7 Innovative Ways on How to Hide Toys in Your Living Room
What if there was a way to hide toys in the living room and make more space for relaxation and entertainment? Well, with the right strategies you can transform your living room from a toy-filled jungle to a clean, organized oasis.
Depending on the size and layout of your house, there are different ways to hide toys for maximum organization.
Read below to learn how to hide toys in the living room. Prepare to be amazed as toys seem to disappear!
1. The Ottoman Toy Box
When you really think about it, an ottoman is a fancy version of a toy box! The chest-like design makes it perfect for storing everything from tiny lego pieces to large box games. And it's not only for toys. You can also store blankets or books inside too.
If you are interested in this idea, consider buying a large ottoman with a hinged top. These make the best storage spaces for toys even when you don't have time to put them neatly inside. All the toys can be placed inside and once the top is closed the evidence of toys disappears!
You may also want to look at storage benches. These are similar to ottomans but can also be used for seating. A storage bench is one of the most versatile items for your living area - storage, seating, a coffee table, a storage bench does it all!
When choosing an ottoman or storage bench, look for durable materials like wood or stain-free fabrics. With little ones running around and opening and closing the storage to use toys, you need something that can stand up to sticky fingers and washable paint.
2. Storage Cubes
Some storage solutions require more time, money, or energy than others. And while installing storage cubes in your living room or family room might take significant time to set up, it will save you hours of picking up kid's toys and walking them to another room.
You can use built-in storage cubes or stand-alone storage cubes to hide toys in your living room. The built-in cubes may require construction, especially if you want to cut into a wall to form cubbies for storage.
However, you can also buy pre-built storage cubes that you can fasten to the wall. For safety, it's best to attach the storage cube module to a wall because the weight of toys and games could cause it to fall. If you are building the cube module yourself, read all the instructions and safety warnings.
There are tons of options when it comes to color, size, and material for storage cubes. Measure the area for your storage module and then look online or in stores for cubes or cubbies that fit your needs.
3. Sneaky Sideboard
A sideboard is a piece of furniture typically used for serving food or displaying dishes. But when you place a sideboard in your living room it can also act as hidden storage for toys.
If you already have a sideboard, consider rearranging the contents to make room for toy storage using drawers, smaller baskets, or shelves inside the sideboard. If you are looking to purchase a sideboard, look for something that can accommodate small and large toys, books, blankets, etc. Also, remember durability! When kids are involved, the furniture should be sturdy and stain-proof when possible.
Sideboards can add an elegant aesthetic to your dining room or living room - and no one has to know that there are toys inside!
4. Toys on Display
Have you ever considered displaying some of your kid's toys instead of shoving them into an already full closet? Part of learning to hide toys in plain sight is to find which toys might actually add to the decor of the room.
You could color-code different children's books on the bookshelf for an artistic display or store a model train on the desk. Some toys are not as much of an eyesore as you might think. To save space in your storage areas, find a few toys that you can strategically leave out.
Another way to do this is by using mason jars for smaller toys, like marbles or legos. Clear containers with tiny toy pieces appear much more organized and the colors offer a nice bright pop to your living room. It's a great idea for people that want to combine function with appearance.
5. Use Every Nook and Cranny
There may be spaces in your living room for storage that you've been overlooking for years! For instance, how much room do you have underneath the couch or a loveseat in your living room? Enough to fit a thin box with books and Barbies?
Using your space wisely is crucial for hiding toys in the living room. If you have even a few inches underneath your coffee table, TV stand, or side table, you can probably find a storage box to fit there.
Also, think about areas of your living room that are underutilized. If there is a corner of the room or an area behind the couch where you could store a bin, drawer, or basket - do it! Look for storage containers that match your living room aesthetic such as wicker or faux wood.
6. Window Seat
Much like the ottoman or storage bench, a window seat makes for great storage space for toys. Some window seats open up like a chest and others contain storage through cabinet doors or drawers underneath. Either way, you've found another storage space to keep your living room free of clutter.
Even if you don't have a built-in window seat, you can install one. It provides a nice area to read or relax while doubling as storage. You can decorate the seat with cushions or blankets to make it a cozy addition to your living room.
If you decide to store toys inside or underneath your window seat, beware of chaos storage. With a large empty storage space, it's tempting for kids and parents to quickly toss toys inside without further organization. And while this successfully solves the storage problem it leaves you with an organization problem.
Consider smaller containers, labeled boxes, or another organization system to use within the window seat for best results. Say goodbye to chaos and hello to peaceful organization.
7. Movable Storage
If you feel like you're constantly moving toys from the living room to the bedroom and back, maybe it's time for a storage space that moves along with you. A rolling shelf or chest is the perfect way to store toys in the living room or the bedroom or the playroom all on the same day.
Modern toy storage often comes on wheels - allowing you to easily move the play area when you are having company or need to clean up the living room. As with the window seat, be careful of mistaking storage for organization. Use smaller containers if possible to keep different types of toys separate.
More Tips on How to Hide Toys in the Living Room
You have 7 great ideas for toy storage in the living room. But how do you ensure that your storage choice also matches your interior design and organization goals? Below are a few additional tips to making storage part of a cohesive home design.
1. Choose Containers Carefully
You can find inexpensive plastic containers to store big and small toys. But these containers are often clunky and offputting. Consider finding containers that match the existing style of the room.
2. Get Rid of Old Toys
Just because you have a creative new storage space, doesn't mean that you have to hang on to every toy your child has ever played with. Make a habit of going through the toys and donating or disposing of the ones that aren't often used or are in bad shape.
3. Store Smarter
Do you have storage in a kid's room or a playroom in addition to the living room? If so, be smart about which toys are stored where. If your child uses certain toys more often, keep those in an accessible place like a storage cube in the living room or the bottom shelf of your bookcase. But for those toys that are used less often, consider closet space or garage space instead.
Welcome to Storage Royalty
There you have it - 7 strategies on how to hide toys in the living room. So, which one is right for you? Or, you can combine these storage ideas for maximum organization.
Having kids in the house doesn't mean that your living room stays messy until they leave for college. You can enjoy a clean living room now. And with these new storage ideas, all of your friends will have storage envy!
Interested in getting professional interior design help for your living room, dining room, or home office, or bedroom? Contact me today to get started!