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There’s a nook under a window in our living room that is seriously begging for some stylish toy storage ideas.
You know the space. It’s where toys go to die. They pile up, the kids get discouraged from rummaging in the large pile of stuff. They go to their rooms, bring out even more toys. And then we add those toys to the pile of stuff.
My eyes are bleeding because I’m actually looking at this mess as I’m typing this. No, I will not provide photographic evidence. Why? Because I love you. You are welcome.
This conundrum has been exacerbated because everyone is home all the time now, and the toys know this so they barely ever even make it into a pile anymore.
They just live permanently on the living room floor like sad fallen soldiers struck down in their prime. Baby dolls and stuffed animals. There is one unicorn that looks like it was shot down by an arrow from the Brave toy pack (who knows, maybe it was!).
It’s high time I make a decision on how to hide the toys. My virtual shopping cart has seven stylish toy storage solutions inside. Care to join me and weigh in on your favorite?
TIP: When the toys are contained, you might feel like focusing on the walls in the kids’ rooms. If so, check out these free art ideas for kids: fairytale printables, inspirational printables, safari themed printables & art for big kids
7 Stylish Toy Storage Ideas
Here are 7 toy storage ideas that most definitely won’t make your eyes bleed.
Modern Entryway Cabinet
This cabinet is my initial favorite because it’s just so pretty. I’m a midcentury modern fan at my core. The cons, as I see them, would be the need to really curate those toys and keep only the ones the kids need to survive. This could also be a plus, though, depending on which way you’re looking at it. Fewer toys in the living room = winning, right? The other con: the tendency for clutter to accumulate in those open shelves.
Therefore, my verdict is that this cabinet is best for minimalists and midcentury modern minimalists.
Midcentury Modern Buffet
Another midcentury option is this buffet, which is just as stylish but has double the storage space. Isn’t it appealing to just be able to shove things inside and close the door? I’m picturing my life at 7 p.m. when my brain is frazzled and I’m ready to kill those toys.
This buffet would fit into these decor styles just dandy: midcentury modern, minimalist, modern coastal, boho, industrial
Wood Storage Bench
Now, can I get a what-what for this ingenius storage idea? First of all, additional seating never hurt anyone in the living room. Second of all, could the cleanup get any easier? Shove those toys in! Big ones will fit, too. If your decor style falls in the modern farmhouse or modern coastal arenas, consider yourselves set.
Beech Faux Leather Storage Bench
Another storage bench option, this time with drawers that slide out. This one has a Scandinavian minimalist vibe, and maybe a little modern coastal. It’s not super high-end, so it’s attractive from a lower price standpoint — especially if you’re worried about your kids destroying it. You can have a semi-nice thing, though.
Tufted Storage Ottoman
This ottoman comes in several color ways, but I chose the black bonded leather for its polished appeal — perfect for modern farmhouse and modern glam decor styles. When our oldest was little, we had a similar ottoman that she stored her toys in. It was easy for her to lift straight up like this. Also: hello, lots of room for bulky toys!
Graylish Beige Ottoman
Here’s a softer, more MCM version of the push-up storage ottoman. Pull this out when social distancing is over and you can invite guests over again; it looks pretty comfortable for additional seating. Great for my modern glam gals.
Bonded Leather Storage Ottoman
Lastly, but not least, here’s a solid option for the lift-up ottoman storage ideas. I like how this one opens on both sides, which cuts down on the possibility of an overly rambunctious kid popping a hinge off. It’s such a classic ottoman you could probably marry it with any decor style, although it would probably “go” best with industrial and modern farmhouse furniture.
Which one is your favorite? Which one would you go with if you were me? Tell me in the comments below, or @littlegoldpixel me on social media!
Pin for later: Stylish Toy Storage Ideas
There you have it — 7 ideas for hiding the kids’ toys in your living room. Don’t forget to bookmark or pin this page for reference. You never know when an unsuspecting nook could turn into a toy explosion.
P.P.S. Find some art for your living room while you’re at it.
