Yes, you can have too much of a good thing. If you're guilty of any of these mistakes, it might be time to purge some of the decor around your home.
7 Signs You’re Over-Decorating
Updated on Apr. 23, 2025
How to Avoid Clutter
Decorating your living space allows you to showcase your creativity and create an inviting atmosphere. However, it’s important to strike the right balance between personalizing the space and over-decorating.
If you’ve got too much decor, here’s how to trim it down:
- Regular decluttering: Sort your belongings into categories and get rid of items you no longer need or use. This keeps your space organized.
- Embrace minimalism: Prioritize quality over quantity. Resist the temptation to accumulate unnecessary belongings. Simplify your decor choices to create a clean and crisp environment.
- Effective storage solutions: Utilize shelves, bins and organizers to keep your items neatly stored and easily accessible. Designating spaces for everything maintains order and reduces clutter.
- One in, one out rule: Whenever you bring in a new item, remove an old one. This prevents overcrowding and ensures your belongings remain balanced.
- Daily tidying: Develop a habit of tidying up a little every day. Put things back in their designated places and clear surfaces.
By following these strategies, you can create a well-decorated space that reflects your personality while maintaining a clutter-free and harmonious environment.
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Mismatched Styles
Establishing a cohesive theme or design scheme is fundamental to a functional space. If you filled your home with furniture, accessories and artwork that don’t complement each other, it might be time to reassess your decor choices. You can also have too much decor from the same theme.
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You’re Unwilling to Part With Old Decor
Sentimentality is understandable, but holding onto outdated, worn-out or damaged items make spaces feel cluttered and stale. Evaluate your older decor items and consider donating or repurposing the ones that no longer match your current aesthetic.
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You Leave Old Holiday/Seasonal Decor Up Too Long
Decorating for holidays and seasons can add a festive touch to your home. However, if you find yourself leaving up holiday decorations long after the season has ended, it may be a sign of over-decorating. Continuously displaying outdated or irrelevant decorations makes a room feel neglected.
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It’s Difficult to Move Around
If you find yourself constantly bumping into furniture or tripping over decorative items, it’s a clear indication that you have over-decorated — and you might even have a fire hazard. Keep your living space functional by creating clear pathways and removing unnecessary clutter.
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Your Eyes Don’t Know Where to Focus
Do your eyes struggle to find a focal point or get lost in a sea of decorations? You’re over-decorating. Allow certain elements to stand out by simplifying the overall design and strategically placing focal pieces to create a visually appealing space.
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You Get More Decor Every Time You Shop
Constantly adding new decor without thoughtful consideration can lead to an excessive accumulation of items that may not necessarily contribute to the overall aesthetic. Practice mindful shopping and only bring in new decor that truly enhances your space.
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Guests or Family Members Address It
An outside perspective can help you realize you’ve gone too far with your decorations. If your guests or family members comment on the excessiveness, you may have crossed the line. Remain receptive to constructive feedback and think about your home outside of your own view.
FAQ
What styles are prone to over-decorating?
Eclectic, maximalist, Bohemian, and traditional interior design styles can be prone to over-decorating. All these styles usually feature layers of color and pattern, as well as vintage pieces and plenty of accessories. Unlike minimalist or coastal rooms that can be very serene and bare, these styles are inherently full of decor; but practicing a little restraint will ensure visual balance.
What are the consequences of over-decorating?
Over-decorating can make your home feel cluttered and cramped. Too much clutter can lead to stress, trouble focusing, and even memory loss. But of course, in the end it’s your home, and if you love being surrounded by stuff—you do you! There’s nothing wrong with being a maximalist. Just be intentional with styling your decor: stacks of books, a floor-to-ceiling gallery wall, and nick-nacks strategically placed on a coffee table or mantle. With the right styling, your space will be colorful and high-energy, but not cluttered and messy.
