Our living rooms are often the most difficult rooms to organize. We want them to be functional and stylish, but it can be difficult to fit all of our stuff into a space that’s not much bigger than a bedroom.
So if you’re looking for some clever storage solutions that will make your living room feel more spacious, we’ve got you covered!
We’ll show you how to maximize your living room’s limited square footage by hiding your TV cables and wires under its coffee table, adding shelves all around the room, repurposing old furniture as storage cabinets even using your ceiling as storage space (yes!).
| Takeaways |
|---|
| – Maximize storage in small spaces with creative solutions like vertical storage solutions and smart furniture choices. |
| – Declutter your living room by organizing shelves and utilizing hidden storage space. |
| – Organize your book collection on a dedicated bookshelf or bookcase by organizing books by author, genre, or color. |
| – Choose furniture that serves multiple purposes to increase storage without sacrificing style. |
| – Mount your TV to free up space and use decorative storage baskets or boxes to hide unsightly cords. |
| – Group decor items in groups of three, five, or seven and mix up textures, colors, and sizes for an appealing look on shelves. |
Have a Storage-Friendly Coffee Table
To maximize your living room space, it’s important to select a coffee table with drawers. This will allow you to store magazines and remote controls on top of the surface, freeing up the top of your couch. Not only that, but they can double as footrests!
If you want to use the coffee table as a place to put your feet up after a long day at work or school, then consider getting one with storage underneath. These tables are also great for storing laptops and other electronics for easy access.
| Coffee Table | Dimensions | Materials | Storage | Brand | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Choice Products Coffee Table | 42″ x 18″ x 23″ | Wood, Metal | 2 Drawers | Best Choice Products | $159.99 |
| Sauder Edge Water Coffee Table | 41.1″ x 23.5″ x 18.9″ | Engineered Wood | Hidden Storage, Lift-Top | Sauder | $189.99 |
| Tangkula Coffee Table | 42.5″ x 23.5″ x 18″ | Wood, Iron | 2 Drawers, Open Lower Shelf | Tangkula | $219.99 |
| Ameriwood Home Carver Coffee Table | 35.4″ x 35″ x 17″ | Wood, Metal | 2 Drawers | Ameriwood Home | $255.99 |
| Ashley Furniture Bolanburg Coffee Table | 46″ x 26″ x 19.75″ | Wood, Veneer | 2 Drawers, Open Shelf | Ashley Furniture | $549.99 |
Choose a coffee table with drawers to maximize your living room space. The Best Choice Products Coffee Table offers ample storage and a trendy industrial design. For a lift-top coffee table with hidden storage, the Sauder Edge Water Coffee Table is a great option.
The Tangkula Coffee Table provides both drawers and an open lower shelf for extra storage space, while the Ameriwood Home Carver Coffee Table offers a sleek and modern design with 2 drawers. Lastly, for a farmhouse look that doubles as storage and display space, check out Ashley Furniture’s Bolanburg Coffee Table.
Add Shelves All Around Your Living Room
A good way to maximize space in your living room is by adding shelves all around. Shelves are great for storing books, magazines, or other items.
You can make them freestanding or built-in; they can be made from wood, metal, or plastic. They’re an easy way to add storage without having to buy a whole new piece of furniture.
Maximize storage in small spaces with creative solutions with our Maximizing Storage in Small Spaces: Creative Solutions for Organizing Your Apartment guide. From vertical storage solutions to smart furniture choices, we’ve got tips and tricks to help you make the most of your limited space.
Hide Your TV Cables And Wires
If you’re tired of looking at all those cables and wires, there are a few different solutions to keep them out of sight.
Cable management boxes, sleeves and kits are available in a variety of sizes and styles to hide your cables, cords, wires and adapters.
They come in clear plastic or wood finishes so they blend in with your home decor. If you want something more stylish than the traditional plastic boxes, look for a cable management sleeve that has fabric on one side so it will match your furniture or wall color better.
