Organizing your living room
A living room is meant for living.
Along with that, comes the inevitable clutter that one collects over the years. This can range from an unruly, dust-collecting DVD collection all the way to that unused fitness equipment bought on a whim after a failed New Year’s resolution attempt.
Now while most people would recommend that you liquidate these seemingly useless assets, we like to think differently. Rather than part with your beloved mementos, why not find a way to incorporate them into your home?
We’ve broken down the living room into specific areas of disorganisation and combed the internet for solutions.
We present to you, our list of ways you can streamline your living room without sacrificing your memories - all through the magic of organisation.
TV/DVD Centre
Conceal your unsightly DVD collection and look like a fancy pants scholar – all at the same time. These clever cases, available on Amazon, are designed to make your collection of guilty pleasure movies look like a classy set of leather bound books. Now the only person who will know about your cheesy 80’s movie collection will be you.
Shoe storage
If your house is overrun with unattractive old shoes that you just can’t seem to part with, take a cue from Apartment Therapy and create staircase drawers. Ready to get to work? A step by step tutorial can be found on Canadian Home Workshop.
Throw blankets
In the cold winter months, having a collection of throw blankets on hand in your living room is a must. If you’re concerned that all of those throw blankets will make your living room look like a pig pen, a blanket ladder just may be the answer to your prayers. This ingenious idea came to us courtesy of I’m an organising junkie.
Children’s toys
Even though this idea had been originally intended for use with outdoor toys, we feel as if this toy organisation idea using galvanized buckets would look equally as chic in the living room as well. Thanks to Random Thoughts of a Supermom for this crafty idea.
Books/magazines
Looking for an attractive and unique way to display those books you haven’t read? Have a bunch of old doors laying around the house? Here is the DIY tutorial you’ve been waiting for. Get started with My Re-purposedLife’s re-purposed bookshelf tutorial.
Exercise equipment
On January 1st, you had the best intentions. Sometimes, however, the best intentions are not always paired up with follow through. The result is a whole pile of abandoned fitness equipment, cluttering up your living space. Don’t dispose of it yet - you may still use it one day. Consider investing in a weight rack such as this one offered by Proteam.
Knick knacks
Some people may be tempted to hide away all of the little keepsakes they’ve collected through the years. We say, show ‘em off - just but be classy about it. That’s why we love the look of this Aspen White bookcase. Offered at Overstock.com, this elegant bookcase can hold all of your beloved knick-knacks while keeping them contained behind glass.
Remote controls
Losing the remote control is probably one of the most stressful and annoying things that can happen to you. Luckily, the clever little lady from This Little House of Mine has come up with a stylish solution to this conundrum. This cigar box that has been re-purposed into an adorable remote control holder will save you from ever having to tear up the couch cushions in a panic ever again.
Now that you have the tools and know-how, go out there and make your living room the most efficient and well-structured room in your home.
Happy organizing!