Living room storage is one of the biggest challenges smaller homes deal with, but luckily, there are several solutions to the problem. From finding new ways to use your existing pieces to discovering multifunctional furniture that does double duty, our interior design experts have gathered a list of ways for you to maximize storage and organization. Follow along for tips and tricks recommended by our specialists.
At a Glance:
Why Multifunctional Furniture is Essential
How to Use Furniture to Hide Clutter
Surprising Living Room Storage Ideas
Optimize Wall Space for Storage Ideas
Showcasing your literary milestones, curated décor, and family photos is a fun and easy way to give your living space an eclectic feel that’s truly you. But book storage ideas and décor presentation aren’t limited to a living room storage cabinet or a bookcase — you have a whole blank canvas for organization on your walls.
Other ways to add storage to a wall can be as simple as using floating shelves, which involve minimal installation and have a big impact while helping keep small spaces feeling open. The key is to get creative. For instance, a wall shoe rack can also double as a place for mail, remotes, magazines, and even a compact wall storage for kids’ toys.
If you have a little more DIY in your DNA and existing living room wall storage, try adding hooks. This is a great way to create more opportunities to hang décor, jackets, clothing, or even a pegboard that you can customize to organize miscellaneous items while preserving floor space.
Double-Up with Multifunctional Living Room Furniture
With the help of multifunctional furniture, you can easily hack your small living room space without anyone knowing. Take this Madison Park Ollix storage ottoman, for example. Its padded surface tailored in timeless tufting serves as a soft landing zone for your legs or even additional seating. Beneath, open storage provides a clever spot for magazines and living room extras.
But the real surprise is a top that comes off. From living room blanket storage to hiding electronics — or even a place to stash items for cleanup when guests come over — the additional organization space is a fantastic way to add stylish storage to a living area.
Here’s another consideration — a Crestview Collection farmhouse storage bench. Brimming with farmhouse flair, this bench is a two-in-one workhorse. You can use it as supplemental seating, but that isn’t all it’s used for. Four storage shelves behind louvered barn-style doors perfectly disguise shoes or whatever items you choose to store in it. Whether in use or not, its charming design will feel more like a purposeful addition of masterful interior design than much-needed storage.
Other similar storage options include:
✓ Storage Chaises
A long peninsula of padded seating conceals a large basin of storage below. Simply lift and you get access to a large amount of untapped space to store blankets, pillows, electronics you use occasionally, toys, and more.
✓ Sectionals with Lift-top Armrests
We love the sleek design of lift-top armrests. When not in use, they’re virtually unnoticeable but raise the hinged top, and you’ll find a handy nook for smaller living room items that quickly clutter up.
✓ A Living Room Table with Storage
Storage above, below, and within? That’s a winning combination of places items can be stored. Lift-top tables are also great for doubling as a workspace, so if your living room is also your work from home workstation, this is a great option for discreetly hiding office essentials when you’re off the clock and ready to relax.
✓ A Hall Tree
Hall trees are making a slow comeback, and that’s probably because they’re great at organizing a lot with just a small amount of space. Store shoes and outdoor gear below and use the hooks for backpacks, purses, and jackets. The seating area can be kept free for additional shelf storage used as another spot to sit when it’s a full house.
Use Furniture That Hides Your Clutter
The secret to a tidy living area is having a specific place for each item. That’s easily done with multipurpose storage furniture such as this Isaac 60-inch side console. Several shelves, doors, cubbies, and wire cutouts let you perfectly stage your components and electronics in an attractive setup or slatted doors, peek-a-boo glass doors, and a vintage finish.
Another factor to consider is how your living room functions. Hubs where entertainment is enjoyed work great with storage ottomans, side tables, and seating with storage, but that same setup might not be efficient if you constantly deal with toys littering your main room. In these cases, toy storage for living room is an easy solution. Not only can you hide bedding, toys, and other items, but the surface is a great place to add a few pillows for a makeshift seating.
Add Baskets for Clever Living Room Organization
One of the hottest storage ideas for small spaces is to use baskets for organization. They’re relatively inexpensive, hold a lot, and can add quick, textural interest to an area.
Sturdy wicker baskets are great statements pieces for shelves or staged on top of furniture. They conceal items inside while adding rustic appeal. For a bigger style expression, choose a cage basket to store flashier items like a colorful throw or pillows, but metal baskets are also ideal for storing fireplace logs.
Use the Element of Surprise to Your Advantage
Living room storage furniture doesn’t have to be conventional. In fact, creativity goes a long way when finding new ways to add storage to a small living space. Here are a few new ideas for you to consider for your tight quarters.
Use a Dresser in the Living Room
Several drawers on a dresser equal a jackpot of storage. What’s better, the multiple drawers on a bedroom dresser make sorting living room items even easier. Store toys below for children to quickly access and use the remaining areas to put away blankets, shoes, movies, books — you name it, you can store it. For a more space-friendly option, consider using a bedroom chest for the same purpose.
Hack the Spaces Beneath
Often, there’s a mine of space beneath seating that is waiting to be tapped. But rather than stuffing things without purpose, invest in a plastic tote. This will protect your items from dust and debris, and you can also purchase drawer dividers to customize the tote.
Roll Out the Storage
These days, bar carts are used for more than just the midday pick-me-up and more as a living room accessory. We like using a bar cart to store décor, keys, living room essentials, or just about anything that will fit on its surface. Best of all, because they’re mobile, you can Feng Shui at your will by moving the cart to a less crowded spot in the living room.
Use Décor for Storage
Don’t forget that bowls, shallow décor, and vases can also be used to hold miscellaneous items. It’s a fun way to add a pop of personality to the living room while keeping smaller objects in check and uncluttered.
Why Trust Us?
At Bob Mills Furniture, we believe that everyone is family. Since 1971, we have delivered beautiful furniture for 50 years (and counting), with ten sprawling locations in the U.S. — from our flagship store in Oklahoma City to San Antonio in Texas to Wichita in Kansas. Our friendly staff aims to offer the greatest comfort and value, with elegant styles to match your taste, décor, and design. In addition to coziness and style, we also stock furniture and mattress brands with strong reputations and track records of durability so that you can enjoy your investment for years to come.
Shop Living Room Storage at Bob Mills Furniture
Start reveling in endless comfort and living room storage ideas for unbeatable prices at Bob Mills. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you discover all the ways to utilize living room storage — whether you call the Bob Mills Furniture store nearest you or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one our showrooms throughout Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas to discover why we are everyone’s favorite local furniture store. Visit us today!
Learn More: 5 Reasons to Own a Sectional