Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays
  • Rooms
  • Shopping

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular American House Styles

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular American House Styles

    In a world full of so many different house styles, it can be a little challenging just to narrow down your own home's architectural style, let alone edit the list down to your favorite style or understand the distinctions characteristic to each house style. We'll show you the 10 most popular American house styles, including Cape Cod, French Country, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, Cottage, Mediterranean, ranch-style, and Contemporary.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Baking Essentials Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 Nice-to-Haves)

    21 Baking Essentials Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 Nice-to-Haves)

    Whether you're a beginning baker just starting out or a master chef looking to declutter, we'll help you set up a beginner's baking essentials kit with 21 tools. For anyone who already owns these handy baking tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to get rid of that soufflé dish you never use. Building your baking equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • Shopping

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Decorating
  3. Decorating Tips & Advice
  4. Expert Decorating Advice
  5. Decorating Rules You Can Break

Decorating Rules You Can Break

Caitlin Sole headshot
By Caitlin Sole June 08, 2015
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
Green dining room
There is no rule book when it comes to decorating. But if there were, the rules are meant to be broken. Break out of your comfort zone and forget some of the guidelines that have informally become law.
Start Slideshow

1 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Paint the Ceiling

Green dining room

Ceilings don't have to be white. Painting the ceiling a color adds interest to the room and brings harmony to the walls and ceiling. Choose a color similar to the walls, or have the wall color mixed a shade or two lighter or darker.

1 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Be Creative with Wallpaper

storage armoire

Wallpaper isn't just for walls. Paper the drawer or door fronts of a painted dresser or cabinet, or use it to decorate a plain headboard. You'll get a custom-looking piece of furniture with lots of impact.

2 of 17

3 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Paint It Dark

Dark green bedroom walls

A small space can handle dark walls. In fact, deep and strong hues can be better in small spaces because a little goes a long way. The bold statement adds personality and impact.

3 of 17

Advertisement

4 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mix Plaid and Floral

Bright plaid chairs

Patterns don't have to match, they just need to coordinate. Put geometric patterns with florals. Mix modern designs with traditional. The key: Make sure they share a common color.

4 of 17

5 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Different Centerpiece

Centerpiece with books and vessels

A charming centerpiece doesn't require a large vase of flowers and a pair of candlesticks. A collection of interesting objects -- an old pewter pitcher, a big bowl with mounded moss and a small crystal sphere, or a gathering of favorite books -- is so much more interesting on the dining table. The more unusual the better.

5 of 17

6 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Raise the Curtain Rod

Brown/white bedroom curtains

Hang curtains near the ceiling rather than the typical placement just above the window trim. This gives the illusion of height, which makes a small window appear larger or a low ceiling appear higher.

6 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Layer Floor Coverings

White bedding on dark canopy

Wall-to-wall carpet doesn't eliminate the use of rugs. Add an area rug in the bedroom to create an intimate sitting area, just as you would under the dining room table and chairs on a wood floor. Layer multiple rugs of coordinating colors and patterns in different sizes atop one another to make a striking design statement.

7 of 17

8 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Perk Up the Bedroom

Ultramodern Bold Bedroom

Convention says the bedroom should be decorated in soft hues and soothing patterns to encourage sleep and relaxation. But if you're drawn to bolder colors and patterns, unwind in a bedroom surrounded by what you love. Warm lamplight tones down bright colors at night, while the same hues energize in the morning. Busy pattern offers the same morning pick-me-up and can be balanced by using it in just certain areas, such as on a single wall or draperies, but not bedding.

8 of 17

9 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Forget the Matched Set

Dynamic patterns

Just because furniture is sold as a set doesn't mean you have to use it that way. Mix a new dining table with a medley of refinished antique chairs. Buy the new sofa you love, but have your favorite chairs re-covered instead of settling on the matching settee. Rearrange the furniture you have, using pieces from different collections in different rooms.

9 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Think Big

Brown orange sofa

You can put oversize furniture in small spaces. Too much small furniture in a small room can make the space feel cluttered and full. Instead, buy fewer, larger pieces to make a small space feel roomier.

10 of 17

11 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Make Your Own Art

Plates on wall in frames

Wall art doesn't need a famous signature or even have to be purchased. Personalize your space by hanging a puzzle you put together or framing a map showing your favorite destination. Dig out family treasures -- old pictures or your grandmother's platters -- to appreciate instead of collect dust. For a creative twist, hang dinnerware in open frames.

11 of 17

12 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Paper the Ceiling

wallpapered ceiling

Wallpaper works on the ceiling. In a room with lots of pattern, a white ceiling stands out like sore thumb. Use wallpaper on the ceiling to tie the space together.

12 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Add Furniture with Character

Green wall living room

Not every piece of furniture has to be what is expected. An old grain cart discovered at a flea market makes a whimsical coffee table that keeps this room casual. Not only is it movable, the low height is easy for stacking books, and it could hold a tall flower arrangement that might sit too high on a standard table.

13 of 17

14 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Paint Kitchen Cabinets

bhg, better homes and gardens, kitchen, remodel, remodeling ideas, makeovers, budget, home improvement, house, budget kitchens under $2,000

While stained-wood and white-painted kitchen cabinets are the norm, it doesn't mean you have to stick with tradition. In a room ruled by function and sometimes lacking in decorating opportunity, painted cabinets can add interest and color. Use a solid, bright finish for a contemporary space, or distress door and drawer edges for a more casual look.

14 of 17

15 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Embrace One Color

red bedroom

A monochromic color scheme isn't dull and undecorated. On the contrary, it can make a stunning design statement. In this bedroom, similar shades of pinks and reds make a smooth transition from the walls to the windows to the bed, creating a cohesively decorated space. Use contrasting trim, such as white molding, to define the perimeter of the room.

15 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Be Versatile with Draperies

Curtains on wall behind sofa

Draperies aren't just for windows. Use window treatments to add interest to a large, plain span of wall. Hang draperies in a large doorway to make it more intimate. Use a curtain panel in place of a closet door.

16 of 17

17 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Make Rooms Multitask

overall of room with bed tucked away

A room doesn't have to have just one purpose. Make the most of the space you have by sharing. A less-used guest bedroom with a pullout bed is the perfect place for a home office contained in a storage armoire. The family room media entertainment space can have a playroom corner.

17 of 17

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Caitlin Sole

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 17 Paint the Ceiling
    2 of 17 Be Creative with Wallpaper
    3 of 17 Paint It Dark
    4 of 17 Mix Plaid and Floral
    5 of 17 A Different Centerpiece
    6 of 17 Raise the Curtain Rod
    7 of 17 Layer Floor Coverings
    8 of 17 Perk Up the Bedroom
    9 of 17 Forget the Matched Set
    10 of 17 Think Big
    11 of 17 Make Your Own Art
    12 of 17 Paper the Ceiling
    13 of 17 Add Furniture with Character
    14 of 17 Paint Kitchen Cabinets
    15 of 17 Embrace One Color
    16 of 17 Be Versatile with Draperies
    17 of 17 Make Rooms Multitask

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Decorating Rules You Can Break
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.