Sometimes your home feels cluttered even when it’s clean and organized. You might have the right furniture and décor, but small decorating choices can quietly make your space feel cramped or chaotic.
Knowing which decorating habits contribute to a cluttered look helps you create a home that feels more open and peaceful. Changing the way you style your space can make a big difference without needing major renovations or spending a lot of money.
Overfilling surfaces with knickknacks
You might think filling your countertops and tabletops with trinkets adds personality, but too many can quickly make your space feel crowded. When surfaces are overloaded, it’s harder to use them for everyday tasks.
Instead, try to keep only a few meaningful pieces out. Creating some breathing room helps your favorite items stand out without overwhelming the room.
A cluttered surface can make even a tidy space look messy. So, resist the urge to display every small item and focus on simplicity to keep your home feeling open and inviting.
Hanging too many small art pieces close together
If you pack a bunch of small art pieces right next to each other, your wall can quickly feel chaotic. It’s like shoving too many things into a tiny space—it just overwhelms the room.
Give each piece some breathing room. Aim for at least 2 inches of space between frames to keep things balanced.
Lay your arrangement out on the floor first. This way, you can see how everything fits before committing to nails in the wall.
Remember, less is often more. Sometimes taking down a few pieces can make your space feel calm and styled instead of crowded.
Holding onto outdated or unused decor
If you keep decorations that no longer fit your style, your space can start to feel cluttered without you noticing. Old items gather dust and take up valuable room on shelves or tables.
Even if an item once meant something, holding onto too many pieces can overwhelm your space.
Try rotating seasonal decor or donating things you rarely use. Letting go of outdated stuff helps your home feel fresher and more open.
Stacking too many books or magazines visibly
When you pile up books or magazines in a visible spot, it can quickly make your space feel crowded. Even if they’re neatly stacked, a tall or messy pile draws the eye in a way that adds visual weight.
Try to keep stacks low or store some items out of sight. Rotating what’s on display can help your space stay fresh and less cluttered. A little breathing room on shelves makes a big difference in how open your room feels.
Using mismatched storage containers everywhere
When you use storage containers that don’t match, it can make your space look scattered and chaotic. Different sizes, colors, and materials draw the eye and create visual clutter.
Sticking to containers that share a similar style or color palette helps your room feel more organized and intentional. Even if you shop your home for containers, aim for a cohesive look.
Matching storage doesn’t mean everything has to be identical. Picking just one or two styles or materials can create balance without feeling boring.
Ignoring cable and cord management
Cords and cables can quickly turn a neat room into a messy one. When you leave them tangled or visible, your space ends up looking cluttered without much effort.
Taking a few minutes to hide or organize cables makes a big difference. You can use clips, zip ties, or even smart furniture with built-in cord management to keep things tidy.
By managing your cords, you not only reduce visual clutter but also make your home feel calmer and more inviting. It’s an easy habit that boosts the overall look without much work.
Piling up decorative pillows beyond comfort
You might think adding lots of throw pillows makes your space cozy, but overdoing it can quickly clutter your room. When pillows stack up too high or cover every surface, they take up valuable space and make your seating less inviting.
Try to keep pillow numbers manageable so your space feels open and comfortable. Choose sizes and shapes that fit well without overwhelming your furniture.
Focusing on a few well-chosen pillows rather than piling on too many will make your room look styled, not stuffed.
