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Visual clutter is stubborn. It has a way of making an otherwise beautiful room look like something is just…off. However, the causes of visual clutter can be tricky to identify and even more challenging to find solutions.

Have you ever felt that way? If so, read on because I have solutions to help you reduce visual clutter to improve the appeal of any room!

1-) Wires

Wires are one of the most frustrating sources of visual clutter because (most of the time) you can’t simply move or purge them. And while a cable management system will help keep them neat, it won’t necessarily stop them from being visual clutter.

The solution:

The best solution for wires is to run them through the wall. You can buy snakes to help you do this. While it will take a little while for you to do this, it will be well worth the time investment in the end.

2-) Shoes

Without a proper system, shoes can end up everywhere! And while everyone needs shoes, no one wants to see those grass-stained sneakers out in the open.

The solution:

Start a rule that shoes must be left at the entryway or in the bedroom. Limit how many shoes each person can leave at the entryway and by a shoe organizer to keep them neat and tucked away.

3-) Walls

While I believe walls should be used for storage and decor, they need to be used with intention. If you have wall decor or storage scattered about without any real plan, it’s probably contributing to your visual clutter. And may be time to rework your wall space so everything looks purposeful…

The solution:

Take a look at your walls. Does the decor/storage on them look out of place? Does it fit the space? If it doesn’t look right, take everything down. Come up with a plan for everything (I like to play with different arrangements on the floor), then put it back up.

Note: If you want to be certain that a specific arrangement fits the space you can measure your arrangement on the floor and tape the same dimensions on the appropriate wall. This will save you time going back and forth and potentially having to fix more holes in the wall.

4-) Open shelves

Open shelves can be an amazing addition for storage and decor in virtually any space! However, if they’re not done right they can be the perfect place for visual clutter.

The solution:

Avoid trying to do too much on open shelves. If you need to use them as storage space for small items, start with a cute basket that works with your space rather than just shoving the items on the shelves out in the open. Leave space between pieces on the shelves so they don’t feel and look too full.

5-) Counters

Counters are a breeding ground for clutter in general, but even fairly clear counters can look visually cluttered! The trouble happens when loose and visually unappealing items (think bagged bread on kitchen counters, hair dryers on bathroom counters) are scattered loosely about.

The solution:

Start by only keeping items on counters that you use every day. Put least used items in harder-to-access areas and more used (but not every day) items in easy-to-reach cabinets and drawers.

Once you’ve established what items will stay on your counters, find ways to make everything look purposely and neatly arranged. For example, try a bread box instead of a messy bread bag; place your coffee and tea in cute stoneware containers instead of leaving them in the original bags/boxes; arrange your bathroom accessories neatly on a bathroom tray. The options are endless!

6-) Too many patterns or colors

OK, this one has more to do with decorating than particular items. While colors and patterns will add character and appeal to a room, too much will make your space look busy. If you found that you made this mistake in your decorating it may be time to make a few changes…

The solution:

Start by re-painting your walls a neutral color. While it sounds counterintuitive, starting with a neutral base gives you much more flexibility to play around with colors and patterns with items that are easy to replace. Add in your favorite colors and patterns with accent pillows, throw blankets, wall decor, and even things like slip covers! And all of these are easy to change, which means it’ll be much easier to fix if the same mistake happens again!

7-) Papers

I’m not sure about you, but I find that the paper pile struggle is always ongoing. It’s something that we have to stay on top of every day, and it sneaks into our lives as both regular and visual clutter from seemingly everywhere (mail, important documents, magazines….)!

The solution:

First start by taking more control over what papers come into your home. For mail, you can opt-out of direct marketing and pre-approved credit card offers. You can also opt for paperless billing for bills and credit cards.

For other important documents, make sure you have an easy-to-access file system. Get in the habit of filing papers as soon as you are done with them.

If you like magazines and catalogs, prevent build up by putting together a binder of your favorite articles and ideas. Simply rip out your favorite pages and insert them into clear sheet protectors. You’ll be surprised at how many magazines many of us hold onto just for a few pages in them! And later when you need inspiration you’ll have a book of all your favorites together!

8- ) Collections

Having a collection can be a great hobby to have. However, large collections can quickly take over a space! So how do you show off your collection without scaring guests off?

The solution:

Pick a SINGLE space to display your collection (such as a shelf or a display cabinet). If your collection is larger than you can fit in your designated space, consider selling or donating some of the pieces that you don’t absolutely love. Alternatively, you could store some pieces away and rotate your display seasonally. This way you still show off your whole collection over time without adding visual clutter to your space.

Those are my tips on how to reduce visual clutter in your home!

If visual clutter is something you struggle with, remember to PIN THIS POST for later!

And for more great organizing advice, check out these posts:

How to Organize a Small Pantry

How to Organize an Office Space (when you don’t have an office)

Home Management Tasks You Can Do in 15 Minutes or Less