Living room organization hacks
10 expert ways to neaten your space |
The pursuit of organizing a living room may seem like a never-ending mission, but keeping your living room organized is vital to achieving your dream space.
Disorder is often a sign of a lived-in, homely space, and we'd hate to get rid of that notion entirely. After all, not every space needs to look like a minimalist or purist haven. What we do want to do is make things easier to locate – and, beautiful enough to admire every day.
We've asked the design experts to share the best living room organization tips they've learnt through the years – all for your living room ideas.
Organizing a living room
The pandemic re-shaped how we use our homes, so never has organizing a living room been more important.
‘As we spend more time at home, we become more aware than ever of the need for space,’ says Simon Tcherniak, senior furniture designer at Neville Johnson . ‘Rooms that were once forgotten are being rejuvenated as tranquil spaces or multifunctional living zones.
'The living room is where the demand is greatest at the moment. Homeowners are looking for a dynamic space that allows them the time to focus on their daily tasks but also one they can close off in the evening to really benefit from the additional family time we have all been afforded in recent months.’
‘We like to create spaces that feel layered and homely, that allow you to create mess without feeling messy or needing to put things away the second you put them out,’ says Camilla Clarke, Creative Director at Albion Nord . ‘It’s important to make a space feel relaxed and not sterile or unliveable. Try to create storage for the pieces that don’t need to be on show but make sure to celebrate and show off the things that bring you joy.’
These are our favorite, tried and tested ways to organize a living room, according to experts.
1. Declutter visible surfaces
(Image credit: Richard Powers/Future PLC)
Organizing a living room can create the illusion of space, so it's especially important to declutter surface areas in a small living room – but be realistic before setting out. It’s never going to be entirely possible to live without various small and useful things, which need storing away somewhere, believes Sandrine Zhang Ferron, founder of Vinterior .
‘Instead, create small areas of living room storage that are both practical and add style to your space, from roomier pieces like freestanding cabinets, down to side tables and living room shelving which can be nicely squeezed into an alcove or corner.’
2. Convert the space under the stairs – if you have an open-plan living room
(Image credit: Roundhouse)
Built-in living room furniture will make every nook and cranny work as hard as possible and offers the chance to be inventive when it comes to finding extra space that can house shelving and drawers.
‘We’ve seen substantial growth over the past few years in homeowners converting their under-stair area – in an open-plan living room – due in no small part to the increasing strain our homes are under in terms of space,’ says Simon Tcherniak, senior furniture designer at Neville Johnson.
‘Currently, the focus seems to be on using under stair ideas as a storage space or workspace area for all the family – though it’s also being transformed into more of a multifunctional area, especially now that more of us are deciding to renovate rather than relocate.
3. Hide behind a screen
(Image credit: Paolo Moschino / Nicholas Haslam)
‘We love using screens to divide rooms,’ says Paolo Moschino, head of interior design firm Nicholas Haslam . ‘For me, it’s very important not to disclose everything at once and that is what screens are perfect for; they hide a surprise behind them and, especially for a large room, they confine the space and create coziness. As a bonus, if you move to a new house you can just fold your screen and take it with you to new adventures.
Alternatively, room dividers are a wonderful way to make use of unexploited space and to create a broken-plan layout within the home,’ says Simon Tcherniak, designer at Neville Johnson. ‘When designing a room divider to fit around the home’s natural architectural features, consider using extra tall bookcases – perhaps with the addition of a ladder – to make use of the height. You could also opt for open or hidden shelves which allow you to either display your ornaments or hide clutter.
4. Plan for a multi-use living room
(Image credit: Future)
Over the past couple of years, those of us lucky enough to have a dedicated room in which to shut ourselves away have gratefully recognized the peaceful retreat they provide. However, now working from home is likely to be the norm for many of us, we are thinking about how best to incorporate home office ideas into our living rooms. But how to add beauty to what is, after all, a functional living space? It can be done.
To organize a living room – one that doubles up as a study – and for it to look truly serene, storage or living room organizers that blend into the background is essential for retaining a composed look. Again, take note of the built-in shelving and desk in this curated scheme. It’s subtle to the point of being invisible, allowing the decorative elements of the living room to take center stage.
5. Make space for treasured items
(Image credit: Future)
Few of us are happy with the idea of getting rid of favorite books, so unless the house is very large, organizing bookshelves in an ever-expanding home library is the challenge. After exhausting space on the living room shelves – including double stacking if necessary – have a look around to see if there’s any ‘dead’ space that could be put to better use.
