35 living room storage ideas to curb clutter and restore calm (2023)

As one of the busiest rooms in the house, it's no wonder our lounges can sometimes house a lot of 'stuff'. While tidying is always welcome, there are many things we simply need in this space, which is why living room storage ideas are so important.

One of the reasons why ourliving room ideassuch require carefully thought-out storage that nowadays the lounge is a truly universal space. From home offices to game rooms to home gyms and gaming marathons, our living rooms are no longer reserved just for lounging, they must serve a multitude of purposes.

Since space is so often at a premium, multipurpose parts are a good place to start. "Maximize space in a compact living room by first considering investing in multifunctional furniture," advises Jenna Choate, co-founder,Inner Fuchs(opens in new tab). "An ottoman footstool is a great starting point, it serves as extra seating for guests, creates extra storage space and most importantly, is a place to put your feet up at the end of a long day."

"Add shelves to open areas to make the most of empty spaces," Jen continues. “Floating shelves or a tall bookcase that reaches to the ceiling provide ample storage space and a place to display decorative items. And then, of course, the possibilities are endless when you choose bespoke designs.”

Storage ideas for living room

“When it comes to lounge design, living room storage ideas are one of the most important factors to consider,” says Emma Deterding, Founder and Creative Director.Kelling-Designs. "It keeps your living room organized and a place to relax and spend quality time with loved ones."

1. Make alcoves work harder

"Built-in storage is one of the best living room storage ideas," says founder Ann Marie Cousins.AMC-Design(opens in new tab). “Be sure to make full use of the space available, especially when working with itsmall living room ideas. In a historic property there are often gaps on either side of the chimney breast, making for large open shelving or cabinetry.'

However, do not stop at providing niches with storage shelves. Make this space multifunctional by incorporating a lower, wider shelf that can serve as a home office if needed.

2. Paint the inside of the shelves to add interest

Shelves don't have to be boring. Painting your interior is an easy and budget-friendly way to revamp a simple structure. Alternating tone colors for an extra design hit ideal formodern living room ideas. Then use this background to showcase your items perfectly.

"Shelves should be filled with items that evoke memories you cherish," says Emma of Kelling Designs. “Make sure to use different sized objects and ornaments on the shelves so you have movement. Grouping a larger item with a medium and smaller item will not only maintain the grouping, but create a flow for your eyes to travel with.”

3. Add a rod for convenient hanging

Think beyond the box (or shelf) with living room storage ideas. Adding a sleek metal rod to your wall gives you more creative ways to store and display your items.

Hang houseplants, baskets or wire boxes with simple S hooks and you're good to go. Not only does this area save space, but it's also easy to dress up and change with the seasonsliving trendschange.

4. Mix it up

When traininghow to design a living room, remember that memory doesn't always have to scream about its existence. If you have a fairly busy or maximalist space, you might want to dress up your storage space rather than highlight it.

Bring your cabinets either up or down and paint them to match your walls. Near your ceiling, they can appear as an architectural feature, and below, they can serve as a bench or surface.

5. Make a feature of your shelves

Alternatively, you can get loud with your memory. opinionLiving room shelving ideascan become the center of attention. Carefully curate the items on display so they have an artistic and thoughtful feel.

"Styling objects on a shelf can be beautiful and decorative," says Peter Erlandsson, owner,line(opens in new tab). "Treat your shelf like a canvas and create a work of art on it with artfully styled clutter."

“Not only is it fun to create custom, organic, and changing artwork from your own knick-knacks, but it's also a great way to save space. When you lift things off the floor and use shelves as a storage solution, you create the illusion of a larger space.”

6. Use contrasting colors for impact

"Built-in joinery in the form of shelving is ideal for making the most of odd-shaped spaces, alcoves and alcoves," says Emma of Kelling Designs. "Not only does it make the most of space, but it also gives you ample storage space for everyday items as well as decorative items."

"From a stylistic point of view, I always recommend choosing a nice color for your carpentry that suits your interior concept." Withideas for wall elements in the living roomYou might want to paint the back of the unit the same color and accentuate the shelves with the color of the other walls.

7. Capture a wall

“Use floor-to-ceiling storage units to maximize storage space,” advises Suzanne Duin, founder,house house(opens in new tab).

“An exposed element can be designed with books and design ornaments and provide a nice place to add some color to a room. sagegreen living room ideasoffer calming and revitalizing qualities, making it the perfect shade for this space.'

8. Recycle a retro closet

A tired old display case can be brought back to life with a thoughtful upcycle with delightful useseasy DIY ideas. Tidy up, paint in a bright statement color and use to display valuable items.

For more themes, you could keep items or memorabilia related to the period the furniture is from here.

9. Make the most of bay windows

"If you work withBay window ideas, consider building a window seat with storage underneath,” suggests Ann Marie of AMC Design. "This is a great way to utilize potentially wasted space while also serving as another form of seating."

The installation of drawers creates additional storage space and is much more practical than a hinged lid. Use the angled end piece as a built-in side table and add cushions for comfort.

10. Combine open and closed storage

Decorate your living room with smart shelves that are both open and closed. Create a display opportunity by making a modular shelving unit the focal point of your space.

Then arrange your open shelves with a mix of books and decoration, reserving the covered shelves for the more practical things - or just the less attractive pieces!

11. Use fluted glass to conceal clutter in style

Glass cabinets look super chic, but they're not the best when you need to hide clutter or everyday essentials. Replace your glass front with a fluted option that will blur the interior and help conceal it. You still have a general idea of ​​the shapes inside, so try to stack and sort them neatly.

12. Build storage in seating

If your living room is on the small side, make the most of every inch of space. A great way to do this is to forego a traditional sofa and instead opt for a built-in bench that adds storage below and to each side.

Paint the whole thing the same color as youColor schemes in the living roommeans it blends seamlessly into space and it's not obvious that it's storing a multitude of sins!

13. Use architectural features

Make the most of every nook and cranny for your living room storage ideas by adapting existing architectural features.

Disguise an unused chimney breast by building a frame that's slightly wider than the chimney breast and covering it in two waysWall covering ideas. The dado-height division of the panels provides a small ledge for storing and displaying artwork, while slim shelves can be used to store books, accessories and knick-knacks.

14. Hide WFH clutter

Your living room is already working hard as a space for relaxation, entertainment, and playtime, so you don't need paperwork cluttering every surface either.

Choose clever freestanding furniture for yourIdeas for the home officeSo you can hide all the important things of the working day after 5 p.m., like a closet with a desk. A secretary desk also fits well in a living room, or a coffee table that converts into a desk could also be a good option.

Opt for a multifunctional TV and media storage that accommodates all important things in one go.

“Creating a bespoke floor-to-ceiling unit will help maximize living room storage ideas,” says Philipp Nagel, Director,Neat blacksmith(opens in new tab). “When organizing the unit, consider the items and the space they will take up. Deeper objects should be stored below and shallower objects should be stored higher, so that the device is not too heavy or unnecessarily encroaching on the room.”

16. Choose side tables with "secret" storage

Find a home for remote controls, coasters, or other essentials you need within easy reach of the sofa but don't want to clutter up your tabletops.

Look for neat nesting tables that can be used separately, or when clipped together, the smallest becomes a handy stash for knick-knacks.

17. Stow pillows and blankets in an ottoman

Opt for packable storage so you can stash living room essentials out of sight. A roomy ottoman with a flip-up lid is great for hiding spare pillows, bulky blankets, or children's toys.

Choose one that matches yours in colorIdeas for sofas in the living roomor seating, or choose a standalone piece in a contrasting color or neutral leather.

18. Cleaned up quickly with a basket

Invest in a sturdy tubstorage basketwhich can be tucked under a coffee table or seated next to a sofa or armchair. An ingenious stuff catcher for books, magazines, iPads or knitwear, just throw everything in at the end of the evening and tidy up quickly.

Buy now:Southwold Star-Korb, £ 30, Garden Trading(opens in new tab)

19. Choose a flexible system

Start small or scale up… Choosing a modular system gives you the flexibility to do both. Look for quality plywood stacking systems with different sized modules that can be configured depending on the space available. It's easy enough to swap things out if you want a different look, or tidy to fit in a different space.

