5 things that always make a dining table look cluttered, including crowded place settings, busy tablecloths and home tech – and what to do instead

A dining table should be a welcoming, clean space, but clutter can make it feel chaotic.

Experts reveal five things that tend to intrude on streamlined, host-worthy dining tables – and their top tips for what to do instead.

Armed with tidying tips professional organizers swear by, you'll soon have a clutter-free dining table for peaceful meals.

1. Excessive centrepieces

While centerpieces can elevate a table, overly large or multiple decorations can make it look cluttered.

Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, says, 'While centerpieces can be beautiful, over-sized or excessive decorations dominate the table, leaving little room for actual dining. Multiple small items like candles or trinkets can also create visual clutter.

'Instead, opt for a minimalist centerpiece, such as a single vase with fresh flowers or a simple bowl with fruit. Keep it functional, yet stylish, to avoid overcrowding.'

Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids, says, 'For a table of six, a single centerpiece is more than enough, like a vase with flowers. If it’s a table for eight or more, two centerpieces max.

'When selecting your centrepiece, make sure the shape and color is simple and that it’s small enough for you to see people’s faces across the table.'

Toner recommends this Gibson Acacia Wood Bowl from Amazon, adding, 'It's perfect for fruit or salad, and provides a natural, elegant touch without overwhelming the table.'

2. Crowded place settings

Overly formal or crowded place settings can make a table feel busy and unwelcoming.

Toner says, 'Overly ornate or mismatched place settings – especially with too many items like napkins, placemats, and glassware – can overwhelm the table. This makes it harder to clean and prepare for meals.

'Instead, keep place settings simple and cohesive. Stick to neutral colors and minimalistic designs that complement the rest of your dining space. These U'Artlines Washable Placemats from Amazon are simple, neutral in color, and easy to clean, bringing a touch of elegance to the dining table without adding clutter.'

The clean, stainless steel design of this VeSteel 60-Piece Hammered Silverware from Walmart will ensure your cutlery has a shiny, uniform look.

For more table design ideas, check out expert Nate Berkus' five steps to creating a stylish dining table.

3. Busy tablecloths

Boldly patterned tablecloths or runners can overwhelm a space.

Evans says, 'Having a busy pattern or texture in your tablecloth will make your dining table feel cluttered – and sometimes it might look smaller too.

'Choose a simple, soft texture and pattern, – preferably a lighter, neutral color – to make your tablecloth feel calmer and bigger. This EVERLY Pure Linen Hemstitch Tablecloth from Amazon is a good example.'

For other common aesthetic errors, check out the dining room mistakes design experts urge us to avoid.

4. Electronic devices

In the modern age, nowhere is safe from technology – even a dining table.

Toner says, 'Phones, tablets, and chargers strewn across the dining table create unnecessary clutter and distractions. These items take up space and detract from the dining experience.'

Designate a nearby charging station or basket to keep electronics off the table, promoting a more engaged, tech-free mealtime.

5. Paperwork

The drop-zone-prone nature of dining tables mean bills, mail, and papers are often left there, creating clutter.

Toner says, 'Leaving mail, magazines, or paperwork on the dining table turns it into a catch-all space. These items quickly pile up, making the table look disorganized and cluttered.

'Instead, create a designated space for mail and paperwork elsewhere in the home, like an entryway organizer or desk. Clear the table daily to ensure it remains a clutter-free zone.'

Toner recommends the SimpleHouseware Mesh Desk Organizer from Amazon. She says, 'This compact organizer keeps mail and papers sorted in one place, freeing up your dining table for its intended purpose.'

Ben Soreff, professional organizer at House to Home Organizing says, 'One of the most common items we see on the dining table is a pile of mail. I advise going paperless with autopay, and signing up with the Federal Trade Commission to stop all solicitations. Plus use Catalog Choice and eliminate catalogs. With all this in place, it's actually possible that most days your mailbox will be empty.'

For more tips, check out our guide on how to organize mail.

Evans adds, 'This one is a bit challenging because many people use a dining table as a desk or workspace as well, and so you may well have some paperwork or stationary around. I recommend a storage cart to keep everything nearby and accessible, but entirely separate from the table.'

So there you have it – five things that always make a dining table look cluttered, plus what to do instead. By following these tips, you can enjoy a dining table that’s always ready for meals, gatherings, or simply a clean, open space in your home.

Next, check out these modern farmhouse dining room ideas.