8 things that always make your bedroom look cluttered – and what to do instead

A bedroom should feel like a sanctuary, but clutter can make it stressful instead of soothing.

Our home organizing experts have revealed exactly what's causing your bedroom to feel chaotic – plus how to tackle these common clutter culprits such as piles of clothes, excessive bedding and visible cords, for a more serene space.

Armed with our top tidying tips professional organizers swear by, you'll soon have a clutter-free bedroom you'll love to return to each evening.

1. Overflowing nightstands

Nightstands packed with books, electronics, or miscellaneous items create visual clutter.

Organization expert Amanda Scott, founder of Amanda Scott Home, says, 'If you’re like most people, your nightstand is a collection of books and magazines you mean to read. Add loose change, crumpled bills, old receipts, prescription pills and a cup or two – before you know it, your most restful space is a chaos of clutter.

'Instead of letting your nightstand be a catchall, make it intentional. Keep only essential items at hand, such as one book or magazine, a small tray for everyday accessories, hand lotion and lip balm, plus restrict yourself to just one personal item: a candle, a photo or a flower in a vase. A bedside table with a drawer is advisable for its concealed storage.'

This Crichlow Clear & Gold Glass Table Vase from Wayfair looks great and – at less than 10 inches tall and 5 inches wide – does not take up too much space.

Professional organizer Francesca Verri says, 'The nightstand tends to collect a lot of visual clutter. I recommend making it a goal to leave only the book you are currently reading out on the surface. Adding more to the mix not only clutters the space, but having stacks of books you hope to read can psychologically leave you feeling pressured, stressed and unworthy. Your bedroom is not place for feeling stressed.'

For other items, Verri recommends these Poeland Drawer Organizer Trays from Amazon. If you don't have a drawer, Verri suggests this SANZIE Luxury Leather Tray Catchall Organizer from Amazon. She adds, 'Doing this leaves the space feeling tidy, even if the items inside the basket or tray fit different categories.'

2. Piles of clothes

Whether draped over chairs or piled on the floor, clothes can make a bedroom feel chaotic.

Scott says, 'At the end of the day, when all you want to do is get in bed, throwing clothes on the floor seems like the quickest way to achieve your goal. But this habit creates a sea of visual clutter, and is a tripping hazard to wake up to in the morning.

'To tackle this, utilize vertical space with hooks for hanging items, such as bags, scarves and hats. Have a laundry basket in your room to toss dirty clothes. Keep another decorative basket by the door for shoes or items that landed in the bedroom, but need relocating – such as this Highline Elephant Grass Basket from Roan Iris. Changing this habit will not only keep the floors clear, but also ensures you don't lose or misplace items.'

This Ludmilla Round Tall Water Hyacinth Woven Wicker Laundry Hamper has carry handles and a removable bag – plus, its wicker blends seamlessly into most bedrooms.

Verri says, 'Dirty clothes is something I commonly see on bedroom floors. It's usually caused by a bottleneck because there isn’t a clearly-designated spot for those clothes that's in close proximity to the items in need of it.

'I advise all my clients to ensure everyone has their own laundry basket. This makes it easier for each family member to stay tidy and makes doing laundry more streamlined. I suggest using a simple basket like this SAMMART 42L Collapsible Plastic Laundry Basket from Amazon – something that's not too big, so filling it won't result in hours of laundry.'

For more, check out these six organizing tips to make laundry easier.

3. Excessive bedding

Too many blankets, pillows, and throws can overwhelm your bed and make your room look busy.

Professional organizer and founder of Let Your Space Bloom, Amy Bloomer, says, 'Your linens should be fresh, crisp and clean as you sleep in them every night. Wash your sheets weekly, your pillows annually and treat yourself to new ones when they get stained, torn or too thin. Bring old blankets and pillows to your local animal shelter or zoo. If you don't have a linen closet and need extra linen storage, try a storage bench at the end of your bed, which also provides extra seating.'

Bloomer recommends this Kosas Home Anders Storage Bench from Perigold, which has a flip top and comes with a 30-day warranty.

Check out our guide to the popular 'Cloud Bed Recipe' which promises fluffier sheets and comfier sleep.

4. Crowded walls

Too much wall decor or an overabundance of photos can make a room feel confined.

Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids, says, 'Having too much wall decor in your bedroom can create a sense of clutter. It's best to stick to three or four items – anything more than five is going to feel cluttered. Using matching frames – such as the Mainstays Photo Frame Set of 4 from Walmart – can add a tidy sense of consistency.'

Choose a few favorite pieces and create one main focal point. Keep other walls clean for a balanced, airy look.

Steven Ip, founder of Cleanzen Boston Cleaning Services, says, 'When posters, photos, or artwork are scattered across several walls, it can create a sense of clutter that distracts the eye. Instead, focus on arranging these items in one dedicated area or in a designated frame, such as this RÖDALM Frame for 5 Pictures from Ikea or these QDSSDECO White Wood Poster Frames from Amazon.'

5. Visible cords

Tangled cords from chargers, lamps, or electronics are distracting.

Scott says, 'If a tangle of cords for lamps and chargers is creating a messy environment, consider using a cable management box – such as this Bluelounge CableBox from The Container Store – to conceal them.

'And if you keep your phone by your bed, use cord clips – such as these PRUNLLA Cord Anchors from Amazon – to keep the charging cable from falling down.'

6. Too much surface decor

Whether on nightstands, dressers or makeup vanities, displaying too many decorative items can create a cluttered look overall.

Jon Christensen, CEO of home improvement hub Bidmii, says, 'One common culprit in bedroom clutter is having too many decorative items on surfaces. Small decor pieces can quickly crowd the room and make it feel visually overwhelming.

'Instead, I recommend selecting one or two impactful pieces for each surface, such as a single vase or a favorite framed photo, to keep things stylish without overloading the space. For example, the Prisma Picture Frame from Umbra – which comes in black, chrome or matte-brass – offers a sleek design that adds elegance without contributing to clutter.'

You can also rotate pieces seasonally to keep things fresh without overcrowding. For more ideas, check out how to design a bedroom like a luxury hotel.

7. Open storage

Open storage can easily become cluttered if items aren’t organized well.

Christensen says, 'Some open storage solutions – though they may seem functional – actually make a room look chaotic, since a mix of items are in plain view. Closed storage – like drawers or wardrobes – can make a big difference by keeping things out of sight and creating a cleaner, more streamlined look. The BRIMNES Two-Door Wardrobe from IKEA is an affordable option that provides ample storage while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.'

See how an Amazon storage gem keeps bedroom clutter out of sight and the small bedroom storage mistakes – and how to fix them.

8. An unmade bed

An unmade bed instantly makes a bedroom appear messy.

Verri says, 'This is the easiest tip to not only start each day on an organized note but to create serenity in your bedroom – and yet people still roll their eyes at me when I tell them it’s an imperative to order. An unmade bed is a perfect example of visual clutter. The good news is you can easily control it!

'I tell my clients this isn’t about making a bed perfectly. It is about simply straightening the sheets, comforter and pillows. When you do, you are more likely to keep the other flat surfaces in the space clear of clutter. Just like clutter breeds clutter, order breeds order.'

Take a minute each morning to make your bed – it’s a small habit that makes a big impact on overall tidiness and one of the things super organized people do every day.

So there you have it – eight things that always make a bedroom look cluttered, plus what to do instead. By addressing these clutter-prone areas, you can transform your bedroom into a peaceful retreat where you can fully unwind.

Next, check out these bedroom layout ideas – 15 ways to make the most of your space.