Cluttered Living Room Solutions: Tips For Organizing Your Space

You walk into your living room, and it’s like a tornado just hit. The couch is buried under a mountain of laundry, the coffee table is covered in empty water bottles and snack bags, and there are toys scattered everywhere. Your cluttered living room is overwhelming, and you don’t know where to start.

Here’s the thing: clutter isn’t just physical. It can also mentally affect us. When your environment is chaotic, it’s hard to focus and be productive. And when your mind is cluttered, it’s hard to make decisions and take action.

So, what can you do to declutter your living room and your mind? First, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you can do this.

Next, let’s discuss some simple and effective solutions that can help you transform your living room into a relaxing and inviting oasis. From organizing and decluttering tips to creative storage solutions, we’ll explore the best ways to tackle a cluttered living room and create a space that you’ll love spending time in.

Text cluttered living room solutions tips for organizing your space on white background over faded image of tidy living room.

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Why a Cluttered Living Room is a Problem

Many people struggle with keeping their living spaces tidy and functional, and a cluttered living room can become a significant source of stress. Not only does it make it difficult to find things when you need them, but it can also make you feel overwhelmed and disorganized. 

Here are a few reasons why a cluttered living room can be a problem:

  • It can be hazardous: A cluttered living room can be hazardous, especially if there are children or elderly people in the home. Tripping over clutter or slipping on items that have been left on the floor can lead to serious injuries. In addition, clutter holds dust and dirt and provides hiding places for pests.
  • It can make you feel overwhelmed: When you’re surrounded by clutter, it can be difficult to focus on anything else. This can make you feel stressed and anxious, which can have a negative impact on your health and relationships.
  • It can make it difficult to relax: A cluttered living room can make it difficult to relax and unwind after a long day, and it can even affect your ability to entertain guests. It can be challenging to find a place to sit, let alone enjoy a movie or conversation with friends and family.

Does Your Living Room Feel Cluttered And Unorganized? 

Although any size living room can feel cluttered and unorganized, it’s especially a problem when you’re living in a small space. And for most of us, that seems to be the case… the living room is nearly always ‘too small.’ 😉 

‘How do I end up with so much clutter in such a small living room?’

It’s a common problem: you move into a new home or apartment, and almost before you know it, your living room is cluttered with all sorts of items. You might even be afraid that you need decluttering tips for hoarders. (Hey, it’s okay if you do! At least you’ll have a place to start.)

One reason why living rooms can feel cluttered is that we tend to accumulate items over time without getting rid of anything. We might receive gifts from friends and family, or we might pick up souvenirs on our travels.

These items can quickly add up and take up valuable space in our homes. And somehow, decluttering sentimental items seems more difficult than anything else.

Another reason why living rooms can feel cluttered is that we don’t always have a designated place for everything. We might leave items out on coffee tables or end tables, or we might stack books and magazines on the floor. When we don’t have a specific spot for everything, it’s easy for our living rooms to become disorganized and cluttered.

Small Living Room Cluttered And Unorganized? A Few Culprits

Woman standing in middle of colorful but very cluttered living room.

If you have a small living room, it can be easy for clutter to accumulate quickly. Here are a few common culprits that may be contributing to the mess:

  • Too much furniture: In a small living room, it’s important to be selective with the furniture you choose. Having too many pieces can make the space feel cramped and cluttered. 
  • Unorganized storage: Having storage is important in any living room, but it’s equally important to keep that storage organized with the right solutions. A mish-mash of ideas that don’t work together can make the problem feel worse.
  • Not enough storage: Okay, I’m going to suggest that minimalism is a fantastic option because then you don’t need a lot of storage. That said, you still do need SOME storage. If you find yourself struggling to find a place for everything, consider adding more storage options or decluttering unnecessary items.
  • No tidying routine: Establishing a regular tidying routine can make a huge difference in how organized your living room looks. Even something simple like everyone pitching in for 3-5 minutes a day to tidy up works surprisingly well.