If you don’t have enough room on top of your dresser or entertainment center for an entire box full of cables (or if it’s too narrow), consider using a single cable management hider instead.
These handy little devices let you tuck away loose ends behind furniture legs where they won’t be visible from across the room or even from under heavy drapes!
Take your living room to the next level with our Decluttering Your Living Room: A Step-by-Step Guide. From organizing shelves to utilizing hidden storage space, we’ll help you transform your cluttered living room into a serene and inviting space.
Install Storage Under Your Staircase
Under your staircase is a great way to maximize space. You can use the space for storage, or as a desk if you want to work while watching TV.
Pick a Sofa With Built-In Storage
One of the best ways to make use of your space is by choosing a sofa with built-in storage. It’s a smart solution for small living rooms, families and anyone who wants to maximize their available storage space.
You can hide blankets and pillows in the armrests or couch cushions so that they’re not taking up floor space. And if you have kids or pets, this is especially handy because it means they’ll be less likely to destroy them!
Sofas with Built-In Storage:
| Sofa | Dimensions | Materials | Capacity | Brand | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sactional with Storage Seat | Customizable | Fabric, Leather | N/A | Lovesac | $1,720+ |
| KIVIK Sofa Bed | 89 3/4″ x 64 1/8″ x 32 5/8″ | Fabric | Underseat Storage | IKEA | $649 |
| L-Shaped Sectional with Ottoman Storage | 78.5″ x 78.5″ x 34″ | Faux Leather | Ottoman Storage | Best Choice Products | $599.99 |
| Baxton Studios Contemporary Storage Sofa | 72.8″ x 34.6″ x 31.5″ | Faux Leather | Underseat Storage | Baxton Studio | $276.29 |
| Bradyn Chaise Storage Sectional | 103″ x 80″ x 35″ | Fabric | Chaise Storage | Macy’s | $1,999 |
A sofa with built-in storage is a smart solution for maximizing space. Consider the customizable Sactional with Storage Seat from Lovesac for a versatile sofa that can be arranged to fit any living room. For a sofa bed with under-seat storage, check out IKEA’s KIVIK Sofa Bed. The L-shaped sectional with ottoman storage from Best Choice Products gives you ample seating and storage space in one, while the Baxton Studios Contemporary Storage Sofa provides under-seat storage at an affordable price.
Lastly, the Bradyn Chaise Storage Sectional from Macy’s allows you to store items within the chaise, leaving the main seating area uncluttered.
Go For a Wallpaper With Built-In Nooks and Crannies for Storage
You can use the wallpaper as a storage solution. When you’re trying to find ways to make your living room more functional and practical, try incorporating some of the wallpapers we’ve already mentioned into your living room design.
You can use the wallpaper as a decorative element. A lot of people tend to forget that there are other elements in home decorating than just furniture and decorations wallpaper is another one that deserves attention!
You can use the wallpaper as a way to hide cables and wires. No matter how many times you tell yourself that you’ll keep all those cords organized, they always end up getting tangled at some point or another (especially if you have pets).
Wallpaper helps disguise these cables so they don’t distract from what matters most: enjoying time with friends and family!
Keep your living room tidy and stylish with our Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Books in the Living Room. Our guide includes tips on everything from bookshelf organization to creative display ideas that will help you elevate your book storage game.
Use Your Ceiling
Above your head: You can easily get creative and make use of the space above your bed. The easiest way to do this is with a wall-mounted floating shelf, which will give you instant storage for books and other small items. This will also create some additional visual interest in the room, as well as freeing up floor space for additional seating options.
Above kitchen cabinets: If you have cabinets above your sink or stove in the kitchen, it’s likely that they’re fairly deep from front to back. You can maximize this space by adding hooks on which to hang potholders and towels so they’re always within reach when needed without having them cluttering up countertops.
