Accessory Overload and How to Fix It

Accessories should elevate a room, not overwhelm it. If your bookshelves, mantels or side tables look crowded, messy, and definitely not curated, then accessory overload may be the culprit.

Good news: the fix may not require buying new things. Simply styling what you already own is often the cure. Read on for tips to stop the clutter and create spaces that feel balanced and intentional and contribute to loving where you live.

Mistake #1: Too Many Small Things

These shelves would hold more impact with some editing and more height variance.

With few exceptions, a row of trinkets lined up like soldiers doesn’t create impact, it creates visual noise. Your eye doesn’t know where to land, so the display looks too busy.

The Fix: Think bigger. Use fewer, larger pieces to anchor the arrangement, and let the smaller accents play a supporting role. Continuing with the theater metaphor, imagine introducing ten background extra actors instead of the main character. Nobody knows where to focus—and the scene falls flat.

Mistake #2: No Height Variety

These shelves show some height variance, which helps with visual balance and creates interest.

When everything on your shelf is the same size, the effect is flat and uninspired. Without variation, your display lacks rhythm and movement.

The Fix: As a rule of thumb you can style in threes—one tall, one medium, one small. The difference in height keeps the eye moving and makes the grouping feel intentional. Depending on the situation, you may be able to incorporate five or seven items but stick with odd numbers so you eye can feel relaxed finding the center.

Mistake #3: Forgetting Negative Space

Remember that less is more. Negative space gives your eyes a chance to rest in between your items, preventing visual overload.

Every inch of your shelf does not need to be covered. Crowding objects edge to edge leaves no room for the eye to rest and creates a sense of chaos.

The Fix: Embrace breathing room. Leave blank space around groupings so each piece can shine. This approach gives each of your accessories personal space. No one enjoys a clingy neighbor.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Balance

This depicts height variance, negative space and the large mirror balances the items on the shelf.

Styling one side of a shelf heavily while leaving the other side sparse throws everything off-kilter.

The Fix: Step back and look at the whole arrangement. Not all spaces need to be styled with complete symmetry, but you should seek to distribute objects so the visual weight feels even.

Mistake #5: Styling Without Intention

Shelves that are just piled with items top to bottom can make your whole room feel chaotic. Paring down the items and placing them with intention will instantly make the space feel calmer.

Throwing random objects on a shelf without thought makes a room feel cluttered rather than curated.

The Fix: Choose items you truly love or that tell your story. A few meaningful objects displayed thoughtfully make a much greater impact than twenty random ones. They also invite conversation when visitors notice a special item and wonder about its meaning to you.

Final Thoughts

Accessories can be the finishing touch that makes a room feel complete but only if they’re styled with purpose. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create spaces that feel open, polished, and personal.

Now, what will you do next to love where you live?

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