12 Surprising Ways Your Home Decor Is Making You Stressed

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The point of decor is to make your home feel nice and inviting and comfortable, but sometimes it does the opposite. Some design choices add tension to your home and stress you. If your home environment feels overwhelming or chaotic, it might be because some seemingly small decor details are piling up and fighting against the calm you want.

To help you bring a little more peace to your space, let’s look at 12 ways your home decor may be unexpectedly raising your stress levels.

Too Many Patterns

When you’re go overboard with patterns, it can look crazy instead of charming. Florals mixed with stripes and geometrics can be too much for the brain and cause sensory overload. Stick to one or two complementary patterns, or solids to balance out the busier designs. A little restraint here can really calm a space down.

Harsh Lighting

Black Pendant Light — Photo Credit: Brett Sayles/Pexels

Bright, overly harsh lighting can be institutional rather than inviting. If you’re surrounded by fluorescent style lights, it might be time to replace them. Warm and soft lighting helps create a more comforting atmosphere and helps reduce eye strain. Soft lamps or even a few candles can make your rooms a bit cozier and more relaxing.

Uncomfortable Furniture

Have you ever sat down in a chair that’s stylish but painfully stiff? Beautiful but uncomfortable furniture may look great but can be very uncomfortable. The most important thing is comfort and your couch, chairs, and bed should actually support you. You deserve a place where you can relax and actually relax, not squirm.

Lack of Personal Touch

Comfortable bedroom in minimalist style in flat — Photo Credit: Max Vakhtbovycn/Pexels

A room without a personal touch can make you feel like you’re in a sterile and impersonal space. Whatever adds to your style, include it in your decor. It could be pictures of family and friends, favorite art, or a favorite color. The things that surround you will help make your home feel more like your own, and will help you feel more settled.

Muted or Dull Colors

Neutral tones are popular, but a home that’s too neutral or too monochrome can be uninspiring, even depressing. Colors affect mood, so if the colors in your room are drab, your energy will be drab too. To lighten the space and give you some life, try adding some lively accent colors through pillows, rugs or artwork.

Overwhelming Color Choices

Bold colors can be aggressive and overwhelming. Bright reds, deep purples, or intense greens can be striking, but if they’re used in large amounts, they can make you feel uneasy. If you love them, use colors like these as accents or in designated places, like a feature wall, and then balance them out with neutrals.

Unbalanced Room Layout

If your furniture is arranged like you are in a maze or is blocking natural walkways, it can create confusion or frustration. An cluttered room has a hard-to-navigate layout and is an uncomfortable room to be in. Furniture arrangement with clear pathways in mind is better. This makes your space feel open and welcoming and it gives your space a sense of order.

Lack of Nature

Any space, disconnected from nature, can feel stifling. Plants or flowers have a natural element of life and peace. Try bringing a bit of nature indoors with a vase of fresh flowers or a couple of plants. It’s a cheap and easy way to add color and tranquility.

Empty Walls

At first, blank walls feel like silver slates, but too much emptiness can make a room feel unfinished or cold. You can add art, photos, or even wall mounted shelves to make your space warm and character. If you’re indecisive, try using frames that you can easily swap photos or artwork in and out of to keep things interesting without the stress of commitment.

Over-Accessorizing

Too many accessories can make a nice space look cluttered. If everything is filled with knick knacks, it’s harder to focus and your mind will feel just as full as the room. Get rid of your accessories and keep only the ones you really love. That will also make the space feel more open and easier to enjoy.

Lack of Quiet Spaces

Gray home decor scene couch apartment — Photo Credit: CA Studios/Shutterstock

We tend to forget quiet spaces. If there is no peaceful nook or area you can go to get away in your home, you may always feel like you are ‘on.’ Find a little corner with a chair, a soft blanket, and a book or two. Having a spot where you can wind down can be the difference between having a stressful day or not.

Clutter Overload

Sneaky Culprits That Make Your Home Feel Cluttered — Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Magazines, mail, toys, or any other belongings scattered around can be a visual noise, mentally exhausting. Clutter can increase cortisol, the stress hormone, and leave you feeling constantly on edge. If you want to declutter, try adding some smart storage options, like bins or shelving. A little organization can really make a difference in a more peaceful, organized home.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.