As a parent, keeping your living room tidy can be a constant battle against the onslaught of toys. No matter how diligent you are about putting toys away, they always seem to end up strewn across the floor. The solution lies in creating clever hidden storage spaces specially designed to corral all those playthings. With a little creativity and forethought, you can keep your living room looking neat and organized even with young kids in the house. Here are 36 hidden toy storage ideas to help you keep your living room tidy.
Clever Toy Boxes and Baskets
A classic toy box is a simple go-to solution for toy storage. Look for large decorative trunks or lidded baskets that can hold a sizable amount of toys.
1. Storage Ottomans
Oversized ottomans with lift-up lids offer seating and hidden storage in one. Choose one in a fun color or pattern to add style. Place it in the center of the room or next to chairs to hold toys.
2. Blanket Boxes
These lidded chests are designed to store blankets but work great for toys too. Look for one with a safety hinge to prevent little fingers from getting caught.
3. Fabric Bins
Large fabric bins or baskets are perfect for holding stuffed animals, dolls, and other soft toys. Get different colors to easily separate toys.
4. Wooden Crates
Vintage-style wooden crates lend a rustic feel. Stash them under tables or stack them in a corner to hold art supplies, blocks, and more.
5. Storage Cubes
Get a set of fabric covered cubes to neatly organize small toys like cars, action figures, or plastic animals. They provide easy access for kids.
6. Toy Chest Benches
Chests that double as benches are a smart solution for entryways. Kids can grab toys before heading out to play.
7. Wicker Hampers
Large lidded wicker hampers add texture and can hold everything from balls to board games. Place one next to the couch for easy access.
8. Leather Trunks
Choose a polished leather or leather-like trunk with buckles to add sophistication while securely stashing toys.
9. Canvas Bins
Stackable canvas bins in multiple sizes allow you to customize storage. Use them to divide toys by type or child.
10. Rustic Crates
Galvanized metal or wood crates give a rustic vibe. Use them to store chunky toys like blocks and trucks.
Sneaky Bookshelf Storage
Bookcases don’t have to just display books. Use them to stash toys behind doors or in baskets to keep clutter at bay.
11. Cabinet Bookcases
Bookshelves with cabinet doors allow you to neatly hide toys away behind closed doors. Mount them low enough for kids to access.
12. Cubby Organizers
Insert cloth cubbies or boxes into bookcase shelving to create custom spaces for different toys. Use labels to identify contents.
13. Pull-Out Baskets
Install pull-out woven baskets under bookshelves to utilize all that empty space below for additional toy storage.
14. Book Boxes
Place colorful book boxes on shelves to hold art supplies, small toys, or blocks. They are easy for little hands to pull down.
15. Sliding Door Cabinets
Look for bookcases with sliding doors that glide horizontally to conceal toy clutter. Great for media rooms.
16. Wall Pockets
Hang fabric pockets or cubbies on the wall next to bookcases. Let kids use them to store their own toys.
17. Lidded Baskets
Tuck lidded wicker baskets amongst books to hold stuffed animals, dolls, cars, or blocks while keeping a neat look.
18. Drawer Units
Stack small drawers or cubbies in bookcases to organize miniature toys, figurines, plastic animals, and more.
19. Bookends
Flanking books with decorative bookends creates an area in the middle to discreetly stash toys.
Under Furniture Spots
Tuck baskets under furniture like couches, chairs, tables, and beds to take advantage of valuable hidden real estate.
20. Coffee Table Lift Tops
Many coffee tables have lift-up tops perfect for storing toys right in the living room for easy access.
21. Under Couch Storage
Skirt a couch with fabric and add plastic bins underneath to discretely hold toys right within reach.
22. Under Chair Storage
Stash baskets or boxes under chairs to hold toys. Just be sure to leave leg room.
23. Under Bed Bins
Clear under bed bins allow you to quickly see contents. Let kids access their own toys.
24. Under Desk Storage
Tuck small crates or baskets under a desk to hold art supplies, fidget toys, or reading materials.
25. Under Table Toy Boxes
Boxes under the living room or playroom table keep toys nearby while hiding clutter.
26. Under Bench Baskets
Benches with open bottoms or lift seats provide plenty of space for toy baskets.
27. Under Ottomans
Square or cube ottomans with open bottoms offer lots of hidden storage for baskets underneath.
28. Under Side Tables
Nestle baskets under petite side tables, just be sure to allow leg room. Great for small play spaces.
29. Under TV Consoles
TV stands often have open shelving perfect for toy bins. Just watch out for cords.
Toy-Stashing Furniture
Seek out furniture with built-in storage like drawers, cabinets and cubbies to tuck away toys.
30. Storage Sofas
Sofas with storage in the arms or under seats let you stash toys right in the living room.
