The living room is central to any home; it’s the place where you host guests, where you relax, and where you spend your free time. However, with so much traffic and time spent in this room, it’s likely to get cluttered. That’s why it’s important to invest in smart storage solutions that will be practical while also keeping the design of the room cohesive.
Depending on the style of the living room, some pieces might fit better than others; yet, there are some universal pieces that are likely to help you out in any situation. The following are also very versatile whether you are renting an apartment, you’re a first time homeowner or even if you’ve owned your home for years. Here are five to consider:
1. Coffee table with storage
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A coffee table is essential for any living room, as it can be both a center piece and a storage option. Many models are very stylish, and the design can vary from minimalistic to rustic or even industrial. Depending on your style, you might choose a wooden coffee table with a glass top and built-in drawers or a smooth, minimalistic piece that masks your belongings.
2. Floating (box) shelves
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The vertical space in a room is rarely maximized, but it offers so much potential for storage options. Floating shelves are an elegant solution to feature your book collection, antiques, or any personal trinkets. Set them up to create a sophisticated display or keep it simple with straight, parallel lines. To add an extra nuance of sophistication, consider wall-mounted box shelves. These create an eclectic presentation to turn your living room into a personal gallery.
3. Storage baskets or vintage pieces
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Storage baskets are perfect for items that usually end up lying around on the floor or couch. Plus, there’s an abundance to choose from; whether you’re looking for neutral tones or bright colors, textile-wrapped baskets, or even vintage pieces—such as an old suitcase—these items can fit with any design style you chose for your living room. Hide blankets, books, toys, or anything else that you prefer to be put away.
4. Bar option
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When it comes to liquid libations, the classy option is to have a separate storage solution just for the drinks. So, think about investing in a bar cart, which can also double as a cocktail station, where you can prepare drinks for your guests. Because these can be quite delicate with glass and fine metal detailing, they can even turn into a centerpiece for the room. If you want to keep it hidden, select a flip-top cabinet; or, if you’re feeling more sophisticated, choose a wooden globe, which doubles as a liquor cabinet.
5. Nesting tables
With a variety of models and designs, nesting tables are an amazing space-saving option for your living room. They offer plenty of storage and tabletops for guests, but they also collapse or hide under each other when you’re not using them; they’re a perfect example of practical and elegant furniture.
Of course, there are many more alternatives you could find to create storage options in your living room. In particular, practical furniture with open, built-in shelving, sideboards or drawers is not only more straight-forward, but also more economical. However, you should never have to sacrifice style for practicality.
As such, take a good look at your living room and choose items that will fit the color scheme and blend in with existing textures. Then, experiment with different options until you find your holy grail of storage.
About the author: Mihaela Buzec is a passionate reader and writer with an affinity for language and linguistics, as well as the latest technological developments. She discovered her passion for real estate at RENTCafé, and you can read more of her articles on their blog.
