(Part 2) Top products from r/malelivingspace

Looks like you have young kids and that they use the room a fair bit. This is not going to be a place that you'll want to fill with anything particularly expensive or delicate.

I'd swap the positions of the big sofa and the love seat so you can move the seating a little closer to the TV for a better view and free up a little more space in the play area behind the love seat.

Then Marie Kondo everything in there, particularly the the ancient computer reference books (OS 10.5? Windows 7? Server 2003? Jesus.), unused picture frames, and used shipping boxes/empty packaging

Get a scanner and digitize important documents, and put irreplaceable/hard to replace documents (passports, birth certificates, immunization records, etc.) in a safe deposit box. They're like $50 a year for one that'll hold legal-size documents without folding. $20 if you can live with documents folded in half.

If you're into gaming, you could sell the consoles and build a gaming PC and hook it up to your TV. Emulators will let you play a lot of your old games, and the marginal cost of new games will go down quite a bit. ~$1000 will get you a pretty high end setup. ~$300 will get you a perfectly adequate system. See /r/PCMasterRace/wiki/builds for builds.

Also, better storage for the kids' stuff would be a good idea. Teach them to put away what they play with when they're done so that you all have a comfortable, uncluttered space to play or relax in.

Additional pictures/gifs if anyone's interested:

https://imgur.com/a/hShEq2F

EDIT: Thought I'd include links for some things being asked for on here. I didn't purchase everything new nor recently so there are some things I wasn't able to ID.

Art/Deco:

• "Kiss More Often" Wall art
  
  • Thanks to those that pointed out that the Amazon tapestry isn't affiliated with or supporting the original artist. I've linked to the artist's store instead
    
• Gold Trellis Wallpaper
  
• Bed Rest Pillow
  
  • I got this at Target but can't find the exact one. Amazon seems to have a bunch.
    
• Bedding/Comforter
  
  • I can't remember where this comforter came from since I've had it for so long. I'd recommend looking out for decent sales or checking HomeGoods for decently priced comforters
    
• Bed Throw Blanket
  
• Couch Throw Blanket
  
• White Corduroy Couch Pillow Covers
  
• Couch
  
  • Found it for cheap on Craigslist and can't provide an ID
    
• Floor Rug
  
  • Found it on Craigslist as well. It's a Safavieh Hudson Shag Rug
    
• Bedside Floor Rug
  
• Anti-Fatigue Mat for the Standing Desk
  
• 5-Arm Floor Lamp
  
• Ottoman with Storage
  
  • Found this on a marketplace (LetGo) and can't find any identifying details
    
• Incense Holder
  
• Duct Tape for Framing and Line Work
  
  Technology/Peripherals:
  
  
• Standing Desk
  
  • Buying the desk without the tabletop knocks off about $100 . It might be a cost-effective solution if you want to build a custom-tabletop/desk for under $300
    
• KRK Rokit 5 Studio Monitors
  
• Studio Monitor Stands
  
• TCL 43 Inch 4K TV
  
• Adjustable TV Desk Mount
  
• JBL 5.1 Home Theater Speaker System
  
  • Look for Amazon Warehouse deals on this stuff. I found a set for $100 below the price for a brand new set
    
• Yamaha RX-V383 AV Receiver
  
  • Found this used on LetGo
    
• Led Light Strips
  
  • I've had my light strips for years so I can't provide a specific ID for mine. I linked to a set that uses the same wifi controller as mine but you can shop around. I used 4 strips to do the bed backlighting, under-lighting and desk backlighting
    
• Led Wifi Controllers
  
  • If you have a led strip that doesn't have a wifi controller, you can purchase a compatible controller to take advantage of home automation

Frames: LINK

Albums (left to right):

Top row:

• Random Access Memories
  
  
• Black Sands
  
  
• Kid A
  
  
• Run the Jewels 3
  
  
• There is Love in You
  
  Middle row:
  
  
• Guero
  
  
• Hesitation Marks
  
  
• My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
  
  
• Map of What is Effortless
  
  
• [Living Things](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_Things_(Linkin_Park_album%29)
  
  Bottom row:
  
  
• Damogen Furies
  
  
• The Ecstatic
  
  
• Rescue and Restore
  
  
• [II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/II_(Moderat_album%29)
  
  
• [Long Live](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Live_(Atreyu_album%29)

Hey! Thanks for you input, I’ll definitely be looking for something dramatic! Maybe some abstract art. The nightstands are from amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C1A5BMS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_IGoACbVX1MZ37 they are amazing quality and not a bad price!

