5 things making your home look cluttered, and how to fix them

Your home may be clean, but does it still feel cluttered?

Yet, you have bought all the decor items you see online from TikTok, Facebook markets or local shops in Kamukunji or Eastleigh.

Well, experts say that even the most spotless spaces can appear chaotic due to a few common culprits hiding in plain sight.

From overflowing surfaces to mismatched storage, clutter is not always about the mess; sometimes it is about having too much stuff.

“You might have a very neat place, everything is clean and tidy, but that is not enough to make your space look put together; instead, it ends up looking very cluttered.”

Here is a closer look at five surprising things that may be making your home look cluttered and what you can do about them.

1. Too many small decor items

Yes, having decor is almost an essential thing to have in your place because it gives it some kind of personality, but when you have a candle here, some box books there, a jar or a potted plant there, and before you know it, every surface in your home has become a display shelf.

Having too many small items scattered across tables, floors, and shelves can overwhelm the eye.

Interior designers suggest grouping similar objects in odd numbers or opting for one bold centrepiece instead.

Known as the "rule of three" (or more broadly, the rule of odds) when styling shelves, tables, or countertops. The idea is rooted in visual perception and how our brains process information.

Odd numbers create a sense of balance while still feeling dynamic and natural; in contrast, even numbers can feel too symmetrical, stiff, or overly structured.

For example, three small vases of varying heights grouped on a coffee table will look more visually appealing than two of the same size placed side-by-side.

This approach guides the eye and gives your decor a rhythm, creating subtle movement that feels organic and intentional.

However, having a single bold centrepiece can ground a room and reduce visual noise.

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If your space already has a lot going on, like patterns, textures, or colours, adding several small decorative items can be stimulating.

Instead, a sculptural vase, a striking bowl, or even a large candle in the centre of a dining or coffee table can speak volumes on its own

2. Uncontained cords and chargers

In the age of technology, tangled cords and wires have become the new visual noise.

Phone chargers, laptop cables, and power extensions, whether lying across the floor or draped over counters, instantly disrupt an otherwise tidy room.

To fix this, you can opt for cord organisers, under-desk trays, or even cleverly placed baskets can make a huge difference.

If you have power extensions, you can have them in a temporary cable cover to preserve the aesthetic of the house.

3. Overflowing entryways

The area near your front door often sets the tone for your entire home, and it is also the first place where clutter builds up.

If you see shoes, coats, bags, and other things as the first thing when you enter a house, then this ends up creating a visual chaos.

Instead, having a designated wall-mounted organiser, shoe rack, or storage bench can help streamline the space while keeping essentials within reach.

The fix? Introduce a few smart, space-conscious solutions:

A wall-mounted organiser can hold keys, sunglasses, and mail in one tidy spot.

A shoe rack or cabinet keeps footwear off the floor and out of the way.

A storage bench does double duty, offering a place to sit while putting on shoes and hidden compartments to store bags or items you might need while going outside.

Even a small tray or bowl for loose items (like coins or headphones) can help give everything a clear home.

Adding a small mirror or artwork above the console table, which is next to the door, can also elevate the space, making it feel intentional and welcoming rather than chaotic.

Remember, the goal is not perfection; it is to create a functional and calming transition zone between the outside world and your personal sanctuary.

4. Open shelving gone wrong

Open shelving can look modern, and everybody was going for this because it saves the cost of putting doors, but it can quickly turn into chaos. When shelves are filled with mismatched books, mugs, and other items like food, they lose their appeal.

Experts recommend using bins or baskets to conceal less attractive items and sticking to a consistent colour scheme to make shelves look intentional, not accidental.

5. Too many plants and artwork

Having too much artwork and plants can make the home feel cluttered, especially when they are small.

Having a plant that can stand alone by itself, or on the shelf, can help make the house less cluttered.

You do not need a full home makeover to create a calmer, cleaner space. Sometimes, it is the small changes, hiding a few cords, clearing off a counter, or grouping decor, that make the biggest visual impact.

As home organisation trends continue to shift toward minimalism and mindful design, less really is more.