Getting organized and decluttering your living rooms can seem daunting, but with some clever living room storage ideas and stylish storage solutions, you can create a tidy and stylish space. From built-ins to repurposed furniture, here are 45 expanded living room ideas to help organize your clutter and make the most of your small space.
1. Built-in storage with bookshelves and cabinetry for maximum space
Custom built-ins are the ultimate way to maximize every inch of space in your living room. Floor-to-ceiling wooden bookcases with adjustable shelves let you store books, display collectibles, and hide away clutter behind cabinet doors. Incorporate media centers with concealed storage for gaming consoles, DVDs, and streaming devices. Add a window bench or drawers for extra blanket and linen storage. Built-ins can also incorporate window seats, media centers, and glass-fronted display hutches all in one unified storage solution tailored to your space.
2. Window seats with hidden storage underneath
Turn wasted space into storage space with a window seat bench that lifts up or has drawers underneath for blankets, board games, or office supplies. Add comfy cushions on top to create extra seating and utilize the hidden storage underneath. Opt for drawer fronts that match your modern living room decor. Window seats are great for stashing those extra throw pillows and spare blankets without cluttering up your main living space.
3. Storage ottomans double as extra seating
Look for padded ottomans or storage benches that have lift-up lids or drawers inside to discretely stash away spare blankets, books, magazines, or pet toys. The flat tops can be used as extra seating, footrests, or makeshift coffee tables in a pinch. Larger square or cube ottomans are ideal for holding board games, craft supplies, seasonal linens, or even hiding pet food bowls. Storage ottomans provide seating and storage all in one.
4. Console tables behind sofas for display and storage
Slim console tables tucked behind sofas are great for displaying decorative items like plants, candles, framed photos or coffee table books while also providing practical enclosed storage space. Opt for a long console with shelves above to show off your favorite pieces and cabinets or drawers below to hide electronic cords, TV remotes, streaming device chargers and other visual media accessories.
5. Unique bookcases like ladders or geometric shapes
Make a bookcase a focal point by using an unexpected shape or material. Try a rustic wood leaning ladder shelf packed with colorful books and reading nook accessories or modern black wire geometric shelves to hold vases and other objets d’art. Floating zigzag or corner shaped shelves are fun too. Unique bookcases will get attention.
6. Cubby shelving for concealed storage behind doors
For a streamlined, clean look, use built-in or free-standing cubbies with doors to fully hide kids toys, pet supplies, clutter or anything else you want out of sight. Adjustable shelves allow customization for different item sizes. Label the interior shelves to keep cubbies neatly organized. Cubby storage design is great for concealing kids’ toys when the company is over.
7. Media consoles with cabinets and open shelving Ideas
Media consoles allow you to completely hide away gaming consoles, DVDs, streaming devices and all those unattractive but necessary media accessories behind closed cabinet doors, while open shelving can aesthetically display decorative objects, books, houseplants and collectibles. Look for electric fireplace media consoles to add warmth and ambiance.
8. Trunk coffee tables for linen and blanket storage
Vintage leather trunks or lift-top upholstered storage ottomans offer abundant hidden space to store extra blankets, board games, books, or seasonal accessories out of sight but within reach. Look for a trunk or ottoman table with interior organizers, trays or drawers. Storage tables keep items accessible yet hidden.
9. Storage benches with lift-up lids or drawers
Comfortable padded benches are space-saving seating options, especially designs with hidden storage under the cushion or flip-up hinged seats. Store guest pillows and blankets, pet supplies, chargers or seasonal linens inside. Look for sturdy wooden benches with plenty of interior space or a padded seat with drawers.
10. Repurposed furniture like dressers or hutches for storage
Give old wooden dressers, buffets, or glass-fronted china hutches new life as functional living room storage solutions. The multitude of drawers and adjustable shelves provide tons of versatile storage options. Use a dresser for neatly displaying framed photos and accessorizing with decorative lamp and plant styling. Reserve a vintage hutch for showing off collectible dishware.
11. Floating wall shelves for books and collectibles
Install floating ledges or staggered wall-mounted shelves which can be artfully styled with hardcover books, houseplants, framed family photos, souvenirs or any items you want creatively displayed. Floating shelves create quick and easy storage and display space, especially in small living rooms.
12. Wall-mounted cabinets for hidden storage
Take advantage of vertical real estate with wall mounted cabinets for fully concealed storage. Choose from modern metal and wood cabinets, rustic distressed wood hutches, or sleek glass-fronted cabinets to match your living room decor. Recessed wall cabinets maximize space.
13. Secretary desks for paperwork and office supplies
A compact secretary desk with pigeon-hole shelves, cubbies and drawers can neatly organize mail, office supplies, bills, and paperwork. Look for a desk with a fold-down front to save space when closed. Many feature neatly organized cubbies, shelves and nooks to corral all your home office items.
14. Coat racks or hooks for hanging blankets and bags
Entryway staples like free-standing coat racks, wall hooks, or mounted coat racks are handy for draping throws and blankets over when not in use. Plus you can hang purses, hats, scarves and bags to keep them easily accessible but out of the way and off furniture pieces. Use hooks creatively to free up space on your furniture pieces.
15. Under-shelf lighting to illuminate displays
Install battery-operated or plug-in LED strip lighting underneath shelves or inside cabinetry to dramatically and showcase displayed decorative objects, books, and wall art. Both low-profile adhesive strip lights and cabinet-mountable puck lights are available. Under cabinet lighting creates dramatic displays.
16. Slim Console Tables Behind Sofas Save Living Room Space
The narrow rectangular footprint of console tables makes them ideal backups for sofa storage that don’t take up valuable floor space. Position up against the back wall with just a few inches of clearance between the sofa and console table. Floating shelves can also provide hidden storage.
17. Colorful and artistic built-ins as focal points
Make your storage a bold statement by using contrasting colors, varied materials like wood and metal mixes, decorative hardware and accent lighting. Try an eclectic mix of open shelving and brightly colored cabinetry. Add whimsical wallpaper or painted patterns inside shelves. Paint the back wall a dramatic hue.
18. Glass-front cabinets to dust-proof collectibles
Display your finest collectibles, curios and decor items inside glass cabinetry to keep them pristine and safe from dust and curious hands. Glass fronts and doors elegantly show off china, ceramics, geodes, crystals or any items you want visible but protected inside the case. Illuminate with built-in lighting.
19. Shelves styled by color for a cohesive look
Group like items on shelves by color—white decor objects together, blue and green glassware together, metallic vases together—for a clean, coordinated look. Continue the color scheme into baskets, frames and bins for harmony. Add pops of contrasting colors for interest.
20. Baskets on shelves or under tables for catch-alls
Decorative woven baskets are great for stashing TV remotes, charging cables, car keys, sunglasses and other small clutter out of sight. Use lidded baskets, divided desktop organizers or wall-mounted letter holder shelves for concealed clutter control. Nest baskets atop shelves, tuck under tables, or stash by sofas.
21. Modular shelf systems for customizable storage
Mix and match modular shelving units with cabinetry components to create the perfect custom storage solution. Modulars allow you to configure open and closed storage to suit media items, collectibles, books, display objects, and curios. Easily reconfigure modules as needs change.
22. Wall shelves mounted at various heights for interest
Stack floating ledges or wall-mounted shelves at different staggered levels going up the wall to create an artistic, almost random display while storing everyday items. Add interest with varied depths, finishes and materials like wood planks, tempered glass, distressed metal or capiz shell.
23. Storage bins and baskets to organize kids’ toys
Corral toys into labeled canvas bins and lidded wicker baskets so kids can easily access them when playing. When playtime is over, neatly tuck them away onto shelves, inside cubbies or cabinetry to keep clutter hidden but accessible. Colorful bins create a playful feel.
24. Sofas and benches with under-seat storage
Lift-up bench cushions or sofas with large hidden pull-out drawers can neatly conceal kids toys, pet leashes, linens, out of season clothes or anything else you want out of sight but still easily reachable with the lift of a hinged cushion.
25. Repurposed ladder, crates or trunks for linen storage
Use an old painted ladder for draping quilts and blankets over the rungs. Or cleanly stack vintage apple crates and affix cushion tops to create storage end tables. Floral jewelry chests are great for holding blankets. Prop ladders against a wall or stack crates and trunks to make end tables.
26. Coffee tables with storage cubbies or shelves
Lift-top coffee tables with interior storage compartments or designs with open lower display shelving provide easy everyday access storage for TV/gaming remotes, chargers, coasters, magazines and more right at your fingertips in the living room.
27. Stylish bar carts on wheels for serving storage
A sleek metal frame bar cart with wheels and glass shelves offers portable storage for liquors, mixers, glassware and other cocktail or coffee supplies so you can easily roll it wherever needed. Use a bold lacquered or antiqued metal finish cart to complement your living room.
