We’ve all been there: trying to create a cozy, inviting home, only to wind up feeling overwhelmed by the clutter. It’s easy to cross the line from charming to chaotic, and that’s where we come in. In this article, we’re breaking down 13 common “cozy” touches that are actually contributing to your clutter problem, and offering some practical alternatives to help you keep your space tidy and comfortable. Let’s get started!
1. Excessive Throw Pillows
Throw pillows can add a decorative touch to any space, but too many can make a room look cluttered and feel cramped. It’s not uncommon for people to overload their sofas or beds with a multitude of pillows in an attempt to create a cozy ambiance. However, this often leads to a disorganized look and creates unnecessary work when it comes time to use the space.
A good rule of thumb is to stick to a maximum of three pillows on a standard-size sofa and no more than five on a king-size bed. This will give your room a balanced look without overwhelming the space. Remember, sometimes less is more when it comes to home decor.
2. Overflowing Bookshelves
While a filled bookshelf can create a cozy, intellectual vibe, an overflowing one can make your space look chaotic. If your shelves are bursting at the seams with books, it might be time to consider decluttering. Not only will this make your room look tidier, but it will also make it easier for you to find and enjoy your favorite books.
Consider donating books you’ve already read and aren’t likely to revisit. For those books you simply can’t part with, consider alternative storage solutions like under-bed storage, or even a decorative trunk that doubles as a coffee table.
3. Too Many Picture Frames
Photos of loved ones and cherished memories certainly make a house feel like a home. However, too many picture frames can crowd your space and detract from the overall aesthetic. When every surface is covered with frames, it can feel cluttered and disorganized, regardless of how precious the memories may be.
Instead of displaying all your photos at once, consider rotating them periodically. This will keep your decor fresh and interesting, and it will allow you to enjoy all of your photos over time, rather than all at once. Alternatively, consider a digital photo frame, which can display multiple photos in a slide show format, saving you space and reducing clutter.
4. Unused Kitchen Gadgets
Having the right tools can make cooking a joy, but too many gadgets can crowd your kitchen counters and cabinets. If your kitchen is overflowing with rarely-used items like avocado slicers, egg separators, or waffle makers, it might be time to reassess.
Keep only those appliances and gadgets that you use frequently and store the rest. This will free up valuable counter and cabinet space and make your kitchen feel more open and organized. If there are items you haven’t used in a year, consider donating them to a charity or selling them online.
5. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
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While carpeting can add a warm and cozy feel to a room, it can also make a space feel smaller and more cluttered, particularly if it’s a patterned or dark color. Plus, it can harbor dust and allergens that contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Consider replacing wall-to-wall carpeting with hardwood or laminate flooring for a cleaner, more streamlined look. Area rugs can still provide a touch of coziness and warmth without overwhelming the space.
6. Excessive Candles
Candles can create a warm, inviting atmosphere in a room. However, having too many can make your space feel cluttered and even pose a fire hazard. If you have more candles than you know what to do with, consider streamlining your collection.
Keep a few favorite scents and styles on hand and store the rest. Rotate your candles seasonally to keep your decor fresh and interesting. And remember, a single, well-placed candle can often have a greater impact than a cluster of them.
7. Oversized Furniture
Large, overstuffed furniture may seem like the epitome of comfort, but it can easily overwhelm a room, making it feel cramped and cluttered. If your furniture is too big for your space, it can hinder traffic flow and make your room feel smaller than it actually is.
Consider downsizing to smaller, more streamlined pieces that better fit your space. Look for furniture with clean lines and light colors to create the illusion of more space. And remember, the quality of the furniture is often more important than its size when it comes to comfort.
8. Too Many Knick-Knacks
While small mementos and trinkets can add personality to a room, too many can make your space feel cluttered and disorganized. If every surface in your home is covered with knick-knacks, it might be time to declutter.
Consider displaying only your most cherished items and storing the rest. Rotate your knick-knacks periodically to keep your decor fresh and interesting. And remember, a few well-chosen pieces can often have a greater impact than a multitude of items.
9. Multiple Throw Blankets
Throw blankets can add warmth and coziness to a room. However, having too many can make your space feel cluttered and disorganized. If your living room or bedroom is overflowing with blankets, it might be time to streamline your collection.
Keep only those blankets that you use frequently and store the rest. Rotate your blankets seasonally to keep your decor fresh and interesting. And remember, a single, well-placed throw can often have a greater impact than a pile of them.
10. Potted Plants Everywhere
While houseplants can bring life and color to a room, too many can make your space feel cluttered. If every surface in your home is covered with potted plants, it might be time to reassess.
Consider grouping your plants together on a single shelf or window sill for a more streamlined look. This will not only make your room feel less cluttered, but it will also make it easier to care for your plants.
11. Excess Wall Art
While art can be a great way to express your personal style, too much of it can make your walls feel cluttered. If every inch of your wall space is covered with paintings, prints, or photos, it might be time to streamline your collection.
Consider creating a gallery wall with your favorite pieces and storing the rest. This will keep your decor interesting and allow you to enjoy your art without overwhelming your space.
12. Stacked Magazines
While a stack of magazines can add a casual, lived-in feel to a room, too many can make your space look cluttered and disorganized. If your coffee table or bookshelf is overflowing with back issues, it might be time to declutter.
Consider recycling old issues and keeping only the most recent ones. Alternatively, consider switching to digital subscriptions to save space and reduce clutter.
13. Excessive Seasonal Decor
While seasonal decor can add a festive touch to your home, too much of it can make your space feel cluttered. If every surface in your home is covered with holiday decorations, it might be time to reassess.
Consider displaying only your most cherished items and storing the rest. Rotate your decor seasonally to keep your home fresh and interesting. And remember, a few well-chosen pieces can often have a greater impact than a multitude of items.