Above bathroom cabinets: This tip applies to bathrooms where there are upper cabinet doors (as opposed to medicine cabinets), but with a little creativity and elbow grease, you can add hanging bars that allow towels and robes easy access without taking up valuable countertop real estate below.
Living room cabinets: If there’s an open wall area next to any piece of furniture like a couch or chair that doesn’t take up too much room (and won’t be crowded out by whatever else is nearby), consider adding hooks for hanging coats or purses; these same hooks could come in handy if used vertically along walls leading toward entryways where people often take off their shoes at night before going inside!
Ceiling Storage Options Above Your Bed:
| Ceiling Storage | Dimensions | Capacity | Materials | Brand | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BedShelfie | 3 sizes: Original, Plus, and Slide | 15 lbs | Bamboo, Birchwood | BedShelfie | $39-$89 |
| Hanging Wall Shelf | 34″ x 15″ x 10″ | N/A | Wood | Pottery Barn | $199 |
| Floating Wall Shelf | 36″ Length | N/A | Wood | West Elm | $99 |
| Wire Wall Grid | 41″ x 30″ | N/A | Metal | Urban Outfitters | $59 |
| Ceiling Mounted Shelves | Customizable | N/A | Wood, Metal | DIY Cartel | $49-$89 |
Utilize the space above your bed with these ceiling storage options. The BedShelfie, available in three sizes, is perfect for holding books and other small items. The hanging wall shelf from Pottery Barn is a statement piece that doubles as functional storage, while the floating wall shelf by West Elm adds a minimalist touch to your room.
For an industrial look, the wire wall grid from Urban Outfitters allows you to switch up your display with clips and hooks. If you’re feeling handy, opt for customizable ceiling-mounted shelves from DIY Cartel to create your own design.
Place Baskets All Around the Room
Another way to maximize the space in your living room is to use baskets. Place them on the coffee table, under it, and on shelves anywhere that will work!
Baskets can help you organize books and magazines as well as cleaning supplies. If you have a lot of stuff that needs sorting out, this may be an easy way for you to find things quickly when they are needed.
Organize Your Magazines on the Wall
You can use an old magazine rack. If you want to go the DIY route, use an old magazine rack by placing it on a wall mount.
For example, this one has three shelves and would be perfect for storing magazines in a living room or family room that has plenty of vertical space.
Or try a holder with a shelf: Use this option if you want something more versatile and multi-purpose it can work as both a storage unit and decoration piece!
One of our favorites is made from metal so it looks clean, modern and timeless; plus it comes with four shelves for storing items like books or shoes underneath the racks themselves (which can also be used for magazines).
If space isn’t really an issue but you’d still rather have something compact that doesn’t take up much visual real estate at all, then maybe consider getting one of these holders instead!
Their edges are curved so they don’t look too bulky even though they’re big enough to hold quite a few magazines at once; plus their designs often include pops of bright colors which will give any room some extra personality without being too overpowering visually speaking.”
Get inspired to create a cozy and organized living room that you’ll love spending time in with our Creating a Cozy and Organized Living Room guide. From decluttering strategies to decor ideas, we’ve got everything you need to create a space that feels like home.
Get A Standing Shelf for Books and Plants
If you have lots of books, a standing shelf is a great way to keep them organized and in reach. If you don’t have enough room for bookshelves on the ground, try building an IKEA hack with these step-by-step instructions.
You can also use a standing shelf to display plants that need sunlight, like succulents or cacti! Just make sure that whatever plant you choose doesn’t grow too tall or wide as it gets bigger over time that might require some pruning!
| Standing Shelf | Dimensions | Capacity | Materials | Brand | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Tier Bookshelf | 70.9″ x 29.5″ x 11.8″ | 110 lbs | Wood | Homfa | $85.99 |
| Multi-Level Plant Stand | 38″ x 10″ x 38″ | 50 lbs | Bamboo | GrowLED | $59.99 |
| 4-Shelf Industrial Bookcase | 41.5″ x 23.6″ x 11.8″ | 120 lbs | Metal & Wood | VASAGLE | $87.99 |
| Bamboo Bookshelf | 33″ x 9.84″ x 47.24″ | N/A | Bamboo | Hombazaar | $99.99 |
| 6-Tier Plant Stand | 33″ x 29.5″ x 11.8″ | N/A | Metal & Wood | SONGMICS | $89.99 |
These standing shelves are perfect for keeping books and plants organized. From the 5-tier bookshelf by Homfa to the multi-level plant stand by GrowLED, these shelves come in different sizes and materials to fit your space and style.
