13 Living Room Storage Ideas

Storage is a crucial part of any effective room design. But while some living spaces include adequate storage in the form of cabinetry, closets, and more, others rely entirely on creative design for organization. When it comes to the latter, the average living room is a perfect example.

Few living rooms come with built-in storage solutions. Instead, the best way to boost the available storage space is to invest in multi-purpose furniture or custom remodeling.

Not sure where to start? Keep reading for the top living room storage ideas that will prove just how easy it is to turn the average family room into a well-organized hangout space.

1. Transform Your Living Room with a Closet

A living room closet offers a discrete yet spacious storage solution. Install shelves and hanging rods at different heights to accommodate a variety of items, from books to blankets. To keep the area organized, use labeled bins and baskets. Frosted or mirrored closet doors can add a touch of style while maintaining a clutter-free appearance.

Cozy living room with neutral wardrobe storage, knit basket with blankets, and natural decor for a warm, organized space — Source: @annaclairemcconnell via Instagram

2. Maximize Space with a Cube Shelf

Cube shelves are versatile storage units that can be used to display decor or store items. They can be arranged horizontally or vertically, fitting into various spaces. Use cube bins to store small items neatly, and leave some cubes open for decorative pieces. This modular approach allows for easy reconfiguration as storage needs change.

Living room with a TV displaying a fireplace, white shelves with baskets and decor, a cushioned chair, and a decorative mantle — Source: @lovely.cuppa.tea via Instagram

Compact living room with cube shelf storage and rope-handle baskets, styled with a cozy gray sofa and geometric cushions — Source: @turners_at_no14 via Instagram

Chic living room with cube shelf units, woven baskets, and soft decor touches for smart, stylish storage and cozy vibes — Source: @lovely.cuppa.tea via Instagram

Bright living room with glass-front cabinets, family photo decor, and a modern gray chair for stylish, functional storage — Source: @fatallahfamhome via Instagram

3. Organize with a Classic Bookcase

A bookcase is not just for books; it can serve as a display for collectibles, photo frames, and plants. Adjustable shelves offer flexibility in accommodating different sized items. For a cleaner look, consider using baskets or decorative boxes on lower shelves to hide clutter.

A tall bookshelf filled with assorted books and small stuffed animals, located in a room with a glimpse of a kitchen in the background — Source: @desu_books via Instagram

Wooden bookshelf filled with various books, DVDs, and decorative items, including a globe, model TARDIS, and art piece on top — Source: @gingerlyreading via Instagram

Cozy living room with two chairs, a patterned rug, bookshelves filled with books, and a piano near large windows with curtains — Source: @spacesbysim via Instagram

Elegant living room with built-in bookshelf and TV unit, blending storage and display with a cozy, sophisticated style — Source: @thebookcaseco via Instagram

Modern living room with built-in shelves and cabinets around a dark accent wall, offering sleek and stylish storage solutions — Source: @from_hatfield_to_home via Instagram

A living room with a TV showing animated characters, white shelves displaying books, art, and decor, and a sofa and chair facing a coffee table — Source: @imakeinteriors via Instagram

Contemporary living room with built-in bookshelf wall, hidden bench storage, and cozy leather armchair by large glass doors — Source: @sofitsidesign via Instagram

4. Utilize Corner Space with Shelves

Corner shelves make use of often underutilized space in living rooms. They provide ample storage without consuming much floor area. These corner shelves are ideal for storing books and displaying small plants or ornaments, making them a functional and aesthetic addition.

Modern living room with a gray sofa, fluffy rug, corner shelf with plants, and a TV on a white stand next to a window with blinds — Source: @_ourfirsthome2020 via Instagram

White zigzag wall shelves in a blue corner above a wooden table, next to a white door — Source: @exit12designs via Instagram

Cozy reading nook with white seating, colorful pillows, and surrounding wooden shelves filled with books and decor, doorway to the left — Source: @interiorsstorageanddeclutter via Instagram

Wooden corner shelf with Beauty and the Beast-themed decor, including Lumière, Mrs. Potts, Chip, and a penguin plush nearby — Source: @riverridgehome via Instagram

Corner bookshelf with colorful books, plants, baskets, and decorative items: bright, cozy home decor with art on the wall — Source: @thehousethatdiybuilt via Instagram

Colorful and creative corner storage shelf with fabric bins and books, adding function and fun to a bright modern living room — Source: @riverridgehome via Instagram

5. Enhance Walls with Floating Shelves

Floating shelves add a modern touch to living room walls and are excellent for displaying decorative items. They can be installed at various heights to create visual interest. Use them to showcase picture frames, small plants, or unique trinkets, keeping the living room organized and stylish.

