Having enough storage space will always be tricky, considering how we humans like to collect and gather throughout our lives. But decent storage areas are especially difficult in a home’s ‘public’ spaces, like the living room. There is where we host parties and entertain friends, relax with family and lounge in front of the television, enjoy snacks and drinks, play with pets, read and enjoy some alone time… and none of these activities can be enjoyed to the fullest in a cramped and cluttered space, correct?
So, to keep your home and lifestyle practical yet stylish, we’ve gathered these living room storage ideas to help you get organised quickly and effectively.
Let’s get started!
Why opt for a simple sofa that only serves as a seating spot when you can have one that helps out with storage? They’re by no means less comfortable or stylish, yet pull double duty in terms of visual aesthetics and practicality! But if you don’t have the space or budget to change your living room’s seating or have already invested in a sofa and don't want to buy a new one in this style, then your next best option is to utilize all your surface areas to keep things looking tidy.
Take advantage of all the flat surfaces in your living room. For example, instead of cramming all those books, magazines and potted plants on the coffee table, spread them out on the fireplace mantel, windowsill, credenza, etc. Or here’s a thought: stack those books/magazines high and use them as a side table (it can definitely ensure a curious touch to the room’s style).
Taking note of what is important (i.e. do you really need to show off all those books and candles and flowers?) and then spreading them out will help the room to look thoughtfully styled instead of messy.
If you can’t go sideways, go up! There’s no rule which states you can’t make use of your walls and ceilings to make your space look a bit more stylish and tidy, is there?
This train of thought always leads us to floating shelves, as you can place them as high as you wish and in any number of ways. Plus hanging hooks – they’re great for entryways, but can also make a difference to keeping linens, blankets, hats and coats of the way in your living room.
And instead of a bulky couch, why not opt for an upholstered bench with built-in storage?
You may remember those cute and colourful cubbies from pre-school, but they can definitely be part of your adult life, too. Imagine simple, cubby-like shelves functioning as storage solutions without taking the emphasis away from your living room’s statement pieces.
Tucking them away in the corner can also help to hide away technology and other devices (after all, you don’t need to show your speakers and wires to all who enters your home, do you?).
Which sounds more tidy and appealing: a room where the blankets are strewn everywhere, or one with blankets and throws neatly tucked into dressers and baskets with perhaps just the tip showing here and there? Just because something is not currently being used doesn’t mean it has to be tucked away behind closed cupboard doors, does it?
To make your living room look effortlessly tidy, make use of what you already own. For instance, let that understated side chair become an end table, complete with table lamp and everything. Or use a vintage suitcase as an eye-catching coffee table. Or turn that affordable set of baskets into dresser drawers!
Both furniture and décor pieces can help out with storage if you know how to.
Some clever options include: a magazine rack between two chairs to minimise a pileup on the coffee table; a leaning ladder against the wall for draping blankets and throws; a media console with shelves for anything that can be tucked away; a cute basket in the corner for random knickknacks (kids’ toys, for one thing); a tiered coffee table for stacking books and magazines on the lower shelf; built-in cabinetry neatly framing a fireplace; bookshelves extending all the way to the top of the ceiling, etc.
Of course the best option would be to tear down a wall and make your living room much bigger. But seeing as that goes hand in hand with lots of construction and costs, plan B would have to suffice: investing in customised furniture that provide built-in storage drawers.
But there’s always plan C: tucking your things into neat bins or trays and merely pushing them underneath the sofa and coffee table (and everything else that’s feasible).
Speaking of keeping spaces tidy, let’s look at Clothes storage without a wardrobe