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Emily A. Clark

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Layering vs. Clutter (What’s The Difference?)

September 7, 2016

“Layering” is one of those words I use a lot when talking about accessorizing a room. I had a reader ask the other day what the difference was between layering “stuff” and just plain ole clutter. It’s interesting, really. There are some people who just do tons of accessories in one space so well. Their homes feel cozy and full of meaning without coming across as suffocating.

coffee_table_styling  House & Home

I’m not sure there’s a straightforward answer to what that (thin) line is between layered and cluttered. What makes us calm/happy/nervous/irritated visually is so different for each person. For me, I think the key is to collect things I love and get rid of what I’m just so-so about. I’m not a huge fan of mass-produced accessories that feel more on the trendy side—for the most part.

dresser_styling_oklOne Kings Lane

I also need a little breathing space. When there’s not one clear surface (and that’s the often the case in our house), I find myself feeling nervous and antsy to “do something.” It usually results in me grabbing a garbage bag and trying to fill it up with trash and donations. The other thing I personally need to work on is putting away things I’m not using around our house. I’ll lean a framed picture against a wall for months, thinking I “might” eventually find a place to hang it. In the meantime, it sets there as a reminder of an unfinished project. Why don’t I just walk that thing up to the attic??

 decorating_layers Rita Konig

Collections are a beautiful way to surround yourself with the things you love, without making your space look like it has a million things going on at one time. (Groupings are good.) Part of that comes with learning what you really love; what feels like you. I (obviously) like to scatter a little blue and white throughout every room. I love chinoiserie-inspired pieces and colorful artwork.

blue_white_collection source

And, if you ask me, you can’t go wrong with a great collection of books. Stack them, lean them, fill visual space under a side table, etc. They’re great for adding a feeling of warmth to your home.

stacked books One Kings Lane

So, now that I’ve confessed all of my clutter triggers (aka “quirks”) to you, I’m curious to hear what the difference is for you between layers and clutter?

accessorizingLonny

 

 

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Filed Under: accessories, design tips Tagged With: accessorizing, decorating

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. jennifer says

    September 7, 2016 at 9:00 am

    Fun topic! This might be elementary, but to me, layered is an intentional placement of things, clutter is just not putting stuff away. Ha!

    Reply
  2. Jess says

    September 7, 2016 at 9:08 am

    Totally subjective. Everything in the pictures that you presented was organized. That is layered to me. However, a table space with 100 organized matching salt and pepper shakers would drive me insane! Clutter for me is generally a collection of stuff that doesn’t belong there- a pile of papers that need to be organized or kid toys in spots where they don’t belong.

    Reply
  3. Michele @ Moonfield Interiors says

    September 7, 2016 at 10:17 am

    I love this post! I did a similar one a while back called “The Art of Clutter.” Although I don’t know if I was able to articulate exactly how I feel about it, I remember saying that stray Star Wars figures and Pokeman cards unfortunately do not equal stylish or collected clutter, lol! I also have a Pinterest board where I’ve saved “collected spaces” that aren’t styled to perfection. Books are my favorite kind of clutter and I adore a crammed bookshelf and the “books on the floor” look. I think a certain amount and type of clutter can help lend that “collected over time” look that I love and also helps to create a cozy space. I try to remember, though, that sometimes magazine rooms aren’t always practical for real life. I love the kitchen picture you linked but I just don’t have the space for a huge porcelain collection plus there’s the boys + dog situation… I might just be stuck with the Lego collection for a few more years :)

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      September 7, 2016 at 11:24 am

      So true–I don’t think my kids would appreciate eating their cereal out of a ginger jar, but they sure are pretty ;)

      Reply
  4. Rebecca says

    September 7, 2016 at 11:37 am

    That’s an interesting thought, the fine line between just enough and clutter. I’m no minimalist, but I am very clutter adverse! I like a fair amount of “white space” on my walls or I feel a bit claustrophobic. I tend to use more solids than patterns for the same reason (with the exception of my throw pillow…love the pattern there!) If I have to move anything off a surface in order for it to be functional, then it has crossed the clutter line! But at the same time, bare spaces cry out for something pretty or they will be quickly filled with the junk of life.

    Reply
  5. Christina says

    September 7, 2016 at 2:02 pm

    Oh my gosh! I TOTALLY asked you this question–HAHA!

    I think my Christmas gift to my Mom is going to be a professional organizer…:-)

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      September 7, 2016 at 4:29 pm

      Thanks for the post idea!

      Reply
  6. carol says

    September 7, 2016 at 3:47 pm

    I love the 2nd photo , I guess it’s an entry table, with the chair. That looks uncluttered to me. All the others seem cluttered. Especially the crazy one with all the photographs.

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      September 7, 2016 at 4:29 pm

      Isn’t that funny? I’m so drawn to that.

      Reply
  7. Mary says

    September 7, 2016 at 5:36 pm

    Clutter to me is my husband’s stuff laying everywhere because he doesn’t know how to put things away when he’s done with them.
    Layers are what’s left after I put his stuff away. 😖

    Reply
    • Mandy says

      September 9, 2016 at 4:41 am

      Mary, we might be married to the same man 😂😂😂😂😂

      Reply
  8. Heather says

    September 8, 2016 at 10:00 am

    I think only the second picture above can qualify as layered to my eye. Everything else is clearly cluttered and doesn’t make me feel restful. That’s the dividing line for me, if the look of a room puts me at ease instead of making my eyes move from item to item (or in the case of many of these pictures, pile to pile). I admit, though, I’m definitely of a minimalist mindset – the less I own and have sitting out means less I have to clean, maintain, find a spot for, and eventually replace.

    Reply
  9. Whitney says

    September 8, 2016 at 10:52 am

    It’s definitely subjective. All of the pictures except the second one make me feel a little claustrophobic – especially the coffee table covered in books. I love beautiful things, but I’m definitely a ‘function first’ kind of person. If it doesn’t serve a purpose, I try to get rid of it.

    Reply
  10. angie says

    March 19, 2021 at 8:50 am

    I agree that adding some personality to spaces is nice and it can be complicated. here is how I saw your example photos: These all seemed very cluttered to me like a place with no place to relax or comfortable space. Where does one’s own body fit into all the stuff on the couch? This pillows would mean anyone sitting the sofa would be forced to sit at an awkward angle. . And how does anyone do any work on the surfaces in the kitchen? The books under the table looked as if they are just stashed until someone gets ready to take them to donation or a wherever they belong. I see so many marketing pictures on the web that have every surface covered and while it might look cute for a minute, if one where to do the exercise of imagining themselves actually using or navigating the room it would be uncomfortable to do so. In addition, many never see that they would need to purchase every element in those pictures, including the architectural style for the items to work. Design is tricky and it is probably worth the investment to hire a professional to help a person get their own stuff right. I really enjoyed you putting this out here for both provocation and input.

    Reply

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