Many people find themselves holding onto items that no longer serve a purpose, especially when it comes to what fills their shelves. These objects can make your space feel cluttered and dated without you even realizing it. Recognizing what to remove can help refresh your home and create a cleaner, more modern look.
By clearing out specific types of items, you can avoid the “Boomer look” that often fills up shelves with unnecessary clutter. You don’t have to get rid of everything sentimental, but organizing what you keep will make your space feel lighter and more inviting.
Tiny ceramic animals and figurines
You might find tiny ceramic animals charming, but they can quickly make your shelves look dated. These small collectibles often add clutter rather than style.
Cleaning them requires care because many have delicate finishes. Dusting gently and avoiding moisture helps preserve their look.
Instead of many small figurines, try fewer statement pieces. This keeps your shelves feeling modern and less crowded.
Angel and cherub statues
Angel and cherub statues often give shelves a dated or overly traditional look. If you’re aiming for a modern vibe, removing them can help your space feel fresher.
These statues can create a serene atmosphere, but they tend to be associated with older decorating styles. Consider replacing them with simpler, more contemporary items instead.
If you enjoy having a spiritual touch, try more subtle accents like small plants or minimalist decor. This keeps the space feeling light and current without leaning into the “boomer” aesthetic.
Seasonal trinkets like plastic pumpkins or snowmen
You might want to clear seasonal trinkets like plastic pumpkins or snowmen from your shelves when they’re not in season. These items can make your space look cluttered and dated.
Storing them separately keeps your shelves fresh and versatile. Plus, it gives you a chance to swap in decorations that fit the current vibe of your home.
If you want to keep those sentimental items, consider displaying them in a contained way, like inside a glass jar or on a dedicated shelf. This helps avoid a crowded, busy look.
Dusty photo albums stuffed with outdated snapshots
You probably have old photo albums gathering dust on your shelves. These bulky albums often hold outdated snapshots that no longer fit your style or space.
Keeping them can make your shelves look cluttered and dated. Instead, consider sorting through your photos to keep only meaningful ones.
Digitizing or creating smaller, themed albums can freshen up your space. This way, you preserve memories without the bulk and avoid the “boomer” vibe.
Porcelain souvenir plates
You might have collected porcelain souvenir plates over the years, but they often give off a dated vibe. These plates are delicate and can easily chip or scratch when displayed on shelves.
Instead of crowded cabinet shelves, consider storing them safely with soft separators or in a plate rack. This prevents damage and keeps their finish looking nice if you want to keep them.
If you want to refresh your space, removing or rotating these plates can help create a cleaner, more modern look without losing your memories.
