Find 83+ Awe-inspiring Living Room Life Hacks Voted By The Construction Association

For many of us, the living room is the heart of our home. It's where we gather with family and friends, relax after a long day, and entertain guests. However, if your living room is on the smaller side, it can be a challenge to keep it organized and clutter-free. But fear not, because we have some clever storage solutions that will make the most of your limited space.

1. Utilize Vertical Space

When it comes to storage in small living rooms, thinking vertically is key. Use wall shelves or floating shelves to keep items off the floor and create more space. You can also install a wall-mounted TV to free up space on your TV stand or entertainment center.

2. Invest in Multi-Purpose Furniture

Furniture that serves more than one purpose is a great way to maximize space in your living room. Consider a coffee table with hidden storage, ottomans with storage inside, or a sofa bed for guests. This will not only save space but also keep your living room looking tidy.

3. Use Baskets and Bins

Baskets and bins are a stylish and functional way to store items in your living room. Use them to corral items like throw blankets, magazines, or toys. They can be easily tucked away under a coffee table or in a storage ottoman.

4. Create a Gallery Wall

If you have limited floor space, try displaying your favorite photos and artwork on a gallery wall. This not only adds a personal touch to your living room but also frees up space that would have been taken up by frames on shelves or tables.

5. Hang Floating Shelves

Another great way to utilize wall space is by hanging floating shelves. These are perfect for displaying decor or storing books and magazines. They also create a visually appealing focal point in the room.

Organizing your living room doesn't have to break the bank. With some creativity and DIY skills, you can create storage solutions that are both functional and budget-friendly. Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Use Tension Rods

Tension rods are a versatile and inexpensive way to organize items in your living room. You can use them to hang curtains or create a makeshift closet for storing jackets and bags. You can also use them to hang baskets or bins for extra storage.

2. Repurpose Old Furniture

Before throwing out that old dresser or bookshelf, consider giving it new life in your living room. With some paint and creativity, you can turn an old piece of furniture into a stylish and functional storage solution. Use a dresser as a TV stand or a bookshelf as a display and storage unit.

3. Create a Wall-Mounted Desk

If you need a workspace in your living room but don't have the space for a desk, consider creating a wall-mounted desk. You can use a simple shelf or even a piece of wood attached to the wall with brackets. This will give you a designated area to work without taking up valuable floor space.

4. Use Mason Jars for Storage

Mason jars are not just for canning anymore. They can also be used to store small items like pens, pencils, and other office supplies. You can attach them to a piece of wood and hang it on the wall for a cute and functional storage solution.

5. Repurpose Shoe Organizers

Hanging shoe organizers are not just for shoes. They can also be used to store small items like remote controls, magazines, or even toys. Hang one on the back of your door or on a wall for extra storage without taking up floor space.

When you have a small living room, every inch of space counts. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your limited space and create a functional and stylish living room.

1. Keep Furniture to a Minimum

In a small living room, less is more when it comes to furniture. Stick to the essentials, such as a sofa, coffee table, and possibly a couple of chairs. Too much furniture can make the room feel cramped and cluttered.

2. Choose Light Colors

Light colors can make a room feel more open and spacious. Stick to light-colored furniture and walls to give the illusion of a bigger space. You can add pops of color with accessories or a statement piece of furniture.

3. Use Mirrors

Strategically placed mirrors can reflect light and make a room feel bigger. Hang a large mirror on one wall or a group of smaller mirrors to create the illusion of a larger space.

4. Keep It Simple

When it comes to decor and accessories, less is more in a small living room. Stick to a few statement pieces rather than cluttering the room with lots of small items. This will keep the space feeling open and uncluttered.

5. Don't Block Natural Light

Natural light can make a room feel more open and inviting. Avoid blocking windows with furniture or heavy curtains. Instead, opt for sheer curtains or blinds that can be easily opened to let in natural light.

Updating your living room decor doesn't have to be a daunting and expensive task. With these easy decor hacks, you can give your living room a fresh new look without breaking the bank.

1. Add a Pop of Color

If your living room is feeling dull and drab, add a pop of color to liven it up. This can be as simple as adding a few colorful throw pillows, a bright rug, or a statement piece of artwork.

2. Change Up Your Throw Blankets

Throw blankets are not just for keeping you warm. They can also add texture and color to a room. Switch out your throw blankets seasonally to give your living room a new look without spending a dime.

3. Use Plants as Decor

Plants not only add a touch of nature to your living room, but they can also act as decor. Choose plants that are easy to care for, such as succulents or air plants, and place them in stylish pots or planters to add some greenery to your space.