28. Built-in window seats with storage inside
Window seats maximize space with lift-up cushions hiding storage for stashing extra throw pillows, blankets, books, reading glasses, or even keeping out of season clothing easily accessible but out of sight. Add built-in drawer fronts or cubbies for concealed storage access.
29. Stacked books and boxes as organic decor ideas
Artfully stacked decorative books or ornamental trunks and boxes make interesting one-of-a-kind shelving units and side tables while doubling as storage for small items. Try different orientations, alternating sizes, or even stacking baskets.
30. Magazine racks for organizing reading material
Wall-mounted metal and wood magazine racks with dividers neatly corral magazines, catalogs, newspapers and reading materials in one organized spot. Keep them on countertops or mounted to the wall and within arm’s reach of seating. Some designs include a file rack compartment.
31. Small end tables with drawers or lower shelves
Compact end tables with at least one drawer or open lower display shelf provide surface space while also storing TV remotes, tablets, books, reading glasses, chargers and more right at your fingertips alongside seating. Nesting tables save space.
32. Decorative boxes and trunks for tabletop storage
Vintage cigar boxes, fabric-lined jewelry cases, macrame lidded baskets, embroidered hat boxes and handcrafted wooden chests add style when used to corral clutter on shelves, side and end tables. Use medium-sized boxes to hide remotes.
33. Floating wall cabinets for concealed storage
Take advantage of vertical wall space above eye level with rectangular or cube-shaped floating cabinets to store clutter, office supplies or media items you want completely hidden away. Great above desks, media stands, beds, or sofas.
34. Mirrors inside cabinet doors to reflect light
Strategically placed mirrors on the back of glass-fronted cabinet doors help reflect and distribute natural light to make small living rooms feel more spacious. Try using antique mercury mirrors to add a glam statement.
35. Pretty baskets under console tables or benches
Handwoven rattan, seagrass or bamboo lidded baskets discreetly tucked under console tables, benches, or side tables keep clutter out of sight while adding natural texture. Use fabric-lined baskets to further mute the contents.
36. Roll-out shelves or drawers in built-ins
Maximize custom built-ins by incorporating roll-out trays, shelves, or drawers to optimize every inch of storage space. Great for organizing media components in a built-in corner entertainment center or office supplies in a drop-down desk.
37. Pull-out desks in cabinetry for home offices
A retractable desk or fold-down workspace concealed in living room cabinetry is perfect for small home offices that need to seamlessly disappear when not in use. Lower cabinetry can store office supplies, paperwork and tech.
38. Glass-door cabinets to display china or barware
Illuminate and elegantly display special dishware, delicate glasses or decorative objects behind glass cabinet doors lined with tiny interior lights for dramatic effect. Glass-front cabinets become artful displays.
39. Closed storage with open display shelving above
Strike a balance in storage units by pairing closed cabinets or drawers below for hiding items with open display shelving above for showing off your style. Great for displaying some accessories while concealing others.
40. Tall bookcases flanking fireplaces utilize dead space
Take advantage of the awkward space flanking fireplaces by building in or placing tall bookcases, media cabinets, or shelving on both sides. This transforms unused space into abundant storage while adding architectural interest.
41. Stylish storage furniture like ottomans and trunks
On-trend tufted leather or floral-tapestry covered ottomans and ornately carved vintage trunks lend style while also providing abundant hidden storage for out of season bedding, board games, office supplies, extra pillows, kids items and more.
42. Rolling carts for kids’ toy storage
Instantly clear toy clutter from view by storing kids toys, art supplies, and activities in colorful rolling storage carts or bins that tuck away in closets when company comes over. Some feature convenient fabric covered bins for grab-and-go cleaning.
43. Custom alcove shelving and cabinetry built-ins
Maximize unused alcoves in your living room by designing custom built-in shelving, cabinets, and drawers tailored to perfectly fit the unique dimensions of the space. Built-ins prevent wasted space in alcoves.
44. Furniture on legs or casters for visual lightness
Benches, slender console tables, and media units placed on wooden legs or rolling casters have an airy, light look that makes small living rooms feel more spacious and open. Lifted furniture reveals more floor space.
45. Woven baskets and fabric bins for toy and linen storage
Natural woven jute baskets or colorful printed fabric storage cubes are an attractive way to conceal kids’ toys, blankets, and other items while keeping them easily accessible. Use lidded baskets to organize shelves or fabric cube storage to neatly corral play areas.
With a well-planned mix of open display shelves, closed storage cabinets, and thoughtfully selected multi-functional furniture, you can create a living room that is both beautiful and highly organized. Use these detailed and expanded storage ideas to design a personalized space that suits your unique style and organizational needs.
