Creating a harmonious living room space involves more than just picking the right furniture and decor.
According to top designers, there are certain items that can disrupt the flow and aesthetic of your living room, making it feel cluttered or off-balance.
In this article, we’ll explore 29 items that you should consider keeping out of your living room to maintain a stylish and inviting atmosphere.
1. Oversized Furniture
While large furniture might seem luxurious, it often overwhelms a space. Even in a roomy living area, oversized sofas or armchairs can make the room feel cramped. Consider how much space you truly have and opt for pieces that fit proportionately.
Don’t let your furniture dominate the space. Instead, choose pieces that complement the room’s dimensions, allowing for movement and balance. This ensures a more inviting and functional living room.
2. Too Many Throw Pillows
Throw pillows add comfort and style, but too many can lead to clutter. A few well-chosen pillows can enhance a sofa, but an excess can overwhelm.
Consider using a mix of sizes and textures, but limit the quantity. This approach keeps the design cohesive and inviting, without turning your seating area into a pillow pile. Balance is key in creating a comfortable and stylish space.
3. Outdated Electronics
Technology evolves rapidly, and outdated electronics can detract from your living room’s appeal. Bulky old TVs, stereo systems, or outdated gaming consoles can make your space look stuck in time.
Opt for sleek, modern alternatives that blend seamlessly with your decor. This not only updates your room’s aesthetic but also improves functionality. Ensuring technology complements your style can transform the overall vibe.
4. Excessive Family Photos
Family portraits are precious, but too many can create visual clutter. A few strategically placed photos can add warmth, while an overload may overwhelm your space.
Curate your collection by selecting a few favorites to display. Consider using cohesive frames or a unified theme to create a gallery wall that enhances rather than distracts. Your living room will feel more open and organized.
5. Cluttered Bookshelves
Bookshelves are fantastic for storage, but overcrowding them can lead to a chaotic look. A disorganized shelf can detract from the overall calm of your living room.
Arrange your books by size or color for a more organized appearance. Add decorative objects sparingly for visual interest. This approach maintains a tidy atmosphere, making your living room feel more spacious and serene.
6. Unruly Cables and Wires
Visible cables and wires can disrupt the clean lines of your living room. They can make even the most stylish setup look messy.
Invest in cable management solutions to keep them hidden. Simple tricks, like using cord covers or running wires along baseboards, can significantly improve the appearance of your space. A neat setup contributes to a more polished and cohesive look.
7. Unnecessary Knick-Knacks
Knick-knacks can personalize your space, but too many can lead to clutter. A living room filled with trinkets may feel overwhelming and disorganized.
Choose a few favorite pieces and rotate them periodically to keep your decor fresh. This allows your living room to maintain a clean, curated appearance without sacrificing personality. Simplicity often enhances sophistication.
8. Dark, Heavy Curtains
Heavy curtains can make a space feel closed off and dark. While they offer privacy, they might also block out precious natural light, making the room feel smaller.
Opt for lighter, sheer fabrics that allow sunlight to filter through. This simple change can open up your living room, making it feel brighter and more welcoming. Light curtains maintain privacy while enhancing the room’s atmosphere.
9. Bulky Coffee Tables
A coffee table is a living room staple, but oversized ones can disrupt the flow. They take up valuable space and may make the room feel cramped.
Choose a table that complements the scale of your furniture and allows for easy movement around the room. A well-proportioned coffee table can enhance your living room’s functionality and aesthetic, making it feel more inviting.
10. Inconsistent Color Schemes
A mismatched color palette can make a living room feel chaotic. Clashing colors distract from the overall design and can lead to a jarring atmosphere.
Stick to a cohesive color scheme that reflects your style and complements your furnishings. Incorporate accent colors through accessories for interest without overpowering. A harmonious palette creates a serene and stylish environment.
11. Too Many Patterns
Patterns are a lively addition, but too many can overwhelm. A living room full of clashing patterns can feel chaotic and uninviting.
Select a few patterns in similar colors or scales to create visual interest while maintaining harmony. This approach adds depth without overpowering the space. Thoughtful pattern placement can make your living room feel balanced and sophisticated.
12. Old Carpeting
Worn-out carpets can detract from a room’s appeal. Stains and tears not only look unsightly but may also harbor allergens.
Consider replacing old carpeting with hardwood, laminate, or tiles for a fresh look. If replacement isn’t an option, professionally clean the carpets to rejuvenate their appearance. A clean floor enhances the overall ambiance, making the space feel new and inviting.
13. Mismatched Furniture
Mismatched furniture can lead to a disjointed look. While eclectic styles are trendy, there’s a fine line between chic and chaotic.
Aim for pieces that share a common theme or color palette. Mixing styles should feel intentional rather than accidental. This creates a cohesive look that reflects personal style without sacrificing harmony. Thoughtful coordination enhances the room’s unity.
14. Distracting Artwork
Art should enhance, not overpower. Large or overly bold pieces can dominate a living room’s aesthetic, clashing with your decor.
Choose artwork that complements your color scheme and style. Smaller or subtler pieces can add interest without overwhelming. Balance is essential to ensure art enhances the space’s overall ambiance. Thoughtful curation can elevate your room’s design.
