Even the most thoughtfully styled living rooms can quickly feel messy when clutter sneaks in. Everyday items like remotes, cords, and too many decorative accents often create visual overload. Without regular upkeep, the space can lose its cozy, curated charm. Fortunately, a few intentional changes can make a big impact. Here are five common clutter sources—and four easy solutions to refresh and restore your space.

1. Too Many Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are a great way to add color, texture, and coziness to your living room, but when they start to outnumber the actual seating space, they can make the area feel overcrowded and chaotic. Instead of enhancing the decor, they end up hiding your furniture and creating unnecessary clutter. Aim for balance by choosing a few well-coordinated pillows that complement the room’s palette, and store extras in a nearby basket or closet when not in use.

2. Unmanaged Cords and Chargers

Unmanaged cords and chargers are one of the quickest ways to make a living room feel messy and disorganized. Phone chargers, laptop cables, and TV wires often sprawl across floors, tangle behind furniture, or dangle below entertainment centers, disrupting the room’s clean, streamlined look. Use cord management tools like clips, sleeves, or decorative boxes to conceal wires and maintain a tidy, polished appearance without sacrificing functionality.

3. Overloaded Coffee Tables

Coffee tables are meant to be both functional and stylish, but they often turn into a catch-all for everyday clutter. Stacks of books, multiple candles, remotes, coasters, and stray mugs can quickly overwhelm the surface, making the entire room feel chaotic. Instead of piling things on, be selective with your decor. Limit items to a curated trio—like a book, a candle, and a tray—and keep other essentials tucked away in drawers or nearby storage.

4. Uncurated Shelf Decor

Shelves filled with an overload of mismatched items—souvenirs, framed photos, collectibles, and random trinkets—can quickly turn into a chaotic display. Without a clear theme or color palette, the result is visual noise that distracts rather than enhances. To create a more polished look, edit your collection and group items by color, size, or material. Leave some empty space to give the eye room to rest and let standout pieces truly shine.

5. Toys, Pet Items, or Workout Gear

The living room often serves as a multi-use space, but everyday essentials like kids’ toys, pet accessories, and workout gear can quickly take over if left out in the open. Chew bones, action figures, and hand weights not only clutter the space but also disrupt the visual flow and make it harder to relax. Keep things functional and tidy by incorporating baskets, bins, or dedicated storage furniture to tuck these items away when not in use.

Fortunately, restoring order to your living room doesn’t require a full makeover—just a few smart adjustments. With the right tools and habits, you can transform a cluttered space into a calm, inviting retreat. These four simple solutions help streamline your surroundings, enhance your decor, and keep daily messes in check. From clever storage to mindful styling, here’s how to bring instant clarity and style back to your living room.

1. Baskets and Hidden Storage

Baskets and hidden storage solutions are game changers for keeping a living room both functional and clutter-free. Stylish woven baskets placed under a console, beside the sofa, or tucked into open shelving make it easy to stash away remotes, toys, pet gear, or magazines without sacrificing style. Storage ottomans or benches offer dual-purpose seating and concealed compartments—perfect for quick clean-ups while keeping essentials close but out of sight.

2. A Decluttering Routine

Creating a consistent decluttering routine is key to maintaining a tidy living room. Set aside a few minutes each day or dedicate time weekly to reset the space—fluff cushions, straighten throws, clear off coffee tables, and return out-of-place items to where they belong. This simple habit prevents mess from building up and keeps your space looking fresh. With regular upkeep, your living room stays inviting without requiring a major clean every time.

3. Cord Management Tools

Cords and cables can quickly disrupt the clean look of a living room, but smart cord management tools offer an easy fix. Use cord boxes to hide power strips, clips to secure cables along furniture edges, and sleeves to bundle multiple wires into a neat line. For an even sleeker setup, consider switching to wireless charging pads or stations. These simple upgrades reduce visual clutter and help your space feel more organized and up-to-date.

4. Thoughtful Styling

Thoughtful styling can instantly elevate your living room without adding clutter. Instead of crowding surfaces, use the “rule of three”—group items in odd numbers and mix different heights, textures, and shapes for visual interest. A curated display of a candle, a small sculpture, and a decorative book, for example, makes a more striking impact than a crowded shelf. This intentional approach keeps your space feeling balanced, refined, and effortlessly styled.

This article was created with the assistance of AI but thoroughly edited by a human being.