Living rooms are the heart of our homes. They’re where we gather with family, entertain friends, and even unwind after a long day. However, with relaxed rules and frequent use, they can quickly become cluttered with items that don’t truly serve our needs or reflect our personal style. As I embarked on a decluttering journey, I decided to let go of certain things in my living room, and I have never looked back. Here are 13 things I stopped displaying in my living room — and why you might consider doing the same.
1. Too Many Throw Pillows
Throw pillows can add a pop of color or a touch of personality to your living room. However, I noticed that having too many of them made the space feel cluttered and less inviting. I used to have a dozen throw pillows on my couch, but it began to feel more like an obstacle course than a cozy spot to unwind.
Now, I stick to a few carefully selected pillows that complement my decor and provide comfort. This simple change has made my living room feel more spacious and welcoming. Moreover, it’s also easier to keep the space clean and tidy, as I no longer have to constantly rearrange a pile of pillows.
2. Outdated Family Photos
It’s lovely to have family photos in the living room — they make the space feel personal and homely. However, I noticed that some of mine were outdated, and they didn’t reflect the current stage of my family’s life. In addition, the frames themselves were mismatched, adding to the overall cluttered feel of the room.
I decided to select a few recent, high-quality photos and display them in matching frames. This not only updated the look of the room but also gave it a more cohesive feel. Plus, it’s always nice to glance at a picture from a recent, happy memory.
3. Unused Electronics
I used to have a plethora of electronics in my living room — a DVD player, an old gaming console, multiple remote controls, and more. However, most of these were seldom used and just took up space. In addition, the mess of cords and cables was a constant eyesore.
I decided to keep only the electronics that are regularly used and store the rest elsewhere. This reduced visual clutter and made the space feel more peaceful. Now, the living room is a place to relax and connect with others, not a storage space for unused gadgets.
4. Coffee Table Clutter
My coffee table used to be a catch-all for all sorts of items — books, magazines, coasters, remote controls, and more. This not only made the table look messy, but it also left little room for actual coffee cups.
Now, I keep the coffee table clear except for a few carefully chosen items — a beautiful coaster set and a single book or magazine. This not only makes the table look more elegant, but it also makes the entire living room feel more spacious and organized.
5. Too Many Decorative Items
Decorative items can add personality and charm to a living room. However, I noticed that my space was overflowing with knick-knacks, ornaments, and trinkets. This made the room feel cluttered and overwhelmed the eye.
I decided to pare down my collection and keep only the items that truly spark joy, as Marie Kondo would say. This made my living room feel more peaceful and allowed the remaining decorative items to shine.
6. Outdated Magazines and Newspapers
I used to keep stacks of old magazines and newspapers in my living room, thinking that I might get around to reading them someday. However, they just ended up collecting dust and taking up valuable space.
I decided to recycle these old publications and keep only the current issues. This freed up space and made the room feel more tidy and organized. Plus, it’s much more enjoyable to read a magazine or newspaper when it’s not buried under a pile of outdated issues.
7. Unnecessary Furniture
My living room used to contain extra chairs, side tables, and other pieces of furniture that were seldom used. These not only took up space but also made the room feel cramped and cluttered.
I decided to remove any furniture that did not serve a clear purpose or enhance the functionality of the room. This made the space feel more open and airy, and it also made it easier to move around.
8. Unused Exercise Equipment
I used to keep an exercise bike and some weightlifting equipment in my living room, thinking that it would motivate me to work out more often. However, these items just ended up taking up space and gathering dust.
I decided to move my exercise equipment to a dedicated workout area in my home. This not only freed up space in the living room, but it also created a more focused and motivating environment for my workouts.
9. Excess Candles and Diffusers
Candles and diffusers can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in a living room. However, I noticed that having too many of them scattered around the room was overwhelming and unnecessary.
I decided to keep a few carefully chosen candles and diffusers in strategic locations to create a pleasant scent and ambiance. This not only made the room smell great, but it also reduced visual clutter.
10. Old DVDs and CDs
I used to display my DVD and CD collection in my living room. However, I realized that I hadn’t played any of them in years, thanks to streaming services like Netflix and Spotify.
I decided to digitize my collection and donate the physical copies. This freed up a lot of space and made the room feel more modern and up-to-date.
11. Dated Artwork
Artwork can add a touch of sophistication and personal style to a living room. However, I noticed that some of the pieces I had on display were outdated and no longer reflected my taste.
I decided to update my artwork to pieces that truly resonate with me and complement my current decor. This not only refreshed the look of the room, but it also made it feel more personal and inspiring.
12. Cluttered Bookshelves
Bookshelves can be a great way to display books and decorative items. However, I noticed that mine were overflowing with books I had already read or had no intention of reading.
I decided to declutter my bookshelves and keep only the books that I truly love and intend to read. This not only made the shelves look more organized, but it also made it easier to find and enjoy my favorite books.
13. Dead Plants
I love having plants in my living room — they add a touch of natural beauty and improve the air quality. However, I noticed that I had a few plants that were not thriving, despite my best efforts.
I decided to replace these with low-maintenance plants that are better suited to the lighting conditions in my living room. This not only improved the look of the room, but it also made plant care more enjoyable and less stressful. Now, my living room feels like a true oasis.