17 Subtle Eyesores in Your Living Room (And How to Replace Them)

The living room is often the heart of the home, where we relax, entertain, and spend time with loved ones. However, even the most thoughtfully decorated spaces can fall prey to subtle eyesores that make the room feel cluttered or off-balance.

These small, overlooked details might not seem like much at first, but over time they can affect the overall atmosphere and functionality of your living room. Luckily, many of these issues are easily fixable with a few simple adjustments. Let’s explore 17 common eyesores and how to replace them to create a more stylish and welcoming living room.

1. Cluttered Coffee Table

We sometimes include affiliate links and curated AI content to highlight top design styles.

A cluttered coffee table can quickly disrupt the calm and organized feel of your living room. Items like magazines, old remotes, and random decor create unnecessary visual noise.

To fix this, keep the table tidy with only a few carefully chosen items—perhaps a decorative tray, a vase of fresh flowers, or a stack of books. By simplifying the table, you create a more polished, inviting look, making the space feel more spacious and calming.

2. Old, Worn-Out Throw Pillows

Worn-out throw pillows with faded fabrics or lumpy stuffing can make your sofa look tired and uninviting. These small, overlooked details often age poorly. Replacing them with fresh pillows in new fabrics or vibrant patterns can instantly refresh the room. Throw pillows are an easy and affordable way to add color, comfort, and personality to your living space. When updated, they help maintain a cozy, stylish environment.

3. Too Many Accent Colors

While accent colors are great for adding personality, using too many can overwhelm the space. Multiple bold hues can clash and make the room feel chaotic. To create balance, limit your accent colors to two or three that complement each other. This approach will create harmony and help the room feel cohesive. A limited color palette allows each color to stand out, contributing to a more peaceful, organized atmosphere.

4. Unbalanced Furniture Layout

An unbalanced furniture layout can create awkward spaces and disrupt the flow of the room. If furniture is too far apart or crammed together, it can feel uncomfortable and disjointed. To fix this, arrange your furniture to promote conversation and ease of movement. Symmetry can help, but don’t be afraid to experiment with layouts that best suit your space and needs. A balanced arrangement can make the room feel more inviting and functional.

5. Overly Matching Furniture

Overly matching furniture can make a living room feel stiff or uninspired. While matching sets look coordinated, they can often lack character. Mixing different textures, styles, and materials brings more personality to the room. Pair a vintage chair with a modern sofa or combine wood and metal pieces. By introducing variety, you’ll create a more dynamic and welcoming living space that feels less “showroom” and more lived-in.

6. Exposed Cords and Wires

Exposed cords and wires, whether from electronics or lamps, can quickly create a cluttered and messy look. They also pose safety hazards. To tidy up, use cord management tools like ties, clips, or covers to conceal the wires. If possible, opt for wireless devices or cable-free furniture to reduce the amount of visible wiring. A clean, wire-free space immediately looks more organized and polished.

7. Unattractive Light Fixtures

Old or unattractive light fixtures can detract from the overall design of your living room. Harsh lighting or mismatched fixtures can feel out of place in a well-designed space. Upgrading to more modern and stylish lighting fixtures, such as pendant lights or sleek table lamps, can elevate the room’s look. Well-chosen lighting not only improves the room’s ambiance but also enhances its aesthetic by tying together the decor elements.

8. Dull or Dirty Area Rugs

A worn or dirty area rug can detract from the comfort and style of your living room. Rugs that have become faded, stained, or matted can make a space look tired. Regular cleaning can help extend the life of your rug, but if it’s time for an upgrade, consider a new rug that complements your room’s color scheme and adds texture. A fresh, clean rug can breathe new life into the room, creating a focal point that ties everything together.

9. Lack of Artwork or Wall Decor

Bare walls can make your living room feel empty and unfinished. The absence of artwork or wall decor often leaves the space feeling flat and impersonal. Add character and warmth with framed art, photographs, or even mirrors.

Wall decor is a great way to personalize the space and inject style. It doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming—simple, well-chosen pieces can make a big impact.

10. Outdated Window Treatments

Outdated window treatments, like heavy drapes or mismatched blinds, can make the room feel stuffy or outdated. When window treatments are too old or don’t match the room’s style, they draw attention for the wrong reasons.

Update your windows with modern curtains or sleek blinds that allow for more light and add to the room’s aesthetic. Choosing light, airy fabrics or minimalistic blinds can refresh the space and make it feel more open and inviting.

See more: 19 Creative Curtain Alternatives That Will Transform Your Home

11. Overstuffed Bookshelves

Bookshelves crammed with too many items can create a chaotic and cluttered appearance, overwhelming the visual space of your living room. To achieve a more polished and inviting look, declutter your shelves by removing excess books and decorations.

Create intentional groupings by mixing books with decorative objects, leaving open spaces to add balance and harmony to your shelving display.

12. Mismatched Frames and Photos

Walls with randomly arranged frames and scattered photos can quickly appear disorganized, detracting from your living room’s overall aesthetic. To bring visual cohesion, opt for matching or complementary frames and thoughtfully arrange them in symmetrical or balanced groupings. This approach enhances the wall decor, giving your living room a more intentional and stylish look.

13. Unsightly Pet Accessories

Pet accessories like beds, toys, and food bowls, though necessary, can disrupt your carefully curated living room decor. Choose stylish pet accessories that blend seamlessly with your room’s design, or designate a specific, discreet area to contain these items. By thoughtfully integrating your pet’s belongings, you ensure a harmonious and attractive living space.

14. Crowded Mantelpiece

A mantelpiece crowded with too many objects can appear messy and diminish the elegance of your fireplace as a focal point. Simplify your mantel decor by selecting just a few carefully curated items. Items like a stylish clock, decorative vase, or small sculptures can enhance the mantel’s appeal while maintaining a clean and sophisticated aesthetic.

15. Clashing Patterns

An abundance of conflicting patterns on fabrics like curtains, rugs, and pillows can create visual confusion and make your living room feel chaotic. Balance patterns by selecting designs in different scales—pair large prints with smaller patterns—and stick to a consistent color palette. This technique ensures visual interest without overwhelming the room.

16. Old Magazines and Newspapers

Stacks of old magazines or newspapers not only create unnecessary clutter but can also make your living room feel outdated. Regularly recycle or discard older issues, and use attractive storage solutions such as woven baskets, magazine racks, or decorative boxes to neatly contain current reading materials. This helps maintain a tidy and contemporary appearance.

17. Out-of-Place Exercise Equipment

Exercise equipment positioned prominently in your living room can disrupt the flow and detract from the room’s intended use as a relaxing or entertaining space. If relocating equipment isn’t practical, consider foldable or aesthetically pleasing storage solutions that allow items to be concealed when not in use. This approach maintains the functionality and visual appeal of your living room.

Small Fixes, Big Impact

It’s easy to overlook the subtle eyesores in our living rooms, but these small fixes can make a world of difference in how your space feels. Swapping out worn pillows, arranging furniture for better flow, or replacing outdated light fixtures, these changes will elevate your living room into a more cohesive and welcoming environment.