Storage space in the living room: Ideas for a stylish and tidy home

The living room is a true all-rounder: it's where you relax, eat, and often work. That makes a well-thought-out storage concept all the more important – one that not only keeps things tidy but is also aesthetically pleasing. We'll show you how to make the most of the space in your living room.

Plan the necessary storage space.

Before you start planning in detail, consider what you actually want to store in your living room. It's best to create a list of all items – from books and decorations to games and magazines, and even media devices like remote controls or game consoles. This will give you an overview and let you search specifically for furniture that offers the necessary storage space. Also, consider whether certain items should be displayed openly or hidden away behind doors and in drawers. And be sure to declutter and get rid of anything that doesn't belong in the living room, but might be better suited to the office, bedroom, or basement.

Cleverly combine storage furniture.

The foundation for a tidy living area lies in selecting the right furniture. To ensure everything has its proper place, you should arrange furniture in different areas. 

• A sideboard offers ample storage for larger items and dishes.
• Living room wall units and cabinets are also space-saving wonders that offer both decoration and storage.
• Open shelves can serve as storage space for books and decorations.
• Drawers or compartments in coffee tables are ideal for small items that need to be quickly accessible, such as the remote control.
• Sofas with storage space are perfect for storing rarely used cushions and blankets.

Multifunctional with storage space in sofas, tables, etc.

Multifunctional furniture is a true storage marvel in the living room. Sofas with integrated compartments offer space for blankets or cushions while remaining unobtrusive. Coffee tables with drawers or storage stools also combine practicality with stylish design.

Mobile furniture such as rolling containers, serving trolleys, or chests on wheels also makes it much easier to integrate more storage space into your home. When needed or if space is limited, you can simply move these pieces of furniture around the apartment – ​​for example, into the bedroom.

Storage solutions for difficult spaces

Not every living room offers ideal spatial conditions. Sloping ceilings, alcoves, or awkwardly shaped areas make it particularly difficult to make the most of the available space. But there are clever solutions for this too: Custom-made shelves that adapt to the slope make efficient use of the space under the roof. Narrow sideboards or shelves that fit into tight spaces are also practical storage solutions. Another often underutilized area is the space under stairs or windows. Here, custom-made cabinets, drawers, or shelves can be installed to provide additional storage.

Open vs. closed storage space in the living room

Open shelves and closed cabinets – both storage options have their advantages, depending on what you want to store. Open shelves or glass-fronted display cabinets create a light and airy feel and are perfect for showcasing books, decorative items, or particularly beautiful dishes. Closed furniture, on the other hand – such as wardrobes or chests of drawers – is ideal for storing things you don't want to see all the time, like files, DVDs, or electronic devices. A mix of both options creates a balanced look. For example, open wall shelves can be paired with baskets for closed storage of smaller items.

Use baskets, boxes, and similar items to store small items.

For smaller items that can quickly create clutter, baskets and boxes are a practical solution. They not only offer storage space for blankets, magazines, or charging cables, but also serve as decorative elements. Baskets made of natural materials like rattan or seagrass look particularly harmonious, but colorful models such as folding crates in pastel shades are also a beautiful and practical storage solution for the living room. Stackable boxes or fabric storage systems are also versatile and create order without taking up much space. 

Room dividers as additional storage space

Furnishing particularly large living rooms isn't easy. Planning a huge wall unit can quickly exceed the budget, leaving the center of the room empty. The solution: use shelves or lowboards as room dividers. They not only add structure to the room and can serve as eye-catching features, but also create valuable storage space.

How storage space can be stylish

Storage space should not only be functional but also visually appealing. Depending on your interior design style, you should therefore tailor your furniture choices to your personal preferences. Furniture in light colors or with clean lines makes a room appear more spacious and tranquil. Bold colors and distinctive materials such as dark wood or glossy surfaces like chrome or metal add accents and bring warmth and contrast to the living area.

A well-designed mid-century wall unit can serve as the centerpiece, creating order while adding style. Those who prefer a more open, airy feel can combine smaller pieces of furniture in the living room. With harmonious decor – such as books, plants, or high-quality decorative items – and appropriate lighting, the storage space becomes part of a cohesive and inviting design.

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