Consider the 4-shelf industrial bookcase by VASAGLE if you’re looking for a sturdy and rustic addition, the bamboo bookshelf by Hombazaar for a sleek and eco-friendly option, or the 6-tier plant stand by SONGMICS for a unique and versatile display.
Repurpose a Dining Table Into a Console Table with Drawers
The dining table that you’re outgrowing can be repurposed into a console table with drawers. This will allow you to use the surface area of your dining table while still preserving its functionality as a piece of furniture.
The top can double as an ottoman, or it can be used to store remotes, magazines and other items.
If you don’t have enough space for a full-sized dining room table in your small living room, this is one way to maximize those square feet!
Keep your bathroom clutter-free and organized with our Say Goodbye to Clutter: Bathroom Organization Tips guide. With tips on everything from utilizing wall space to smart storage solutions, we’ll help you create a functional and serene bathroom space.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found some inspiration in our clever storage solutions! We know that finding ways to store your stuff can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be.
With these ideas and tips, you can turn your living room into one big storage space.
Further Reading
If you’re looking for more tips and ideas on maximizing storage solutions for your living room, check out these articles:
Living Room Storage Ideas: This article from The Spruce offers a comprehensive guide to living room storage ideas, from built-in shelves to stylish storage furniture.
Small Living Room Storage Ideas: Homes and Gardens provides practical storage ideas perfect for small living rooms. Their article demonstrates how to make the most of a compact space through carefully created modular storage solutions and smartly placed physical storage options.
Living Room Storage Ideas to Restore Order to Your Space: For a guide that combines practical storage solutions with style, Ideal Home’s article provides 21 ideas for your living room that will declutter and tidy your space while enhancing its look and feel.
FAQs
What are some other ways to maximize storage solutions in small spaces?
Aside from vertical storage and smart furniture choices, you can get creative with hidden storage solutions like under-seat storage, coffee table chests, and multi-use ottomans. You can also utilize wall space with wall-mounted shelves, pegboards, and magnetic storage solutions.
How do I organize my book collection in my living room?
One way to organize your book collection is to create a dedicated bookshelf or bookcase. Group books by author, genre, or color to create a visually appealing display. You can also switch up the orientation of some books by stacking them horizontally to break up the monotony of a strictly vertical collection.
How can I create more storage in my living room without sacrificing style?
Choose furniture that serves multiple purposes, like a coffee table with built-in storage or a media center with bookshelves and cabinets. Look for opportunities to add shelves or create built-ins, either with open or closed storage options that complement your living room decor.
What are some creative ways to store and organize media equipment and cords in a living room?
Consider mounting your TV on the wall to free up space or invest in a TV stand with built-in cable management for a sleek look. Use decorative storage baskets or lidded boxes to hide unsightly cords or devices. Utilize the backside of your furniture, such as the back of your media center, to attach cords and store extra power/electrical cords.
How should I pair items on my living room shelves to make them visually appealing?
Try grouping items in threes, fives, or sevens to create a balanced look. Mix up textures, colors, and sizes of decor items for added visual interest. Finally, stagger your items so that they are not all perfectly aligned with one another.
Hi there! My name is Hellen James. I’m a professional decluttering expert who loves to help people get their homes in order. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life—from high school students to retirees and everything in between—to help them clear out clutter and make the most of their space so they can focus on what matters most to them.