Clutter or Character? Walking the fine line in home decor

We’ve all walked into a home where the shelves groan under the weight of knick‑knacks, the walls are plastered with pictures, and there’s a plant (or ten) eyeing you from every corner. Depending on your mood, it’s either delightfully cosy or a touch like stepping into a museum gift shop.

So, how do you know if your home is full of character… or just plain cluttered?

The Difference Between Cosy and Chaotic

Character is about storytelling. That battered leather armchair you picked up at a flea market? It’s got charm. The gallery wall of family snaps and postcards? That’s you, on display

 Clutter, on the other hand, is when your eye doesn’t know where to land. If you find yourself moving piles of “stuff” just to put your brew down, it might be time for a rethink.

Sentimental Doesn’t Mean Everything Stays

We all have treasures - from nan’s teapot to the souvenir magnet you bought in Scarborough. But not everything has to live in plain sight. Rotate items with the seasons, or tuck some away so you can rediscover them later. It keeps things fresh and meaningful, rather than overwhelming.

Style It Like You Mean It

The trick is intention. A stack of well‑chosen books on the coffee table says, “I love a good read.” A tottering tower of paperbacks spilling onto the floor says, “I’ve lost control of my life.” Same items, very different story.

Your home should make you smile. If your collection of quirky vases or slightly creepy porcelain cats does that, then keep them out and proud. But if you’re constantly dusting around things you don’t even like, it might be time for a clear‑out.

So, is it clutter or character? The answer probably lies somewhere in the middle - in a home that feels lived in, loved, and just organised enough that you can still find the remote.