Your living room is one of the most used and loved spaces in your home. It’s the heart of your household, a place to relax after a long day, curl up with a book, watch your favourite shows, entertain friends, enjoy meaningful conversations, or even sneak in a little work-from-home time.
Sometimes, it’s where your kids play, where you host dinner nights, or where you simply enjoy a quiet cup of tea on a Sunday morning. It’s a space where multiple needs and lifestyles overlap, comfort meets function, and style meets everyday life.
But when clutter begins to pile up, your living room can quickly go from a cosy retreat to a source of stress. Crammed shelves, overflowing surfaces, tangled cords, and misplaced items not only make it harder to relax, but also disrupt the natural flow of your home.
The good news? With a few smart decluttering techniques and practical home organising strategies, you can turn even the busiest of living rooms into a calming, clutter-free space that feels both functional and stylish, without spending a fortune or sacrificing your comfort.
Whether you’re styling a small apartment, a busy family room, or anything in between, these expert-approved decluttering and home organising tips will help you transform your living room into a space that’s easy to maintain and a joy to be in.
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Declutter First, Less is More
Before you jump into home organising, start with a clean slate, because no system can fix a space that’s overcrowded. Decluttering is the essential first step. The more unnecessary items you remove, the easier it will be to set up an organised space. A clutter-free living room instantly looks bigger, cleaner, and more inviting.
How to Declutter Your Living Room Like a Pro:
- Start with a blank slate: Take everything off surfaces like coffee tables, side tables, and shelves. Lay it all out so you can clearly see what you’re working with, it’s easier to decide what stays and what goes when everything is visible.
- Remove anything that doesn’t belong: Living rooms often become a catch-all for random household items such as shoes, bags, mail, toys, etc. Take a few minutes to put everything back where it belongs.
- Sort items into categories: Group similar items together, such as books, decorative pieces, electronics, and blankets. This will help you see if you have duplicates or things you no longer need.
- Use the “Keep, Donate, Trash” method: Ask yourself:
- Do I use this regularly?
- Does this item add value to my space?
- Would I buy this again today?
- Does it have sentimental value, or is it just taking up space?
If an item doesn’t serve a purpose, consider donating or discarding it.
- Declutter your decor: Too many decorative items can make a space feel cluttered rather than stylish. Keep only your favourite pieces that contribute to the overall aesthetic of your living room.
- Tidy up books and magazines: Books and magazines can pile up fast. Keep a small selection of recent reads and donate or recycle the rest.
Decluttering Pro Tip: Set a timer for 15 minutes and do a quick decluttering session every evening to prevent clutter from building up again.
Step 2: Categorise & Create Functional Zones
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to get strategic with home organising. Instead of storing everything randomly, create functional zones that make your living room easier to use and maintain.
How to Categorise & Organise Your Living Room
Your living room likely serves more than one purpose, it’s where you relax, watch TV, read, play with the kids, entertain guests, and maybe even squeeze in some work.
Instead of letting all these activities blend into one big mess, define different zones for different activities.
Common Living Room Zones:
- Entertainment Zone: Keep your TV, streaming devices, and gaming consoles neatly stored in a media console with built-in storage. Use drawer dividers for remote controls and small accessories.
- Reading Nook: Set up a cosy corner with a comfortable chair, a soft throw, a side table for your drink, and a small bookshelf or basket for your favourite reads. Add a floor lamp for the perfect touch.
- Kids’ Play Area: If your children play in the living room, set up a toy basket or cube storage unit so everything has a designated home. This makes it easier for kids to help clean up.
- Conversation Area: Arrange your sofas and chairs in a way that encourages conversation and relaxation. Keep this area free from clutter so it feels inviting.
- Workstation (if needed): If your living room doubles as your workspace, use a storage ottoman to keep your laptop, chargers and notebooks hidden when not in use.
Home Organising Pro Tip: Use area rugs to visually separate different zones in an open-plan living space.
Step 3: Use Smart Storage Solutions to Keep Clutter Away
A beautifully organised living room isn’t just about making things look nice, it’s about keeping clutter under control. The best way to do this is by using functional storage solutions that blend seamlessly with your decor.
Best Storage Solutions for a Clutter-Free Living Room
- Baskets & Bins: Woven baskets are a stylish way to stash extra throws, kids’ toys, or pillows. Place one near the sofa to add texture and keep things tidy.
- Storage Ottomans: Multifunctional and chic, storage ottomans offer hidden storage for books, remotes, and other miscellaneous items while providing extra seating.
- Floating Shelves: Take advantage of vertical space by installing floating shelves. They’re great for displaying books, framed art, or decorative accents—without taking up precious floor space.
- TV Console with Built-In Storage: A sleek TV unit with drawers or cabinets is perfect for tucking away cables, remotes, and gaming accessories. Say goodbye to tangled wires or cluttered surfaces!
- Coffee Tables with Hidden Storage: Look for coffee tables with lift-up tops or built-in drawers. They’re ideal for storing magazines, coasters, board games, and other essentials.
Decluttering Pro Tip: Label storage bins so that family members know exactly where things belong, making it easier to keep the space organised.
Step 4: Style Your Space for Comfort and Visual Appeal
Now that your living room is decluttered and neatly organised, it’s time to style it to reflect your personality. The key is to balance function and beauty so your space feels inviting and comfortable.
How to Add Style While Keeping It Organised
- Choose a Cohesive Colour Palette: Stick to a calming mix of neutrals with pops of colour. It keeps the room feeling harmonious and pulled together without being overwhelming.
- Layer Textures for Comfort: Combine soft rugs, cosy throws, and plush cushions to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Mixing textures adds depth and makes the room feel more welcoming.
- Use the “Rule of Three” for décor: Group decorative items in odd numbers (e.g., a lamp, a plant, and a book stack) for a balanced look.
- Bring in Some Greenery: Indoor plants instantly freshen up a room and add a soothing, natural element. Even one or two small potted plants can make a big difference.
- Keep surfaces minimal: Avoid overcrowding shelves and tables. Leave some breathing room so your carefully chosen pieces can shine and the space doesn’t feel chaotic.
Home Organising Pro Tip: Use mirrors to reflect light and make a small living room feel larger and brighter.
Step 5: Maintain Your Organised Living Room
You’ve done the hard work, decluttered, organised, and styled your living room beautifully. Now it’s all about keeping it that way. The secret? A few simple daily habits that make tidying up feel effortless.
“A little daily maintenance goes a long way in ensuring your home stays organised!”
Easy Daily Habits for a Tidy Living Room
- Do a quick 5-minute reset each night: Before heading to bed, take a few minutes to return things to their designated spots. It’s a small effort that makes a big difference.
- Limit items on surfaces: Stick to 1-2 decorative pieces per table to prevent clutter buildup.
- Rotate decor seasonally: Swap out decorative elements to keep things fresh.
- Use storage baskets for quick clean-up: Especially useful for kids’ toys, remote controls, and throw blankets.
- Give everything a designated home: When every item has a place, it’s easier to stay organised.
Decluttering Pro Tip: Keep a donation box in your home so you can declutter as you go!
Final Thoughts: A Living Room You’ll Love!
With just a little decluttering and home organising effort, you can create a living room that’s stylish, comfortable, and clutter-free. By following these simple steps: decluttering, categorising, adding smart storage, and styling intentionally, you’ll have a space that’s easy to maintain and a joy to spend time in.
An organised living room doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs to work for you.
Need expert guidance?
Book your FREE initial Zoom consultation with one of our lead organisers and get personalised advice tailored to your home.