On most refrigerators, it is a reasonably simple operation to reverse the opening. Get a friend and a couple of hours and you could resolve at least this piece of the puzzle.

Otherwise, I would say that perhaps getting a rolling cart like this: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30240348/ could be helpful. You could move it around as needed and tuck it into the least inconvenient corner when not in use.

Another alternative (especially if you reverse the fridge doors) would be to replace the existing appliance shelf with a baker's rack like this: http://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-6054-268-Supreme-Bakers-Chrome/dp/B0014QS1XC. It is 3' wide and you could put the appliances on the lower shelves.

Right now all I'm running is an Audio Technica LP-120 and Edifier R1280T's I'm sure I'll be upgrading as time goes on, but its a nice little setup. Those little speakers sound great, TBH.

What's your budget?


Even a cheap pair of bookshelf speakers will be a huge improvement over the TV's internal speaker. Makes films and gaming so much more enjoyable.

The Edifier R1280T are really good for $100.

https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R1280T-Powered-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B016P9HJIA

I really love this chair (SPACE AirGrid), especially for the price point off amazon. Great build quality, design, and back support. After 3 years of heavy usage my only complaint is that one of the arm rests has started to crack a bit. That said, if I could afford a Herman Miller or Global, I'd probably get that.

I’ve heard great things about this bed
And because it folds up, it’s incredibly portable. Perfect for a semi-nomadic lifestyle.

OK I love those speakers. What are they?! Edit* are they these?

I'm in a similar situation and was recently looking at this foldable bed frame: https://www.amazon.com/Full-Size-Fold-Bed-Compact/dp/B001IPVWG2
The reviews on amazon seem to be pretty favorable.
Not sure how well it would support a foam mattress topper, but you might be able to slide a piece of wood underneath to help with the gaps.

Yes. It’s great!

VIVO Black Electric Stand Up Desk... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071KGDGNK?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I recommend Rollerblade wheels for your chair. I got them for hardwood and I love 'em.

​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CGZPOK2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You need one or two of these

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0014QS1XC/

Plus whatever you want to cook in, slow cooker, panini press, indoor grill, air fryer, hot plate with easy to wash non stick pans, Nespresso machine, Vitamix, French press, tea kettle, etc.

Pick your most used three and then get s hooks to hang utensils, pot holders, pans, etc.

Put your plates on the shelf below, and spices etc on top plus cereal etc can go on top too.


You can also use the wood top as a cutting board.

https://www.amazon.com/LeHigh-Crawford-Flip-Storage-FSR13/dp/B0000DH4NL/

i used the 2 included screws (regardless of what the reviews said), drilled directly into a stud. rock solid.

i only had to pay a really small non-refundable deposit so i have a lot of freedom in that regard. in general though, if you have access to matching paint, you could patch up any of the holes you'd need very easily.

Came here to say that, cable channels are da bomb, next level up is these things if you are allowed. Easy to install, run the cables down behind the wall and out the other side, totally hidden. Really nice clean look

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001PB7UVA/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075343YSZ/

Also, I totally lol'd at "speel"

These LED Light Strips are a lot of fun. Not too expensive either. They would look really cool if you put them behind a piece of art or crown molding.

these cable ties could be put to good use. You can use them to wrap the HDMI cords to the back of the poles that hold the monitors. As for the cords bellow the desk, you can wrap them all together with a tie or get something like this to run along the wall.

Replacing your office chair wheels with something like these is another option. They are much softer than the standard plastic ones, and tend to be better at not getting stuck / sliding on the floor.

I bought a VIVO electric base a couple months ago and am extremely happy with it. Fairly priced IMO compared to other options on the market

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071KGDGNK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For OP: There's this book the Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. It basically tells the reader to purge. The method is what helped me, though.

She writes that you should categorize your stuff in such a way that you purge things with low sentimental value first ending with things like pictures, handmedowns, etc. The thought process here is that you purge old clothes, unused appliances, movies, etc first so that you get in the groove of getting rid of stuff. By time you get to old pictures and memories, you have a general idea of how things go and don't dwell on stuff that you might look at two years from now.

I think the book was worth a read. I read it between moves and it helped me get rid of a ton of my crap. It also helped the way I fold my laundry which saved a lot of space too. TBH, I only read about the first half up to the purging section, then skimmed the rest. It got a little repetitive by then and I already had the gist of the book.