4. Display Collections

If you have a collection of items that you love, don't hide them away. Display them in your living room for a personal touch. This could be anything from books to vintage cameras to seashells.

5. Switch Up Your Curtains

Changing your curtains can completely transform the look of your living room. Opt for a different color or pattern to give the room a new feel. You can also switch out heavy curtains for sheer ones to let in more natural light.

The way you arrange your furniture can make a big difference in a small living room. Follow these tips to create an efficient and visually appealing furniture layout.

1. Consider Traffic Flow

When arranging your furniture, think about how people will move through the room. Make sure there is enough space to walk around furniture without feeling cramped. You may need to try a few different layouts before finding one that works.

2. Use a Rug to Define the Space

A rug can act as an anchor to define the seating area in your living room. Make sure to choose a rug that is the appropriate size for your space. All furniture should be able to fit on the rug, or at least have the front legs on it.

3. Consider the Sight Lines

When arranging your furniture, consider the sight lines in the room. You don't want to block the view of any focal points, such as a fireplace or TV. Make sure all seating areas have a good view of these focal points.

4. Create Conversation Areas

In a small living room, it can be challenging to create distinct conversation areas. Use furniture placement to create smaller, intimate areas for conversation. This can be achieved by using an L-shaped sofa or a couple of chairs facing each other.

5. Use Floating Furniture

Instead of placing furniture against walls, try floating it in the center of the room. This can create a more open and spacious feel in a small living room. Just make sure there is enough space to walk around the furniture.

One of the biggest eyesores in a living room is the tangled mess of cords from electronics. Here are some clever ways to hide those cords and keep your living room looking neat and organized.

1. Use Cord Covers

Cord covers are an easy and inexpensive way to hide cords along baseboards or walls. They come in different colors to match your decor and can be easily painted to blend in with your walls.

2. Use Zip Ties

Zip ties are a simple and effective way to keep cords organized and out of sight. Use them to bundle cords together and tuck them behind furniture or along baseboards.

3. Hide Cords Behind Furniture

If possible, place furniture in front of outlets to hide cords. You can also use furniture with built-in cord management, such as TV stands with holes in the back for cords to pass through.

4. Use a Power Strip with a Cord Organizer

A power strip with a cord organizer can help keep cords neat and tidy. This is especially useful for cords that can't be hidden, such as those from a TV or gaming console.

5. Get Creative

If all else fails, get creative with hiding cords. You can use a decorative basket or box to hide a power strip and cords, or even use washi tape to create a design on your wall that disguises cords.

Clutter can quickly accumulate in a living room, making it feel messy and chaotic. Here are some creative storage ideas to keep your living room clutter-free and organized.

1. Use a Trunk or Chest as a Coffee Table

A trunk or chest not only adds a unique touch to your living room decor but also provides hidden storage for blankets, pillows, or other items. You can also use a storage ottoman as a coffee table for additional hidden storage.

2. Use a Bar Cart for Storage

Bar carts are not just for drinks. They can also be used to store items like books, magazines, or even board games. They can easily be moved around the room and provide stylish storage solutions.

3. Use a Hanging Shoe Organizer

Hanging shoe organizers can be repurposed for many different storage needs, including in the living room. Use one to store small items like remote controls, chargers, or other odds and ends.

4. Use a Bookshelf as a Room Divider

If your living room is open to another area, you can use a bookshelf as a room divider. This not only creates a designated living room space but also provides additional storage for books, decor, or other items.

5. Utilize Under Sofa Storage

If your sofa has a gap between the cushions and the bottom, you can use this space for storage. Use a storage caddy or baskets to store items like magazines, remote controls, or even snacks.

Keeping your living room clean and tidy doesn't have to be a chore. Here are some simple cleaning hacks to help you keep your living room looking its best.

1. Use a Lint Roller for Dust

A lint roller is a quick and easy way to remove dust from lampshades, curtains, and other fabric surfaces. It's also great for picking up pet hair from furniture.

2. Use a Microfiber Cloth for Electronics

A microfiber cloth is perfect for cleaning electronics without leaving streaks or scratches. Use it to dust off your TV, computer, or other electronics in your living room.

3. Use Vinegar and Water to Clean Glass Surfaces

A mixture of equal parts vinegar and water is an effective and natural way to clean glass surfaces. Use it to clean windows, mirrors, or glass coffee tables in your living room.

4. Use a Dryer Sheet for Baseboards

Baseboards can quickly collect dust and pet hair. Use a dryer sheet to quickly and easily wipe them down and eliminate static cling.

5. Vacuum Under Furniture with a Pool Noodle