As an interior designer, I love making living spaces feel comfortable and inviting. However, I know there are certain items that can completely disrupt the aesthetic of a room.
Whether you’re looking to reduce clutter or ensure your home looks elevated, here are seven things I suggest removing from your living room.
Movie and book collections should be concealed.
Although a stack of limited-edition DVDs or great books can be a great conversation starter, they’re going to make a room look busy and overwhelming.
That’s why I suggest investing in a storage solution with doors or drawers to conceal these items and make the room feel more relaxing. Plus, it’s a great way to keep all your collectables in one place.
Too much lighting can overwhelm a space.
Even though I love a well-lit room, I certainly have a pet peeve for too much lighting. Walking into a room that has a ceiling light, recessed-can lighting, and floor lamps can feel overwhelming and unnecessary.
If you’re worried your room isn’t bright enough, I suggest purchasing dimmable bulbs, which can be adjusted when needed.
Furniture that takes up too much — or too little — space can be distracting.
It’s important to consider scale when mapping out any space. If your living room has a sofa that’s too large, it can make the room feel small. In turn, having a sofa that’s too small will make the room look empty.
Before purchasing any furniture, I recommend finding the specs and taping those dimensions on the floor. This will allow you to really visualize how much space the item will take up.
Get rid of outdated prints and colors.
Trendy prints and colors are fun, but unfortunately, they can change rapidly. That’s why I recommend sticking to a neutral color palette and replacing outdated pillow and blanket patterns when needed.
It’s an easy way to freshen up a space without doing any heavy lifting.
You don’t need overpowering window treatments.
In my opinion, heavy window treatments are outdated and unnecessary, especially since sheer curtains still provide texture.
Plus, short or choppy curtains that don’t touch the ground can make a wall seem shorter than it is.
If you’re looking for an efficient way to block out light, however, blackout shades are a great option.
Plastic light switches and outlet covers lack personality.
Another pet peeve of mine is outlet and light-switch covers being an afterthought. I’ve seen homes that have thousands of dollars worth of renovations — but the outlets are concealed by plastic covers you can find at a dollar store.
Updating plastic covers to something more luxe is one of the easiest things you can do to upgrade your living space. There are some great options on Amazon, or, if you’re like me and like to shop in person, Menards also carries a good selection.
Steer clear of shiny paint finishes.
High- or semi-gloss paint finishes give walls a shiny, almost oily look. However, I think this overly reflective style screams “outdated.”
A more subdued wall finish can let the furniture and art make a statement without competing with a shiny wall. Minimal sheen is also easier on the eyes and gives the overall aesthetic of the space a more relaxed tone.
This story was originally published on October 1, 2022, and most recently updated on May 19, 2026.
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