‘Many older properties have natural shallow recesses and alcoves – within the lounge or family room – making this suitable for books or objets d’art,’ recommends Eamonn Agha of Huntsmore , a design and build company. ‘This immediately makes the home feel warm and lived in.’
You can also look at boxing in radiators and building living room bookshelf ideas around this – it has the effect of drawing the eye to the books, not the joinery. ’
6. Access all areas
(Image credit: Future)
When in search of extra living room organization space, make the most of ceiling heights available. Built-in joinery or off-the-shelf solutions can provide the perfect amount of extra room to house items only used for special occasions or rarely read books.
However, where possible, think about adding a ladder for access. ‘They work particularly well in period conversions,’ recommends Annie Ebenston, designer at Blakes London . ‘Why waste all that high-level storage potential when you can design in a ladder. Aside from the obvious practical benefits, they add character and a focal point to a room.’
7. Keep everything in full view
(Image credit: Future)
Keeping objects in full view may seem counterproductive, but there is method to the madness. When you are organizing a living room, not everything needs to be hidden away when it comes to living room storage – in fact decorative solutions can make a huge difference to your look and feel. Plus, if it is in plain sight, you will be forced to keep it neat, tidy and organized.
A cluster of simple floating shelves, or beautiful wall decor ideas, work particularly well in an open-plan living room, where there may be a fair amount of blank wall space. They add an element of interest that draws the eye, all while helping to keep side and coffee tables clear. It’s best to mount open shelving just above eye level and within easy reach if you intend for the shelves to hold day-to-day items. For a stylized look, stack collections of your favorite photography, books, and incorporate small pieces of art along a run of open shelving. Curating a pretty display will not only keep your living room looking tidy but will also help to make your living room beautiful.
‘It’s always useful to have some form of concealed storage to hide the non-everyday items that you might not want on show,’ notes Clarke. ‘We like to mix high level open shelving with concealed storage. Open shelving to display books, art, photos and concealed storage to hide things that don’t need to be on show. Try and create concealed storage for AV and electrical items below the TV instead of having these on show. We like to celebrate books with big pieces of open joinery. Books should always be visible to invite you in to read them.’
8. Use color to distract from necessary storage
(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)
When contemplating an organized living room scheme, function – such as storage – must be central to your design, but does not have to be visually dominant.
While technology is undeniably an important factor in most living rooms, the trend is towards totally concealed solutions. In this well-designed scheme, the living room TV has been kept 'hidden' within a dedicated small living room storage space, along one side of the wall. Choosing a focus, such as a complementary living room color scheme, will distract from the room’s purpose and make it feel as considered as any other living area.
‘Your design approach to a living room is not unlike any other room in the house,’ says interior designer Athena Calderone, founder, EyeSwoon . Remember it is a delicate dance between aesthetics and utility, designed to motivate you each day but also be grounded in practicality.
9. Invest in double duty furniture solutions
(Image credit: James Merrell / Future)
Built-in and freestanding storage benches have come a long way in recent years, with many designs today certainly not compromising good looks for the sake of extra stowaway spots. Organizing drawers in these units can be particularly useful for keeping soft furnishings such as throws and cushions close to hand, or a quick place to tidy toys away when not in use.
If you’re not in the market for a new sofa or side table but your current model has legs, consider placing some low storage boxes underneath it in the same color or material, for a close-to-seamless way to organize a living room.
10. Organize living room clutter behind closed doors
(Image credit: Richard Powers/Future PLC)
If living room organization is the last thing on your mind, fret not. Not everyone has the time to devote to constant cleaning, especially in busy households. The ultimate fuss-free option, a wall of concealed small living room storage is the perfect solution for those who don’t like clutter. Make the most of the ceiling height by fitting extra-tall cupboards and storing rarely needed items at the top.
How can I organize my living room?
The most important thing to do when organizing your living room is to look at everything you own – art, books and objects – and work out what living room storage you need. Designer Nathalie de Leval says, ‘Thinking about how you store items – whether you prefer having items on show or hiding them in cupboards and drawers – helps define what you need.’
Interior designer Louise Bradley recommends assessing what you use most. ‘Which items do you reach for daily? Having them closer to hand will make living organization effortless and fuss-free.’