I use these and they work great.

Pasow 50pcs Cable Ties Reusable Fastening Wire Organizer Cord Rope Holder 7 Inch (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0154MS9Q0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RtCwCbSN8YA27

I was really happy with this one.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PWGZOI/ref=pe_385040_30332190_TE_M3T1_ST1_dp_1

Thanks! I got it on amazon here

One thing I did to "spruce up" my place was to get a cat tower that wasn't covered in carpet... having a wooden one makes it look more like furniture and a little classier, plus it stays cleaner!
https://smile.amazon.com/Vesper-Furniture-Walnut-V-High-Base/dp/B00SOTG05S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520271062&sr=8-1&keywords=vesper+cat+tower
this is the one I have.

It's mostly the nightstand and the open rack by the window that I would replace.. your desk and bed are fine to stay

I would get something like this and a wall shelf to replace that stand:

https://www.allmodern.com/Varick-Gallery-Sandoz-1-Drawer-Night-Stand-VKGL4769-VKGL4769.html

https://www.amazon.com/Light-Walnut-White-Nighstand-Drawer/dp/B01C1A5BMS/ref=sr_1_1?s=furniture&ie=UTF8&qid=1480714959&sr=1-1&keywords=mid+century

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/malm-drawer-chest__0393747_PE562529_S4.JPG

Amazon. It's a little taller than I wanted, but overall I like it.

SunnieDog Office Chair Wheels Roll Just As Smooth On Day 1000 As They Did On Day 1 - Heavy Duty Protection For Hardwood & Tile Floors Without A Mat - Roller Blade Style w/Universal Fit - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CGZPOK2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_LlrBCb6TM6X65

Bam! That's what you need. They won't mess up the floor and they roll so smoothly

Use this for the laptop. Try to find a tray to keep your desk organized (and dresser).

None of your posters are framed. They're cheap from walmart or you can find them on Amazon.

I'd go for a different blanket than the one you currently have. A light color like gray to contrast with the bed you have.

Ninja edit: Stick a small plant on your dresser.

Thanks! http://www.amazon.com/Rain-Design-10032-mStand-Laptop/dp/B000OOYECC

When you are dealing with such small space, the key is to condense as many things as possible, and really do away with things that aren't needed.

Instead of a toaster oven and a microwave, I would consider upgrading to a better unit that incorporates both functions. It will cost you about $200 but a microwave is putting you almost halfway there already.

If you put that shelving on the left wall it's going to be in your face whenever you try to wash a dish. And as far as the drying rack on the right hand side, I guess my question is...why? Just lay a towel out on the counter when you wash dishes and put them away when you're done. You're cluttering an already small area with a non-essential.



Ultimately; I think this or something like this depending on the dimensions would solve a lot of issues with this space...

You'd place it under the cabinets to the left of the window so it flows down and that whole wall is where things are and the table top can hold whatever small appliances you go with. Then you could get rid of the mission table and keep everything against the wall which gives you a lot more workable space.


PS: I'm not sure what country you're in, but those outlets against the wall on your sink should absolutely be GFIC. It's a code violation and super unsafe. I think code says any outlet within 3 feet of a water source needs to be GFCI and the one on the left wall literally over the sink is idiotic. I'd tie it off and cover that shit up if I were you.

I feel stressed/anxious if my place isn't picked up and clean. Check out the book on the KonMari method.

You're not going to get much neck support in a cheap chair. Same thing with the arm rests, being able to move them is generally a feature of a more expensive chair.

The third option here has a neck support, but that brings the price up to $270.

https://www.amazon.com/Seating-Professional-AirGrid-Adjustable-Managers/dp/B000PWGZOI/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1467658138&sr=8-11&keywords=ergonomic+chair We buy stuff this like for work. That's what I'd go with, in your price range.

This is the tree I'm considering Nearly Natural 5209 Ficus Silk Tree, 6-Feet, Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00627GJZA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_DxlKxbXJYBJFY

I used a couple websites, this one lets you find high res album art from itunes: https://bendodson.com/projects/itunes-artwork-finder/

I used this one to choose which album covers I wanted to use and how I wanted to arrange them: https://xsaardo.github.io/Album-Art-Collage-Creator/

And here are the frames I used: https://www.amazon.com/MCS-12x12-Format-6-Pack-65625/dp/B00ZW8JEBQ

The hardest part was finding somewhere to print 12x12 pictures for a decent price, big stores like Staples don't do it. I was able to get them done for about a dollar each at a local printing place.

