Optimise the storage potential of your living room

If you’re like most people, there’s a good chance you collect things despite your best intention to keep clutter at bay. Over the course of a few years, you probably attract a fair number of books, plants, photos, souvenirs and knickknacks into your life. Now all this has to be stored somewhere and if you live in a compact apartment, you’ll need to be smart about your storage. The bedroom and kitchen are usually stocked with things related to that room’s function but the living room is mostly ignored as a potential storage haven. Here are a few ideas on how to store more in your living room without diminishing the aesthetic appeal

De-clutter

Don’t groan now. Throw out or give away things that you’re not overly attached to and keep only the pieces that mean something to you. Think of it as a new beginning. Just because you can store everything in your home does not mean you have to.

Choose your entertainment

If you’re not an avid TV person, a simple TV bench would do. However, if you’re someone who loves everything the cable god has to offer, you should invest in a bigger TV and shelving combination that gives you enough space to keep your speakers, DVD player and DVDs. Maybe you enjoy music and reading as well. By all means, consider a bigger shelving combination that has enough space to fit your books, CDs and music system. This way you can have all your entertainment essentials in one spot.

 Plan the layout

Draw up a plan of your living room. This way, you’ll know if your arrangement will work with the size of your furnishings and the size and shape of your room. If you intend to invest in a huge TV and shelf combination, then consider the height and width of the wall where you intend to place it. If your shelves have doors or drawers, you’ll need to factor in the space required to open them up as well. And most important of all – consider the location of the power outlets.

The right piece

Choose a piece that goes well with the rest of your furnishings and the theme of your home. Definitely keep this in mind while making the final choice.