Let’s look at ten of the most creative and budget friendly toy organization ideas for living room spaces that are small and cluttered!
Published: 9/12/24
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Every parent I know is constantly straddling the line between a clean and organized house, and a house overrun with toys.
We all want our homes to be a welcoming and fun place for our children. That’s why we buy the toys in the first place!
So we know that just getting rid of toys all together isn’t an option, but also if I step on one more block with my full body weight, I may lose my mind.
The key to keeping the house fun for the kids but also relaxing for the adults is all in having a plan for your storage.
If you’re reading that sentence and thinking, but there’s absolutely no more room for storage in my small space, don’t worry!
I also live in a very small home (under 1,000 sq feet!) so I’m constantly thinking about ways to incorporate storage.
I’ve included many of my favorite ideas on this list so you can copy them.
These ideas aren’t only functional, but they’re also meant to be beautiful. I don’t think we have to pick between one or the other!
Having a home that we love and look forward to coming back to while still being filled with toys and fun things for kids is a totally achievable goal.
It just takes a little creativity!
Keep scrolling to check out my favorite creative toy organization ideas for living room spaces that will make your home a happier place for everyone in the family.
10 Toy Organization Ideas for Living Room
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1. Cube Storage Organizer
Credit: @inlineorganizing
I had to put this idea first because it’s probably the most popular toy organization hack, but that is definitely for a reason!
Cube organizers are multifunctional furniture pieces that can be used as bookshelves, everyday storage, and of course toy storage.
My favorite thing about them is you can purchase the actual cubes in all kinds of colors, textures, and styles to match your space. Use baskets for a more organic and rustic look or opt for clear bins like the photo above for a clean and minimalist look.
2. Kid Friendly Toy Box
Credit: @thestep2company
A toy storage box as obvious as this one isn’t for everyone, but once you get one, you’ll never go back.
If you’re looking for toy organization ideas that blend into your living room decor, this probably isn’t your favorite on this list.
These boxes are great for kids though! The sloped design gives them easy access, the outside of the door is a chalkboard that can be drawn on, and the extra shelving on top gives you opportunities for cute displays!
3. Benches with Added Storage
Credit: @lauren.alexa.moore
Of all the ideas, on this list, this one has to be my favorite! Incorporating storage benches into your space brings multifunctionality and beauty to your home.
You can set a table in front of the benches for a breakfast nook or a kids pay table. Or you can put them at the perimeter of the room for extra seating!
These benches have so much space or toys and do a wonderful job of hiding any clutter or mess. Who cares if they look organized on the inside, right?
4. Vintage Curio Cabinets
Credit: @ourskindred
Instead of thinking of toy organization as an obstacle to face in your home, think of it as an opportunity to bring unique furniture pieces into your space!
Not many people gravitate towards curio cabinets or wardrobes anymore, but these pieces are stunning and add vintage charm to every room they’re in.
A curio cabinet is made only for storage, so you’ll have plenty of space to put any unsightly toys! Use baskets to organize if you so wish, or let things be wild when the doors are closed. No one will know the difference!
5. Wicker Baskets and Boxes
Credit: @oliviagolddesign
This photo is all the proof you need to know that baskets are the way to go for toy storage.
Not only are there so many different styles off baskets to choose from, but you can also mix and match styles to create a stunning display that won’t be an eyesore in your living room.
Plus, toys have all kinds of small parts. Sometimes, the most effective way to store them is to just throw everything in a basket where they can’t get lost.
6. Storage Ottomans
Credit: @tuftandtrim
Adding an ottoman to your living room for toy storage is the perfect idea because it’s small enough that you can place it in front of a chair or an unused corner.
It’s big enough, though, that you can definitely still fit a lot of toys in that thing! I love how the homeowner in the photo above has placed two next to each other to fill an empty side of their design and get double the storage power.
Kill two birds with one stone with this beautiful design choice and added storage for you and your little ones!
7. Corner Shelving
Credit: @mrandmrsb_home3
Of all the ideas on this list, this one is probably the best if your living room is tight on space! Most every home has an empty corner somewhere that could fit a shelf this size.
I think it’s adorable how they’ve paired both storage baskets with cute stuffies to turn this storage from an eyesore into a cute focal point.
A bonus is you can also use the top of the shelf for adult items like beautiful vases or coasters for beverages!
8. Built-In Wall Shelving
Credit: @copperwood_joinery
Now I won’t lie, installing custom built in shelving in your living room is not a simple weekend DIY project. It’s an investment that will probably include hiring contractors.
But it can’t be denied how absolutely stunning this is and the amount of storage that comes with it is crazy!
Obviously, the look of these will depend on how you design them, but I love the variation in shelving options. The combination of open shelving, hidden shelving, and storage baskets makes for a stunning wall.
9. Colorful Stackable Baskets
Credit: @mijnhuisje_
A lot of the ideas on this list so far have been fairly neutral or basic because the goal is to disguise our toy storage.
But maybe that isn’t your goal! If you love bright colors in your design and don’t necessarily want to hide your toys, these adorable stacking baskets will just make them look more organized.
What I love about these is they don’t require a larger cubby unit like other types of baskets. They’re also just downright cute and your kid will love the bright colors as much as you do!
10. Large Decorative Baskets
Credit: @megmason_creative
I know, I know, I’ve referenced a lot of baskets on this list. They’ve all been slightly different though and each deserve mentions or separate reasons.
These are the absolute cutest storage baskets I’ve ever seen, and I had to save the best for last.
If you want toy storage that doesn’t just hide the crazy clutter, but also brings a ton of charm into your living room, this is the option for you!
Plus the act of stacking the baskets is a game in and of itself for your little ones!
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