If you only do occasional dining then depending on your decor perhaps a morphing table something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Corner-Housewares-Multi-Purpose-Transforming-Adjustable/dp/B01EBVNSFM/ref=sr_1_7/142-5492537-5207344?ie=UTF8&qid=1549356808&sr=8-7&keywords=coffee+table+converts+to+dining+table

Hole in the wall and drop the cable down. Then put a wall grommet near your outlet.

Or one of the cable hiding plastic pieces, legrand makes a good one but make sure you use vinegar to remove them or else they’ll pull the paper off the drywall which Is a pain to fix.

Legrand


Wall grommet

Edit: forgot to mention that if you’re putting a power cable in the wall you’ll need a different cable to actually run through the wall to keep it in code as it is a potential fire hazard. Here is a good kit that would fit for this example

They have these kits on Amazon that work really well if you already have a dry wall saw and wire snake. First one took an hour but my upstairs TV only took 30 minutes.

Vesper Cat Furniture, Walnut,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SOTG05S?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

It’s cute but the cats haven’t taken to it yet. I’ve had it for maybe 2 weeks

I got this thing

Cut two holes in the drywall. One behind the TV, the other in a hideable place near an outlet. Everything runs in the wall. I can add or remove wires any time I want. Literally nothing to see.

https://www.amazon.com/Modern-4-Panel-Bookcase-Divider-Display/dp/B073WPW4J9

The wall above the headboard is 140" x 55", and I am looking for a large statement piece for it. Any suggestions?

Link to the headboard and the LED tape I used.

Floating headboard.

amazon everything

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00627GJZA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It is the Rain Design mStand Laptop Stand.

amazon

Put your laundry hamper away, and buy some of these for under your TV stand thingy

https://www.amazon.com/KD-Frames-5772-FB-F-Fold-Platform/dp/B001IPVWG2/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=platform+bed+fold&qid=1571637742&sr=8-3

Modern Dark Brown Wood 4-Panel Open Bookcase Room Divider, 4 Tier Display Shelf Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073WPW4J9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QT20DbVGR9T27

Kinda looks like this one?

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Magic-Tidying-Decluttering-Organizing/dp/1607747308

Got you man

All reusable -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0154MS9Q0/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_IZoKDbDQE1SPG

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MBTSTLL/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_z1oKDbJZ5XP99

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D31RV4Q/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_N4oKDb2DD8WXV

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DH4NL/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_GEw-wbEBD7MEK

https://www.amazon.com/Prepac-BHHK-0520-2K-Designer-Headboard-Nightstands/dp/B00DPFNRVG

Not the exact same, but it will give you some search terms.

The kitchen rack I got here on Amazon, and the schematics are from PatentPrints.

^ All of this ^

And as a little extra, they sell cheap RGB LED strips you could put on the floor, or anywhere really, to add some smooth ambient lighting

Not necessarily...It really depends on the space and how you use the lights.

But at least hang them properly if you do it.

Don't just throw some string lights up like a drunk guy decorating for christmas.

Take some time.

Get a short string (50-100) lights.

Run an extension power cord up the window frame so that you don't have lights running up the wall.

It would really help if you showed us the window in question so we can tell you if you can tastefully put up lights or not.

If not, consider getting a ficus tree and putting a string of 50 lights in the tree. Doing this not only gives you fake greenery, it gives you a tasteful way to have string lights in your room without it looking tacky or feminine. Its indoor landscape lighting

I got this one. It looks pretty decent, too bad my cat won't even touch it.

Power cords carry higher voltage than A/V cords (like HDMI cables). I'm not an electrical engineer or general contractor, but they emit enough heat that it is considered a fire hazard to run them inside residential walls due to lack of air flow. Additionally, it is not up to building code to run such cords within walls.

Instead, you need to either have an electrician properly install wall outlets as needed, or use a type of kit that allows for the TV's power cord to plug into an 'outlet' on the wall, then the kit's to-code cabling runs down and allows you to connect to an existing wall outlet.

Something like this:
https://smile.amazon.com/Datacomm-50-3323-WH-KIT-Panel-Organizer-Solution/dp/B001PB7UVA/

As running power cords inside walls violates building code, if your house were to catch fire due to this it's possible your home owners insurance wouldn't pay out a dime.