10 Things You Can Remove Right Now to Make Your House Look Better

When a space feels cluttered or off, it’s usually not because you need more decor—it’s because something needs to go. Taking things away is one of the fastest ways to make your house feel more polished. It’s free, it’s fast, and it instantly makes your home look more put-together.

If your space has been feeling heavy or chaotic, try removing a few of these things. You might be surprised how much better everything looks.

Old Rugs That Drag the Room Down

Worn-out or undersized rugs can mess up the entire flow of a room. If it’s curling at the edges, stained, or constantly sliding around, it’s doing more harm than good. Rugs should anchor a space, not distract from it.

Pull it up and live without it for a bit—you’ll either realize the room feels cleaner or figure out what size or style actually belongs there. A bare floor is better than a rug that looks tired or too small for the space.

Throw Pillows That Don’t Match Anything

If you’ve got a pile of throw pillows in different colors, patterns, or sizes that don’t work together, it’s time to pare them down. Mismatched pillows can make a space feel busy and disconnected.

Stick with two or three that actually tie into your room’s color scheme. Anything else can be stored, donated, or used elsewhere. When pillows are intentional, they look styled. When they’re not, they just look messy.

Cluttered Refrigerator Doors

Magnets, school papers, and random takeout menus might be practical, but they don’t belong on display. A cluttered fridge makes even a clean kitchen feel chaotic.

Take five minutes to clear it off. If something’s truly important, move it to a bulletin board or inside a drawer. A bare fridge front instantly makes your kitchen feel fresher, and it gives your eye a break.

Fake Plants Covered in Dust

There’s nothing wrong with faux greenery—unless it’s dusty and faded. At that point, it’s not adding life to your space. It’s making it feel neglected.

Either give them a proper clean or get rid of the ones that look sad. A single real plant or fresh-cut branch will do more for your space than a dozen tired-looking fakes.

Decor That Doesn’t Fit the Room Anymore

We all have things we used to love that no longer work. Whether it’s farmhouse signs that feel dated or bold accents that clash with your current style, it’s okay to let them go.

Walk through each room and ask yourself if each decor item still earns its spot. If not, box it up or donate it. When your space reflects what you actually like now, it shows.

Piles on Flat Surfaces

Nightstands, dressers, entry tables—they’re clutter magnets. Keys, receipts, cords, and random clutter can make even a well-decorated space look messy.

Clear off one surface at a time. Wipe it down, leave only what’s needed or intentional, and enjoy how much more open and clean it looks. Once you see it cleared off, you won’t want to go back.

Oversized Furniture That Crowds the Room

Big furniture in small spaces can make a room feel cramped and uninviting. If something blocks walkways or takes over the room, it’s not doing you any favors.

Try removing one oversized piece—like an extra chair or bulky coffee table—and see how it feels. You might find that a little breathing room makes the space feel calmer and more welcoming.

Wall Decor That’s Hung Too High

When art or mirrors are hung too high, it throws off the whole room. It can make ceilings feel lower and the furniture feel disconnected.

If something feels “off,” try removing it and rehanging it at eye level (usually around 57–60 inches from the floor to the center). Taking it down completely until you decide helps reset the room visually.

Too Many Small Knickknacks

A few accessories can add personality. Too many start to feel like clutter, especially if they’re spread across every shelf and tabletop.

Pick your favorites and pack away the rest. Group things in odd numbers, vary heights, and leave breathing room. When everything has space to stand out, the whole room looks better.

Curtains That Don’t Fit Right

Short curtains, wrinkled panels, or ones that are hung too low can cheapen the feel of a room. If yours aren’t touching the floor or look like an afterthought, they’re worth rethinking.

Remove them for now and see how the space feels. You can always replace them with something that fits better, but taking down the wrong ones is the first step to getting it right.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.