15 Stylish Toy Storage Ideas for Living Rooms

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Are you sick of looking at toys all day, when you hang out in your living room? Are the piles of toys starting to look threatening? Or, do you just need some toy storage ideas for living rooms that are both modern and stylish vs basic and boring?

I have an almost-3-year-old toddler at home, and in the current situation, we have been having WAY too many toys out at nearly all times of the day and night. I needed some toy storage ideas for my living room, ASAP!

So, I’ve researched the heck out of how to hide and store toys in the living room, and can’t wait to share what I have learned!

This post is all about modern and stylish toy storage ideas for living rooms – while keeping to a modest budget. We’ll go over a 6 step process to get the toys under control, which includes an awesome product roundup with convenient shopping links. Our roundup will cover 4 main toy storage options including:

• Cubbies
• Storage ottomans
• Storage benches
• TV stands/credenzas

Plus we’ll ONLY show you pieces that are modern and contemporary to help create a cohesive look to your modern living room.

Let’s do this!

Step 1: Get rid of some toys

The first step is admitting there is a problem – too many toys in the living room! Most kids just don’t need that many toys so I would propose a purge, preferably when they are not around. Donate or move to storage some toys that they just don’t play with any more.

Another thing you can do is move some of the toys to another room – either the kids bedroom, or a play room.

Step 2: Determine your living room’s exact toy storage needs

Put all the remaining toys in boxes – this will help you determine how much storage space you really need.

Next measure your space that you have to put a piece of furniture. This is really important when you buy anything online, as you need to make sure it fits the space, and will fit all your toys.

Step 3: Select a toy storage idea for your living room

Here’s where I come in! Below are a bunch toy storage ideas for living rooms from different categories: cubbies, ottomans, benches, and TV stands. You may need a combination of a few of these pieces to fit all the toys in your living room.

Cubbies (from left to right):

Gotta love cubbies to provide a place to store toys in your living room. I tried to avoid the super basic ones so found a few that should be able to go with pretty much any color decor. Just buy some cute baskets or storage cubes to go inside and you are all set.

1. Homfa Kids Toy Storage Cabinet – $129.99 from Amazon
2. Better Homes and Gardens Bookshelf Square Storage Cabinet 4-Cube (Weathered) – $42.28 from Amazon
3. FURINNO Basic 3×2 Bookcase Storage, Dark Walnut – $38.79 from Amazon

Storage Ottomans:

• Better Homes and Gardens Flynn Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Storage Bench, Multiple Colors – $129.99 from WalMart
• HOMCOM 42″ Rectangular Linen Fabric Storage Ottoman Bench with Removable Tray – Cream White

• Christopher Knight Home Living Carolina Light Grey Fabric Storage Ottoman – $135.87 from Amazon
• Christopher Knight Home Living Sarelia Bench Storage Ottoman (Sand) – $104.35 from Amazon

Storage Benches:

I love storage benches since they can serve multiple purposes. You can store toys (or shoes) underneath, and it provides extra seating. Alternately, you could use it as a mini “drop zone” for backpacks and such too! We’ll probably be getting something like one of the below options for our family room:

• Better Homes and Gardens 4-Cube Organizer Storage Bench, Multiple Finishes – $89.99 from Wal Mart
• Giantex Storage Bench with Padded Cushion (Black) – $59.99 from Amazon

• Haotian FSR23-W,White Storage Bench (White) – $106.99 from Amazon
• Heather Ann Creations Vale Series Multi Purpose Wooden 4 Drawer Entryway Storage Bench, Black – $150.24 from Amazon

TV Stands/Credenzas:

I love the idea of using a credenza or buffet under the TV, especially if it’s wall mounted, like ours. Or you can put it to the side of the room, or between the living and dining room. Here’s a few toy storage ideas that would go with modern or mid-century modern decor:

• Mainstays 3-Door TV Stand Console for TVs up to 50″, Blackwood Finish – $99 from WalMart
• Better Homes and Gardens Flynn Mid Century Modern Credenza, Pecan or White – $209 from Wal Mart

• Margot Bookmatch Buffet by Bellamy Studios – $203.30 from Walmart
• Thea Mid Century 70 Inch Two-Door Birch TV Stand by Manor Park – $229.00 from WalMart
• Better Homes & Gardens Lindon Place Entertainment Credenza – $199.00 from WalMart

Step 4: Put the toys in your toy storage solution

Pretty self explanatory, but now’s the time to put the toys in the toy storage piece you purchased. You could do another purge here if you want, or move some toys to another room if you need to.

Step 5: Make your kids put the toys away regularly

Now that you’ve got a nice, clutter free living room – it’s critical to keep it that way! It’s good to make kids do some work, and put their toys away before bed, even toddlers! You can try to keep toys organized in different bins, or just have them throw everything randomly into bins – probably would depend on their age.

Step 6: Enjoy “adulting” in a clutter-free, relaxing living room

After you put the kids to bed, have a cocktail with your partner and put your feet up. You did it! Doesn’t it feel great to have the toys out of sight and out of mind in your living room?

Which of the 15 toy storage ideas for living rooms did you like the best? Let me know in the comments below! Once we get our storage bench in from Amazon, I’ll post pics!

Next, if you want your living room to feel even more cozy and relaxed, check out my post, 5 Inexpensive Ways to Make a Room Feel Cozy. The first idea to up your room’s cozy factor is 100% Free!