Buy now:BOB Storage System, from £240 for a single cube unit, Bisley(opens in new tab)

20. Store from floor to ceiling

Utilize every inch by taking your storage from floor to ceiling. It's best to be custom made, built in here so you have a perfect fit for any alcove or corner you're making the most of. Opt for a combination of shelves and cabinets to make room for display and to hide the less beautiful things.

21. Make multipurpose shelves

Create a place to sit on your laptop or do admin without ruining the aesthetic of your living room. as soon as you knowhow to set up a floating shelfYou can easily create a wall of storage and display space with paperwork hidden in file folders.

Make sure the bottom shelf is at desk height and wide enough to hold your WFH essentials. Keeping it wider than the above won't spoil the sleek look.

Buy now:Form Cusko floating shelves, from £14, B&Q(opens in new tab)

22. Hang wall baskets for easy access

Target clutter hotspots by installing easily accessible storage that encourages even the youngest members of the family to put things away. Attach a pair of sturdy metal hooks to the wall at staggered heights and hook a basket with a handle on each.

Wicker baskets are great for quickly tidying up toys, books, magazines, iPads and other things that like to be lying around at the end of the day. Also, they work wonderfully asIdeas for the wall design in the living room, which is always a plus.

Buy now:Holkham utility baskets, £35 each, Garden Trading(opens in new tab)

23. Turn the shelf on its side

Turn an awkward alcove into a storage option with a bespoke arrangement. Use regular wooden cubes or box shelves, but instead of attaching them to the wall in a straight line, place the shelves in a diagonal array. Paint the shelves the same color as the wall for a chic, streamlined look, then fill them with your favorite books.

24. Choose multifunctional parts

Save space with a coffee table, footstool and storage combination. Look for neat storage barrels with removable lids that can be lifted to reveal a cave of hidden storage inside. Perfect for blankets, pillows, board games and an extra seat in an emergency.

25. Style your shelfies

Soften the harsh lines of a dark shelf with a selection of plants. Choose drooping varieties and frothy foliage, and mix and match different heights and shapes to bring the look to life. Choosing a coherent color scheme helps showcase your collections—three to four colors is perfect.

"Remember that plants and greenery bring life to your shelves, so make sure you include them to bring a sense of nature indoors and to ground the space," advises Emma of Kelling Designs.

26. Add floating shelves

Floating shelves are an easy way to create elegant and streamlined living room storage ideas. Paint the shelves the same color as the wall to dress them up, or a contrasting shade to make them sing in the room.

27. Use a combination of storage

Keep your space from feeling cluttered by adding baskets to your shelves. This dual use of storage space helps keep things organized and makes the space feel less busy overall.

Also, it's perfect if you're a fan of color schemes and everyday clutter looks a little too messy in combination.

28. Opt for a wall-to-wall system

Invest in shelves that run from wall to wall in a living room. A row of open shelving or glass fronted cabinets spanning a living room wall gives you plenty of space to display your favorite finds.

Pair it with low cabinets or drawers for easy access to everyday items that aren't as pleasing to the eye.

29. Get IKEA hacking

We love to discoverIKEA-Hacks- and they're perfect for living room storage ideas. Pushing a number of Ivar units together creates an unobtrusive, economical storage and display space for all your living room clutter.

Store your books and games in it to keep them neat and out of the way. Paint white for a simple finish.

Buy now:Ivar cupboards, £65, IKEA(opens in new tab)

30. Frame a window to utilize space

Make the most of space by framing windows with bespoke storage. Realize the full potential of unused wall space, especially at height, with integrated storage solutions.

Window seat ideasoffer the perfect place to sit and make you feel a little bit closer to the outside world.

31. Repurpose vintage storage cases

Give new life and purpose to old, beloved pieces for an eclectic interior full of charm. A storage case not only adds a sense of history to a room, but it can also double as a coffee table.

32. Consider ladder style shelves

Upgrade your storage with ladder style shelving. A lopsided ladder shelf is a great way to add storage space without cluttering a living room.

Not only are they an interesting alternative to more conventional shelving, but they are also perfect for brighter rooms or rooms with limited space. Be sure to fix the frame to the wall for safety.

