Getting older has its advantages, like wisdom, experience, knowing what you want, and maybe even finally being able to say “no” without guilt. But one thing that sometimes doesn’t get the same love and attention? Home decor.

Whether you’re newly retired, downsizing, or just finally getting around to that decorating project, there’s never been a better time to freshen up your space. But some common decorating habits that used to work twenty or thirty years ago might now be quietly working against you. Not because your taste is off, but because design trends shift, and more importantly, our needs and lifestyles change as we age.

So, if you’re over 60 and want your home to feel fresh, functional, and fabulous, here are 10 common decor mistakes to avoid!

1. Clinging to Dark, Heavy Furniture That Weighs Down the Room

There was a time when I also thought big, dark wood furniture meant “classy decor.” And yes, a mahogany buffet has its charm. But as you get older, these pieces can visually shrink a room and make it feel heavier than it actually is. Not to mention, they can literally be a pain to move.

If your living room feels more like a museum than a cozy hangout, it might be time to let go of some of those oversized items. Think about lighter finishes, airier silhouettes, and furniture that’s easier to maneuver. You are not getting rid of character and instead making space for you to move freely and breathe a little easier.

2. Keeping Too Much “Stuff” Out of Sentiment

Let’s face it. Over the years, we all collect things. Lots of things. Kids’ art, gifts from friends, old dishes, photos, and trinkets from vacations. It all means something. But when your space is overwhelmed by the past, it can be hard to feel present.

It’s totally okay to be sentimental, but also try to be intentional. Do you really need every porcelain cat Aunt Mildred gave you back in the 80s? Try to keep things tidy instead of displaying every single object. Your home should tell your story, but not all on the same shelf.

3. Ignoring Lighting

Lighting is one of the most overlooked parts of home decor, and yet it makes one of the biggest differences, especially as we get older. Poor lighting can make a space feel gloomy, and let’s be honest, it doesn’t help with reading fine print or seeing clearly around the house.

One overhead fixture in the middle of the room isn’t cutting it anymore. You want layered lighting. You should think about a mix of ceiling lights, lamps, sconces, and even under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen.

Bonus tip: good lighting flatters everyone, no matter your age.

4. Choosing Comfort Over Style

Here’s the thing. Your home should feel comfortable. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on style. On the flip side, a gorgeous-looking chair that’s impossible to get out of? That’s not doing you any favors either.

I think that the trick is balance. You can have an armchair that feels like a hug and looks like it belongs in a design magazine. Look for ergonomic designs with a touch of flair. Pick soft fabrics in fresh colors. You deserve a home that feels amazing and looks just as good.

5. Using Outdated Color Palettes That Dull the Mood

Remember when dusty rose and forest green were all the rage? Or when beige-on-beige-on-beige was the height of sophistication? Those days are behind us, and holding on to those old-school color schemes can make your space feel more tired than timeless.

You don’t have to go all white and minimal, unless you want to, but injecting some updated colors into your home can bring it back to life. Think about soft blues, warm neutrals, and fresh greens. Colors that lift the mood and play well with natural light. It’s amazing how just changing your wall color or throw pillows can make a whole room feel new again.

6. Decorating Like It’s Still 1995

I get it. You spent years creating your space, and it made sense at the time. But some things just don’t age as gracefully as you have. Floral wallpaper borders, fake ivy over kitchen cabinets, and heavy curtains might be better left in the past.

Updating doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Sometimes, it just means getting rid of a few decor pieces that are dating your space and adding a couple of modern touches. A new rug, updated art, or swapping that old glass coffee table for something a little more current can do wonders. Your home doesn’t have to be trendy, but it shouldn’t feel stuck in a time capsule either.

7. Prioritizing Looks Over Practicality

Some furniture and decor look stunning in magazines but are completely impractical in real life. Low sofas, tiny side tables, and fragile accessories may not be worth the backache or frustration.

Now’s the time to prioritize what actually works. Can you sit and stand with ease? Is there enough storage? Are things within reach? Do you have to perform a mini yoga pose to plug in a lamp? Design that works for you and not against you should be the goal. Practical doesn’t mean boring. It means smart. And smart is always stylish.

8. Neglecting the Bedroom as a Restful Retreat

It’s easy to focus all your decorating energy on the living room or kitchen, but the bedroom deserves some love too. Trust me on this one! You deserve a space that welcomes you at the end of the day and helps you wake up feeling rested and renewed.

If your bedroom is full of mismatched furniture, faded bedding, or a pile of laundry you’ve been meaning to deal with since last month, it might be time for a mini refresh. You don’t need a full remodel. A new headboard, some crisp white sheets, a softer bedside lamp, and a calming wall color can completely change the feel of the space. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary, not a storage closet.

9. Holding On to Decor That No Longer Reflects Who You Are

You’ve grown. Your taste has changed. You’ve evolved as a person. But has your decor kept up? One of the most freeing things you can do after 60 is give yourself permission to let go of what no longer fits, and I’m not talking about clothes; I’m talking about decor. Maybe you bought something because it was trendy. Maybe it was a gift you never really liked. Maybe it suited you ten years ago, but now it feels like someone else’s style.

Your home should reflect your personality, your journey, and your joys. That might mean replacing dark, formal pieces with something softer and more casual. Or getting bold and painting an accent wall. Or simply taking down those old, dusty curtains and finally letting the light in. Whatever it looks like, don’t be afraid to reinvent your space to match the person you’ve become.

What Should You Keep in Mind?

So if you’re over 60 and thinking about refreshing your space, I strongly recommend you take it one step at a time. Let go of what no longer serves you. Keep what you love. And don’t be afraid to try something new. Because your home isn’t just a place, it’s the setting for your next beautiful chapter.

If you want to learn more about interior decor, I highly recommend reading Frida Ramstedt’s book. She believes in thinking about how we decorate, rather than focusing on what we decorate with.

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