6 PITA Decor Items to Avoid

Did that title grab your attention? Good. That’s just what I was going for, but don’t think this is some kind of click bait article. I really do have 6 PITA decor items to avoid or at least items that you should plan to dispose of within a short time frame.

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Now, I am not saying that using any of these decor items means you are breaking a cardinal rule. Goodness knows that I have used them all myself and will do so again in the future. However, you may want to think about it before you go out shopping because as the title says, they are a PITA.

6 PITA Decor Items to Avoid – Cotton…

I see them everywhere. People use them in their handmade decor, and they make arrangements out of them. But if you have ever had any decor containing cotton, you know that it is virtually impossible to clean. Not even virtually – completely!

They just sit there catching dust, and there is nothing you can do about it other than to throw them out. You can’t beat the dust out of them. You can’t vacuum them either. So, I am left wondering why I see so many interior decorators continually using them. I guess since they don’t have to worry about, it’s not their problem.

But, if you plan to use cotton as a type of decoration, just remember that they can’t be maintained in that pristine white that they come. They should be considered a temporary piece. But, I must admit that they certainly are adorable for a while.

6 PITA Decor Items to Avoid – Logs…

Of all the six items that I am listing here, this one is by far the one that bothers me the most. You’ve probably seen them somewhere online – Pinterest or some other place that has pretty pictures. People go out and collect logs and stack them up inside their home as decor.

Somewhere, someone once thought that it would be a good idea to create this look, and from there it has grown like wildfire. But, I am sure that first designer either used high-end, pre-treated logs or had absolutely no clue about country life. I am hoping that it was the high-end option. Because if you’ve ever had a real burning fireplace, you know that you only bring in what you plan to burn, and the rest of the stack stays outside.

You see, logs have things underneath that bark – bugs, ants, and maybe termites. So, when you bring in an entire forest of lumber to decorate a room, you may be asking for some trouble. I know one lady who loved the look and had her husband do just that, go out to the woods and collect logs. Too bad that when the logs warmed up to room temperature, her house was swarmed by bees that had taken up residence in some of those logs.

I do agree, though that they are lovely to look at. I especially love the paperwhite birch logs. But if you are going to do it, do it in small doses. A few logs can be treated with a solution of bleach water, and if any bugs survive, the amount should be small enough to contain.

You can also buy some of the pre-treated logs that I mentioned before, or better yet, purchase the kiln dried logs.* They are sterile and no chemicals are used. Then at least, you won’t have to worry about creepy crawlies invading your space.

6 PITA Decor Items to Avoid – Twigs, Grass, Straw…

Anything made from these three items is super messy and just like cotton, you won’t be able to clean them. Those twiggy arrangements like the one in the image above will shed and peel all over the place. In addition, they are spider web magnets. So again, take that into consideration and plan to toss them at the end of the season.

If you do decide that you must have some branches, go for the dried willow branches.* That is what I always use when I need branches. The bark has been stripped away and they hold up very well. And, because they are a bit smoother than other types of branches, they are also easier to clean. You can wipe these down when needed.

6 PITA Decor Items to Avoid – Glitter…

I personally love anything that shines or blings, but my darling husband believes that glitter is the worst invention ever made. It gets on everything, including your skin, and you will continue to find it days later.

But, at least you can clean it up, or at least that is my excuse when I buy something glittery. However, I have tried to confine my glitter habit to the Christmas holiday. At which time, I am free to feed the beast. (and the beast is hungry). ;-)

6 PITA Decor Items to Avoid – Putka Pods…

I just recently wrote up a post on just the putka pods. I guess they were deserving of their own page. If you don’t know what a Putka pod is, it is those small things that come in potpourri and look like a miniature pumpkin. They even sell them as individual bags.

Normally, people use these and then throw them out with the rest of the potpourri. Other times, they may place them in a sealed jar. The problem really doesn’t come until you start using them in wreaths or another decor that you plan to save or store.

And why am I dissing on the Putka pods, you ask? Well, because they are a favorite food for mice. Putka pods are actually a fruit from a tree, and they have lots of seeds inside. So, while they are fine resting on an end table. They are not so good in attics or even stored away in cabinets.

6 PITA Decor Items to Avoid – Bell Jar Pendants…

And last, but not least on my list of PITA decor is bell jar pendants. If you have been following my blog, you may be aware that I have a love-hate relationship with my bell jar pendants. They are beautiful and I certainly get a lot of positive comments on my bell jar lights when people come over. So, I am not quite ready to get rid of them.

However, they have made my PITA list because they are so difficult to keep clean. And when I say difficult, I really mean difficult. But, there are options to getting the look without the hassle. If you are thinking about purchasing any bell jar lighting, please take a moment and read through my experience with my lights, and then suggestions that I have for solving this issue. Then, decide if you still want to go forward with this look. If so, I have found some beautiful bell jar lights here.* If not, might I recommend one of these industrial lights?

Final Thoughts…

As I close out this post, I am wondering if anyone out there has come across there own PITA decor situation. If so, what was it? I would also be all ears if anyone wants to share a solution for using any of these items in a less painful manner. Drop a line or two in the comments section below!