Does organizing a living room feel really hard? Our expert advice will transform yours into a functional yet relaxing space

The pursuit of organizing a living room may seem like a never-ending mission. But, keeping it neat and tidy is vital to achieving your dream space, and creating a relaxing ambiance that's ideal for unwinding in.

Of course, slight disorder is often a sign of a lived-in, homely place, and unless you're a rigorous minimalist, it's unrealistic to expect perfection. However, taking organizational steps, no matter how small, will make things easier to locate, and make your space both beautiful and practical.

Here, we've spoken to design experts and organization pros for their best home organizing ideas and tips they've learnt through the years, to transform your living room into a tranquil haven.

Why is organizing a living room a good idea?

To Camilla Clarke, Creative Director at Albion Nord, it's important to make a space that feels relaxed, and not sterile or unliveable.

She says, 'We like to create spaces that feel layered and homely, that allow you to create mess without feeling messy or needing to put things away the second you put them out. Try to create storage for the pieces that don't need to be on show, but be sure to celebrate and show off the things that bring you joy.'

And, as Di Ter Avest, professional organizer and founder of Diisorganized, points out, the living room is where everyone gathers to relax, hang out, or entertain guests. 'So, keeping it organized can make a world of difference,' she assures.

1. Declutter

First things first, start by putting together a small living room decluttering checklist, or simply adjust to suit the size of yours.

'To me, the first step in any organizing project will always be decluttering,' says professional organizer Ter Avest. 'I know it sounds basic and over-said, but seriously, take a good look around and clear out anything that doesn't belong.

'Kids' toys everywhere? Magazines from three months ago? Out they go – or at least move them to their proper home. A clean slate makes it so much easier to see what you're working with.'

Reducing visual cutter in the living room will also create the illusion of space, helping to keep visual 'noise' down and leading to a calmer, more enjoyable space. But, importantly, remember to be realistic before setting out. As Sandrine Zhang Ferron, founder of Vinterior believes, it's never going to be entirely possible to live without various small and useful things.

All prices correct at time of publication.

Instead, she explains, store these necessary items by 'Creating small areas with your living room storage ideas that are both practical and add style to your space, from roomier pieces like freestanding cabinets, such as the gorgeous Cardonas Wooden Two-Door Freestanding Floor Storage Cabinet available at Wayfair, down to side tables, such as the affordable AOJEZOR Side Table avaialble at Amazon, and shelving which can be nicely squeezed into an alcove or corner.'

Housekeeping perfection is not realistic or enjoyable, so you might instead want to remove any excess furniture, where applicable.

Ben Soreff, professional organizer at House to Home Organizing says, 'Most people have too many infrequently used pieces, especially chairs. If you have lived in your space for a long time, you have probably accumulated furniture from relatives or blending families, not to mention the furniture you brought with you from your first apartment plus that piece you found for free on the street.'

You can then donate or sell these decluttered items, depending on whether pieces have sentimental or monetary value.

2. Use the space under the stairs – if you have an open-plan living room

Built-in living room furniture will make every nook and cranny work as hard as possible, and offers the chance to be inventive when it comes to finding extra space that can house shelving and drawers. Therefore, using the area under your stairs, where possible, is a great way to maximize this.

Simon Tcherniak, senior furniture designer at Neville Johnson, says, 'We've seen substantial growth over the past few years in homeowners converting their under-stair area in open-plan living rooms, due in no small part to the increasing strain our homes are under in terms of space.

‘Currently, the focus seems to be on using this space for storage, or as a workspace area for all the family – though it’s also being transformed into more of a multifunctional area, especially now that more of us are deciding to renovate rather than relocate.'

3. Hide storage behind a screen

Screens are a really fun, flexible way to mix up your space, so long as you're not just hiding everything behind them.

Paolo Moschino, head of interior design firm Nicholas Haslam says, 'We love using screens to divide a room. For me, it's very important not to disclose everything at once, and that is what screens are perfect for.'

Professional organizer Ter Avest recommends using decorative storage baskets, such as the INDRESSME XXXLarge Cotton Rope Basket available at Amazon, which can be tucked behind screens and out of the way.

'They're a must, especially for busy families,' she says. 'Throw in toys, books, or throw pillows – whatever tends to get scattered – and it'll instantly make the space look more put together.

'Bonus points if the baskets match your room's vibe.'

