Organize Your Family Room with These Smart Strategies
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the family room is a close second. This unsung hero serves as a place where everyone gathers to relax, play, and spend time together. But if your home is like ours, it can quickly become cluttered and have that “lived in” look. The key to maintaining a stylish yet functional family room is smart organization that keeps everything accessible but out of sight when not in use.
Here are 4 tips to keep your family room neat, organized, and easy to maintain while still feeling warm and inviting.
Organize Media: Movies, Streaming, and Devices
Between streaming services, DVDs, gaming consoles, and remotes, media organization can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here’s how to keep it under control:
Use a Media Console with Hidden Storage – Opt for a unit with cabinets or baskets to keep cords, remotes, and accessories out of sight. Measure and make sure you select a substantial piece that fits well in your home AND accommodates everything you own.
Label and Categorize – If you love physical media like DVDs or Blu-rays, store them in labeled bins or sleek media storage cases. This will cut down on the visual clutter that the cases create.
Tame the Wires – Use cord management boxes or attach power strips and charging stations to the back of furniture for a cleaner look.
Smart Storage for Controllers & Remotes – A stylish decorative box or tray can be a great way to store frequently used remotes and game controllers.
Mount the TV: Hanging your TV on the wall can free up floor/surface space and create a clean, minimalist look. Bonus points… opt for a Frame TV so that you can enjoy art or photos when the television is not in use.
Keep Toys Tidy (Without Sacrificing Style!)
A family room should be a space for both kids and adults to enjoy, but that doesn’t mean it has to look like a toy store.
Baskets & Bins – Use woven baskets or fabric bins to store toys. Assign each bin to a category (e.g., dolls, cars, building blocks) for easy cleanup. Store toys at kid-friendly heights to encourage independent cleanup!
Storage Ottomans – These double as seating and hidden storage, making them perfect for keeping small toys out of sight.
Low Shelving & Storage – Open shelving with labeled bins or a console with easy to use doors make it easy for kids to grab and put away their own toys.
Rotate Toys – Keep only a selection of toys out at a time and rotate them every few weeks to keep things feeling fresh and clutter-free. Kids get bored just like we do. Changing it up helps with that.
Store Games & Puzzles Neatly
Board games, puzzles, and card games are family room staples, but they can pile up and look messy fast! Here’s some storage alternatives to keep them organized:
Labeled Plastic Bins – If you have missing or broken boxes, transfer games into clear bins with labels to keep everything together.
Puzzle Storage Cases – Use zippered pouches or puzzle racks for easy access and space-saving storage.
Create a Dedicated Game Cabinet – If space allows, designate a specific cabinet or credenza drawer just for games and puzzles.
Organize Books & Magazines
Books and magazines add warmth to a family room, but they can also take over if not managed properly.
Built-In or Floating Shelves – A stylish way to store books while keeping them within reach is with shelves. Arrange them both vertically and horizontally for visual interest. Use color-coded book organization to make your shelves feel intentional and styled rather than cluttered.
Magazine Baskets or Racks – Instead of piling magazines on coffee tables, store them in decorative baskets or in boxes on shelves.
Curated Coffee Table Books – Stack a few designated coffee table books for display and rotate them seasonally.
Library Bins for Kids – If you have young readers, create a "reading station" with an accessible bin or shelf for their favorite books. As with toys, change out these regularly. Leaving new books to enjoy can be an unexpected surprise as well.
A Clutter-Free & Functional Family Room
The family room should be a place to relax, connect, and unwind—not stress over clutter. By incorporating smart storage solutions and stylish organization, you can create a functional, inviting space that works for both adults and kids.
If it’s been a minute since you’ve addressed this area, start with one category (media, toys, games, or books) and tackle organization one step at a time. You’ll be amazed at how a few small changes can make a big difference!
Looking for personalized design solutions? Let’s create a family-friendly space that’s as beautiful as it is practical! Schedule a discovery call today.