7 Items to add to a family room to make it feel more organized – according to experts

As one of the busiest rooms in any home, home to a whole host of different items for a wide range of activities, it's important to find ways to ensure it remains neat and organized. To create an organized family room, incorporating functional items that balance functionality and aesthetics can add a sense of structure to the space. 

By implementing multifunctional furniture, built-in storage, stylish shelving, and decorative storage solutions, you can ensure that your family room is not only organized but also a relaxing and inviting space for all family members enjoy.

Our experts have recommended their favorite seven must have items that can be instrumental in shaping a more organized family room.

Items to add to a family room to make it feel more organized

'Storage is the number one thing that we add to any space, including family rooms, in order for the space to look more organized,' says Luis Carmona, owner and lead designer at VERDE Interior Design.

'We always start the design process by making an inventory list of the items that will be in the redesigned space. That way we can take those items into account as we are designing. If there are 40 video games, a stack of blankets or a bunch of kids shoes that we need to design around, we know in advance and can design accordingly.'

1. Multi-use furniture

'The key to keeping a family room organized is storage, storage, and more storage!', advises Kathy Kuo, interior design expert and founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home. 'I love the idea of investing in furniture pieces that have hidden storage in order to maximize your space. Look for coffee tables with drawers and multiple tiers of shelves under the table, ottomans with storage inside, and a media cabinet with plenty of inside space.'

'These are great places to store books, board games, and infrequently used entertainment items without occupying additional space,' adds Raychel Klein, professional organizer and consultant at a Kon Mari and founder of Raybaybay Home Organizing. 'The furniture will be a functional and visual piece to the room.' 

Raychel Klein

Raychel Klein started her home organization business in 2020 with the mission of helping people escape the vicious cycle of clutter. She is a certified KonMari consultant based in Seattle, Washington.

'Ottomans are versatile because they can serve multiple purposes in your family room. You can use them as extra seating, footrests, or coffee tables,' says Jacky Chou, principal and director at Archute. 'Focus on ottomans with hidden storage compartments where you can stash away items you don't use often. Ottomans can also add color and texture to the room.'

Opt for coffee tables with built-in storage or lift-top designs, ideal for storing remote controls, magazines, and other essentials.

'If your family room serves as a home office or study area, consider a floating or fold-away wall desk. It provides a workspace without taking up floor space,' recommends Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning. We recommend this Barta fold away desk with shelves, from Wayfair.

Principal and Director at Archute

Principal and Director at Archute

Jacky Chou

Jacky Chou is the Principal and Director at Archute, an editorial magazine about architecture, home and garden. They have been referenced by The New York Times, Bustle, House & Home, Bloomberg, and Angi. Jacky also his own an online interior design company as well called Laurel & Wolf.

2. Built in shelves and cabinets

Built-in cabinets and shelves are the versatile and practical way to create order in a family room, making the most of vertical spaces, such as over a door or in any alcoves, to free up floor space without sacrificing style. 

Built-in shelves can be designed to the specific storage needs and style of your family room, creating a functional focal point. 

Adjustable shelves can be a more suitable addition for those who those who need a more adaptable shelving unit, being an option that can adjust to your changing storage needs. We love these KIKIBRO expandable shelf organizer, from Amazon. 

However open shelving should be kept aesthetic and well organized, so if you have a wide range of items you need to tuck away, cabinets may be a simpler way to keep your items organized and your family room aesthetically pleasing.  

'Custom-built cabinets can provide ample storage while seamlessly blending with the room's design. You can use these for entertainment systems, games, or any other family room essentials,' recommends Angela Rubin, founder of Hellamaid.

'Mounting the TV on a floating console or cabinet also, creates a cleaner look and adds extra space for storage or decor beneath.'

Angela Rubin

Hellamaid is an award-winning cleaning company in Canada that's been featured on multiple global media brands.

3. Tiered rolling cart

Family rooms can be diverse spaces, with different activities taking place in respective zones – for this reason, having a way to keep different items organized is key. One of the best ways to do this is with a tiered rolling cart.

'A tiered rolling cart is especially helpful for crafts or school work-related items,' suggests Raychel Klein. 'Assign categories to each tier and roll the cart into a closet when not in use. This allows for versatility in the family room while keeping it clear.'

4. Family organization center

'Create a designated space with a bulletin board, calendar, and storage for mail, keys, and important documents. This will keep family schedules and paperwork organized,' advises Angela Rubin.

This can involve a family calendar with designated spaces for each family member to help keep track of appointments, activities, and to-dos, ensuring that everyone stays organized.

You can install a corkboard or peg board for keeping pictures, notices, essential items, and mail. We recommend this Tetonia wood pegboard, from Wayfair.

Jacky Chou adds, 'These items can also add style by allowing you to hang decorative items like wreaths, banners, or signs. Hooks and racks can help you make use of wall space and keep your floor clear of clutter.'

5. Decorative baskets

Incorporate decorative storage bins or boxes to keep items like remote controls, gaming accessories, or children's toys easily transferable and out of sight when not in use.

'Storage baskets are a fantastic way to keep items like blankets, pillows, toys, magazines, and anything else that tends to pile up on the floor or couch,' recommends Jacky Chou. 'You can choose baskets that match your color scheme or style and place them on shelves, under tables, or in corners. Baskets not only help you keep your stuff out of sight but also add some texture and warmth to your room.'

You can even use color-coded organization by assigning a color to each family member and use bins, and baskets of that color to keep their belongings organized. Woven baskets or colorful bins are ideal for grouping similar items and concealing those bits and pieces that often to create visual clutter.

We've listed some of our favorite buys, below.

6. Trays

'A coffee table tray is a simple but effective item that can make your family room look more organized,' says Jacky Chou. 'With one, you can corral items like remotes, coasters, candles, or snacks and prevent them from spreading all over the table. 

'A tray can also add style and personality to your coffee table, depending on your choice of shape, color, and material.'

7. Cable organizers

Tired of tripping over loose cables or endlessly searching for the right charger in your family room? 'Use cable organizers to keep cords and cables hidden,  tangle-free, and organized,' suggests Angela Rubin. 'This not only reduces clutter but also enhances safety.'

We recommend this under desk cable management, from Amazon, for keeping desks or entertainment units organized. We also suggest this Smartish magnetic cord holder, from Amazon, for keeping cables organized.

FAQs

Organization in a family room is all about considering the layout and deciding on solutions to maintain an ordered space.

Create distinct zones within the family room for various activities, such as a reading nook, play area, or entertainment zone. Use rugs, furniture arrangements, or even room dividers to define areas. You can also make it a family habit to regularly declutter and put items back in their designated spots to maintain organization in your family room.