Deborah Bass, creative director of Base Interior , counsels against too much uniform storage. ‘Have freestanding items as well – an antique chest, for instance – to avoid that show-home look,’ she says.
We also recommend that you regularly tidy and throw away anything that you do not deem to be useful or sentimental. 'To throw away what you no longer need is neither wasteful nor shameful,' says organizing consultant Marie Kondo . 'Let them go, with gratitude. Not only you, but your things as well, will feel clear and refreshed when you are done tidying.'
Let's not forget about the versatility of a storage basket. They're made for sitting on your floor, beside your sofa, or there are smaller versions out there to sit atop a shelf to conceal your things. This makes an easy job of keeping organized in your living room, all whilst carrying your clutter and hiding it away from eyes.
30 Clever Living Room Storage and Organization Ideas
Photo: Sara Tramp Design: Emily Henderson
Storage space in the living room can often feel awkward or out of place. While you want to maintain a level of formality, you also want to create a comfortable retreat with easy access to essentials like throw blankets, books, other entertainment essentials. With a little creativity, you can get the most out of every square inch (mainly if you live in a small space).
Scroll through our inspiration guide to lose the clutter and gain plenty of storage.
01 of 30
Catherine Kwong Design
In this living room, we're digging that the sofa provides extended storage with a built-in wood surface. The adjustable cushions and simple frame prove that stylish statement furniture can also be functional and comfortable. Notice how it offers up a large side table and a backboard to hang your loose items, like a pair of headphones.
02 of 30
Fantastic Frank
No matter how many nooks and crannies you utilize, sometimes there just isn't enough room to store all your things. But that doesn't mean your belongings have to stay strewn about your furniture and floors. Instead, think about ways to use your walls and ceilings to make your living room feel larger and more organized. Floating shelves are both stylish and functional, and hanging hooks are also a great way to keep linens, blankets, and hats nice and tidy. We also love how this room used a bench to keep things neat.
03 of 30
Nicole Franzen
A wide mantel can act as a bookshelf, a place to store tiny treasures, or a way to display artwork. Whatever the main use, choose items that complement the style of the fireplace mantel and your living room. Need extra shelving? Adding a floating shelf above the mantel can do the trick.
04 of 30
Fantastic Frank
We love how effortlessly elegant this little corner looks. It's the perfect example of how to stay organized in a small space or on a budget. Rather than just shoving everything into a closet or buying a large chest of drawers, you can make use of the furniture you already have as storage. If you leave your blankets lying around, they can make your space feel more cluttered and less formal, so tuck them away when you aren't using them.
05 of 30
Amy Bartlam ; DESIGN: September Workshop
Bar carts are great because they function as makeshift shelves, side tables, and drawers. They're particularly great for lofts and studios when the dining, kitchen, and living areas flow into each other. Don't drink? You can just as easily use it to display your decorative items and store your necessities.
06 of 30
Tessa Neustadt ; DESIGN : Katherine Carter
This stunning living room incorporates stylish storage solutions as part of the design. There's a magazine rack between the two club chairs to minimize a large pileup on the coffee table, a ladder leaning against the wall to drape throw blankets, and a media console with shelves for anything that should be tucked away. Each storage solution also happens to be a stylish accent piece.
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Amy Bartlam ; DESIGN : D2 Interiors
A sofa with built-in storage drawers is definitely worth the extra price tag. Not only will it help you declutter, but it's also great for families who need to organize and store lots of items. With plenty of styles and colors to work with, you're sure to find one that fits your space.
08 of 30
Domm Dot Com
If floor space is at a minimum, turn your walls into storage units. Build a wall-sized bookcase, and fill it with more than just books. Use the shelves to hold plants, artwork, or travel souvenirs.
09 of 30
Lucky Plot 13
Find furniture that does double duty as seating or table space while also offering storage solutions. You might rest your feet on the top of the ottoman while reclining or add a tray on top in lieu of a coffee table. Inside, use the space to store throw blankets and other items.
10 of 30
KT2 Designs
If you are lucky enough to have a window bench, use the space underneath the seating for storage. Add drawers or turn the seating top into a flip-top bench to access a chest of space beneath.
11 of 30
Rikki Snyder
When trying to save space, it can be difficult to decide what is necessary and what is simply a want. If you choose furniture pieces that work together, you likely can have both. This living room contains a stunning decorative footstool that tucks away perfectly underneath the coffee table. This way, when not in use, the footstool can be hidden from sight to create more room.
