Clever Storage Solutions for the Living Room

You may not initially think about storage issues when you design your living room; you’re likely more focused on whether to hang southwestern metal wall sculptures or contemporary black metal wall decor above the fireplace mantle. But you will soon discover that you need places to keep things. Space can become a real issue when it comes to finding a solution to this problem. The trick is to find clever storage solutions for the living room that work well with your available space without ruining your desired decor.

There are actually plenty of ways to hide items that you are storing without resorting to carting them up to the attic or hauling them down to the basement. Here are just a few examples of what you can do to find clever storage solutions for your living room that also function in other capacities as well:

Multi-Function Furniture

Most people choose furniture pieces that double as clever storage solutions for the living room to maximize the value they get for their money. Entertainment centers, media cabinets, bookcases, coffee tables, and end tables can all be ideal storage places, but footlockers and similar furniture/accessories can serve dual purposes as well. You can find great pieces at secondhand shops, yard sales, home décor retailers, antique stores, and much more, often at great prices if you know where to look.

Multi-function furniture is trendy, and offers a variety of ways to allow the purchaser to store items. For instance, if you choose a coffee table with built-in storage, you will likely get at least one large compartment for storing items. You can use that one large area, or you can organize small baskets or boxes for what will seem like multiple storage areas.

Accessories With Storage Options

If you have already purchased the furniture that you want for your living room, and it offers little or no storage capacity, you have the option of choosing accessories with storage built in. It may take some research to find things that blend with your décor without breaking the bank, but there are many options available for those who do some work. Here are some ideas:

Shadow boxes were very popular during the first part of the 1900s, and started coming back in fashion recently. They are essentially framed mirrors with shelving, but they are very attractive and hold a few items such as knick-knacks or seasonal decorations.

Ottomans are relatively inexpensive, and make very clever storage areas for light blankets, seasonal decorations, throw pillows, and similar items. They tuck in a corner or under a coffee table when not in use.

Storage containers, such as the style designed for under-bed use, can be slid under a couch if there is room, but this can look tacky under a high couch. This is a great option if your couch as a skirt along the bottom, or the container is small enough to be pushed out of sight.

Turn a bookcase into a storage solution for your living room with some extra elbow grease and a few building materials. You can use a hinge, handle, and cabinet door to create a “door” for a shelf on your bookshelf. Or add decorative lidded boxes to your bookshelf. This gives you some extra space for storing different things, such as movies, books, candles, breakables, or seasonal items.