Stylish & Organized: How to Declutter Your Living Room

Is your living room cluttered with random items that make it feel disorganized and chaotic? From remote controls and magazines to kids’ toys and misplaced décor, it’s easy for this central space to become a catch-all zone. A cluttered living room can create stress and make it difficult to relax or entertain guests comfortably.

The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune or undertake a huge renovation to restore order and style. With just a few thoughtful adjustments and affordable tools—many of which you can find at your local dollar store—you can easily refresh your space. Decluttering not only clears your surfaces, but also helps highlight your favorite pieces and gives your living room room to breathe.

In this post, we’re sharing 10 stylish and simple living room decluttering tips that will help you maximize space, keep things tidy, and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. And yes—these hacks are budget-friendly and weekend-ready!

1. Use Storage Ottomans to Hide Clutter

Storage ottomans serve two purposes: they provide seating and store items out of sight. Use them to hide blankets, magazines, or remotes. With so many stylish options available, you can easily match them to your living room’s decor, making them both functional and fashionable.

Ottomans are perfect for smaller living rooms where you need every bit of storage space. Plus, their versatile design means they can double as footrests or coffee tables when needed.

2. Create Built-In Shelving to Display and Store

Built-in shelves are ideal for organizing and displaying your favorite items, whether it’s books, decorative pieces, or plants. They help maximize vertical space and keep everything from looking cluttered.

If built-ins aren’t an option, consider adding floating shelves or corner shelves. These are easy to install and can transform your living room by creating space for both storage and decoration.

3. Declutter Your Coffee Table

A cluttered coffee table can dominate the room and make it feel cramped. Keep the table clear of unnecessary items by organizing remotes, books, and decorative pieces in trays, baskets, or decorative boxes.

Consider a minimalist approach, keeping only a few key pieces such as a vase, candles, or a small plant to create a clean, open look.

4. Use Baskets and Bins for Easy Storage

Baskets and storage bins are excellent for organizing small items like toys, magazines, or throw blankets. Place them under side tables, inside cabinets, or on shelves for easy access.

Choose baskets that match the room's decor, and use them to keep everything in its place. With lids or covers, they help hide items you don’t want visible but still keep your living room looking tidy.

5. Repurpose Old Furniture for Storage

Before you discard old furniture, consider repurposing it as additional storage. An old dresser can be turned into a TV stand with drawers for extra storage, while a vintage trunk can serve as a coffee table with hidden compartments.

Get creative with items you already have to make your living room both stylish and organized without spending extra money.

6. Use Wall Hooks for Coats, Bags, and Accessories

Install stylish wall hooks near the entryway or on a free wall in your living room. They’re perfect for hanging coats, bags, scarves, or even hats.

This simple hack keeps clutter off the floor and frees up valuable closet space. Choose hooks that blend seamlessly with your living room decor for a functional and aesthetic touch.

7. Keep Remote Controls in a Decorative Tray

Keep all your remote controls in one place with a decorative tray or container. This eliminates the common problem of misplaced remotes and helps keep your living room neat.

Select a tray that complements your room’s design, and use it to organize not only remotes but also other small items like coasters or snacks.

8. Use Dual-Purpose Furniture

Opt for furniture that serves more than one purpose to maximize space. For example, choose a sofa with built-in storage, or a coffee table that doubles as a desk or desk drawer organizer.

These versatile pieces allow you to store essential items while saving valuable floor space in your living room.

9. Organize Books and Magazines on a Wall Shelf

If you’re a book lover or enjoy reading magazines, consider organizing your collection on a wall-mounted shelf. This keeps your reading materials off the floor and adds a stylish, accessible feature to the room.

You can also store other items like decorative pieces or plants on the shelf, creating a cohesive look in your living room.

10. Keep Things Tidy with a Daily Clean-Up Routine

To maintain a tidy living room, incorporate a quick daily cleaning routine. Take 5-10 minutes each day to put away items that have accumulated, fluff pillows, and tidy up surfaces.

By staying on top of your organization, you’ll keep clutter from building up and maintain a clean, relaxing living space.

Tips for Maintaining Living Room Organization

To keep your living room decluttered long-term, follow these simple habits:

• Purge Regularly: Set aside time every few months to go through your belongings and donate or discard what you no longer use.

• Adopt the One In, One Out Rule: When you buy a new item, get rid of something old to prevent things from piling up.

• Store Things Behind Closed Doors: Use cabinets, bins, and drawers to keep everything out of sight, creating a sleek, clean look.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives for Living Room Organization

Low-Cost Solutions for a Decluttered Living Room

While it’s great to invest in stylish furniture, there are also plenty of affordable solutions to keep your living room organized:

• Repurpose Old Containers: Use old shoeboxes, jars, or cans as storage solutions for small items.

• DIY Storage Projects: Make your own storage units using inexpensive materials like wood, fabric, or plastic containers.

• Thrift Store Finds: Visit second-hand shops for furniture pieces, storage baskets, or other organizing items at a fraction of the cost.

How to Organize Different Living Room Areas

Organizing the TV Area, Coffee Table, and Storage Units

Each part of your living room may require different organizational approaches:

• TV Area: Use a media console or wall-mounted shelves to keep devices and remote controls organized.

• Coffee Table: Keep only a few key decorative items on the coffee table and store other things in hidden storage underneath.

• Storage Units: Use furniture with built-in drawers or bins to keep smaller items like blankets, toys, or magazines neatly stored.

By organizing your living room in a functional and stylish way, you can create a more peaceful and enjoyable space to relax and entertain guests.

Decluttering your living room doesn’t have to be an expensive or time-consuming process. With a few thoughtful storage solutions and organizational tips, you can create a beautiful and organized living room that’s both functional and cozy.