12 of 30
Designed by Arlyn Hernandez for EHD/Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
While it's essential to ensure you aren't cluttering up every space in your home, sometimes underrated storage possibilities could be right under your nose. This bench has a perfect view outside and creates an ideal space to read—so the books are neatly stacked and placed under the bench. The books are still displayed yet tucked away to ensure they aren't kicked around.
13 of 30
Jean Van't Hul
Families who juggle a desire for stylish design alongside the need to store lots of kid stuff can get creative and do both. Dedicate a corner of the living room to the kids' play or art area and use rolling carts or under-table storage to put it all away at the end of the day.
14 of 30
Dazey Den
If you aren't able to hide away your belongings in a small space, make them all part of the decor. Use shelving to show off colorful books and mix and match storage units to add color and organization to small living rooms. Additionally, you may be surprised how much dećor can be mounted or hung up, creating an eclectic gallery wall.
15 of 30
Design & Styling: Desiree Burns Interiors, Photo: Tamara Flanagan
Those who live in pre-war apartment units or homes built in craftsman or bungalow style may have classic built-in shelving units. Think beyond books or China storage when decorating, though. Feel free to fill the shelves with pieces of artwork, small plants, or treasured dećor items.
16 of 30
Style It Pretty Home
In smaller spaces, creativity is key. If you have a hall closet or nook beneath the staircase, use every inch for storage. Replace a closet rod with shelves to double or triple the amount of closet storage.
17 of 30
House of Harvee
We always love a stylish coffee table—especially one that stores twice as many items! A two-tier coffee table adds an additional shelf at the bottom to store things like books, remotes, or small dećor items to display without throwing them in a box. It also works well when you need to clear the table for a game night or eat dinner without leaving all your items on the floor or the very edge of the table.
18 of 30
Rikki Snyder
Use the wall to your advantage and create vertical storage. Beyond bookshelves, look for options that match your style preferences. Floating cubbies or floating shelves can hold books and small trinkets, while small hooks can allow plants or other items to be prominently displayed.
19 of 30
Taggart Sorensen
A trick used by tiny home builders and micro-apartment architects is to use every surface inch. There are several cubic feet of unused space under most staircases. Instead of leaving blank walls, install roll-out shelving or storage cubes.
20 of 30
Amy Bartlam
To create a uniform space that feels a little tidier, gather all your candles in one place. Unique placement is key here in order to look intentional. Stack wax or flameless candles inside an old fireplace, windowsill, or alcove for a clever way to add warmth and organization.
21 of 30
Gold A La Mode
TV, video game systems, and sound systems all have multiple cords that look messy no matter how you arrange them. For a simple fix, opt for a console table with blurred glass panels in the front. All your cords and consoles can be tucked away without much hassle, and the fogged glass still gives the impression of what's behind the cabinet doors without needing to open them.
22 of 30
Ashley Montgomery Design
Instead of doing floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, create a wall that combines both. Use bookshelves for display, and store clutter in the well-designed cabinets. The combination also creates a vertical interest along the wall.
23 of 30
Leaf and Lolo
Houseplants add a sense of calm and a pop of green to any room. For small living rooms, store your plants vertically. Stack them on shelves or use tall plant stands that utilize wall space instead of floor space.
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Design by Emily Henderson Design/Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Don't leave the remote or tablet on the coffee table. Store it inside instead. A coffee table with hidden shelves or drawers adds more usable space and will help keep your living room tidy without extra cleaning.
25 of 30
Tyler Karu Design
While there are table options available to create extra storage, it can be easy to repurpose items if you already have them. This vintage trunk creates a sturdy table to balance books and other items yet has plenty of room to store additional items in the living room.
26 of 30
Jenn Pablo Studio
Towel hooks in bathrooms or coat hooks in the hall entryway let you easily store items you use frequently. So why not steal the idea for your living room? Use pretty hooks to hang throw blankets when not using.
27 of 30
Black and Blooms
Need a place to set down your cup of coffee or a candle next to the couch? Gather large books (library sales are a great place to find art books and other coffee table books at a discount) and stack them to form a small shelf. You can play around with various sizes and stacking options to achieve exactly what you're hoping for.
28 of 30
Dwell Aware
While we've mentioned turning space under a staircase into a place for cabinets and drawers, there are other uses for it as well. Adding an extra chair or small table that may make a living room feel cramped can easily be transported under the stairs to create a simple reading nook.
