It’s easy to fill a living room with stuff – but that doesn’t mean it all belongs there. Designers agree that some common items actually disrupt flow, clutter the space, or simply serve no purpose.
On the flip side, there are a handful of thoughtful additions that can instantly elevate comfort, style, and functionality.
For those whose living room feels a little off, the fix might be as simple as removing the wrong things and adding the right ones. Check out 8 items your living room could do without – and 8 that deserve a permanent spot.
1. Too Many Throw Pillows
What begins as a cute accent can quickly spiral into pillow madness! Having to remove fifteen decorative cushions before you can actually sit down defeats the purpose of a comfortable sofa. Most design experts suggest limiting throw pillows to 3-5 per couch.
This provides enough color and texture without turning your seating into a storage area. Remember, your guests shouldn’t need to perform a pillow excavation just to find a place to sit!
2. Outdated DVD Collections
Hanging onto those plastic cases from the early 2000s? With streaming services offering virtually every movie and show imaginable, physical media has become more of a dust collector than entertainment necessity.
Consider digitizing special favorites and donating the rest. Not only will you free up valuable shelf space, but you’ll also eliminate the visual clutter of mismatched cases. Your streaming queue provides all the entertainment options without taking up a single square inch of your living room.
3. Excess Coffee Table Books
Those gorgeous hardcover art books might seem sophisticated, but let’s be honest – when was the last time anyone actually opened one? Coffee table books often become expensive dust catchers rather than conversation starters.
Instead of a towering stack, choose just one or two that truly inspire you or reflect your passions. Rotate them seasonally if you enjoy variety. Your coffee table should have enough space for, well, coffee – not to mention remote controls, snacks, and maybe even your feet after a long day.
4. Inherited Furniture You Hate
Guilt is a terrible interior decorator! That antique chair from Great-Aunt Mildred might carry sentimental value, but if it’s uncomfortable, doesn’t match your style, or takes up precious floor space, it’s not doing you any favors.
Family heirlooms should bring joy, not obligation. Consider photographing meaningful pieces before finding them new homes. Alternatively, repurpose smaller items into something functional that suits your taste. Your living room should reflect your personality, not function as a family museum of mismatched furniture.
5. Artificial Plants Collecting Dust
Faux greenery from decades past ends up looking more depressing than decorative. Those dusty silk arrangements from the 90s aren’t fooling anyone – they’re just dust magnets that drain life from your space rather than adding it.
If you lack a green thumb, consider low-maintenance live plants like snake plants or pothos that thrive with minimal care. Live plants improve air quality and bring genuine vitality to your home. For those truly plant-challenged, quality modern faux options have improved dramatically – just remember to dust them regularly!
6. Cable Clutter Chaos
Tangled nests of cords snaking across your living room create visual chaos and collect dust bunnies. With wireless technology readily available, there’s little excuse for this electronic spaghetti situation. Invest in simple cord management solutions like cable covers, cord clips, or decorative boxes to house power strips.
Many modern entertainment systems offer wireless options for speakers and gaming consoles. The peaceful feeling of a cord-free space is worth the initial effort of organizing your electronic lifelines.
7. Oversized Furniture in Small Spaces
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to living room furniture! That massive sectional might have looked perfect in the showroom, but if it makes your living area feel like a furniture storage facility, it’s not serving you well.
Scale matters tremendously in creating a comfortable, functional space. Appropriately sized furniture with visible floor space around it makes rooms feel larger and more inviting.
8. Random Unfinished Projects
Half-completed craft supplies, partially built models, or that guitar you swore you’d learn to play – these aspirational items create both physical and mental clutter. Your living room shouldn’t double as a graveyard for abandoned hobbies.
Create a dedicated space elsewhere for active projects, and be honest about which ones you’ll actually finish. For hobby equipment you use occasionally, design storage solutions that keep items accessible but out of sight when not in use.
1. A Conversation-Starting Statement Piece
Every living room needs that one wild, wonderful item that makes guests say “Wow, where did you get that?” Maybe it’s a coffee table made from an old airplane propeller, a neon sign with your family motto, or a massive geode you lugged home from a roadtrip.
These unexpected elements become instant conversation starters and reflect your unique personality. They break the ice when new friends visit and tell stories when you can’t.
2. A Designated Pet Lounging Zone
Fluffy deserves better than squeezing between sofa cushions! Creating a dedicated pet space acknowledges the furry family members who share your home. A stylish pet bed, window perch, or even a custom-built nook under an end table gives your pet somewhere to relax while staying part of family activities.
Smart pet zones blend seamlessly with your décor while containing fur and providing comfort. Consider washable covers, scratch-resistant materials, and positioning that allows your pet to keep an eye on household happenings.
3. Functional Coffee Table
The coffee table is often the unsung hero of the living room. It serves as a convenient spot for drinks, books, and decorative items.
More than just a functional piece, it complements your living room by adding texture and style. Choose a design that resonates with your aesthetic, whether it’s minimalist or eclectic.
4. Comfortable Sofa
Imagine sinking into a plush haven after a long day. A comfortable sofa is not just a piece of furniture; it’s the centerpiece of your living room. It invites relaxation and provides ample seating for family and friends.
Whether you’re hosting a movie night or enjoying a quiet evening with a book, a quality sofa makes all the difference. Choose one that complements your style and offers durability.
5. A Blanket That Could Survive The Apocalypse
Forget those flimsy decorative throws! Your living room deserves a blanket of legendary status—one that’s witnessed countless movie marathons, sick days, and impromptu naps. The ideal living room blanket is washable, indestructible, and somehow becomes softer with each passing year.
This isn’t just any textile. It’s the blanket friends fight over, pets instinctively seek out, and family members will steal if left unattended. Whether it’s a hand-knitted heirloom or a premium weighted blanket, its importance cannot be overstated.
6. Ambient Lighting
Lighting sets the mood in any room, and the living room is no exception. Ambient lighting provides a soft, welcoming glow that enhances the overall atmosphere.
Layering different types of lighting, such as floor lamps and sconces, can create a dynamic effect. The right lighting fixtures not only illuminate but also add a decorative element to your space.
Experiment with different bulb types and shade styles to achieve the perfect ambiance for any occasion.
7. A Secret Hiding Spot For Valuables
James Bond would approve of this living room essential: a cleverly disguised hiding spot for small valuables or emergency cash. The best hiding spots hide in plain sight—perhaps a hollowed-out book on your shelf, a false bottom in a decorative box, or a picture frame with a concealed compartment.
These aren’t just for the paranoid! They’re practical for tucking away spare keys, important documents, or those chocolate treats you don’t want to share with the kids. The living room makes an ideal location because it’s central but not the first place thieves typically search.
8. Artistic Wall Decor
Artistic wall decor is the soul of your living room. It reflects your personality and interests, adding depth and dimension to the space.
Whether you opt for a gallery wall of framed art or a statement piece, the right decor can spark conversation and inspire creativity.
Mix different art styles and mediums to create a unique display. This personal touch not only beautifies but also makes your living room truly yours.