8 Arguments Couples Have When Interior Decorating

What’s harder than picking a movie to watch? Decorating a home together. 

Trust me, as an interior stylist, I’ve seen it all — heated debates over wall colors, silent standoffs about coffee tables, and even a full-on negotiation over whether a beanbag could count as “furniture.” Spoiler: it couldn’t.

Decorating your space together can feel like a compatibility test you didn’t sign up for, but here’s the thing: it’s also an incredible opportunity to grow as a couple. 

Let’s go through some of the most common battles couples face when designing their space, with solutions to save your relationship (and your sanity).

Why decorating can be a battle zone

I always tell my clients: if you’ve never fought about furniture, you’re either a saint or you’ve never tried to design a home together. Decorating is hard because it’s deeply personal — your home reflects your personality, your lifestyle, and yes, your quirks. 

And when two people’s visions collide, things can get... spicy.

1. The couch conundrum

This one comes up all the time. One partner wants a giant recliner that screams “movie marathons and snacks.” The other wants a sleek, minimalist sofa that looks like it belongs in an art gallery. 

I’ve had couples look at me like I’m a referee, waiting to see whose side I’ll take.

Here’s my advice: you don’t have to choose one over the other! There are plenty of sofas out there that combine comfort and style. For example, sectionals with clean lines or sofas that double up as recliners. Add some throw pillows to lean into your aesthetic and call it a win.

2. The color palette standoff

I often come across couples who bicker about whether to paint their living room navy or white. He wants something bold, dramatic, and manly. She wants calm, neutral, and easy-to-match. By the end of it, they were both ready to grab separate paintbrushes and start dueling.

What I suggest — and it worked for many — is to start with paint samples. Test patches on the wall to see how colors look in your space (and how they make you feel), and you’d be amazed at how much that can satisfy both sides. 

Alternatively, I’ve noticed some couples sidestep the color standoff entirely by creating a ‘his’ and ‘hers’ space in their home. He gets his dedicated “man cave,” where he can decorate however he pleases, and she has her own sanctuary to style to her heart’s content. It’s like having a creative outlet for both personalities and honestly, it can be a sanity-saver.

3. Furniture placement wars

Furniture placement can be sneaky. One of you might want the couch facing the window for the view, while the other insists it has to face the TV. I’ve even seen arguments about how many chairs are “too many.”

My secret weapon? Rugs. 

Rugs anchor a space and make furniture placement feel intentional. Start with a large area rug to define the seating area, then play around with the layout until it works for both of you. Don’t be afraid to rearrange — it’s like dating, but with furniture.

Recommended read: The Ultimate Guide to Living Room Rug Placement

4. Art and decor drama

Some couples are polar opposites when it comes to decor. One client wanted a gallery wall filled with memories, while their partner preferred one large statement piece to “keep it clean.” Watching them negotiate was like watching a tug-of-war over the soul of the room.

The key here is balance. If one of you loves gallery walls, try grouping art in a way that feels cohesive rather than cluttered. If the other prefers simplicity, leave some blank spaces to give the eye a break. Think of it as a visual compromise.

5. The lighting dilemma

Another common argument is over lighting. She wanted bright, practical LEDs for every room, while he insisted on warm, moody lighting for ambiance. They turned to me for a tiebreaker, and I told them they were both right.

The trick is layering. Use overhead lighting for practicality and daily tasks like working or cooking. Use lamps to give you a soft glow and coziness, and dimmers to make everyone happy. Trust me, layered lighting is a game-changer, and it’ll save you from arguing over lightbulbs.

Recommended read: 5 Types of Lighting and Why They're Important

6. Storage showdowns

Decluttering can be a minefield. One partner is ready to toss anything that doesn’t “spark joy,” while the other is holding onto a stack of old magazines “just in case.” I’ve seen storage battles turn into full-blown wars.

My go-to solution? Multi-functional furniture. 

Think storage ottomans, beds with built-in drawers, or stylish baskets that hide the clutter. And set a clear “keep or toss” system — it’s way easier to let go when you both agree on the rules.

Another thing I’ve seen that worked for some couples was to create a space that works for them, instead of forcing their lifestyles into the space. 

For example, if your partner has a hard-to-change habit of leaving their socks at the door, instead of forcing them to change overnight, place a hamper by the shoe cabinet. This way, they can throw them in there, leaving the entrance sock-free (and you stress-free). 

7. Differing style clashes

I’ve seen this scenario play out so many times: one partner loves sleek, modern vibes — think chrome finishes and minimalist design — while the other can’t get enough of vintage and boho accents. 

They’re then convinced their styles are so wildly different that trying to mix them will turn their home into a hot mess.

But here’s the thing: opposites can actually create magic when you find the right balance. My advice is to start by identifying common ground. Maybe you both love certain colors, like warm neutrals or jewel tones, and can build your palette around that. 

Or, use one style as the foundation for bigger pieces (like the sofa or dining table) and bring in the other through smaller decor elements like pillows, art, rugs, or vases. This results in a space that feels curated, layered, and a perfect mix of you two.

8. Spending battles

Money talks, and when it comes to decorating your home, it often yells. I’ve seen couples get into heated debates over whether to splurge on a sectional sofa or save on something more affordable. 

Here’s what I always recommend: discuss and agree on a budget before you shop. Decide where to splurge (for example, on a sofa you’ll use daily) and where to save (like decor that might not last fleeting interior trends). That way, you’re both on the same page.

Chaos to cohesion: Building a home together

Here’s the thing: every argument about a sofa or a color swatch is really about learning how to live together. Your home should reflect both of you, and that means making compromises and combining your styles. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. And honestly, the stories you’ll tell about these arguments are half the fun.

Frequently asked questions on decorating as a couple

1. What’s the best way to avoid arguments while decorating?

Start with a shared Pinterest or mood board to align your vision before shopping. It’ll save you so much time (and stress). Also, don’t forget to decide on the spending budget that you’re both comfortable with. 

2. How do we handle small spaces?

Look for multifunctional furniture and keep things simple. Consider pieces that are low-profile to create the illusion of taller ceilings. Keep colors on the lighter side, allowing light to bounce off the walls or furniture which makes your space seem brighter and larger. Furniture with additional storage is always welcome in a small space as they double up your usage of these pieces. 

3. What if we have completely different styles?

Blend them! Use a neutral base and layer in accents that reflect each of your personalities. Pick one style as the foundation and sprinkle in your partner’s style as accents around the house. 

4. How can we make decorating fun instead of stressful?

Turn it into a date! Visit furniture stores together, grab coffee, and make decisions over laughs and snacks. Alternatively, you can always get some assistance from Interior Stylists to save you the stress and avoid arguments.