By addressing these common culprits, you can start to tackle the clutter in your small living room and create a more organized and functional space. Even if you’re going for a cozy living room, you still don’t want clutter!

How To Declutter And Organize Your Small Living Room

Woman with dark hair working to clear cluttered living room.

Having a small living room can be a challenge, especially if it’s cluttered. However, with some simple steps, you can declutter and organize your space to make it feel more spacious and inviting. Here are some tips:

  • Start with a plan: Before you begin decluttering, take some time to plan out how you want to organize your space. Consider what items you need to keep, what you can donate or toss, and how you want to arrange your furniture.
  • Get rid of excess: One of the easiest ways to organize your living room is to be ruthless when you’re looking for things to declutter that you will never miss. This includes old magazines, broken or outdated decor, and any furniture that doesn’t serve a purpose.
    A simple, non-overwhelming way to do this is to do a slow declutter where you set a timer for 10 minutes every day and declutter as much as possible.
  • Organize your storage: If you have limited space, consider investing in some furniture that doubles as storage, such as an ottoman or side tables with built-in storage. Use baskets, and bins to keep items organized and out of sight.
  • Maximize your space: When arranging your furniture, consider using multi-functional pieces that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a sofa bed can double as a guest bed, and a bookshelf can also be used to display decor or serve as a charging station.
  • Keep it simple: When decorating your small living room, stick to a simple color scheme and avoid cluttering your space with too many decor items. Use mirrors to create the illusion of more space and keep window treatments simple and streamlined.

By following these tips, you can declutter and organize your small living room to make it feel more spacious and inviting. With a little planning and creativity, you can transform your space into a cozy and functional oasis.

What Makes A Living Room Feel Cozy Instead Of Cluttered?

Do you dream of creating a cozy and inviting space where you can relax after a long day? Look no further than the world of interior design… 

What Colors Make A Small Room Look Bigger?

Choosing the right color scheme can make a big difference in how spacious your living room feels. Lighter colors, such as white, cream, and pastels, can make a small room feel brighter and more open. These colors don’t have to look cold if you choose the right undertones and shades for your space.

Although this is totally personal choice, most decorators suggest that you avoid using dark colors on the walls, as they can make a room feel smaller and more closed in. Instead, use darker colors as accents or in small doses, such as with furniture, rugs, or curtains.

Instead, think in terms of texture. A key element in creating a cozy living room is the use of warm and inviting textures. From plush throw blankets to soft area rugs, incorporating cozy textures can make all the difference in creating a space that feels comfortable and welcoming — but not cluttered because you’re not going overboard on the STUFF. 

And don’t forget about lighting! The right lighting — lamps with warm white bulbs instead of overhead fixtures with glaring cold white bulbs — can set the mood and create a cozy atmosphere that will make you never want to leave your living room.

Why Layout In A Small Room Matters

Small tidy living room with minimalist-style decor.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand the importance of organization and the impact it can have on the overall feel of a room. By strategically placing furniture and decor, you can create a sense of flow and balance that will make your living room feel spacious and inviting.

What Type Of Couch Is Best For A Small Living Room?

When it comes to choosing a couch for a small living room, it’s important to consider the size and style. Look for a couch that’s proportional to the size of the room, and avoid oversized or bulky pieces that can take up too much space. 

You might even consider a sofa with a low back or no arms, as this can help create a more open and airy feel. Sectional sofas can also be a great option for small living rooms, as they can be configured in different ways to fit the space.

In our small living room, we chose to go with a loveseat and chairs instead of a full-size sofa because it made much more sense for our awkward space and traffic flow.

Suggestions For Small Living Room Layouts

There are lots of different ways to arrange furniture in a small living room, so it’s important to find the right layout that works with your space. Consider these ideas for how to maximize seating and storage without making the room feel too cramped.

