A cluttered living room often starts with the simplest of actions. You toss your jacket over the back of the sofa, leave a pair of shoes near the door, or set a book down with the plan to get to it later. But “later” never seems to come. Before you know it, that cosy corner by the sofa is buried under a pile of random stuff. A few stray cushions and that blanket you love to snuggle up with seem harmless enough until they mix with toys, remote controllers, and socks.

Clutter like this doesn’t just affect the look of your space. Studies show that high levels of mess and disorder can cause stress, reduce focus, and even lead to emotional or behavioural issues. The solution isn’t simply organising — it’s rethinking how we store things.

That’s where Furl’s sofas with built-in storage come in. They do more than tidy up the surface; they tackle the problem at its core. With clever, spacious storage solutions, Furl sofas help keep everything in place while making sure your living room stays as comfortable and welcoming as ever.

Calm the Visual Noise With Furl’s Storage Sofas

Visual noise is the clutter that distracts and overwhelms in a living room. From scattered toys to misplaced blankets or gadgets, it disrupts the space and makes it feel chaotic rather than calming. Even a well-decorated room can feel off-balance when clutter takes over.

Furl’s storage sofas go beyond conventional options by offering deep, spacious compartments to keep your living room tidy and organised. In fact, you can customise the design to fit your exact storage needs. For example, there’s an option to add library arms, which are built into the sides of the sofa to provide upright storage for delicate items like mugs or glassware.

Backrest storage is great for stashing larger items like blankets or scarves. Underseat storage compartments offer spacious storage for bulkier items like travel bags or coats. If you prefer a sleeker option, pull-out drawers along the side of the sofa give you quick access to your stored items.

Envision the Space You Truly Want

The first step to designing a clutter-free living room is setting your vision. Think about how you want to feel in the space and what activities you see happening there. Whether it’s relaxing with a book or hosting friends, having a strong sense of purpose makes the process so much easier. Write down three to five words that capture the mood and style you want. It could be anything from cosy and tranquil to vibrant and energetic.

Now, with that vision in mind, take a look at your living room. Start removing anything that doesn’t match the space you’ve imagined. Think about the colours, textures, and shapes that bring you joy. What feels exciting and uplifting? Contrast that with things you’ve been holding onto that don’t really serve a purpose — or worse, are just there because you haven’t got around to moving them.

A clutter-free space doesn’t happen overnight, so don’t feel pressured to get it perfect straight away. You can revisit and tweak your living room furniture over time until it reflects your style completely.

Make Sure Your Living Room Fits Your Lifestyle

The dream living room in your mind might not always line up with your real-life needs. It’s important to design a space that reflects both your aesthetic vision and the way you actually live. Here are some examples of how your vision could clash with your lifestyle and how to avoid those pitfalls:

Avoid using delicate, all-white furniture when you have kids or pets. While it looks beautiful in photos, it can lead to stress with spills, scratches, and paw prints turning your vision into a high-maintenance nightmare.
Refrain from going for a massive sectional in a small space. A large sofa might seem appealing but can make compact living rooms feel crowded. Opt for sleek, space-saving designs that provide comfort without overwhelming the area.
Don’t ignore storage in a busy household. Minimalism may look good but isn’t practical without storage. Hidden storage or multifunctional pieces can help manage toys, gadgets, and clutter effectively.
Avoid choosing high-maintenance materials like glass tables or high-pile rugs. If you’re short on time, these can be challenging to maintain. Consider easy-to-clean surfaces and low-maintenance fabrics for stress-free living.
Don’t prioritise looks over practicality. While trends can be tempting, opt for multifunctional furniture that adapts to both work and leisure. A sofa bed with storage or a folding desk can be essential in multipurpose spaces.
Resist designing your space around fleeting trends. Trends fade, but your living room should remain timeless and relaxing. Focus on pieces that reflect your personality and stand the test of time.
Don’t focus solely on personal comfort without considering guests. Ensure your layout accommodates socialising by including enough seating for friends and family, making the space inviting for everyone.

Cultivate Your Passions

“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” — Oprah Winfrey

Your living room isn’t just a place to sit; it’s an opportunity to express your interests, creativity, and personality. If you love mid-century modern or have a soft spot for vintage finds, make sure your furniture reflects that. The living room doesn’t have to be a catalogue of the right choices — it should have pieces that speak to your own taste. A solid leather armchair, a worn-in rug, or a funky side table can say something about who you are.

Whether it’s a painting you found in a local gallery or a framed photo from your travels, let the walls tell your story.

Final Words

A living room is a high-traffic space, and you often need solutions for both small and bulky items. While bins and baskets on shelves can help, they often don’t go far enough when you have larger items to store. Furl’s storage sofas let you store everything from everyday essentials to larger items like luggage, without disrupting the flow of your space.