Home » Misc » Living room organizers

Living room organizers


10 expert ways to neaten your space |

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Paolo Moschino / Nicholas Haslam)

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.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

How to Organize a Living Room

By

Kate Van Pelt

Kate Van Pelt

Kate Van Pelt is a contributing writer for The Spruce, based in the PNW. Kate has been a full-time digital content creator for nearly a decade, covering everything from home decor to personal finance.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 11/22/22

Reviewed by

Katherine Picott

Reviewed by Katherine Picott

Katherine is a professional home organizer, certified KonMari consultant, and member of The Spruce's Cleaning and Organizing Review Board. She launched her own professional organizing business, Tidy Milso, in the summer of 2020, to help reorient those feeling overwhelmed with both clutter and disorganization in their homes.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

For many families, the living room is the hub of the home. It's where you Netflix and chill, where the kids and pets play, and where old friends sit and visit with a bottle of wine. But when your living room is cluttered with books and magazines and forgotten LEGOs, it can be difficult to relax. Take an afternoon and focus on de-cluttering with this quick guide to organizing your living room. With a little time and tidying, you and you and your family can settle in and enjoy the space together once again.

Deep Clean and Donate

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

As you've collected items like pillows and pictures in your living room, perhaps your pretty aesthetic has become too busy. Before you begin putting belongings away, consider what you should remove. A simple way to complete this step is to bring two boxes into your living room, designating one for donations and another for items that will go elsewhere in your home. Meander through your living room, pulling pieces from shelves and drawers. For each belonging, think about whether or not your living room is its appropriate home. If you find a houseplant you'd prefer keep in the kitchen, move it. If you discover an old board game collecting dust, donate it.

Invest in Functional Furniture

Regardless of how many family members frequent your living room, odds are storage space is something you can never quite have enough of. That's why manufacturers have designed multi-purpose furniture like lift-top coffee tables and ottomans with storage compartments underneath. After you've decluttered your living room and settled on the possessions you want to keep, consider upgrading your furniture to create additional storage spaces. These pretty storage solutions will help you keep the space practical while maintaining a minimal design.

Hide Your Electronics

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

No one likes to see tangled TV cables or headphones piled on the coffee table. Of course electronics are important to our everyday lives, but they don't need to be on display. One of the best ways to keep your living room tidy is to hide electronics and their cords from view. Designate a drawer or basket for these items, so they're out of sight but still easy to access. For your phone, consider a charging station or tray. To organize the cluster of cables behind your TV, try a cable manager. Don't be afraid to get creative with this tip. Find a solution that works for your unique space and taste.

Give Every Item a Home

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

Remotes, coasters, blankets: there are plenty of things you'll want to keep out and accessible in your living room. But the line between clean and chaotic is simple—each and every item must have a proper home. For your TV remotes, designate a drawer or a decorative bowl you can place on your coffee table. Keep your blankets in an oversized basket or hidden away in an ottoman with storage. Make sure everything you opt to keep in your living room has a spot of its own.

Keep Decor Minimal

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

Whether your preferred taste is contemporary, boho, vintage, or a combination that's unique to you, keeping your decor to a minimum will help you create and maintain a cohesive living room design. To avoid overcrowding, organize your decorative pieces in groups of two or three, such as three tiered candles on a bookcase or a pair of books on your coffee table. Stick with primarily neutral tones, but feel free to toss in a pop of color here and there. Incorporate a few houseplants throughout the space to add a little life (literally) to your living room design.

Stick With a Color Palette

You may be drawn to a variety of interior design styles and a range of colors, but to keep your living room looking cohesive, make sure you maintain a consistent aesthetic. One simple way to accomplish this goal is by choosing a color palette for the room. For a calming feel, stick with neutral tones like cream and beige. Add some natural materials such as wicker and organic elements like houseplants. If you'd like a more eclectic look, consider a bold color or two throughout the space. Whatever your preferred style, make sure it's carried through the living room.

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

Add a Catch-All Container

You've done the hard work of donating neglected toys and hiding phone chargers, but clutter will likely find its way back to your living room over time. To prepare yourself, consider adding a catch-all bin or basket in your living room. If you opt for this tip, keep the bin small and out of sight. The purpose of this idea is not to promote clutter, but to create a temporary solution for it. When the container becomes full, it's your cue to clean and designate a home for each of those items.

Career lounge

Dear friends! You have a unique opportunity to meet with HR specialists from leading digital companies in Russia. To do this, you must fill out a questionnaire.

This initiative is organized by ANO Tsifrovaya ekonomika and is relevant both for those who are just starting their careers and for experienced professionals.

After the application is processed, a representative of the organizers will contact you and agree on the details. Meetings will be held in the Career Lounge area on 18 and 19May (Main building).

Rosatom State Corporation

SBER

Skolkovo Foundation

Rambler&Co

Okko

Sound

Russian Railways

Organizers and key partners 90

Organizer

Co-organizer

Supported by

General Partner

General partner

Organizational partner

Special partners

Official partner

Official partner

eCom partner

Special partner

Organizational partner

Official registrar

Special Partner

Special Sponsor

Special Partner

Organizational Partners

Partner

Official partner

Official partner

Digital partner

Partner

Car sharing partner

Official partner

Education Partner

Official partner

Partners

Beauty Partner

Fitness Partner

Strategic information partners

General media partners

Official news agency

Official Multimedia Partner

Official business publication

Digital Operator N1

Premium Indoor TV

General Radio Partner

General legal partner

Media partners

Supported by

Supported by

Event Partners

Official event agency

Registration Partner

IT Events Calendar

Web Development Partner

Literary Lounge: Modern Russian Literature for Children and Teenagers0120

  • Article
  • Documents
  • Cleack