Living rooms are the heart of the home; a space for relaxation, entertainment and gathering with loved ones. But clutter can quickly turn this haven into a headache. While storage is crucial, certain approaches can make your living room look dated and feel cramped. Here are some outdated storage ideas to ditch and some modern alternatives to consider:
See also: Wardrobe designs that help you save space.
Oversized media unit
Remember those massive entertainment centres that dominated living rooms? Not only do they take up valuable floor space, but they visually overpower the room and limit layout flexibility.
Modern alternatives
- Sleek media consoles: Opt for a low-profile console with closed storage for electronics and open shelving for decorative items.
- Wall-mounted solutions: Mount your TV and discreet shelving units to free up floor space and create a lighter feel.
The overstuffed armoire
These ornately carved giants might seem like grand storage solutions, but they can be impractical and visually overwhelming.
Modern alternatives
- Multifunctional storage ottomans: Ottomans with built-in storage offer a stylish way to hide throws, pillows and even board games.
- Built-in cabinets: Consider built-in cabinets that seamlessly integrate with your living room design and offer ample hidden storage.
Baskets
While baskets can be a great way to add texture and warmth, an overabundance can create a cluttered and unorganised look.
Modern alternatives
- Woven storage baskets: Use a few strategically placed woven baskets for throws or toys, but keep the number manageable.
- Closed storage with woven accents: Opt for closed cabinets with woven doors for a touch of texture without visual clutter.
The glass shelf showcase
Glass shelving might seem like a bright idea, but it can quickly become a dust magnet and expose all your belongings, making the space feel messy.
Modern alternatives
- Closed cabinets with glass doors: Opt for closed cabinets with glass doors to showcase decorative items while keeping the rest hidden.
- Open shelving with selective display: Utilise open shelving strategically, but curate what you display to avoid creating a cluttered look.
Storage ladder
While these rustic ladders can add charm, they often offer limited storage and can feel bulky in smaller spaces.
Modern alternatives
- Floating shelves: Install floating shelves for a sleek and modern look that maximises vertical space.
- Slim storage towers: Utilise slim storage towers that offer hidden compartments without taking up too much floor space.
Remember
- Declutter before storing: Before choosing any storage solution, declutter your belongings and get rid of anything unused or unwanted.
- Prioritise functionality: Choose storage that fits your needs and doesn’t overwhelm the space.
- Embrace multifunctionality: Opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes, like ottomans with storage or benches with built-in compartments.
By avoiding these outdated storage solutions and embracing modern alternatives, you can create a living room that’s both stylish and functional, a space that truly reflects your unique personality.
FAQs
My living room feels cluttered with stuff, but I need storage.
Declutter first. Get rid of unused items. Then, prioritise functionality. Choose storage solutions that fit your needs without overwhelming the space. Consider multifunctional furniture like ottomans with storage or benches with built-in compartments.
I have a small living room. How can I maximise storage without making it feel even smaller?
Utilise vertical space! Install floating shelves or mount your TV and shelving units on walls. This frees up floor space and creates a lighter feel. Choose low-profile furniture like sleek media consoles or ottomans with storage to avoid bulky pieces.
I love baskets, but they always make my living room look messy. What can I do?
Limit yourself! Use a few well-placed baskets for specific items like throws or toys. Combine them with closed storage that has woven doors for texture. This adds visual interest while keeping most things hidden.
How can I display my favourite decorative items without my shelves becoming dust magnets?
Opt for closed cabinets with glass doors! This allows you to showcase your treasures while keeping them dust-free. If you prefer open shelves, be selective about what you display. Curate a visually appealing arrangement with minimal items to avoid clutter.
My old entertainment centre takes up too much space! What are some modern storage alternatives?
Ditch the bulky unit! Opt for a sleek media console with closed storage for electronics and open shelving for decorative items. Consider wall-mounted solutions like mounting your TV with discreet shelving units to free up floor space and create a lighter aesthetic.
I'm on a budget, but I still want to update my living room storage. Are there any affordable options?
Get creative! Repurpose existing furniture. Can you add hidden storage compartments to your coffee table? Explore DIY projects like building simple floating shelves or adding hidden storage to ottomans.
I live with roommates, and we all have a lot of stuff! How can we share living room storage effectively?
Invest in multifunctional furniture like ottomans with storage or benches with built-in drawers. This provides designated storage areas for everyone. Clearly label shelves and cabinets to avoid confusion about ownership.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |