Every parent knows that toy storage ideas are essential to keeping their home tidy and their sanity safe.
Having children at home is a recipe for endless order storage ideas Well-thought-out, easily arranged and easily accessible to both parent and child, is critical to a harmonious home.
Toy storage isn’t just about kids’ bedrooms – living rooms, playrooms, and even hallways often need clever nooks and crannies to hide toys that inevitably make their way through the home.
toy storage ideas
From discreet benches to personalized bags, we’ve rounded up some stylish and practical toy storage ideas for your inspiration, and asked the experts for tips too, so if you’re looking for playroom ideas or kids’ room solutions, they’ll be well-organised.
1. Place shelves and cabinets at a lower height
(Photo credit: Paint and Paper Library/Isabelle Lomas)
while the likes of kitchen storage ideas You may see you put small pieces out of reach, you want to do the exact opposite when storing toys.
“As adults, we naturally fit shelves at our own height, but installing them so your child can easily reach items from them is more effective,” says Peter Erlandsson, co-owner of String Furniture. Making shelves and cabinets easy for your child will help encourage them to keep the space tidy themselves.
2. Choose volumes that can grow with your child
(Image credit: Furniture Series)
“Investing in timeless furniture and designs when decorating your child’s room is important,” Erlandson adds. As children get older, their storage needs change. With the modular shelving system, you have the flexibility to organize the configuration that grows with your child, and the collection of toys that expands evenly. Modular systems are also great for those like small kitchen storage ideas Where space is tight, allowing you to easily adapt to the changing needs of your family.
3. Keep the living room storage discreet
(Image credit: Kate Guinness)
“A great place for children to play, while also allowing parents to observe; the living room is a fixture in many family homes,” says Alex and Chris Tollofson, directors and founders of Nöa & Nani. living room storage ideas For toys, you should take more consideration, as you will need to make them feel natural in the midst of their adult surroundings.
“For a storage solution that blends seamlessly with the existing décor, homeowners should choose a neutral-colored toy box, eg white or wood because this allows homeowners to keep their floors clutter-free without taking up too much space,” Tolovson says. In this example, a large wicker basket fits perfectly.
4. Go Low With Under Bed Storage
(Image credit: Future)
Utilizing the space under the bed is an easy win when it comes to it bedroom storage ideas. For children, consider choosing a bed with storage under the mattress or, for existing beds, get drawers on rollers that you can slide under. Alternatively, you can use a loft bed with lots of fitted storage.
“A loft bed is a great option for those with tight space, allowing the lower section to become a useful area for storing toys and a space to play when the kids are young,” says Tollofson. This can then easily be changed into a functional desk area for learning as the kids get older. We also suggest adding some higher shelves so the books for bedtime stories are easily accessible.
5. Keep it clean with a storage cube
(Image credit: Alex Sargenson)
to small bedroom storage ideasTry enhancing the usefulness of open shelving with boxes that work similarly to drawers, as shown in this nursery.
“If space is at a premium, try open shelving with wicker basket storage stacked in cubes,” says Arlene McIntyre, MD at Ventura Design. This can help a small space feel larger than it is and avoid closing up the room making it look cluttered. It will also help encourage children to arrange their belongings themselves, with a basket for each specific item such as toys, crafts, and any clothes.
6. Use the open shelves to display your favorites
(Photo credit: Alexis Hughes & Co / Raquel Langworthy)
“When it comes to compact rooms or homes that don’t have a dedicated playroom, it’s important to be smart when it comes to storage,” Tolofsons says. Shelves are a great way to display your kids’ favorite toys without taking up any extra floor space as they can be placed on top of desks, bedside tables or even beds. An ideal way to add a playful touch or bring interest to interiors, opting for brightly colored shelves, this will create contrast when paired with a plain white wall.
In this bedroom by interior designer Alexis Hughes, built in bookshelf ideas Create a wonderful surround for a window seat, and can also be used to display select games.
7. Sit in a bench with storage on the bench
(Photo credit: David Lovati)
Boot seats may be a favorite among hallway storage ideas, but sitting with extra storage under its padded cushions can be a great addition to playrooms and living rooms frequented by kids.
“It’s worth investing in joinery that doubles as toy storage underneath and open shelving up,” McIntyre says. This now not only allows the space to function in a multifunctional way, but also hides unsightly clutter when extended family visits. Storage can also grow with your family, swapping out soft toys for extra blankets and pillows while the kids leave the nest.
8. Hide it under the stairs
(Image credit: Mark Bolton)
“When it comes to hidden storage, the bench and under the stairs are always the winners,” McIntyre says. “We’ve seen many clever ways to transform the space under the stairs, like a small home office with a desk and chair or with pull-out drawers for shoes and winter accessories.”
landing storage ideas One way to make the most of your ladder, while the recess under the stairs is also plenty of space to store larger toys, as well as the likes of bikes and scooters. If the staircase falls somewhere dead in your house, consider turning it into a small play area as in this example.
9. Diversify your office storage
(Photo credit: Mary Wadsworth)
Most of us have to think twice about home office storage ideas these days – so take inspiration from the multitasking talents of a child’s bedroom desk. Not only can it be a space for homework, but it can also be for drawing and playing – that’s if you make the most of your storage potential, of course.
“For older children or those who may need a quiet place to study, choose a desk,” Tolofsons says. “Not only does this provide a useful surface for books, tools, or arts and crafts, but the built-in drawer provides another, more discreet space for small toys.”
10. Make it personal
(Image credit: Rachel Whiting)
Kids love anything that is customized for them and their interests — or better yet, something they can customize for themselves. Consider upcycling old furniture by giving it a touch of chalkboard paint like this cabinetry so they can get creative, or get a professional to create something bespoke.
“Beautiful, custom-made toy boxes are the latest in style and perfect for adding fun, colorful and stylish to a kid’s bedroom,” says McIntyre. For an extra special and luxurious touch, the boxes can be written with your child’s initials, making them the perfect gift from grandparents. Toy boxes are also a beautiful heritage piece that can be kept for years to come and passed down through the family.
How do you store so many games?
While one or two toys stacked on open shelves can add character to a space, you’ll need to think a little harder to make sure the crowds are neatly positioned away. If you feel like you’re running out of room, find out what you can do with the space under your child’s bed — foldable drawer inserts can be a lifesaver. If you’re designing a space from scratch, consider dedicating some built-in storage for toys in dresser-like closets.
How do you store toys in the living room?
In the living room, toys need to be put away effortlessly, leaving no sign of them scattered on the floor. It should also be stored in a space that blends seamlessly with your design.
The likes of ottomans and storage benches can provide ample space to discreetly store toys. They can be easily concealed with cushioned surfaces that fit the aesthetic of your room, but they have a huge amount of storage potential for ill-shaped items. Plus, it doubles as a seat for adults who join in on the play.