Festive living room with corner fireplace, floating shelves, and cabinets offering stylish storage and cozy holiday charm — Source: @cctampabay via Instagram

Modern living room with geometric wall shelves, yellow accents, a black bag on the floor, a yellow stool, and a floor lamp — Source: @designyourassets via Instagram

Home office with a wooden desk, bookshelves, zebra art, printer, navy chair, potted plant, and a beige couch in a bright room — Source: @mh.london.us via Instagram

Bright living room with built-in wood-accent cabinets, open shelving, and stylish log storage by the fireplace for a cozy touch — Source: @no.16_homereno via Instagram

Stylish small living room with built-in perforated cabinets, floating shelves, and cozy seating for smart and elegant storage — Source: @hartley_built via Instagram

Source: @bimburton via Instagram

6. Create Space with Recessed Wall Shelves

Recessed wall shelves are built into the wall, saving floor space while offering a sleek storage solution. They are perfect for small living rooms, as they don’t protrude into the living area. These shelves can be used to display books, art pieces, or even small electronic devices.

Cozy living room with built-in shelves, white cabinets, a wooden table with flowers, and a fireplace; neutral tones and decorations — Source: @sunnydnewbuild via Instagram

Modern living room with wooden shelves, TV, fireplace, sofa with pink pillow, firewood, dog on floor, and table with fruit and magazines — Source: @birkwood via Instagram

Modern living room with dark walls, a fireplace, bookshelves, a round mirror, armchair, and a coffee table; elegant chandelier overhead — Source: @sketchup_hub via Instagram

Bright living room with blue armchairs, a marble coffee table, patterned cushions, bookshelves, and a green-tiled fireplace — Source: @textures_interior_design via Instagram

Modern living room with white floating shelves, styled decor pieces, and plush navy seating for a sleek and cozy look — Source: @barlowreid_design via Instagram

Modern living room with wall-mounted TV, wood-burning stove, shelves, and a cozy gray sofa with yellow and blue cushions — Source: @ruachdesigns via Instagram

Cozy living room with navy sofas, a TV, a mirror above the mantel, shelves with books, and a bay window with blinds — Source: @organisedbylucy via Instagram

Dark blue built-in bookcases and a fireplace with a wooden mantel, on light wood flooring, creating a cozy living room setting — Source: @hardwoodcreationsnc via Instagram

7. Go Modern with Backless Shelves

Backless shelves offer a light, airy feel and can be accessed from both sides, making them ideal as room dividers. They allow light to pass through, which helps maintain an open feel in the room. Use them to store books, display art, or keep everyday items handy.

Sleek modern living room with open metal shelving units, minimal decor, and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing a scenic view — Source: @living_space_uk via Instagram

Modern asymmetrical wooden bookshelf with books, decor items, and a small potted cactus against a light wall — Source: @artmetal9 via Instagram

Wooden bookshelf with a TV displaying food, surrounded by books, CDs, and oranges; modern decor with a small plant and glossy cabinet — Source: @ewodd_com via Instagram

Modern living room with a TV on a sleek wall unit, open shelving with plants, a gray sofa, white armchairs, and a round wooden table — Source: @sabrinamarquesarquitetura via Instagram

8. Tidy Up with Basket Storage

Baskets are a practical and attractive storage option. They can be placed on shelves, under coffee tables, or in corners to store a variety of items from magazines to toys. Choose baskets in materials and colors that complement the room’s decor for a cohesive look.

A cozy living room corner with a gray sofa, a wicker basket side table, an orchid in a pot, and a framed photo — Source: @2boysandthehome via Instagram

9. Innovate with a Repurposed Ladder Shelf

A repurposed ladder shelf adds a rustic charm to the living room. Lean an old ladder against the wall and use the rungs to hang blankets or display small items. For added stability, attach it securely to the wall. This creates a unique storage feature with minimal effort.

A-frame shelf with plants, books, a clock, and decor items on white shelves against a light-colored wall near a window — Source: @hass_khalfan via Instagram

10. Dual-Use a Closet Trunk for Storage

Transform a closet trunk into a multifunctional storage piece. Place it in a corner or against a wall and use it to store seldom-used items like seasonal decorations or extra cushions. It can also double as a side table or additional seating when needed.

Warm rustic living room with exposed brick walls, cozy lighting, and vintage wooden trunks used as smart, stylish storage tables — Source: @home.decor.chit.chat via Instagram

Stacked vintage suitcases with a lamp on top, beside a wooden shelf with decorative items, against a brick wall — Source: @msbdesignbuild via Instagram

Three stacked black trunks with brass accents, topped with potted plants and candles, against a gold wall with geometric patterns — Source: @my_gold_home_ via Instagram

Stacked vintage suitcases next to a brown sofa in a living room with a wall shelf above — Source: @tweedandtartan via Instagram

11. Choose a Coffee Table with Shelving

A coffee table with open shelving beneath provides easy-to-access storage for books, magazines, or small decorative items. This functional piece keeps everyday items within reach while maintaining a tidy look. Choose a style that complements your living room’s aesthetic.

A wooden coffee table on a beige rug, surrounded by red leather sofas in a living room setting — Source: @chestnutridgeworkshop via Instagram

Bright living room with a white sofa, patterned pillows, a wooden coffee table, striped rug, and a round mirror on the wall — Source: @pezzolodesigns via Instagram

Living room with a dark sectional sofa, patterned pillows, wooden tables, striped curtains, and plant decor on a patterned rug — Source: @chestnutridgeworkshop via Instagram

A cozy living room with a gray sofa, white textured pillow, black candles, marble coffee table, and greenery in a gold bowl — Source: @idasinredning via Instagram

Glass coffee table with a model spaceship inside, surrounded by a brown sectional sofa and a beige chair in a cozy living room — Source: @moebelmanufaktur_daubitzer via Instagram

A wooden coffee table with magazines, a teapot, and cups is on a beige rug in a living room with a cabinet and TV stand nearby — Source: @woodshelfs via Instagram

12. Streamline with Enclosed TV Cabinets

Enclosed TV wall cabinets are a sleek way to store media and related accessories. They hide wires and clutter, maintaining a neat appearance. Look for cabinets with adjustable shelves to fit different sized items, and consider doors that slide or fold to save space.

Living room with built-in white shelving, a large TV, armchairs, a sofa, and windows on both sides letting in natural light — Source: @coralpropainters via Instagram

White cabinet with two doors and a brass latch, set against a light wall, with shelves above and a decorative molding on the right — Source: @renovating_a_corbett via Instagram

Living room with built-in white shelves, decorative items, a TV space, and a beige couch on the left — Source: @tdm_thedoormaker via Instagram

Modern living room with a light wood cabinet, round mirror, abstract art, and a knitted pouf on a grey rug — Source: @the_monochrome_stylist via Instagram

13. Build Your Own Wooden Crate Shelf

Create a unique and customizable storage solution with DIY wooden crate shelves. Stack and secure crates in a configuration that suits your space. Paint or stain them to match your room’s decor. They’re perfect for storing books, toys, or crafting supplies in an accessible yet organized manner.

Creative living room wall storage using repurposed wooden crates, displaying books, decor, and jars for a rustic, eclectic look — Source: @lillyroads via Instagram

Wooden box shelves on a wall, adorned with mugs, small plants, and decor items; skateboard and colorful art nearby on the left — Source: @nesa_creations via Instagram

How much storage should a living room have?

Unfortunately, there’s no correct answer to this question. But a good rule of thumb is to always have more storage space than you do inventory. (In this case, “inventory” simply refers to items that need to be stored!)

This also means that adding more storage space isn’t always the solution. If your home contains too much stuff, no amount of drawers, shelves, or cupboards will suffice.

Are built-in shelves outdated?

Alcoves and built-in shelving are two of the most efficient uses of space possible in a living room. However, these architectural elements are often associated with vintage homes.

Built-in shelves are not inherently outdated, even if the concept is an old trend. Instead, how you style your built-in storage will determine if it looks frumpy or contemporary.

A fresh coat of paint or wood stain can breathe new life into an original set of built-in shelves. The items you store on the shelves can also play a role in how they fit into your living room design as a whole.