Ambient lighting, side tables, trays, wooden panelling for walls
I’ve lived in a lot of shared houses. Like… too many. Different layouts, tiny living rooms, weird lighting, sofas that have seen things. Over the last 10 years I’ve worked from home as a video editor, musician, producer — built home studios in five different properties, and learned one thing: small upgrades absolutely change how your evenings feel.
After gym sessions, hockey training, endless washing, cooking, baking (keen foodie here 🙋♂️), I want my living room to feel calm, cozy, and not like a waiting room. These are the upgrades I keep coming back to. Tested. Lived with. Some real 👏GAME👏CHAN👏GERS.
Warm LED Floor Lamp with Dimmable Light
Overhead lights are the enemy. This kind of lamp gives instant ambient vibes. Soft, warm, chill. Perfect after a long work-from-home day or late gym session. I’ve bought versions of this for multiple houses and yep… amazinnngg every time.
Slim Side Table for Sofa or Armchair
Okay okay okay I know I said “small upgrades” but this one is BIG. A narrow side table means tea, snacks, laptop, controller, all within reach. No more balancing plates on knees like a maniac. Absolute sanity saver in shared houses.
Decorative Wooden Tray for Coffee Tables
Trays make mess look intentional. Candles, remotes, coasters, random stuff, suddenly it’s a “setup.” I use these constantly, especially when baking or cooking and migrating snacks to the sofa. Simple. Incredddible. Cheap win.
Smart LED Light Strips
I’ve used these behind TVs, shelves, even under sideboards. Soft backlighting = cozy evenings unlocked. As someone who edits video and produces music, lighting matters more than people think. This is low effort, high reward.
Wooden Wall Panels
If your living room feels flat or boring… this is it. I’ve added wood panelling in rented places and it transforms the space without commitment. Texture, warmth, depth. Makes even Netflix nights feel ✨intentional✨.
Set of Fabric or Wooden Coasters
Sounds boring. Is not boring. Protects tables, looks tidy, and stops that constant clink noise. In shared houses this stuff matters more than it should. Plus they live permanently on my tray — systemised chaos.
Final Thoughts
These aren’t flashy upgrades. They’re the kind you feel every single evening — after cooking, after training, after work. I’m sharing stuff I’ve actually lived with, moved with, and rebought. Small tweaks, better nights. Simple as that.
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