Retro sunken living room with colorful pillows, built-in seating, and mid-century modern decor, including a piano and bookshelf

Living Room Items You’ll Wish You’d Tossed Sooner

Your living room is the heart of your home, where you entertain guests, relax after a long day, and create unforgettable memories with family. However, it’s easy for this space to become cluttered with items that you don’t need or use. Here are 9 things in your living room that you should get rid of today to create a more spacious, organized, and welcoming environment.

1. Unused Electronics

Stack of VHS tapes, VCR player with open tape slot, two remote controls, wooden surface, vintage home entertainment setup, retro technology
Image Credit: Anthony /Pexels.

Take a look around your living room. You might notice a variety of electronics that haven’t been used in months, or even years. These could be old DVD players, outdated gaming consoles, or a collection of remote controls that don’t even have matching devices anymore. Not only do these items take up unnecessary space, but they can also create an unorganized and chaotic atmosphere. Donate or recycle these electronics to declutter your living room.

2. Outdated Magazines and Newspapers

Stack of fashion and lifestyle magazines on white round table, decorated with dried pink and green foliage
Image Credit: EVG Kowalievska/Pexels.

Stacks of old magazines and newspapers can quickly create clutter in your living room. While you may have intended to read them eventually, chances are they’ve been sitting untouched for months. Consider recycling these papers or donating them to a local library or school. Going forward, opt for digital subscriptions to keep your living room tidy and environmentally friendly.

3. Old DVDs and CDs

Vintage point-and-shoot camera, film negatives, several compact discs on a brown surface, nostalgic photography and media theme
Image credit: Emine Canpolat/ Pexels.

With the rise of digital media and streaming services, physical DVDs and CDs have become nearly obsolete. If you’ve transitioned to digital media, consider getting rid of these items. Donate them to a local charity shop, or recycle them if they’re damaged. You’ll be surprised at how much space you can free up in your living room.

4. Unused Decorative Items

Traditional Persian Nowruz table setting, includes gold-painted eggs, a bowl of sumac, dried herbs, garlic, a pomegranate, symbolic coins, and decorative lanterns on a vibrant embroidered cloth
Image Credit: RDNE Stock Project/Pexels.

It’s easy to accumulate decorative items over time, but not all of them necessarily add value to your living room’s aesthetic. Take a hard look at your decor and decide if each piece truly enhances your space or if it’s just taking up room. Consider donating or selling any items that no longer fit your style.

5. Excessive Throw Pillows

Plush decorative pillows on a cozy bed, soft beige and cream tones, various textures including faux fur, patterned blanket underneath, warm and inviting atmosphere, natural light softly illuminating the scene
Image Credit: Alexandru Chiriac/ Shutterstock.

While throw pillows can add a nice touch to your living room, too many can make the space feel cluttered and overwhelming. Evaluate your throw pillow situation and keep only the ones that truly contribute to your overall decor. Donate or repurpose the rest for a cleaner, more streamlined look.

6. Unused Furniture

Antique wooden table, medium height, rectangular top, ornately turned legs, dark brown finish, cross-stretcher support, displayed in a museum or showroom
Image Credit: Auckland Museum- CC BY 4.0/Wiki Commons.

That extra side table or chair that no one ever uses might just be taking up valuable space in your living room. Consider its function and if it’s truly needed. If not, sell or donate it. Your living room will feel more spacious and inviting without unnecessary furniture.

7. Old Toys

Vintage tin toy tractor and car, orange tractor with flower decals and photo frame, cream car with racing stripes and photo holder on roof, placed on wooden floor
Image credit: Olga Ernst – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

If you have children, your living room might have become a secondary playroom. While it’s important for kids to have access to toys, keeping old or broken ones can lead to clutter. Regularly sort through your children’s toys and donate or recycle the ones they’ve outgrown or no longer use.

8. Old Candles

Two antique brass candlesticks, one with five arms and one single, white taper candles, set on a wooden surface, against a textured beige wall, dimly lit vintage setting
Image Credit: Alexandra Kollstrem/pexels.

Candles are great for setting a cozy ambiance, but if you have a collection of half-used or burnt-out candles, it’s time to get rid of them. Not only do they take up space, but they can also be a fire hazard. Consider switching to flameless candles, which can provide the same cozy ambiance without the mess or risk.

9. Outdated Rugs

lack boots on an ornate red patterned rug, person standing indoors, socks slightly visible, another person in background, vintage or classic interior setting
Image Credit: Cottonbro Studio/Pexels.

An outdated or worn-out rug can drag down the entire look of your living room. If your rug has seen better days, it might be time to get rid of it. Consider investing in a new rug that complements your current decor and style. A new rug can instantly refresh and transform the look of your living room.