If you’re like most families, you spend a lot of time at home in your living room. Like its name suggests, a whole lot of “living” happens in this room, which is exactly why it can quickly become one of the most disorganized and unsightly places in your home. It’s that double-edged sword of wanting to enjoy your space physically while simultaneously enjoying your space aesthetically. And, of course, once you add kids to the mix it’s an entirely new level of difficulty!

Thankfully, there are some incredible designers and organizational experts out there who can help guide you through the nuances of actually living at home without making it look like too much life (i.e. all the clutter and messiness) is going on.

HERE ARE OUR NINE OF OUR FAVORITE TRICKS FOR KEEPING YOUR LIVING ROOM LOOKING ITS BEST:

1. Add Shelving Up High. Big storage furniture takes up a lot of space in living rooms, making it a less-than-optimal choice. Instead, look for ways to add storage vertically, like a thin row of shelves above door frames or windows.

2. Invest In Multi-Use Furniture. Think about the items in your living room that instantly add to the clutter and disorganization. How can you create a better spot for this stuff that’s convenient and more aesthetically pleasing? Most of your answers are going to come in the form of furniture that doubles as smart storage. (Think magazine racks, ottomans that open and side tables.)

3. Store It In Your Sofa. Yes, there are sofas that come with built-in storage. And, yes, they are awesome. Our favorites are the ones with drawers on the bottom that make your sofa look like an amazing built-in. (They look best snug up against a wall.)

4. Go Big With Bookshelves. You can add floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that can give the appearance of being built-in without having a huge price tag. (Thank you, Ikea.) It’s one of the best ways to make your living room look more cozy while also giving you loads more storage. With this organizational trick, more is better – fill an entire wall for the best look.