20 Living Room Storage and Organization Tips + Tricks

The best living room storage is the kind that totally blends in. These hidden storage compartments look like nothing more than a continuation of the shiplapped wall, making storage of unsightly items easier (and sneakier) than ever.

Ladders are the perfect way to keep blankets and throws within reach while taking up the smallest possible footprint in your living room. A blanket ladder can cozy up any space and impart the rustic touch you didn’t know your living room needed.

Functional storage in a living room can be as simple as a beautiful furniture piece. With its geometric pattern and blue finish, this console table is the perfect addition to this living room that's filled with an array of blue hues. However, its “wow” factor is the ample amount of storage space it has hiding behind those wide sliding doors.

Built-in shelving may be the ultimate way to add both storage and style to your living room. While they aren’t cheap, they add tons of visual appeal to your home that can translate to dollars later on if you sell. If you can afford it, this upgrade is one that you’ll be kicking yourself for not doing sooner.

When outfitting your living room, think of ways you can add storage, stylishly. The great thing about large antique pieces, like this hutch, is the immense amount of storage they can add to any space, while also making a stylish statement. This homeowner cleverly adds woven baskets on top of the hutch to tuck away any loose items.

If you’re after the charm and functionality of built-ins, but don’t want to commit, a freestanding shelf unit is a great option. These easy-to-install shelving systems come in a variety of styles and configurations, giving you the luxury of built-ins without a call to the contractor.

Benches (especially integrated ones like these) are a great way to add functionality and storage potential to a living room. This space now has additional seating, plus plenty of room beneath for storage. You could add storage with baskets or simply store firewood for a decorative and practical touch.

Much like benches, tiered coffee tables are a great way to double down on a space’s storage potential. These multi-level masterpieces are a wonderful spot to tuck books, filled baskets or even board games.

If you love the look of open shelving but are worried it will appear messy, simply invest in several beautiful baskets and bins. The right basket will look lovely beside your more stylish pieces, while providing plenty of space for unsightly objects.

Baskets aren’t just useful on shelves. These two large baskets make for the perfect spot for storing cumbersome toys and children’s books. This solution keeps toys within reach when needed and out of sight when not.

The living room in this stunning Malibu Cape Cod-style home, features a wood burning fireplace that stretches up past the second story. Gorgeous built-in slots flank the fireplace and provide a spot for storing wood. This allows the wood itself to act as a decorative element and impart warmth on the stark white space.

Need a spot to store all your oversized books? Simply stack them on your coffee table. Use them as a pedestal for plants or stack them on their own. Books offer visual interest with colors and textures, plus they make for great conversation pieces.

In place of traditional side tables, this living room implements two large structural baskets with lids. These are a great spot for keeping extra blankets, seasonal throw pillows or any other items you only occasionally need, but don’t want to store out in the garage.

Need a spot to store your bike? How about your living room wall? These handy, wooden bike mounts allow you to use your bike as a decor piece in any room, keeping it safe and secure. Go the extra mile by coordinating your paint colors with your bike.

In this miniscule Manhattan loft, every inch of space is put to use. Here, stairs are not merely for circulation throughout the apartment, but feature cabinetry and drawers for storage.

If your space is short on storage, keep an eye out for double-duty furniture items. This coffee table may not have drawers or a bottom tier, but what it does have is a secret compartment beneath its solid pine top that can be filled with toys, games or other hard to store items.

This family-friendly living space features custom cabinets that open to reveal both the television and a drop-down desk. The stunning floor-to-ceiling installation is the perfect spot for storing items that would otherwise distract from the room’s crisp, clean aesthetic.

Using a reclaimed bench as a side table is a great way to add additional storage to a living space. Slide baskets into the void beneath the bench to store magazines, books or remotes.

Built-in cabinets and drawers line the entire back wall of this living area, an elegant way to make sure there's plenty of storage, without detracting from the room's clean, open design. The expansive countertop above is perfect for entertaining.