Here, we share some of our favourite living room storage ideas that are both perfectly practical and simply stylish and then make sure you check out our living room ideas gallery.
In living rooms, storage can be tricky. The space is often full of furniture (a sofa, an armchair and TV units) and they are usually in need of a storage solution that allows them to feel spacious without sacrificing style. The key to getting your living room storage spot on is choosing pieces that offer as much multipurpose storage potential as possible. Think a coffee table with a shelf and drawers, built-in shelving solutions or wall mounted cabinets.
If you are searching for living room storage ideas that are both practical and stylish, the storage experts at Heal’s have you covered with storage ideas that are both practical and stylish. Plus Elena Paparozzi, Senior Furniture Buyer at Heal’s offers her top tips on choosing the right storage options for your living room.
Add a cabinet or console table
An elegant console table not only gives plenty of extra storage space but also an elegant display to brighten up your living room. Built-in drawers are a perfect place to store letters and extra linens can be neatly folded in a basket underneath. A cabinet dresser is also a functional yet attractive way to add storage space to your living room.
Elena says: Sometimes it’s a shame to hide our favourite pieces away, but you can display them while keeping them dust-free with a dresser cabinet. A console table also allows you to display accessories. Which in turn, add colour to your room while storing away less show-worthy items.
Use strong vertical lines
Use strong vertical lines to draw the eye upwards in a small space. Try using a ladder shelf as an attractive way to add vertical lines to your living space, while also giving you a creative way to add storage space. You can use the ladder as an attractive way to store books or letters while accessorising with a few plants and ornaments. This will give the illusion of more space.
Elena says: A tall shelving unit will also work for adding vertical lines to your living area. The industrial trend is still going strong so consider adding an industrial unit which will give the illusion of height. The metal frames are also ideal for coping with the weight of numerous books and vases.
Add extra storage with a coffee table
Coffee tables are an essential feature to our living area and they are also excellent storage solutions. Opt for a coffee table with deep drawers and a shelf so that you can optimise the amount of storage.
Elena says: Your coffee table is probably always covered (think magazines, remotes, coasters, and books), it only makes sense to get a coffee table that doubles as a place to stow away your personal items. For added durability opt for a coffee table made from reclaimed wood and a toughened glass top.
A sideboard will add pretty living living
Every living room should have a sideboard, they’re great for hiding away items that you don’t want to be seen. Sideboards with wide tops can also be used to add elegant touches such as lamps, candles and your favourite mementos.
Elena says: Sideboards are a great piece of furniture for any living or dining area. A sideboard will offer plenty of storage space and is the perfect place to display flowers and picture frames. For a timeless look, go for a good-quality oak design as it will stand the test of time. And it's super stylish too.
Storage baskets are perfect for decluttering
Baskets are one of the best living room storage ideas. Endlessly useful baskets come in all shapes and sizes - they have a fabulous tactile quality that adds character to a scheme. They are ideal for a pretty way to declutter your living area.
Elena says: Belly baskets are very on trend. The numerous patterns and shapes available make them ideal for incorporating into any layout. They can be used for storing blankets, magazines and plants.
Save space with wall shelves
If space is an issue, getting as much furniture as possible up off the floor gives the illusion of a bigger room. Wall shelves are ideal for this. Deep shelves can be used to display and store a range of items such as books, pictures and plants.
Elena says: Stay organized in style. A compact shelf design will give you the opportunity to decorate without taking up too much space. Wall shelves turn bare walls into functional storage areas. And, if the shelves themselves are attractive and their display areas are styled well, they can become pieces of wall art in their own right.
Maximise space by storing items under the stairs
Nooks and crannies are perfect for storage. You can easily transform the empty or untidy space underneath your staircase into an organised haven using a range of pretty boxes and baskets. Elena says: Unlocking the potential of this pocket of space can help you find a new home for books, toys or shoes. Without a door to conceal them, it also gives you the opportunity to get creative in how you display your storage. Stack your boxes and baskets into streamlined piles to tidy unsightly clutter.
Add nesting tables
Nesting tables are ideal for smaller spaces. They can be used around the room for drinks when you need them. Then once they are not in use they can be fitted under each other and stored neatly away. You can also add some elegant touches such as house plants and lamps.
Elena says: Nesting tables are great space-saving solutions for small spaces. They allow you to save space without having to compromise on practicality. By opting for nesting tables you save a lot of floor space.
Purpose built shelving
Purpose built shelving is the perfect option for living room storage solutions to make the most out of your space. Tricky alcoves and sloping roofs can naturally lend themselves to built-in storage solutions.
Elena says: There are no limitations with built in shelving units. You can get them designed to fit the space perfectly and they can even be designed to incorporate televisions, books, photos and ornaments. This makes the area handy for storage and also a key feature of the room.
Think ottomans
Space is at a premium in small living rooms so furniture that can double up as storage is always a bonus. Storage ottomans are perfect for adding style and storage to your living room. Whether it’s towels, blankets, bedding or shoes you’re wanting to store away, ottomans make a lovely addition to any room not just your living area.
Elena says: Storage ottomans come in all shapes and sizes which makes them so versatile for any size room.
You can opt for a beautiful upholstered version in a bold jewel hue for a style statement that works double duty as a secret storage spot.
Shop living room furniture here.
TV Units
Anchor the living room with a TV unit that does more than hold the screen: solid-oak sideboards with cable management, slim walnut credenzas for smaller rooms, glass-fronted media cabinets that hide the technology. The collection spans contemporary minimalism and mid-century warmth, with a focus on real timbers and hand-finished metalwork.
