How to organize a small living room, according to the pros

Small living rooms aren’t just challenging to live in, they can also be difficult to organize and maintain. After all, if you live in a small home, the living room isn’t always just the living room, it can also be a home office, guest room, dining room or serve all three these purposes at once. So having the right furniture and decor to utilize every square foot is essential. Are you ready to get your small living room organized? Here are seven tips from professional organizers.

How to organize a small living room

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1. Maximize the space with functional furniture

The less space you have, the more storage you need. So choosing furniture that has hidden storage can help curb excess clutter. “When I’m doing a consult for a new client I’m listening to their needs for the space," says Carrie Kauffman, professional organizer, and owner of Carrie’s Essential Services. "I’m thinking we need to declutter here and get proper storage for the space. I see all the good items that the client can keep and then also have to discuss the larger items that may be useful but are too large for the space."

Kaufman likes the Ornavo Large Storage Ottoman Bench from Amazon and the Lark Manor Upholstered Storage Ottoman from Wayfair because both have space to stash extra linens and miscellaneous items. Looking to store books or knickknacks? Opt for Vario Stacking Cubes from Container Store.

2. Consider a coffee table with storage

In addition to ottomans, you can’t go wrong with a coffee table that has storage. “Get a coffee table that you can entertain your company on and one that will give you some added storage that you can add throw blankets,” says professional organizer Shantae Duckworth. Then take a less is more approach to decor. “Books and candles don't need to be on display.”

Duckworth recommends the Kakotito Modern Round Storage Ottoman from Amazon because it has plenty of storage inside and features a modern aesthetic. However, if your living room has more of a vintage vibe go with the Yaheetech Modern Lift Top Vintage Coffee Table from Target. If your space is too small for an ottoman, a storage stool such as the Sand & Sable Storage Stool from Wayfair can also work.

3. Have a WFH desk work harder

Do you work from home? Having a coffee table that converts into a desk is a worthwhile space saver. Duckworth tells me, “we know that a computer desk can take up valuable space. You can also convert the space back into a livable space. Functional multi-purpose furniture is the key to small spaces.”

The Corrigan Studio Amethy Coffee Table from Wayfair has a stylish mid-century modern aesthetic while the Hommpa Lift Top Coffee Table from Walmart has a comfortable ergonomic design. Looking for something minimalist in style and price? Consider the HOMCOM 39" Modern Lift Top Coffee Table Desk, available at Target.

4. Utilize wall space

“Functional wall space can go unused or underused,” says Kaufman. “Make the wall function for things you need every day but may not have the flat space to put items on. Wall space just isn’t for frames and artwork.”

The Wallniture Avila Floating Shelves from Amazon are a decorative way to do this, but you can also use the 17 Stories Kendelle Wall Organizer With Wall Baskets from Wayfair or The Container Store'sAcrylic Wall Display Cubes instead.

The best way to approach using wall space is to get vertical. Duckworth likes using tall storage pieces such as bookshelves. “[In addition to displaying books], you can also put your photos, sentimental items, and or collectibles on display.”

A good example of this is the Latitude Run Elite Media Shelves from Wayfair because this unit has lots of compartments. Those with more traditional tastes may want to go with the espresso wood Furinno Jaya 5-Shelf Book Case from Amazon. Another option is a bookshelf/desk combo such as the Nathan James Theo 2-Shelf Industrial Wall Mount from Amazon, which can be helpful for living rooms that also serve as home offices.

5. Store things where it makes sense

When you have a small living room both storage and finding the space to entertain can be tricky. Kaufman advises keeping items where you use them, especially when you’re entertaining. “Small living room space is your primary entertaining space, keep items you need handy versus clogging up valuable travel space in an apartment. [So you don’t need to] head back to the kitchen for drinks or refills! Store wine and liquor in your entertaining space where folks will be gathering. Think about small carts, cabinets, wine racks.”

Keep wines and spirits within reach using a timeless gold bar cart such as the Vasgale Bar Cart from Amazon. Not a fan of carts and have a little bit of extra space? Why not go with a larger cabinet like Wayfair's 17 Stories Lachesis Metal Bar Cabinet instead? Or to take advantage of vertical space consider Iron Stackable Wine Racks from The Container Store.

We love the idea of having a living room blanket basket to keep all of your throes in one place, neat, tidy, and within reach at all times.

6. Consider little ones too

Children and pets may be little, but they can have a lot of things that sure make the living rooms extra hard to keep organized. “When you are short on space but your kids have more toys and crafts than they ever will — storage is essential in any small space,” says Kaufman. 

The organizer suggests utilizing pieces that work with your aesthetic but are discreet and functional. “Benches, ottomans, and cubes offering storage can also keep toys out of sight and out of mind. This ensures that your home can be enjoyed by both adults and children alike.”

Storage pieces that can be easily cleaned are also ideal for toys that can bring in dirt from your backyard, paint, and sticky arts and crafts materials. That's why we love Amazon's 3-Tier Stackable Storage Bins, which can be easily disassembled and wiped down, as well as The Container Store's SmartStore Translucent Totes for kids toys especially. 

Pet parents, you'll be just as obsessed as we are with the Isabelle & Max Toy Basket from Wayfair, which looks adorable in any decor theme and is a breeze to spot clean and wash.