15 Things to Keep Out of Your Living Room
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The living room is where you relax after a long day, entertain guests, and spend time with family. It reflects your style and sets the tone for the rest of your house. The things you choose to keep in your living room can influence its aesthetic, overall vibe, and functionality. Some items can make the space feel smaller, crowded, or uncomfortable.
Thoughtful curation can make all the difference in creating a stylish and functional living room, allowing you to enjoy your space to the fullest. This article highlights 15 things you should consider leaving your living room. From clutter that can overwhelm your space to items that don’t fit, each suggestion aims to help you cultivate a more enjoyable living area that reflects your style and enhances your day-to-day living experience.
Outdated Magazines and Newspapers
Old magazines and newspapers can quickly pile up, creating unnecessary clutter. Instead of letting them stack up in your living room, recycle them regularly. If there are articles you want to keep, consider scanning them or storing them more organized elsewhere in your home.
Unnecessary Gadgets and Electronics
While modern technology is a part of daily life, having too many gadgets and electronics can make your living room feel cluttered and impersonal. Consider streamlining your devices. Store rarely-used electronics elsewhere, and try to keep visible cords and wires neatly organized or hidden.
Excessive Family Photos

It’s lovely to have a few family photos displayed, but too many can overwhelm the space. Choose a select few to showcase on your mantel or shelves and rotate them periodically. This approach will keep your living room fresh and less cluttered while showing off your loved ones.
Exercise Equipment
Keeping exercise equipment like weights, yoga mats, or treadmills in your living room can disrupt its flow and feel. To keep your living room free from bulky fitness gear, designate a separate area in your home for workouts, like a spare room or a corner in your bedroom.
Children’s Toys
Toys often seem to take over the living room, especially with young children around. The clutter can make it challenging to relax or entertain guests in the space. To maintain order and create a more welcoming environment, consider designating a specific play area elsewhere in the house, such as a spare room or a corner of a child’s bedroom.
Laundry
Folding or sorting laundry in the living room might seem convenient, but it’s best to avoid turning this space into a laundry zone. Keep laundry activities limited to the bedroom or laundry room to prevent clothing piles from making your living area feel like a utility room.
Unmatched or Old Furniture
Mismatched or old furniture can make your living room look disorganized or outdated. Aim for a cohesive style that reflects your personality. If you’re holding on to old furniture for sentimental reasons, consider repurposing it in another room or giving it a makeover to fit your current decor.
Pet Supplies
Leashes, toys, pet beds, and feeding dishes are often essential but don’t need to clutter up your living room. Keep pet supplies organized and stored in a designated area, such as a mudroom or kitchen, where they’re easily accessible but out of sight.
Excess Pillows and Throws
While pillows and throws add comfort and style to any living space, having too many can crowd the area and create a messy appearance. It’s essential to strike a balance by selecting a few well-chosen items that complement your decor and color scheme. Opt for various textures and patterns to add visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Work-Related Items
Keeping laptops, paperwork, and other work-related items in the living room can blur the lines between relaxation and work. Designate a separate home office area, even if it’s a small desk in another room, to keep work out of your living space.
Overbearing Artwork
Art is an excellent way to express your style, but large or overly dramatic pieces can dominate the room and make it feel smaller. Choose artwork that complements the room’s color scheme and scale. Keep it simple and balanced to maintain a welcoming atmosphere.
Food and Kitchen Items
Unless you’re hosting a party, try to keep food and kitchen items out of the living room. These items can create messes and attract pests. Enjoy meals in the dining area or kitchen to keep your living room tidy and free of crumbs or spills.
Stacks of Mail and Paperwork
Piling up mail and paperwork on coffee tables or side tables is common, but it makes your living room look untidy. To keep your living area clutter-free, set up a mail sorting station or dedicate a specific spot elsewhere in your home for paperwork.
Excessive Decorations
While decorations are essential for personalizing your space, too many can make your living room look cluttered and busy. Choose a few statement pieces that align with your style and create focal points without overcrowding the room.
Broken or Non-Functional Items
Holding on to broken lamps, old remote controls, or furniture that’s seen better days only contributes to clutter. If an item is no longer functional or doesn’t serve a purpose, it’s time to repair, recycle, or let it go.
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