Title: “14 Things I Stopped Displaying in My Living Room” Your living room is often the first impression guests have of your home. It’s a place to relax, entertain, and express your personal style. However, we often clutter this space with items that don’t add value or even detract from the ambiance we want to create. Today, I share fourteen items I have stopped displaying in my living room to create a more comfortable, organized, and aesthetically pleasing space.
1. Excessive Throw Pillows
It’s okay to have a few on your couch for comfort and style, but too many can make the space feel cluttered and leave no room for people to sit. I used to have a collection of throw pillows, each one an impulse buy from various home goods stores. Although they were all beautiful on their own, collectively they created a chaotic and messy look in my living room. Now, I stick to a maximum of three or four pillows that complement the colors and style of my room. This not only creates a more cohesive look, but it also makes it easier to maintain the space and leaves plenty of room for people to relax and sit comfortably.
2. Coffee Table Clutter
Coffee tables are notorious for becoming dumping grounds for all sorts of items: remote controls, magazines, mail, coasters, and so on. It’s easy for this small piece of furniture to become cluttered, which can make your entire living room feel messy. I used to be guilty of this, but I made the decision to clear my coffee table and be more mindful of what I place on it. Now, I keep only a few key items on my coffee table: a book or two that I’m currently reading, a small tray for remotes, and a decorative piece like a vase of flowers. This not only makes the space feel more organized, but it also makes it easier to clean and less stressful to look at.
3. Outdated Decor
We all have those pieces of decor we bought years ago that just don’t fit our current style or the style of our home. I had a few of these outdated pieces, and while they may have held some sentimental value, they were doing nothing for the aesthetic of my living room. So, I decided to retire these pieces. Some I donated, some I sold, and some I repurposed for other areas of my home. By removing these outdated pieces, I was able to update the look of my living room and make space for decor that truly reflects my personal style and the vibe I want to create in my home.
4. Unused Furniture
Just because you have space in your living room, doesn’t mean you need to fill every inch of it with furniture. Too much furniture can make the room feel small and crowded. I used to have extra chairs and side tables that were rarely used but took up a lot of space. So, I decided to take a minimalist approach and remove any furniture that wasn’t regularly used. This opened up the room, making it feel larger and more inviting. Plus, it’s much easier to navigate and clean.
5. Unframed Artwork
Art is a fantastic way to personalize your space, but unframed pieces can look unfinished and sloppy. I had a few canvas paintings and posters taped to the wall, but they didn’t enhance the room as I hoped. To elevate the artwork, I invested in frames. It was an affordable way to give the pieces a finished look and make them more visually appealing. Framing the artwork also provided an additional layer of protection, ensuring the pieces last longer.
6. Too Many Photos
While personal photos can make your living room more homely, too many can create a chaotic and cluttered look. I used to have various photos strewn throughout the room, but it felt overwhelming and disorganized. Instead, I chose a select few photos that held significant meaning and displayed them in a clean, organized manner. I used matching frames and created a gallery wall to give the photos a designated space. This made the room feel more organized and allowed the photos to be a focal point rather than a source of clutter.
7. Excessive Candles
Candles can create a cozy ambiance, but too many can feel cluttered and overdone. I had candles of various sizes and scents scattered around the room, but they didn’t contribute to a cohesive look. I decided to limit the number of candles I display at any given time. I chose a few that match the room’s color scheme and scent profile. This created a more seamless look and allowed the candles to enhance the room’s atmosphere instead of overwhelming it.
8. Knick-knacks
Small decorative items can add personality to your room, but an excess of knick-knacks can feel cluttered and distracting. I used to have various trinkets displayed on my shelves, but they felt random and disorganized. I chose to display only a few select items that held significant meaning or added to the room’s design. This made the room feel more organized and allowed each item to stand out.
9. Unused Electronics
Whether it’s an old DVD player or an unused gaming console, unused electronics can take up valuable space and contribute to a cluttered look. I had a few of these items taking up space on my TV stand. I decided to remove these unused electronics and either recycle, sell, or donate them. This freed up space and made the area look much cleaner and organized.
10. Old Magazines
Old magazines can quickly pile up and create clutter. I used to have stacks of them on my coffee table and bookshelves. I decided to recycle my old magazines and now only keep a few recent issues on hand for guests to flip through. This reduces clutter and keeps the space looking fresh and up-to-date.
11. Excess Books
While a bookshelf full of books can create a cozy, intellectual vibe, too many books can feel overwhelming and cluttered. I had books spilling off my shelves and stacked on the floor. I decided to donate or sell books I no longer needed or wanted. I kept only the books that I truly loved and planned to read or reference again. This made my bookshelves more organized and visually appealing.
12. Overbearing Rugs
A rug can pull a room together, but an overbearing rug can dominate the room and make it feel smaller. I had a large, brightly colored rug that took up most of the room and clashed with my other decor. I replaced it with a smaller, neutral-colored rug that complemented the rest of my decor. This made the room feel more balanced and spacious.
13. Faux Plants
While faux plants are low maintenance, they can often look cheap and tacky. I had a few faux plants that I thought added a touch of greenery to my room, but they didn’t look as nice as I hoped. I replaced them with real plants, which not only look nicer but also help to improve air quality. They require a bit more care, but the benefits are worth it.
14. Non-functional Decor
Decor should not only look good but also serve a purpose. I had a few decorative items that were purely for show and took up valuable space. I decided to only keep decor that served a function, such as a pretty bowl for holding keys or a stylish basket for storing blankets. This keeps the room looking good while also making it more functional.