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Amy Bartlam
If you have an older home with a gorgeous mantel and empty fireplace space, don't let it go to waste. We know you're already using the mantel as a shelf, but don't forget the old fireplace, too. Fill it with books for a literary space, or stack items like these wooden logs to add visual interest and decoration.
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Design: Emma Beryl; Photo: Nick Glimenakis
When in doubt, using baskets can be a godsend. Opt for small, decorative options for smaller items that need to be tucked away when not in use. They can be stored in shelving units or placed in less conspicuous places like behind the sofa.
How to Make the Most Out of a Living Room That Doubles As a Dining Room
5 ways, 15 examples - INMYROOM
Interior decor
The living room is a family room where we spend most of our time. There can be many approaches to organizing a living room. Today we will tell you about the 5 most effective
Living room - common room, family room, in which we spend almost most of our time, so its the space should be organized conveniently, in accordance with the needs and the tastes of the tenants.
Today we will talk about 5 ways to organize space, arrangement of furniture and accessories of the living room, each of which meets certain goals and objectives.
1. Building around the base item
Focal point - base element living room. That around which the entire space of the room is built. This point can be anything: a bookcase, a fireplace, a TV, a wall with photographs or a panoramic window.
One popular and extremely modern example is the television. If he is the center of the living room, then everyone else objects are located relative to it: the chairs are turned towards the TV and are complemented by ottomans for the legs, there are pillows on the floor for seats.
2. Communication lounge
Suitable for this type of living room next option: sofas and armchairs need to be grouped so that people have it is convenient to talk to each other, and no one interfered with this process. The room must be furnished so that residents move around the communication area, and not inside her. This is ideal not only for everyday life, but also for parties. And resist the temptation to push the sofa into the very corner - this can create claustrophobia effect.
3. All for children
If you have a large family, then the living room is undoubtedly used for different purposes. So it should divided into zones, while paying special attention to the place for children. To separate "children's" space from the "adult", use a sofa or a table - they become natural boundaries. Children should have enough free space for Game. Do not forget about how to adapt the living room to store children's toys: special baskets or shelves are suitable for this.
4. Visual balance
If when decorating a living room your priority is to strike a balance between interior items, their sizes and shapes, pay special attention to how they are arranged: for example, large-sized objects are logically arranged opposite a friend at different ends of the room, and not put next to each other. This will give living room harmonious view. And remember that the living room should not consist entirely of items of the same shape and size.
5. Emphasized symmetry
Asymmetrical furniture arrangement typical for casual living rooms, and this method is suitable for strict minimalistic rooms designed for activities such as reading, working with a laptop and, again, for communication. To achieve the desired effect, use paired furniture - chairs, a sofa, as well as identical lamps, paintings, shelves.
How to make your living room more comfortable: 10 tips - Roomble.com
Space organization
2022-01-17T11:00:00+00:00 2022-01-17T12:59:30+00:00 How to make the living room more comfortable: 10 tips 2022-01-17T11:00:00+00:00 How can a living room become comfortable without losing home comfort? Our article will talk about a practical approach to arranging the main room of the house. How to make the living room more comfortable: 10 tips
How can a living room become comfortable without losing the comfort of home? Our article will talk about a practical approach to arranging the main room of the house
It has long been considered a good host who knew how to receive guests. Hence the special room reserved for this, often the main thing in the house - this is how the living room appeared. A kind of business card, and in our time it is from the living room, as a rule, that the guest begins to get acquainted with the dwelling.
The living room plays an important role as a family space where the owners can relax together, get together to watch a movie or play a board game, arrange a festive dinner, and comfortably sit while reading a book. Often this is the largest and most comfortable (after the kitchen, of course) room, it is the key link in the entire living area and sets the overall atmosphere of the home space. But besides aesthetic beauty, it should be as convenient, functional and practical as possible, especially if we recall the English meaning of the name living room - 'room for living'.
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Equipping the living room from scratch or still deciding to give a "second wind" to the existing one, follow the rule of the golden mean: the room should be light and spacious, regardless of the actual size. When thinking about the placement of furniture, decor elements and other interior items, avoid piling up - better is less, but with taste, than all at once.
Of course, this does not mean that only an orphaned sofa should stand in the middle of the room, but an aesthetically and functionally well-thought-out approach to interior design is the way to balance beauty and convenience.
