15 Common Things Your Living Room Definitely Does Not Need And 6 That Should Never Be Used

Your living room is the heart of your home, but it’s easy to fill it with things you don’t really need. I’ve seen so many cluttered spaces that make relaxation nearly impossible!

Let’s cut through the chaos and identify what’s just taking up space versus what might actually be harmful. Here’s my honest take on items to reconsider in your living space.

1. Outdated DVD Collections

Remember those shelves of DVDs we all proudly displayed? With streaming services offering virtually everything on demand, physical media has become mostly obsolete. Those DVD collections now just gather dust and take up valuable shelf space.

Most people haven’t touched their DVDs in years, yet they remain prominently displayed like relics from another era. Consider digitizing any truly special movies and donating the rest to a local library or shelter where they might actually get watched again.

2. Unused Exercise Equipment

That treadmill you bought with the best intentions has now become an expensive clothing rack. Exercise equipment in living spaces rarely gets used consistently and creates an awkward, gym-like atmosphere in what should be a relaxation zone.

The bulky machinery disrupts the flow of your living room and serves as a daily reminder of broken fitness promises. Your guests probably feel uncomfortable navigating around it too. Create a dedicated exercise space elsewhere or opt for compact, storable equipment you can tuck away when not in use.

3. Excessive Coffee Table Books

I’ve visited homes with stacks of impressive coffee table books that have never been opened. These massive tomes often function as status symbols rather than sources of enjoyment or information. They take up valuable surface space and collect dust.

Most guests only glance at the covers before moving on with conversation. Keep only the books you truly love and occasionally browse through. One or two meaningful books make more of a statement than a pretentious pile nobody ever touches.

4. Fake Plants That Collect Dust

Artificial greenery seemed like a good idea – plants without the maintenance! Unfortunately, these plastic imposters become dust magnets that require regular cleaning to avoid looking grimy. Fake plants never quite capture the vibrant energy of living ones.

The plastic or fabric leaves develop a telltale dullness that’s immediately recognizable as artificial. If you can’t maintain real plants, skip them altogether rather than filling your space with dusty fakes. Or try low-maintenance options like succulents and snake plants that thrive with minimal care.

5. Oversized Furniture

That massive sectional might have looked perfect in the showroom, but now it dominates your entire living space. Oversized furniture in modest-sized rooms creates a cramped, claustrophobic feeling that makes the space less functional.

People often struggle to navigate around too-large pieces, creating awkward traffic patterns. The proportional mismatch makes even a decent-sized room feel smaller than it actually is. Choose furniture that allows for comfortable movement around the room with at least 30 inches of walking space between major pieces.

6. Cluttered Magazine Racks

Magazine racks filled with outdated issues create instant visual clutter. Those publications from three years ago aren’t reference material – they’re just taking up space and collecting dust. Many people keep magazines with the intention of reading them “someday,” but that day rarely comes.

Meanwhile, the rack becomes a catch-all for mail and other papers too. Try limiting yourself to current issues only, and recycle anything older than three months. Digital subscriptions are a more space-efficient alternative for magazine lovers.

7. Too Many Decorative Pillows

Every time I sit on a couch with fifteen pillows, I wonder where I’m supposed to put them all when I actually want to sit down. Two or three pillows provide comfort and style without creating a storage dilemma. Most people end up tossing excess pillows on the floor anyway, creating instant clutter.

Plus, those unused pillows collect dust and allergens over time. Save your money and your space by sticking with just a few quality pillows that actually serve a purpose in your daily life.

8. Multiple Remote Controls

The remote control collection scattered across your coffee table creates unnecessary confusion and clutter. Guests need an instruction manual just to turn on your TV! This technological jumble frustrates everyone who visits. The pile of remotes collects crumbs, dust, and mysteriously disappears into couch cushions regularly.

Finding the right one becomes a daily treasure hunt that nobody enjoys. Invest in a quality universal remote that controls all your devices. Many smart home systems now offer app controls that eliminate physical remotes entirely.

9. Bulky Entertainment Centers

Those massive entertainment centers from the 1990s were designed for bulky tube TVs and extensive media collections. Modern flat screens don’t need such substantial furniture support, making these pieces unnecessarily overwhelming.

The giant cabinets and shelving units consume valuable floor space while often looking dated. Many of the storage compartments go unused or become catchalls for random items. Consider a sleek wall-mounted TV with a simple console underneath for essential components. This creates a cleaner look and frees up significant floor space.

10. Fragile Decorative Items

Crystal figurines and delicate knickknacks create constant anxiety rather than enjoyment. I’m always terrified of knocking something over when visiting homes filled with breakable treasures. These items require regular dusting and careful handling during cleaning.

Homes with children, pets, or frequent guests face even greater risks of accidental breakage. Select a few meaningful pieces to display in safe locations rather than covering every surface with fragile objects. Consider more durable decorative alternatives that won’t shatter if accidentally bumped.

11. Unused Musical Instruments

The piano nobody plays takes up significant real estate in many living rooms. Aspirational instruments often become expensive furniture rather than sources of music and joy. Unused instruments can actually deteriorate without proper care and regular playing.

