14 Popular Home Decor Hacks That Are Damaging Your Furniture

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Social media is now filled with home decor hacks that will make any space better with a very little budget. These hacks may seem like a good idea to jazz up your living space, but some of these ideas can actually be more harmful than helpful.

Your furniture can be ruined by many trendy tricks, and you will be spending more in the long run to repair or replace them. Here are some of the most popular hacks to decorate your home that could very well turn into disasters.

Using Nail Polish to Remove Wood Scratches

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Fast fixes for wood scratches include nail polish, but it’s only a temporary fix and chips off easily. It can also stain or otherwise mar the wood’s finish. Wood repair kits for furniture or wood repair markers are better.

Sticking Tape on Fabric

Decorative tape can be a pain, but it can also be a good way to add color to your sofa or chairs; adhesive can cause the fabric to fray or leave a sticky residue. It’s hard to clean the adhesive once it’s removed, leaving patches that look worn. But instead, think about slipcovers or fabric-safe decorations.

Hot Glue on Surfaces

While hot glue is convenient, it’s not ideal for all surfaces — especially wood, leather, or plastic. It’s hard to get residue from the glue off, and can even pull the finish or paint off. For temporary fixes, try low adhesive alternatives or specially formulated tack.

Stain Removal Using Bleach

Bleach can lift stubborn stains, but it can also easily discolor or weaken things, especially fabrics. The harsh chemicals can irritate fibers and increase the chances of tears and color fading. Choose gentle, fabric-safe cleaners for upholstery.

Painting Veneered Furniture

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Putting a new face on old pieces, painting veneered furniture is a common practice, but the veneer will buckle and peel as the paint adds moisture. When the finish is uneven and chipping, the paint won’t stick well. Prep and sanding are a must, paint won’t stick to the veneer.

Marble Contact Paper DIY on Tables

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Marble contact paper does make a table look chic, but it doesn’t always come off cleanly, and it can ruin the table surface. It’s hard to get the adhesive to peel off the surface without leaving residue or lifting paint. Use a removable tablecloth or tray for the same effect.

Duct Tape for Quick Fixes

According to Tape Providers, duct tape can be used to temporarily fix loose parts on furniture, but it often leaves a residue that’s hard to get off. The tape can be removed and peeled off paint, varnish, or fabric fibers, leaving an unsightly mess. Instead, try furniture-safe adhesive strips or repair kits.

Gluing Hardware and Decorations

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Gluing hardware down with strong glue can be a real pain later if you ever want to get it off. It can also leave the surface finished or weakened and marred. If you want to add decorations, use removable adhesive hooks or clips, so that you can easily remove them afterwards.

Placing Plants Directly on Wooden Surfaces

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Placing plants directly on wooden surfaces can cause them to become damaged by the water, but they do a great job of freshening up your decor! The moisture from the plant pots can get into the wood and produce stains and mold growth over time. Pots can be used on trays or coasters so you don’t damage your furniture.

Overloading Floating Shelves

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Floating shelves are all the rage, but there are weight limits and if you exceed them, they can warp or collapse. The brackets weaken the shelf, which can damage your wall and your furniture and also strain your brackets. Lighter decor pieces are best for these shelves.

Candles Directly on Surfaces

Wax can also build up and stain, and worse, cause heat damage if candles are placed directly on wood or fabric surfaces. It’s hard to get the residue off, and heat can leave marks or warp. If you’d like to protect surfaces, place candles on coasters or trays.

Dark Linens Covering Surfaces

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While dark linens might be stylish, they can stain light-colored furniture when left on too long. Some dyes may transfer when wet or exposed to sunlight leaving unwanted marks. Use color-safe materials or lighter linens for continued use.

Overuse of Essential Oils on Wood

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Direct application of essential oils to wooden furniture is popular for a quick boost of fragrance, but essential oils can stain and build up. Acidic oils may wear out finishes or color the surface. Instead, choose a wood-safe polish or a slightly scented furniture spray.

Upholstery Nailing or Stapling Yourself

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It’s tempting to want to DIY upholstery, but amateur attempts at nailing or stapling fabric to the frame usually result in permanent damage to the frame. If you use the wrong tools or techniques your wood can end up weak through holes or splinters. If you are doing a more elaborate upholstery, you will be far better off hiring a professional, or buying removable slipcovers.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.