15. Obstructive Rugs
Rugs define areas but oversized ones can dominate the room. A too-large rug may cover too much floor, disrupting the flow.
Select a rug that fits the seating area, allowing space around the edges. This approach defines areas without overwhelming them. Properly sized rugs enhance the room’s layout, adding warmth and cohesion. Mindful selection ensures a balanced and stylish space.
16. Decorative Plates
Decorative plates can feel outdated when overtaking walls. While charming in moderation, too many can seem cluttered and old-fashioned.
If you love the look, use a few choice pieces in a focused area. Alternatively, consider displaying them in a more traditional room like a kitchen or dining area. A refined approach keeps your living room stylish and uncluttered, focusing on contemporary charm.
17. Pet Supplies on Display
While pets are family, their supplies can clutter your living space. Toys, beds, and bowls scattered around can disrupt the room’s aesthetic.
Designate discreet storage for pet items when not in use. Stylish baskets or dedicated corners can keep the essentials handy yet hidden. This keeps your living room neat while ensuring your pets have their necessities. Balance pet-friendliness with sophistication.
18. Too Many Plants
Plants bring life, but too many can overwhelm. A living room dense with greenery may feel cluttered and chaotic.
Choose a few impactful plants that suit your space and style. Group them thoughtfully to create balance and interest without overcrowding. This strategy provides the benefits of greenery while maintaining a clean and open feel. Thoughtful selection enhances both aesthetics and air quality.
19. Sports Memorabilia
While sports memorabilia reflects passion, too much can dominate a space. Living rooms overrun with jerseys and trophies may lose their welcoming feel.
Limit pieces to a few key items that complement your decor. Alternatively, create a dedicated sports-themed area elsewhere in your home. This approach allows your living room to remain inviting and versatile, while still showcasing your interests.
20. Child’s Toys
Children’s toys can easily take over a living room. A space cluttered with games and toys feels chaotic and less adult-friendly.
Create dedicated storage solutions for your child’s playthings. Stylish bins or cabinets can keep toys accessible yet out of sight. This maintains an organized and versatile living room that caters to both family time and adult gatherings. Balance is key to harmonious living.
21. Too Many Candles
Candles add ambiance, but an excess can clutter and overwhelm a space. A few well-placed candles set a cozy mood, while too many might seem chaotic.
Opt for quality over quantity, selecting scents that complement each other. Position them thoughtfully to enhance rather than dominate. This creates a warm, inviting atmosphere without the clutter. Simplicity ensures ambiance without overpowering.
22. Seasonal Decor Overload
Seasonal decor is festive but too much can overwhelm. A living room packed with holiday items may lose its everyday charm.
Select a few key pieces to celebrate the season subtly. Rotate decor to reflect changes without overpowering your style. A focus on simplicity ensures your living room remains enjoyable throughout the year, balancing festivity with elegance.
23. Empty Walls
Bare walls can make a living room feel unfinished and sterile. A lack of decor might miss the opportunity to express personal style.
Incorporate artwork, mirrors, or wall hangings to add character. Thoughtful placement can transform empty walls into a focal point. This approach enhances the room’s warmth and personality, making it feel more inviting and complete.
24. Too Much Personal Collection
Collections tell a story, but an overload can clutter a living room. Displaying too many items may lead to a chaotic, crowded space.
Select a few favorites to showcase, and rotate them regularly. This keeps your display fresh and your room feeling open. It maintains a balance between personal expression and a sophisticated aesthetic, ensuring your living room remains inviting.
25. Obtrusive Lighting Fixtures
Lighting is essential, but oversized fixtures can overpower a room. Large or low-hanging lights may disrupt the space’s balance.
Choose fixtures that complement the scale and style of your room. This ensures they enhance rather than hinder the ambiance. Proper lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, emphasizing the room’s best features without overwhelming.
26. Old, Worn-Out Furniture
Worn-out furniture can make a living room feel tired and uninviting. Old sofas or chairs not only look shabby but may also lack comfort.
Consider updating with new or refurbished pieces that suit your style. This refreshes the room’s appearance and enhances its comfort. Investing in quality furniture ensures your living room remains a welcoming and stylish retreat.
27. Too Many Mirrors
Mirrors add light but too many can create disorientation. A room filled with reflective surfaces might feel chaotic.
Use mirrors strategically to enhance natural light and space perception. One or two well-placed mirrors achieve this without overwhelming the decor. Thoughtful placement balances illumination and reflection, contributing to a harmonious living room.
28. Overly Themed Decor
Themes can guide decor, but overcommitment can lead to monotony. A living room strictly adhering to a theme may lack depth.
Incorporate elements of your theme subtly, blending them with more neutral pieces. This allows the theme to inspire without dictating. Mixing styles fosters a layered, intriguing space that remains cohesive and inviting.
29. Excessive Wall Clocks
Wall clocks are functional, but too many can dominate. A living room crowded with clocks may feel busy and distracting.
Choose one statement clock that complements your decor. This adds interest without cluttering the walls. A thoughtful selection ensures the room remains stylish and functional, focusing attention where it matters most.