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A coffee table can be the centerpiece of your living room, but it can quickly become a cluttered and messy catch-all. If your coffee table is more of an eyesore than an inviting spot to rest your coffee mug, it may be time to reconsider what’s on it. If your coffee table has become more of an eyesore than a charming focal point, it may be time to reconsider what’s sitting on it!
1. Piles of Magazines
Magazines can make a coffee table feel cozy, but too many will create a cluttered mess that makes the entire space look disorganized. Instead of piling them up, select a couple of current favorites and store them elsewhere, like a magazine rack or bookshelf. A small stack or a single decorative magazine rack can help keep things tidy while adding personality without overwhelming the table or creating a chaotic appearance.
2. Remote Controls Everywhere
With different remotes for the TV, streaming devices, sound systems, and speakers, it’s easy for your coffee table to get overwhelmed by these gadgets. Consider using a decorative tray to organize them in one spot, keeping them neatly contained and easy to find. Another option is to invest in a universal remote that can consolidate functions and reduce the number of remotes, cutting down on clutter and simplifying your space simultaneously.
3. Too Many Decorative Items
Candles, vases, books, figurines—decorative items can quickly add up, especially when trying to add personal touches. Stick to just a few statement pieces that complement each other and the overall theme of your living room. Leaving negative space on the table will give it a cleaner look and make the items you keep there stand out more, creating a more intentional and sophisticated style instead of a cluttered and chaotic one.
4. Unread Books and Paperbacks
Books can be a lovely accent on a coffee table, adding a literary and cultured vibe to the space, but if they start piling up, they make the table look cluttered and disorganized. Keep only one or two coffee table books with attractive covers that match the room’s decor, and store any other reading material on a nearby bookshelf or cabinet. This way, you can maintain a visually appealing setup while keeping your space functional and tidy.
5. Loose Change
Loose change can easily collect on your coffee table, making it look untidy and giving the impression of a neglected space. Use a small, stylish bowl or container to keep the coins together in one place, adding an element of organization and charm. Alternatively, find a designated spot elsewhere in the house for spare change, such as a jar in the kitchen or an entryway catch-all dish, to help keep your coffee table clean and free from clutter.
6. Food Wrappers or Snack Containers
Coffee tables often double as dining tables during snack time, especially during movie nights or casual lounging, but leaving empty wrappers and snack containers out will make the space look messy and uninviting. Get in the habit of clearing them away as soon as you’re finished eating to keep the table looking neat and clean. Keeping a small trash bin nearby can also make it easier to dispose of wrappers quickly, keeping the area tidy and ready for the next use.
7. Old Mail and Papers
Stacks of old mail, bills, and random papers are some of the most common sources of coffee table clutter, creating a chaotic and unorganized look. To prevent buildup, try sorting your mail immediately as it comes in, placing important items in a folder or organizer, and recycling the rest. Keeping a dedicated mail organizer nearby can also help reduce clutter on your coffee table and keep essential papers from getting lost.
8. Chargers and Cables
Phone chargers, tablet cables, and other electronic accessories can create a tangled mess on your coffee table, adding visual clutter that detracts from the room’s overall appearance. Consider using a charging station placed elsewhere, such as on a side table or a charging dock in a designated area, or get a cable organizer to keep the cords from sprawling across your coffee table. Wireless chargers are also a stylish solution to help reduce the visual clutter and add a sleek, modern touch to your living room.
9. Kids’ Toys
If you have children, their toys might regularly find their way onto the coffee table, creating an unintentional play area that looks chaotic. Create a dedicated toy box or basket close by so it’s easy to put things away during playtime, making clean-up quick and efficient. This will make tidying up more manageable and help maintain a more sophisticated and organized look for your coffee table, ensuring it remains a functional part of your living room.
10. Coasters Scattered Everywhere
Coasters are essential for protecting your coffee table from rings and stains, but they can make the table look chaotic and messy when left scattered around. Keep them neatly stacked in one spot, or use a smallholder to contain them in an organized manner. This way, they’ll be easy to grab whenever needed without overwhelming the space, allowing your coffee table to maintain a more polished and orderly appearance.
11. Candles That Are Never Used
Candles can add warmth and a cozy ambiance to your living room, but if they’re never used, they might just add to the clutter and make the table look overly busy. If you love the look of candles, make sure to keep it simple—one or two candles are enough to create a beautiful focal point. Alternatively, choose decorative and functional candles to have a clear purpose and add more value to the space without cluttering it.
12. Unused Trinkets and Souvenirs
It’s tempting to use your coffee table to display trinkets, souvenirs, and keepsakes, but too many can make the space look busy and overwhelming. Rotate items occasionally so the table doesn’t feel overrun and the decor feels fresh. You can keep the rest stored and change them out now and then, allowing you to enjoy your favorite items without creating a cluttered or crowded coffee table. This way, your coffee table can remain an interesting conversation starter without appearing too chaotic.
Declutter Your Coffee Table
To make your coffee table look its best, less is more. Choose a few decorative items you love and store away anything that doesn’t add to the overall look of your space. By keeping the essentials and reducing clutter, you can create a stylish, inviting coffee table that adds charm to your living room rather than chaos. A clutter-free coffee table can make a big difference in the overall atmosphere, turning it into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space.
