5 Multi-Function Space-Saving Pieces to Declutter Your Living Room
I have to admit, before guests arrive, I'm one of those people who has to go around the house with a bin to stash all the by-products of daily living. Does anyone ever have enough storage?
Research has shown that cluttered spaces can have negative effects on our stress and anxiety levels and that "constant visual reminders of disorganization drain our cognitive resources and reduce our ability to focus." (L. Sander, The Case for Finally Clearing Your Desk, Harvard Business Review.) Sounds like a pretty good reason to declutter.
With minimalism, Marie Kondo, and tiny homes all the rage, furniture designers have been innovating with these trends as well as reviving some styles from the past to give us pieces that do double and even triple-duty to contain all our stuff. If you are looking to create a more serene environment or are on a mission to finally get organized, consider these versatile pieces so you can focus your attention on the more important things in your life.
Versatile Storage and Tray Ottomans
Ottomans are one of the most versatile pieces to have in your living room, no matter how big or small your space is. They're not just the footrest part of your sofa anymore. They are a great way to add some style, a pattern or a pop of color to your decor. But ottomans can also serve multiple functions. Put two in front of a fireplace, or across the coffee table from your sofa for extra seating when you need it. I have several that get called into action at Thanksgiving and other large dinners. Dining room chairs can be pricey and my extra table leaves are not always in use so this is an economical way to go. Also, when the table is packed, it's easier to get in and out around an ottoman. I've also used these clever tray top ottomans in front of a sofa: flip them down for a place to put your feet up or tray up to put down a drink. And don't forget you can stash extra pillows, throws and pet toys inside and out of sight.
Both models shown here are available in a range of colors.
Bench or Ottoman Coffee Tables
This is sometimes referred to as a cocktail ottoman. Why use a bench as a coffee table rather than, well, a coffee table as a coffee table? Well, there is sturdiness, and it's more inviting to put your feet up. But a cocktail ottoman can also create a more inviting space, with a more casual vibe, where you can see yourself sprawling a bit or perching on the edge of the ottoman to finish a quick phone conversation, put on shoes or catch the end of an exciting ball game. A bench or ottoman also feels more movable. So if you rearrange your living room from time to time-- to clear a spot for yoga or exercise or to open a sleep sofa-- then this can be a better solution than a traditional coffee table. And especially in a layout where the coffee table is fairly tight with the sofa, a cocktail ottoman is more forgiving to knees and shins!
Look for a lower shelf like the French farmhouse styled Glin, from Oka, or a frame that sits along the floor like the Oxford Ottoman available from Design Tap. Baskets placed underneath can be used to neatly stash books, magazines, and other items. Use a tray on top to serve drinks and snacks from the kitchen. To avoid it looking more like a seating bench, go for something with a squarer dimension and at least 20" deep if your space can fit it.
Three Tiered Side Tables
This one is easy: look for side tables with three shelves. When a side table is used next to a sofa, you generally want it to sit just below the arm (so you can easily place things on the table while seated without leaning over or 'feeling for' the surface.) So side tables are usually between 18-24" tall. Three shelves really maximizes the area that table is going to occupy.
I especially like the style where the top shelf is smaller-- like the cheerful green Alana shown here from Urban Outfitters. It has a bit of a retro look to me, but I bought the Profile Side Table from West Elm earlier this year and found it really versatile. I put a low basket to catch magazines on the bottom shelf, a lamp on the top shelf and there's still plenty of surface area for a drink, remote controls and more. And it all looks very tidy and contained in a very slim and airy frame. It doesn't seem to take up much mass at all, which is important in a small space. The Beckton End Table shown here from AllModern. at only 10 inches wide, can be turned on its side to fit a tight space next to a sofa. The Serenity Side Table available at Cura Home is even more compact at 12"W x 15.75"D and it comes in a natural acacia wood finish too if the black with cane trend is not your thing.
Also, end tables are super versatile and travel well because they can be repurposed to many places in your future homes.
Media Consoles, Credenzas and Modular Storage Systems
The space under and around the TV is an opportunity area. With streaming services and smart TVs, most of us don't need a cabinet full of A/V components. But we do need something under the TV, whether it's mounted to the wall or sitting on a surface. So whatever you put there, it doesn't have to fall in the category of media cabinet. Use search terms like sideboard, buffet, server or credenza or look for modular storage and shelving systems. But the important concept here is to think about using the whole wall space around the TV for one big move (and a lot of storage), rather than having a lot of smaller pieces. Especially in smaller spaces, fewer well-chosen pieces is going to look more integrated and less cluttered.
A long cabinet is also a way to get a big punch of style in a small space. Let's face it, most of us go with a neutral couch that will stay in style for years, boldly patterned carpets aren't for everyone, and throw pillows can only do so much! So pieces like the Dolores Console from Pottery Barn with its modern Scandinavian styling and the Quinn Console from West Elm in white here, with its touch of glam, can instantly elevate a space. The Quinn console, part of a modular system, comes in four sizes. So if you've got the space-- and the bucks-- modular systems make it easy to add on components like shelving or a desk and customize it for your space and needs.
Cabinetry pieces can be expensive, but there are still affordable options, including the Griffing from Mercury Row, available at Wayfair in two finishes, for under $500 and IKEA's Kallax and many other styles, available in many finishes for $89 and up.
Lamp Side Tables
This might seem dated or gimmicky, but lamps set on side tables can take up much of the usable tabletop, and floor lamps can look squashed and awkward when stuffed behind a couch or end table. So when space is at a premium, or you are just trying to achieve a clean, more minimalist look, the lamp with table is a great option. It also pairs well next to a lounge chair where you want some reading light and a place to set down a cup of tea but don't want to overly clutter the space around the chair.
It's a very practical piece and there are modern and stylish options like this brass version from Target and the sleek white Note from BluDot. And check out the quiet personality of the Spotlight End Table Floor Lamp from Shades of Light.
Sofas with Integrated Table Tops
No, I don't mean the couch-potato recliners with the flip-top bar/fridge that you see advertised on late night TV. I'm talking about tables that are built into the frame of the sofa or meant to integrate with the sofa. This can create a quieter, cleaner look that doesn't distract with lots of separate pieces of furniture. Your eye reads the tabletop(s) and sofa as one unit.
There are practical reasons for this type of piece too. It's a way to get close-at-hand table space in longer sectional sofas, especially where you might not want a coffee table or want to keep the room or the rug in front of the seating area more open. Floyd's Modular Table, large size shown here, was designed to integrate with its Sectional system so that you can place the tables anywhere along your string of sofa units. A corner placement, for example, can be a very efficient use of space, particularly if corner units in your household aren't used for lounging.
Check out Inside Weather's Mid-Century-vibed and highly customizable Aero sofas and Rove Concepts elegant Dresden line. The Dresden Sectional Sofa is practically a whole living room in a single piece of furniture. Add a lamp table, a media console and a rug or piece of art and call it a day!
As always, buy things you love and you'll always like your home!