You might be scrolling through Instagram feeling inadequate about your living space, but that mismatched furniture and stack of well-worn books actually reveal something designers spend years trying to achieve.
Walk into someone's living room and you can tell a lot about them. But here's the thing - most of us are way too hard on ourselves when it comes to our decorating choices.
We scroll through Instagram, see those perfectly curated spaces, and think our homes don't measure up. But taste isn't about having the most expensive furniture or following every design trend.
Real taste shows up in unexpected ways. It's in the choices you make without even realizing they're sophisticated.
Today, let's talk about eight items that, if they're in your living room, suggest you've got better taste than you give yourself credit for.
1. A well-loved houseplant (that's actually alive)
Anyone can buy a fake succulent from Target. But keeping a real plant thriving? That takes commitment.
If you've got a fiddle leaf fig that's not dropping leaves, or a monstera with those gorgeous split leaves reaching toward your window, you're doing something right. Living plants show you understand that good spaces need life and organic elements.
They also suggest patience. You water them, rotate them toward the light, maybe even talk to them a little. That kind of care translates into how you approach your entire space.
Plus, from a design perspective, plants add texture and color that no artificial decor can match. They soften hard edges and bring nature indoors in a way that just feels right.
2. Books that aren't just for show
Coffee table books are fine. But if your living room has actual books - ones with cracked spines and bookmarks sticking out - you're onto something.
Real readers don't hide their books in bedrooms. They keep them where they live. Maybe you've got a stack on the side table, or shelves that aren't perfectly color-coordinated because you actually pull books out and read them.
This shows intellectual curiosity. It says you value ideas over appearances. And honestly? A room full of books people actually read has more personality than any designer showroom.
I've mentioned this before but spaces that tell stories are always more interesting than spaces that just look pretty.
3. One quality throw blanket
Not three matching throws from a big box store. One really good blanket that you actually use.
Maybe it's wool, maybe it's cashmere blend, maybe it's that perfect chunky knit you found at a local market. The material doesn't matter as much as the intention behind it.
Good taste means understanding that sometimes one perfect item beats five mediocre ones. It shows you think about comfort and quality, not just filling space.
In my Venice Beach apartment, we've got this one incredible blanket we picked up years ago. It's not part of any color scheme. It just makes the couch feel like home.
4. Mismatched but cohesive furniture
Matching furniture sets scream "I bought everything at once from the same store." But a living room with pieces from different places and times? That takes a good eye.
Maybe your couch is modern but you've paired it with a vintage coffee table. Or you've got your grandmother's armchair next to a sleek floor lamp you found online.
This kind of mixing shows confidence. You trust your instincts enough to know what works together, even if it didn't come as a set.
As designer Jonathan Adler once said, "Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love."
5. Natural lighting solutions
If you've figured out lighting beyond the overhead fixture, you're ahead of the game.
Maybe you've got a floor lamp in the corner, a table lamp by your reading chair, some candles on the coffee table. You understand that good lighting isn't just about brightness - it's about creating atmosphere.
People with good taste know that harsh overhead lighting kills a room's vibe. They layer their lighting, creating pools of warm light that make spaces feel inviting.
Think about the last time you walked into a room and immediately felt comfortable. I bet the lighting had something to do with it.
6. Personal photos in non-generic frames
Those matching black frames from IKEA? Everyone has them. But if you've got photos in frames you've collected over time - different materials, different sizes, different stories - that's taste.
It shows you understand that memories deserve better than mass-produced uniformity. Maybe you've got that brass frame from an estate sale, or that handmade wooden one from your travels.
The photos themselves matter too. Not just posed portraits, but candid moments that actually mean something. Real life, not performance.
7. Something handmade or vintage
Could be anything. A ceramic bowl from a local artist. A vintage mirror from a flea market. A painting you bought directly from the artist.
These pieces show you value craftsmanship and story over convenience. You're willing to hunt for something special rather than just clicking "add to cart" on whatever's trending.
In our place, we've got some vintage vinyl records displayed on a shelf - remnants from my music blogging days. They're not particularly valuable, but they add character you can't manufacture.
Original pieces suggest you see your home as more than just a place to sleep. You're creating a space with soul.
8. Empty space
This might be the most underrated sign of good taste. If your living room has actual empty space - not cluttered surfaces, not every wall covered - you understand something important.
Space is a luxury, especially in cities. Choosing not to fill every inch shows restraint and confidence.
You know that rooms need to breathe. That negative space makes the things you do have stand out more. That sometimes what you don't include matters as much as what you do.
California living taught me this. Less really can be more when you choose your "less" carefully.
Wrapping up
Good taste isn't about having the right brand names or following design rules. It's about creating spaces that feel authentic to who you are.
If you recognized your living room in any of these items, give yourself some credit. You're making choices based on what feels right to you, not what some magazine says you should have.
The best rooms tell stories. They evolve over time. They reflect the people who live in them, not the catalogs they browsed.
Your living room might not be Pinterest-perfect, but if it has even a few of these elements, you're probably doing better than you think. Trust your instincts. They're leading you in the right direction.
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