The answer is Yes. Too much of a good thing can be just too much. Simply take a look at the two pictures below and you’ll have good examples of what clutter means. Like everything in life, trying to strike the right balance is key: too much un-appointed ‘stuff’ will cause your room to feel busy and look messy. Not to mention the nuisance it is to your tidy-up and cleaning routine.

Source: The African Fashionista

Source: Enchanted Home

In general keep your accessory and decorative pieces in clusters of odd numbers—3, 5 or 7— this allows you to ensure individual objects are seen and the presentation is not too busy. When creating your clusters, choose objects of different shapes and sizes that have one common theme/message, either; colour, shape or texture.

Accent Pillows & Throws

The idea here is to add cozy comfort, personality, and style to your décor. Keep in mind: too many fluffy accessories can overpower a room and if simply tossed around and not placed – things get messy really quickly. When grouping throw pillows, consider mixing a stripe, a solid and a pattern in complementary colours. Or, similar themes in different sizes.

Source: Rebekkah Davies Interiors + Design

Source: Tamar Schechner/Nest Pretty Things Inc.

Keepsakes and Heirlooms

When deciding; be mindful of what speaks to you, rekindles an exciting moment or memory. Treasure the sentimental value and feeling it represents.

Sophie, from Adventures of a Creative Girl, gives you many great DIY ideas on how you can display your travel mementos in her blog article Travel Mementos – 6 Ways to Display Them Tastefully.

Source: Adventures of a Creative Girls

Decorative Table Trays

Again, don’t let table trays become a dumping ground or catch-all. If you’re not careful, things get really messy and cluttered. You can arrange cocktail glasses, tea or coffee cups – using a few of your favourite pieces, or few candles, a bowl of candies or fruit, the possibilities are endless.

Source: Nissa-Lynn Interiors and Décor

Stacked Books

Table top books are stylish and trendy. Select wisely and don’t overdo it: piles of books all over coffee tables and fireplace mantles creates unnecessary disorder. You can also stack table books under end tables and coffee tables.

Source: Centsational Girl

Decorative Boxes and Baskets

Both have dual-purpose: you can use them to organize and hide, odds and ends. The box itself can be used in a cluster as a focal piece with a candle and small vase, there are so many uses for these boxes. The entrance is a great place to feature a box to conceal your car keys placed on the hall table.

Source: Houzz

Source: Shelterness

Baskets, which are very trendy right know, can be used to conceal your kids or pets toys as well as acting as a great storage solution for throws and magazines. Use them anywhere: in the living room, the bedroom, the bathroom, the laundry room, anywhere!

Source: 4BetterHome

Source: 4BetterHome

Source: 4BetterHome

Wall Art/Mirror

You don’t have to just hang Art and Mirrors, you can lean them against a wall or on a console. You can arrange a number of frames to create a large statement piece. This is an easy way to your style and personality to your room décor.

Source: Apartment Therapy

Use different shapes, styles and sizes mirrors to create the same effect as a large mirror, expressing yourself.

Source: Architectural Digest

Now, take a few minutes and evaluate your room: do you need to add a little or redistribute or simply remove? Whatever it is, just have fun and let your creative juices flow!

Lily, Your Furniture Expert

Main picture source: 4Betterhome