Cabinets aren’t the only answer to living room clutter. This guide covers other living room storage furniture worth considering, from ottomans to shelving, for households wanting options beyond a standard cabinet.
Why Look Beyond Cabinets?
A cabinet works well for hidden storage, but other furniture types offer storage while serving a second purpose, such as seating or display. For a dedicated look at cabinets specifically, see our living room storage cabinets guide.
Storage Ottomans and Footstools
A storage ottoman doubles as extra seating or a footrest while hiding blankets, magazines, or remote controls inside. This makes it a particularly good option for smaller living rooms where every piece of furniture needs to work hard.
Open Shelving Units
Open shelving suits items you’re happy to display, such as books or ornaments, and tends to make a room feel more open than closed cabinetry. Pairing open shelving with a few storage baskets adds hidden storage without losing that airier feel.
Coffee Tables With Storage
Coffee tables with a shelf, drawer, or lift-top compartment add practical storage to a piece of furniture most living rooms already need. This is often an easy, low-disruption way to add storage without changing your room’s layout significantly.
Bench Seating With Storage
A storage bench works particularly well near an entryway-adjacent living room, or as additional seating that also holds shoes, throws, or seasonal items.
Wall-Mounted Storage Options
Floating shelves or wall-mounted cabinets free up floor space, which matters in smaller living rooms. These work particularly well combined with the floor-based furniture covered in our storage cabinets guide, rather than as a complete replacement for it.
Choosing Based on How You Actually Use the Room
Think about what you actually need to store day to day before choosing furniture. A household with young children may prioritise a storage ottoman for toys, while a household that entertains often might prefer a stylish sideboard for glassware and drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a storage ottoman a good alternative to a cabinet?
Yes, particularly in smaller rooms, since it combines seating and storage in one piece rather than taking up additional floor space.
What’s the best storage option for a small living room?
Multi-purpose furniture, such as a storage ottoman or a coffee table with storage, tends to work best when floor space is limited.
Can I combine open shelving with closed storage?
Yes, in fact combining both often works best, using open shelving for display items and closed storage for everyday clutter.