4. Make space for treasured items

Just because you're organizing your space, it certainly does not mean you have to get rid of, or hide your favorite things. Here, the aim is to highlight the things you do want in your living room – those special pieces that make your home yours.

Eamonn Agha of Huntsmore, a design and build company, recommends, 'Many older properties have shallow recesses and alcoves within the lounge or family room, which are suitable for books or objets d’art. This immediately makes the home feel warm and lived in.'

Another great tip when organizing a living room with too much stuff is that you don't have to display everything all at once. 'Rotating décor seasonally is a great trick to keep the space feeling fresh without overcrowding,' says professional organizer Ter Avest.

Then, anything you don't currently have on display can be stored away in plastic boxes, such as the IRIS USA 13 Qt Stackable Plastic Storage Bins with Lids available at Amazon, out of the way of your living room, in your garage or basement, for example.

5. Maximize vertical storage

When in search of extra living room organization space, make the most of your ceiling height, as a space-saving way to use vertical storage. Built-in joinery or off-the-shelf solutions can provide the perfect amount of extra room to house items only used for special occasions, or rarely read books.

Then, where possible, think about adding a ladder for access. Annie Ebenston, designer at Blakes London says, 'They work particularly well in period conversions. Why waste all that high-level potential when you can design in a ladder. Aside from the obvious practical benefits, they add character and a focal point to a room.'

For something more affordable and less permanent, you can also use floating shelves, such as the bestselling BAYKA Floating Wood Shelves available at Amazon, which cost just $25.

Professional organizer Ter Avest says, 'Floating shelves are fantastic for books, plants, or those little knick-knacks you love but don't want to take up valuable table space.' It’s best to mount open shelving just above eye level and within easy reach if you intend for the shelves to hold day-to-day items.

'For a stylized look, stack collections of your favorite photography, and books, and incorporate small pieces of art along a run of open shelving. Curating a pretty display will not only keep your living room looking tidy, but will also help to make your living room beautiful.

Ter Avest also recommends using hooks, such as the affordable Mainstays, Single Satin Nickel Hooks available at Walmart. 'Wall hooks or racks can hold coats, bags, or even headphones,' she says, 'super handy if you don't have a dedicated entryway.'

Plus, if items are in plain sight, either on shelves or hooks, you will find yourself more likely to keep them looking neat and tidy.

6. Invest in double duty furniture solutions

Built-in and freestanding storage benches have come a long way in recent years, with many designs today certainly not compromising good looks for the sake of extra stowaway spots. Organizing drawers in these units can be particularly useful for keeping soft furnishings such as throws and cushions close to hand, or a quick place to tidy toys away when not in use.

Professional organizer Ter Avest advises, 'Look for pieces that do double duty, like an ottoman (such as the Noelle Upholstered Ottoman available at Wayfair) that opens up to store blankets or to organize board games.

'Coffee tables with build-in storage are lifesavers too – toss remotes, coasters, or even random odds and ends in there to keep things looking tidy.

'And, if you're in the market for a new couch, consider one with hidden compartments. It's like finding the secret drawer in your home for all things!'

If you're not in the market for a new sofa or side table, but your current model has legs, consider placing some low storage boxes underneath it in the same color or material, for a close-to-seamless way to organize a living room.

We recommend the Water Hyacinth Coffee Table/Under Bed Bin available at The Container Store for this, which is the perfect size for slipping beneath furniture.

Using double-duty furniture will also bring character to your space, says Deborah Bass, creative director of Base Interior, who counsels against too much uniform storage. ‘Have freestanding items – an antique chest, for instance – to avoid that show-home look,’ she suggests.

FAQs

How can I keep my living room organized?

To keep your living room organized, we recommend that you regularly tidy and throw away anything that you do not deem to be useful or sentimental.

Organizing consultant and New York Times bestselling author, Marie Kondo assures, 'To throw away what you no longer need is neither wasteful nor shameful. Let them go, with gratitude. Not only you, but your things as well, will feel clear and refreshed when you are done tidying.

If you're struggling to stay on time of your living room belongings, avoid Marie Kondo's crucial tidying mistakes.

'The secret to keeping it all organized? Small habits,' says Ter Avest. 'Spend five minutes tidying up every evening, or try the “one in, one out” rule – if something new comes in, something old goes out. And if you’re feeling a little lazy (we’ve all been there), keep a cute basket handy for random things to deal with later.'