It doesn't matter if you have a tiny living room or its dimensions exceed the area of an average Moscow apartment. There is always the opportunity to use additional space to store things you need and not so much. There are many so-called smart furniture models, which, in addition to their direct purpose, have additional functions.
For example, a coffee table with drawers for storing small items, sofas with built-in book shelves, multifunctional and compact shelving. So you can save space by getting rid of bulky cabinets and Romanian walls, placing things compactly.
Based on the fact that the main purpose of the living room is to receive guests and spend time in a company of several people, it would be nice to organize a conditional center of the room. By placing chairs, sofa sections, and any other seating around a designated point, which could be a tea table, a low-rise cabinet, or an electric fireplace against the wall, you create a "fulcrum" for the rest of your decor.
Having arranged the central part of the living room with seats, move on, dividing the area into zones. If the size of the living room is quite large, it can be multifunctional.
Dividing, for example, a part of the space with compact cross-section bookcases or consoles for multimedia devices, it is easy to combine a seating area for watching movies and a dining room for festive dinners. In old Soviet-era houses, zoning is almost the only way to diversify the rectangular narrow area of \u200b\u200bthe living room.
One of the decisive factors in the design of any room is lighting, and the living room is no exception. The era of one chandelier of general light in the center of the ceiling is long gone, harsh shadows and inappropriate glare can ruin the most thoughtful interior.
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Lighting must be arranged to suit several living room scenarios, from welcoming guests directly to cozy reading a book on the floor.
Position lighting fixtures according to each area of the room. If there is a dining table, even in the corner, it is logical to hang a chandelier or ceiling lamp above it, while a floor lamp on a long leg will be appropriate in the soft corner area. Use different types of lighting fixtures, so you can create the right atmosphere in each area of \u200b\u200bthe living room.
Everyone remembers those bulky, often dusty plush structures that usually occupy one of the corners of the room. It's time to forget about them. Undoubtedly, the basis of any living room is a sofa group. Depending on the size of the room, there are several options for selecting places to relax sitting or lying down. If the living room is large, use low wide sofas and sets.
They are ideal for relaxing with a large company, where there is enough space for everyone, and paired with tea tables or floor cabinets, they will not only help you chat over a cup of tea, but also involve everyone in an exciting board game.
Feel free to combine several styles and seating options - this is a good solution to emphasize the so-called social zone. If your main room is not so large, and the desired sofa paired with armchairs already at the entrance prevent you from getting inside, it does not matter - get a less bulky sofa and a pair of bean bags, they complement each other perfectly.
In addition to the artificial sources of room lighting, natural light plays an important role. If your living room does not boast floor-to-ceiling French windows and has only one small window, do not curtain it with thick fabric - open the room for light.
Fabric blinds of light shades are ideal, which, when closed, will not absorb external light, but will not turn the room into an open area under the sun. If you are the owner of a beautiful panorama from the windows to the floor, decorate them with transparent tulle, complementing them with the same horizontal or vertical fabric blinds.
Unfortunately or fortunately, the TV has acquired the status of an integral and full member of the "home society" along with such traditional things as a bed or a chair. When decorating a room, many owners and decorators simply do not attach much importance to the placement (not location) of the TV and other multimedia devices in the overall picture of the space, but in vain.
Are you the owner of even if not the cheapest, but still ordinary electronics, which, to put it mildly, is not particularly well located on the wall and does not at all emphasize the dignity of the room, and often serves as a banal dust collector? There are a number of tricks that will help free up occupied surfaces, hide metal boxes, wires and plasma panels, while maintaining their appearance and not degrading the functionality of the latter.
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For example, use the services of all the same smart-objects of furniture, automatic retractable consoles, niches with sliding panels - they neatly disguise the products of technological progress, saving you from additional cleaning. An alternative would be a ceiling projector or a built-in speaker system, but that's a separate issue.
Only in the grandmother's apartment is it allowed to keep a "zoo" made of animal figurines from the 60s, 101 souvenir plates from Egypt on the wall and other unnecessary trifles. No need to overload the interior of the living room with many different accessories, even if each of them is one of a kind. The minimum effect of such a design is eclecticism, the maximum effect is bad taste.
Define for yourself several lines and styles in the decor, let it be a monochromatic oil painting, but it fits perfectly into the color of a carved oak table, or a mirror, always in a unique and original frame.