The guilt of seeing that untouched guitar or keyboard serves as a constant reminder of abandoned hobbies. If you’re not actively playing, consider selling or donating instruments to someone who will appreciate them. If you’re committed to learning, keep the instrument in a practice room rather than as living room decor.

12. Too Many Throw Blankets

The collection of throw blankets draped over every piece of furniture creates a messy, unkempt appearance. While one or two cozy throws add warmth and texture, an abundance begins to look like laundry that hasn’t been put away.

Excess blankets gather dust, pet hair, and odors when not regularly washed. They frequently slide onto the floor or bunch up awkwardly on furniture. Keep just a couple of quality throws that complement your decor and are actually used. Store seasonal options elsewhere until needed.

13. Outdated Family Photos

Those faded family portraits from 1997 aren’t exactly showcasing your family at its best. Outdated photos featuring old hairstyles and fashion choices often remain on display long past their prime. Guests might feel awkward commenting on pictures where you look dramatically different now.

The dated frames and presentation styles can make your entire space feel stuck in the past. Create a rotating gallery of current photos or invest in a digital frame that displays updated images. Save the vintage shots for albums or a dedicated memory wall elsewhere.

14. Random Souvenirs

Shot glasses from Vegas, seashells from Florida, and miniature Eiffel Towers create meaningless clutter rather than evoking fond travel memories. Random souvenirs scattered throughout living spaces often lack context and cohesion with your decor. These items frequently become dust collectors without adding aesthetic value.

Most guests have no connection to these mementos and see them simply as knickknacks. Select just a few significant souvenirs that tell meaningful stories, or create a dedicated display area rather than scattering travel trinkets throughout your living space.

15. Excessive Candles

Candle collections that could stock a small store are taking over many living rooms. Dozens of unused, dusty candles in various scents create visual clutter while serving no purpose. The mixed fragrances can clash when stored together, and many end up melting or deteriorating before they’re ever used.

Older candles often lose their scent potency while continuing to take up space. Keep a few quality candles you actually burn regularly, and avoid stockpiling seasonal scents that will sit unused for most of the year.

16. Toxic Houseplants

That gorgeous lily might look stunning, but it could be deadly to your pets. Many popular houseplants like peace lilies, philodendrons, and pothos are actually toxic if ingested by children or animals. Emergency vet visits or worse can result from curious pets chewing on poisonous foliage.

The anxiety of constantly monitoring plant access negates any aesthetic benefits these plants provide. Research pet-safe alternatives like spider plants, Boston ferns, or prayer plants that offer greenery without the danger. Never risk your family’s safety for decorative purposes.

17. Formaldehyde-Releasing Furniture

Cheap particleboard furniture might save money initially but could be releasing harmful chemicals into your home. Many inexpensive pieces contain formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that off-gas for years. These invisible toxins can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and other health problems.

The chemical smell sometimes noticeable in new furniture isn’t just unpleasant – it’s potentially harmful. Invest in solid wood or certified low-VOC furniture whenever possible. Your health is worth more than the savings from cheaply manufactured pieces.

18. Improperly Mounted TVs

A television mounted too high or improperly secured creates both neck strain and safety hazards. I’ve seen so many living rooms with TVs mounted almost at ceiling height, forcing everyone to crane their necks uncomfortably. Poorly installed mounts can fail catastrophically, sending expensive electronics crashing down.

The risk increases significantly in homes with active children or in earthquake-prone areas. Always hire professionals for TV mounting or follow manufacturer instructions precisely. Position screens at eye level when seated for comfortable viewing and secure safety.

19. Uncovered Electrical Outlets

Exposed electrical outlets in living areas pose serious risks, especially in homes with young visitors. Children are naturally curious about these mysterious slots in the wall. Electrical shocks can cause severe injuries or even death in worst-case scenarios.

The danger is easily overlooked by adults accustomed to seeing outlets every day. Install simple plastic outlet covers that protect curious fingers from danger. For outlets in regular use, consider sliding covers that automatically close when plugs are removed. This small investment prevents potentially tragic accidents.

20. Unstable Bookshelves

Tall, unsecured bookshelves are accidents waiting to happen in your living space. A child climbing or someone bumping into an unstable shelf can cause a devastating topple. Heavy books and decorative objects become dangerous projectiles when shelving collapses.

The risk increases significantly in homes with young children, pets, or in areas prone to earthquakes. Always anchor tall furniture to wall studs using proper mounting hardware. This simple precaution takes minutes to implement but could prevent serious injuries or even fatalities.

21. Outdated Space Heaters

Old space heaters lurking in living rooms are fire hazards waiting to ignite. Older models often lack modern safety features like automatic shut-offs and tip-over protection. These devices cause thousands of house fires annually when placed too close to furniture, curtains, or other flammable materials.

The cords frequently become damaged with age, creating additional electrical fire risks. Replace any space heater more than a few years old with newer, safer models. Better yet, consider upgrading your home’s heating system rather than relying on these dangerous supplemental heating sources.