Entertainment is an essential part of every living room because of the television, DVD player, digital set-top box or stereo equipment. In majority of homes these devices exist there and we like to entertain ourselves for example by watching television, movies or listening to music. Also, your guests are going to be sitting in your living room couch for the most of the time during their visit, since it's one of the most convenient places (in addition to kitchen) to have a conversation and have a great time. Then there is also education, which may also be part of your living room - at least it is part of mine. I for sure like to read and I have found living room to be one of the best places for that activity.
Keep it simple
The ideal living room is very simple but functional. Sofas and chairs are located so, that it's easy for guests to discuss with each other and have a good time. Television, DVD player, digital set-top box or stereos are located so, that they are easy to reach, use and see.
Remove all the extra stuff
I try to keep all the CDs or DVDs away from tables. At some point I had a special rack for their storage, but nowadays they are located in a drawer (in my TV stand). That's the place where I put them after using them as soon as possible.
I like to keep my coffee table clear out of anything extra. I used to have books, reports and magazines there, but I realized, that their place is somewhere else. Put the books to a bookshelf and magazines to a magazine racks. If you have CDs, try to get a CD storage container for easy storage. Naturally you want to make sure, that the CDs are inside their covers first. By that way they don't gather dust and stay in good condition much longer. You might even want to buy a box for CDs which can be then located in a drawer or someplace else out of the sight.
Sometimes old family furniture can be a good thing when it comes organizing your living room. There is a very old coffin in one corner of the room, which acts not only as decoration but also as a storage place for board games.
If you like to read in your living room (as I do) you might want to have a basket for magazines or books that in progress. Put them there after each reading session.
Remember its purpose
I try to keep the living room the way it is intended to. This means for example, that if you feel hungry, try to eat in the kitchen instead of living room. Not only does that increase the risk of food clutter but also the chance of leaving your dirty dishes there too.
Show the essentials only
It's tempting to keep all the possible family pictures and every other memorable goods visible. Whether it's just the most important prizes you won in your sports hobbies or the cutest pictures of your god children, try to choose ones which means the most to you. This is the way I have organized my living room and it helps me to enjoy the pictures and other memorabilia even more.
Want to learn more about how to organize your home (for example how to organize your paper files )? Then visit http://www.simpledecluttering.com for more articles, tips and reviews related to decluttering and home organization.
