As promised in my last post 5 Tips to Create a Kid-friendly (and Parent-friendly) Living Room, today we will explore storage solutions for the living room. We all know that if you want to keep your family/living room looking chic, organized, clutter-free and functional, then you need creative and stylish storage solutions. But how do you go about containing the never-ending problem of toys, books, gaming devices, DVD’s, etc.? Your answers may lie in built-in bookshelves, multi-purpose furniture, and storage baskets!
Built-in Bookshelves
Built-in bookshelves make the most of empty wall space and can work miracles in hiding clutter! Consider using base cabinets for the bottom of your built-ins in order to store the more unsightly items. Open shelving on top are great for housing books and decorative accessories.
Often times our flat-screen televisions are the main focal point in the room. Creating built-ins around your flat screen beautifies this focal point while providing ample storage for electronic devices, board games, and toys.
Of course, custom built-ins can quickly become cost-prohibitive for many of us. Fortunately, my DIY community always has a cheaper solution! Consider buying several ready-made bookshelves and creating a “built-in bookshelf” using molding and painter’s caulk.
Multi-purpose Furniture
Built-in benches and window seats with hidden storage are fantastic options to consider when space planning your family/living room. Instead of adding a sofa to an open wall, consider building a storage bench that can also function as additional seating.
Coffee Tables and ottomans are another area that you can sneak in extra storage! Make your ottoman work harder and smarter for you by finding those with removable tops. If a new ottoman isn’t in the budget, create a family friendly coffee table that is ready for game night. Store board games beneath your table and coat the top with chalkboard paint for some added whimsy!
Baskets
Baskets are my all-time favorite “go-to” solution for clutter control! I use baskets in every room in my home to organize and disguise unsightly messes. In the bookcase below, all of those pretty matching containers could be hiding legos, puzzle pieces, card games, children’s magazines, craft supplies, and even play-doh! Granted, I typically keep those items more easily accessible for my kiddos but if you are tight on space and don’t want to sacrifice beauty it can certainly be done.
A wall of baskets hides a plethora of family fun. If you’re not able to devote an entire wall in your family room to basket storage, try incorporating baskets on bookshelves, beneath end tables, and beneath coffee tables.
By incorporating built-in bookshelves, multi-purpose furniture, and creative storage containers in your family room your clutter will be tamed and your kids will still feel welcomed!
