I absolutely love knickknacks and a maximalist aesthetic — the more textures, colors, and layers overlapping each other, the better. Sometimes though, I get sensory overload in my apartment and feel like I need to declutter, even though I don’t want to. My eye begins to get dissatisfied with the lack of white space, and I feel like there are too many vignettes and my possessions are closing in on me. I don’t necessarily think it’s because I have too much stuff; instead, I think it’s because it’s not arranged correctly.
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There’s an art to arranging trinkets. If you put them haphazardly on shelves and furniture, your room can quickly begin to look like an estate sale with all its treasures lined up on tables. If you occasionally struggle with how to group your collectibles and decorative items and want to create some breathing room in your space, these designer tips can help you make your home look curated rather than cluttered.
The easiest way to avoid feeling like you’re drowning in stuff is to focus on decorating with larger collectibles. “Our rule of thumb is to intentionally buy larger decor pieces instead of many smaller items,” says Bria Hammel, owner and creative director of Bria Hammel Interiors in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. “This way, it’ll feel fuller without the clutter or having to buy multiple small accessories to fill empty space.” That might mean weeding out your smaller pieces to let the larger items shine. Just stow your “littles” for the time being, and rotate things in when you get bored of the trinkets currently on display.
Group similar items together.
If you love your assortment of tchotchkes, but they still feel a little cluttered, try grouping similar items together to create a thread of consistency. “I find that placing like mementos together in a group lends a sense of order,” says Darryl Carter, a Washington D.C.-based interior decorator and furniture designer. “If keepsakes are dissimilar, one way to solve this is by executing them in the same manner.” Take photographs, for example. You can frame them all in one frame style for visual continuity. If you have a candle holder collection, tie your pieces together by using the same color candlestick in each vessel. A vase collection can hold the same type of flower or greenery throughout a room and so on.
Create height differences.
One reason your room might feel like an avalanche of knickknacks is because you’re not utilizing height to break them up. “Use books, stands, and elevated trays to create mini platforms for your small decor items,” Olga Zymon, a Chicago, Illinois-based interior designer, suggests. “Our eye likes seeing items clustered in groups of three, but even that can fall flat if those items are all the same height. Take a stack of Vogue [magazines] or books and use them to elevate one vase higher than another. Use a tray with legs to raise knickknacks next to vases or vessels, and put planters on top of small boxes.”
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If you’ve been trying to spruce up your home, you might’ve considered adding some wall art, getting a new plant or two or leaving some decorative trinkets around the place for a personal touch. But you might not have put as much thought into the furniture on which you plan to display said ornaments. Sure, bookcases and shelves are super practical, but why stop there? This is your opportunity to check out some pieces that are just as, if not more, eye-catching than anything you’ll find in the decor section. And, as you likely already know, shelving helps reduce clutter, which is essential for living in a small space. Keep objects out of the way yet easily accessible by placing them on a rack or wall-mounted ledge. Read on to see our top shelving picks for any apartment.
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If you haven’t taken down your holiday decorations yet, what are you waiting for? Maybe you’re worried that without the tree, your living space will look a bit… empty? If so, allow us to suggest a ladder shelf. These chic, practical pieces are ideal for small homes — or small rooms within larger ones. Whether you’re looking for a spot to store trinkets, plants, books, or more, ladder shelves have you covered. Below, we selected a handful of our favorite small-space-friendly styles to fit any budget.
Floating shelves don’t take up any floor space and fit practically anywhere. What’s not to love? And no matter how big or small your home, there’s always a spot that could benefit from a little bit of added storage and décor.
Below, some ways to DIY floating shelves for every skill level—we’re talking from “I feel comfortable using thumbtacks” to “Let me get my power tools.” You’ve got this!
(Image credit: Charles Dundas-Shaw)
Skeptical? Us too. That’s why we tested it out ourselves. Perfect for renters and people who want more storage without needing to purchase lumber, this floating shelf kit from Amazon comes with everything you need. The hardware has a level built in and can be installed using your thumbs (seriously). Once that initial piece of hardware is on, the shelf slips on to the brackets and you’re done.
Pros: No tools, super fast
Cons: Only holds 15 pounds, limited colors/ materials
We bet you’ve either used or know someone who has used IKEA’s MOSSLANDA picture rails. They’re like The Beatles of home decorating accessories. They’re endlessly versatile. These minimal floating shelves are a breeze to hang up, and they’re so minimal, a hammer and a level are the most complex tools you’ll need. Because they’re so slim, they can fit in any and every room to help hold everything from artwork to out-the-door essentials.
Pros: Inexpensive, versatile, easy to install
Cons: Some tools required, won’t hold much weight
The ‘It Only Looks Hard’ Option
Want to impress the super handy person in your life? This floating shelf looks hard to hang, but the secret is the sturdy hardware that can transform almost any piece of wood into a shelf. You do need some power tool experience, since you’ll need to create holes to fit the hardware into using a drill bit. We recommend this hardware if you need to hang more than one shelf too; it’s an affordable option.
Pros: Affordable, personalization, can choose a weight range
Cons: Some power tool skills necessary, can take an hour or two
The Shelf Meets Open Box Look
Consider this the two for one model. Not only can you style objects on top, but you can also use the inside of the shelf for storage. Plus, it’s not too hard to make yourself. You’ll want to cut pine boards to the width you need, and nail or screw them together to form a box. If you’re looking to add a fancy touch to the shelf, you can cut miter the corners so the boards sit flush together. Instead of having to create a framework for the shelf to sit on, this method involves screwing in a stud to hang. Then paint or stain it with whatever color complements your home.
Pros: More storage, no framework
Cons: Some tools/DIY knowledge required, can take some time
For Experienced DIY Enthusiasts
So here’s the thing with these types of shelves: If you want it all, you have to do the work. This version is more complicated to build, but it lasts, can hold a significant amount of weight and it looks handcrafted. So it’s worth the time and the effort that goes into it. You build a long box that only has three sides. On the wall you affix a self-made wooden framework, which the box will slide onto to form the shelf. You’ll need a variety of supplies from raw materials, to wood glue, to a pocket hole jig. This isn’t for a first time DIYer, but the results are fab.
Pros: Beautiful final version, can hold up
Cons: Time consuming, requires more experience
Open shelving in kitchens is only becoming more popular, but can you achieve the look on your own? With Plank & Pillow’s DIY you can, but this one takes a bit more involvement. Brooke and Henry hung brackets, which the pine shelves they created were slid onto. This will hold heavier items and (as you can see) looks absolutely beautiful.
Caylin is a contributor for The Kitchn, specializing in all things entertaining and crafting. She lives in Rhode Island with her husband and her four rescue cats.