  • Place the couch against a wall, and add a couple of chairs or a small loveseat to create a cozy seating and conversation area.
  • Use a narrow side table or small bench between the chairs to provide extra space to set down items like drinks and books. A bench can also double as seating for extra guests.
  • Use a rug to define the seating area and add a pop of color that will tie the room together. Choose colors that complement each other and patterns that are pleasing to the eye.
  • Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles of furniture for an eclectic look.
  • Add floating shelves or an entertainment center with storage to help keep clutter off the floor.
  • Hang curtains high and wide to create the illusion of taller ceilings and a larger space. You might also choose to have no window coverings or shades to keep things simple and cleaner-looking.

With these tips, you can have a living room that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing, even in a small space. Remember to keep clutter to a minimum, and focus on creating a space that feels open and airy.

How Do You Layout A Small Living Room With A TV

If you have a small living room with a TV, it can be challenging to find the right layout that maximizes space while still providing comfortable seating and a clear view of the screen. Here are a few tips to help you create a functional layout:

  • Anchor the seating arrangement around the TV. You can use a couch and chairs, or opt for a loveseat or sectional that fits nicely against one wall. Make sure your furniture is close enough to see the screen easily while providing comfortable legroom.
  • Consider the size of your TV. When arranging your furniture, consider the size of your television. You want to make sure that everyone in the room has a clear view of the screen without having to strain their necks.
  • Place end tables within easy reach of each seat, so everyone has a place for their drink or remote.
  • Add a coffee table in the center of the seating area to provide an additional surface for drinks and snacks — or even better, relaxing with your feet up while watching TV.

Is Your Small Living Room So Unorganized You Can’t Seem To Start?

Wood bookshelves with books, decor, and plants above and next to a leather chair.

How This Clutter Affects You In Your Small Living Room

If your small living room is cluttered, it can affect your mood and productivity. You may feel overwhelmed and stressed out, making it difficult to relax and enjoy your space. The clutter can also make your living room feel cramped and small, which can be embarrassing if you’re trying to entertain guests or spend time with family.

Additionally, clutter can make it difficult to find the things you need when you need them. You may waste time searching for items like your TV remote or your favorite book, which is frustrating and time-consuming.

How Organizing And Decluttering Your Living Room Makes A Difference

Organizing and decluttering your living room can make a big difference in how you feel about your space. By getting rid of items you no longer need or use, you’ll create more space and reduce the feeling of being cramped. You’ll also be able to find the things you need more easily, which will definitely save you time and reduce stress.

Organizing your living room can also make it a more functional space. You can create designated areas for different activities, like reading, watching TV, or playing games. This can make it easier to relax and enjoy your space, and can also make it more inviting for guests.

Finally, decluttering and organizing your living room can help create a healthier environment. By getting rid of items that are no longer useful to you or that are collecting dust, you’ll reduce the amount of allergens in the air and make it easier to keep clean. You may even be inspired to deep clean more often!

More Organizing Inspiration And Resources

175 Quick Organizing Tips for Every Room in the House

How To Make Cleaning Easier When You’re Overwhelmed By A Dirty House

3 Powerful Ways To Break The Clutter Cycle For Good

Decluttering After 50: Tips For Dealing With A Lifetime of Stuff

Next Steps…

Now you should have some great ideas for how to declutter your living room and organize it in a way that makes it easier to relax, look better for visitors, and create a healthier environment. 

Put these tips into action today to get the most out of your space! It’s very definitely worth the effort. You’ll be surprised at how much more enjoyable your living room will become. Plus, you’ll reduce the amount of dust and possible allergens in the air and make it easier to keep clean. 

Happy organizing! You’ve got this!


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2 thoughts on “Cluttered Living Room Solutions: Tips For Organizing Your Space”

  1. We have recently moved and it made to re-evaluate and purge a lot of stuff. I have vowed that I will not fall into that trap again as we are now in a tiny space compared to what we had previously and now when one item does come in I will remove TWO others.
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