31. Storage Ottomans
Look for ottomans with lift-up lids or removable tops to reveal ample space for toy storage inside.
32. Toy Chest End Tables
End tables with toy chests built right in offer discreet storage beside seating areas.
33. Cabinets with Doors
Entertainment centers, sideboards and hutches with doors keep toy clutter out of sight but easily accessible.
34. Toy Organizers
All-in-one organizers with cubbies, shelves and bins provide a dedicated toy storage station.
35. Storage Beds
Beds with built-in drawers allow kids to stash their own toys within arm’s reach.
36. Storage Benches
Entryway benches that open to reveal interior storage offer grab-and-go toy convenience.
Keeping it Organized
Utilize a few extra tips and methods to keep your living room looking tidy despite rows of toy bins.
- Use coordinated bins and baskets that blend with your décor for a cohesive look.
- Label toy containers so kids can easily put toys back where they belong after playtime.
- Rotate toys by only making a portion available at one time to reduce clutter.
- Purge toys a few times a year to remove items they’ve outgrown or lost interest in.
- Have a toy check-in spot near the door where playthings go as soon as kids get home.
- Get toy boxes with padded seats so kids have a comfy spot to sit and sort toys.
- Involve kids in cleanup and offer rewards like stickers for putting toys away properly.
- Designate spaces just for your kids’ prized toy collections to avoid taking over common areas.
- Stick to a routine of straightening up the living room before bedtime to reset each evening.
Keeping your living room presentable despite the flurry ofkid play can feel like an uphill battle. But with a little strategic planning, you can carved out smart hidden storage spots that allow you to neatly tuckaway toys when not in use. Get creative with storage ottomans, under-furniture bins, cabinet bookshelves and toy chest furniture to maintain a tidy space. Establish routines and involve kids in cleanup to help instill organization habits. With these clever toy storage ideas, you can keep your living room clutter-free and enjoy the precious playtime without the permanent mess.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hidden Toy Storage for Tidy Living Rooms
What are some good rules for toy organization?
Some helpful toy organization rules include:
- Sort toys into categories like blocks, stuffed animals, art supplies, etc. and store them together
- Label all storage bins and baskets so kids can put toys away properly
- Only keep out a few bins of toys at a time and rotate selections
- Purge toys a few times a year to remove unused items
- Have kids put toys away in their storage spots after use
- Designate a daily pickup time to tidy and reset the room
How can you creatively disguise toy storage?
Some ways to creatively disguise toy storage include:
- Use storage ottomans or benches that double as seating
- Place lidded baskets on bookshelves alongside books
- Use open bookcases or cubbies to partition toys behind partial walls
- Tuck toy bins under tables, chairs, sofas, and beds
- Look for chests and trunks designed to resemble décor pieces
- Opt for cabinets and shelving units with doors to conceal contents
What toy storage solutions keep rooms looking neat?
Toy storage solutions that help keep rooms looking neat include:
- Bins and baskets in matching colors or fabrics
- Neutral colored storage pieces that blend into the decor
- Lidded boxes and chests that fully conceal contents
- Labels so toys can be easily returned to their designated spots
- Rotating a limited number of toys at once
- Furniture like storage ottomans that serve dual functions
- Built-in shelving and cabinetry for a streamlined look
Where are some unconventional places to store kids’ toys?
Some unconventional places to store kids’ toys include:
- Under couch cushions or under the couch itself
- In between books on a bookshelf
- Inside chests or ottomans with lift-up lids
- Underneath beds, tables, chairs, sideboards, or TV consoles
- In closets, pantries, or laundry rooms
- Behind doors mounted with fabric cubbies or wall pockets
- In the backs of cabinet bookcases
- Under lids of storage benches or entryway chests
- On top of cabinets or the fridge if space allows
How can you get kids to put away their own toys?
Strategies to get kids to put away their own toys include:
- Make cleanup time fun with music, races, or getting them involved
- Offer rewards like stickers charts or small treats for tidying up
- Set limits for the number of toys allowed out at once
- Put kids in charge of their own toy bins/baskets
- Establish daily or weekly pickup times as a routine
- Lead by example and avoid tidying up for them
- Praise them when they put toys away properly
- Remind them where everything belongs with labels
- Let them get creative in finding storage spots
Conclusion
Keeping toys neatly stored rather than constantly strewn about the living room may seem impossible if you have young kids. But with clever use of storage ottomans, under-furniture containers, cabinet bookshelves and more, you can craft custom spots to organize all those playthings. Labeling bins, rotating toys and getting kids involved helps teach cleanup habits. Plan toy storage into your living room decor right from the start for a tidy space that makes playtime more enjoyable for the whole family, minus the mess!