1. BIG CENTRAL COFFEE TABLES
Although a traditional living room staple, a big, central coffee table can be surplus to purpose in some spaces – prompting designers to ask ‘does a living room need a coffee table?’ More often than not, they block walkways (especially in small living rooms) and become a magnet for clutter, gathering books, magazines, and miscellaneous items that contribute to visual chaos, suggests Nina Lichtenstein, professional interior designer and Founder of Custom Home Design by NL.
2. SECTIONAL SOFAS
Unless your living room is massive, professional designer Houna Bech generally recommends staying away from huge sectional sofas. ‘Even though they look comfortable, L-shaped sofas take up so much space, restricting movement and how you can arrange other furnishings in sectional living room ideas,’ she explains.
3. FORMAL ARMCHAIRS
While you should never declutter your sofa, your armchairs may be unnecessary depending on how you use your living room, continues interior designer Nina Lichtenstein. ‘While a matching set of armchairs might look appealing, they can often be underutilized,’ she says. The space they take up could be used for more practical seating options, such as another sofa that offers more comfort, then maybe add in one accent chair if you have space and know you or guests will use it.
4. LARGE ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS
In an era of streaming, having a massive entertainment center now makes a living room look dated, according to interior designer Tina Martindelcampo of Soul & Lane. With smart TVs having most of what we need built-in, with the occasional media box or games console the only things plugged in, we can afford to streamline these living room storage units, she recommends
5. OVERSIZED SPEAKERS
Freestanding speakers used to be a sign that you were in the know about your home tech – now they are a sign that you need to update your living room and modernize. With the advancement of technology, speakers have become smaller and more powerful and can often be built into your living room with very little cost. So, while you’re refreshing your media unit, consider switching out the speakers for a simple way to make your living room more beautiful.