33. Use narrow furniture in alcoves

Make the most of the available space to create storage ideas for your living room. Many living rooms have alcoves on either sidefireplace ideas, this provides a natural solution for storage. The ideal choice is custom-made cabinets and shelves, but they can be expensive.

Cut costs with clever freestanding furniture. Use tall, narrow units to make the most of every square inch of storage space on offer.

34. Go bargain hunting

You should be able to pick up good quality, sturdy, solid wood, vintage pieces for a lot less than you would pay for them new.

Antique shop fittings and cabinets work great in modern homes as they offer well-organized storage in a unique piece of furniture full of character and personality.

35. Work with an unused chimney

If you have an unused fireplace, it's tempting to block it up or use it as living spaceLog storage ideasor an electric fire. Hopefully you won't need extra warmth in the warmer months, so put them in a cupboard and use the alcove for storage.

Think stacks of colour-coded books, your favorite magazines, or a curated collection of vases and lanterns.

How do I maximize storage space in my living room?

There are many ways to add volume to your living room storage ideas, starting with swapping out old furniture for multipurpose pieces.

"Your sofa should work for you, not the other way around," stresses Dani Burroughs, Head of Product,Cozy(opens in new tab). “So if you find yourself short on space, think about looking for sofas with storage options. Great for those who are more of a minimalist than a clutter scavenger, a sofa that has the option to raise the seats to reveal ample storage space is the perfect way to stash everyday items.”

“A footstool with storage is another great multifunctional option, ideal for occasional seating or as a place for a serving tray,” continues Dani. 'The handy hidden storage underneath is the perfect spot for magazines and extra cozy throws.'

Built in storage and shelving is a must,” adds Juliette Thomas, Founder.Julia's interior(opens in new tab). “Living rooms are often spaces for entertaining, so keep the floor clean and tidy and hide items that aren't used every day in a conspicuous storage space. Whether built into the alcoves or as a stunning freestanding bookcase, it can be a beautiful feature to admire.”

How do you organize a cluttered living room?

Start by determining the main purpose of the room. Is it a living room and also a playground? Is it a place where you have to work? Maybe it's a place to relax and read. For most of us these days, our living spaces have multiple purposes, but try to figure out what the space will be used for to figure out what living room storage ideas you need to store in relation to what you actually need.

"Sort the items into categories," advises Rob Ellis, Head of Design,linger(opens in new tab). “Favourite items to display, items that are used every day (like remote controls, laptops) and others that can be put away and are rarely needed.”

“Consider putting the items you don't need for display in cabinets,” Rob continues. “Display your favorite items such as books, vases or photographs on a beautiful bookshelf or freestanding shelves that also offer easy accessibility. Manage everyday items in zones, such as B. a tray on a coffee table for a remote control.”

Hiding children's things also helps to create clutterFamily living room ideas. "If, like me, you enjoy the look of a more grown-up room after the kids have gone to bed, make sure you choose furniture to suit your tastes, too," says Vicky Silverthorn, Professional Organizer atYou need a Vicky(opens in new tab). “You can still buy storage cubes, which are great for storing children's toys, just buy them without the figures or in primary colors. Instead, choose baskets and boxes in colors and styles that still look chic and sophisticated. '

How to organize shelves in the living room?

Go for a mix of open and closed shelving for your living room storage ideas so you still have plenty of room to hide the "ugly" stuff. Open shelving is great for displaying books, vases, and accessories, but things like extra candles, workout DVDs, and game consoles are better suited to living behind closed doors.

Think balance and symmetry when organizing your living room shelves, yes they are there as a handy tool for storing your stuff, but they can look pretty too!

"When it comes to the art of presenting, you should set the look before you start, so that it's styled haphazardly, but isn't just a bunch of objects that you've positioned," explains Emma von Kelling designs. “You want to achieve a beautiful and balanced look so always plan, test and if you feel like you have one too many then you are probably right and should remove something. Always use odd numbers and group things in groups of three or five - odd numbers help increase balance and are much easier on the eye.'

Additional words from Lisa Fazzani and Holly Walsh