a more realistic budget, you can minimise your potential risks of any financial surprises down the line. This will equate to a smoother and much less stressful renovation.
Why Hiring a Tradesperson is the Best Choice
DIY may seem like a cost-effective option, but small mistakes can cost big in the long run. Professional tradespeople bring experience, precision and the right tools to the job so you get a high-quality finish that adds to your home’s beauty and value.
Think about the time and effort involved in a DIY project—plus the stress of fixing mistakes. Hiring a skilled tradesperson eliminates those risks and guarantees a faultless result.
If you’re about to renovate your lounge, don’t let DIY mistakes ruin your vision. Get a quote from a trusted local tradesperson today and have a stress-free transformation!
For expert decorating advice, check out these 5 tips from a professional painter and decorator.
If you carefully consider these important factors and create a more realistic budget, you can minimise your potential risks of any financial surprises down the line. This will equate to a smoother and much less stressful renovation.
Last updated by MyJobQuote on 10th March 2025.
