Clutter vs. Décor—How Are They Different?

This month JAM Organizing presents another informative article from a guest blogger. Enjoy!

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If you’re a person drawn to maximalism, have caution: if you're not careful, this style can easily turn into clutter. This doesn’t mean you should switch to minimalism and go overboard with decluttering. This is your home, and you should be able to express your style and make it a place you feel comfortable in. The idea is to design each room in such a way that it doesn’t look messy. And to do this, you need to understand clutter vs. décor and how they are different.

​Clutter vs. Décor—How are They Different?

To understand the difference between clutter and décor, it’s important to have a clear definition of the two concepts. 

• Clutter is a collection of stuff with no specific rhyme or reason to it. And since there’s nothing linking all of these items, you can’t consider it an interior design style. [Editor: Here at JAM Organizing, we say clutter is anything you don't need, want, or use that takes your time, energy, and space, and destroys your serenity.]
• Décor comprises everything from furniture and accessories to the color of the walls. The main difference here is that all of the items are linked in some way, giving your home a sense of cohesiveness and making it more inviting. 

Understanding how and why décor can turn into clutter

Even if you begin with cohesive décor, in time, it can turn into clutter. There are many causes of clutter, and being aware of them can help you avoid common pitfalls. Many of us struggle with items that evoke emotion or stir particular memories. While it’s nice to keep important and meaningful souvenirs and keepsakes, our homes simply can't fit everything. Take time to focus on the memories over the things. 

Another reason why décor can turn into clutter is through disorganization. Even an organized person can stumble, feeling they don't have enough time to put things away. Over time, this leads to clutter.

6 Ways to Avoid Clutter and Focus on Décor

​Once you understand clutter vs. décor and how they're different, you need to know how to avoid clutter and stick with décor. So, keep reading to learn some tips and tricks.

1. Consider the Size of the Room

Regardless of your interior design style, you have to take into account the size of the room. Think about how to maximize space in a home. When you’re working with limited space, décor can easily turn into clutter. Plus, adding a lot of furniture and accessories to an already small room will make it appear even smaller. And even if you have a large room, that doesn’t mean you should fill it up with furniture. This will block the view, and you won’t be able to see the rest of the accessories. 

To avoid clutter and focus on décor, first consider the size of the room and what it can realistically accommodate.

2. Choose a Design Theme

As previously mentioned, a big difference between clutter and décor is cohesiveness, and choosing a design theme for your home or a specific room can help you determine what does - and doesn't - belong. It could be a color palette, a specific collection, or certain textures. The idea is to find something that links all of the items and creates a story. Otherwise, your room can look chaotic and clutter can more easily creep in.

To achieve cohesiveness, choose a design theme.

3. Declutter Regularly

People constantly accumulate stuff. Schedule regular decluttering sessions to help keep clutter at bay. A good strategy is to categorize your belongings into three piles: keep, donate, and throw away. Once you’re done, you can further divide the items you intend to keep into things that should remain in the house and things that should go to storage. Neatly pack the donation and storage piles. If there’s a lot to transport, the advisors at Best Movers NYC recommend renting a moving truck to make it easier. 

To prevent décor from turning into clutter, schedule regular decluttering sessions.

4. Get Organized

Lack of organization can turn your décor into clutter fast. Find ways to organize your belongings in a way that makes sense and looks tidy. If you're stuck, call in a professional who can help you determine what to keep and what to get rid of and who can recommend storage and organization options. Keep everything in order, even when it’s out of sight. It’s also a good idea to get your spouse and kids on board with the organization. This way, everyone will pitch in, and it will be easier to avoid clutter in the future.

5. Rotate the Items You Love

To avoid décor turning into clutter, identify your favorite items and rotate them. You don’t have to display everything all at once. Keep some of the items you cherish in storage and change it up when the mood strikes. This is highly recommended, particularly for collectors that have a lot of items. 

6. Set Rules

After decluttering, creating a theme, and restoring the décor, set rules to help clutter from returning. For example, if you really like home accessories and often buy new items to add to your décor, set a rule that whenever you buy a new item, you have to give up an old one. This way, you’ll be able to maintain a balance. This applies to the entire family!

Final Thoughts

​If your goal to avoid clutter and focus on décor, understanding the difference between the two is essential, particularly if you like the maximalist interior design style. The main difference is cohesiveness, so try to link all of the items in a room, keep them organized, and set rules. You'll be on your way to a clutter-free home in no time!

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AUTHOR BIO
Adelynn Douglas has been working as a content writer for five years. During this time, she developed a true passion for interior design and home organization. She desires to help people express their interior design styles in ways that improve the aspect of their homes.

​Happy Organizing!

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