Not enough storage space in the living room? Take a look around: have you placed enough shelves and storage units? Have you made use of all the awkward nooks here? What about the dead space behind the couch? This space is usually finished off with a simple console table and though you may use one, too, there are many more quite effective storage pieces that you can take. Let’s consider all the options.
Open Shelving Units
If you need a storage piece that will also let you display a lot, get an open storage unit or a modern console. You can even go creative with it getting a corner-shaped piece to add timeless geometry to the space.
Advantages: you can both store and display, and such an item looks lightweight, which is essential for smaller rooms. There are lots of designs and looks to choose from, and such items can be DIY, too, so it won’t break the bank.
Disadvantages: as all the items inside and on top are seen, such a piece may seem to clutter the space.
Corner storage units perfectly match modern and retro interiors, and you can display quite a lot there.
Get a corner open storage and display unit to highlight the sofa and add a twist to the space.
This long sleek white console table hides some books and illuminates the space very well.
This stained shelf matches the amber leather sofa, and it's a simple solution suitable for many spaces. (via stylemepretty).
If you have a long couch, you can get a whole row of cabinets, so you will store a lot of stuff and display much stuff on top.
This stylish storage unit adds interest to the space with texture and gradient, which accents every piece on display.
A classic open storage unit is a lovely piece to place behind a sofa, and it provides you with mcuh storage space.
This stained unit shows a beautiful stain shade and perfect joinery, quality pieces are important to form a Japandi interior.
This simple and sleek open storage unit is topped with stylish lamps, it's a cool item for the living room.
This long sofa is paired with a whole large storage unit with open and closed storage compartments.
A corner open storage unit is a beautiful solution to store, display and add a geometric touch to the space.
This glass multi-level console table allows to store and display in a cool and stylish way.
This IKEA storage unit is covered with wood and it's a whole play space for the kids.
Cabinets And Credenzas
A cabinet, sideboard or credenza are other, no less popular, stylish furniture items for a living room.
Advantages: a cabinet or a sideboard will add elegance and declutter the space as most of storage space is inside. There exist many designs and looks to choose from, and if you aren’t satisfied, you can make one yourself. You can use the top for creating arrangements for some holidays or seasons.
Disadvantages: a cabinet, especially without legs, can look quite bulky.
This neutral Japandi storage unit is a lovely idea for this light-colored living room, style it with coffee table books and lamps.
This dark-stained cabinet with slatted doors is a beautiful and stylish piece that hides some storage space.
A sleek white cabinet can double not only as a console but also as an additional seat or pet bed.
A simple stained chest will be a nice alternative to a console table and will let you store a lot inside.
A mirror cabinet has its own advantage: it seems invisible thanks to the mirror panels and it's great for small spaces.
This dark-stained mid-century modern credenza is a bold contrasting piece for the colorful living room.
This is an IKEA Hemnes table done with basket drawers, and it's a great console for a living room. (via chroniclesoffrivolity).
This is another IKEA hack, very sleek, chic and contemporary. (via champagnechaos).
Ribbed items are extremely in trend, and if you want to add a trendy touch to the space easily, add ribbed panels or doors to your existing piece.
Hack an IKEA piece to make a storage unit that perfectly matches your space. (via apartmenttherapy).
This elegant stained unit echoes with the built-in shelves and looks stylish and elegant. (via boredpanda).
This dark metal storage unit is an alternative to a locker, and it gives vintage vibes to the space. (via fourgenerationsoneroof).
A shabby chic file cabinet is a perfect match for the interior, and it adds charm to the room.
This sleek chest of drawers is a great idea if you choose functionality over complicated and intricate designs.
This relaxed storage unit behind the sofa matches other furniture units and divides the zones in the open layout.
Storage Space Dividers
This is may favorite idea for open layouts, and you’ll see why.
Advantages: A storage space divider is a very practical thing that works in open layouts or just studio apartments. You can design one yourself to match the space. Such dividers look very lighweight and don’t clutter or waste the space.
Disadvantages: a customized space divider might cost a lot.
This sleek storage piece shows off shelves and open storage compartments, and it's a space divider in the open layout.
A storage unit behind the sofa is often a space divider, and here it's a real dividing unit.
This sleek storage unit behind the sofa separates the kitchen from the living room.
Narrow And Sleek Consoles
A console table is a traditional solution and yes, it can be used as a storage piece, too.
Advantages: a classic piece that never goes out of style. A console looks lightweight, and if you place it between the couch and wall, it can become a hidden storage unit, and you will make use of this dead space. You may finish off your console with cubbies, drawers or baskets to make the piece look neat. A console can be also built by you yourself if you want to. You can style the tabletop for some seasons or turn the console into a desk.
Disadvantages: not that much storage space as with cabinets and items get dusty here as the storage is open.
This delicate and lighweight console table provides the space with storage and doesn't look bulky. (via ideastand).
A sleek console table will let you display, place some lamps and hide something under the tabletop.
This is a storage bench or console table that is a perfect match for a mid-century modern space.
A duo of tall sleek baskets will let you hide blankets and pillows you don't need at the moment.
This living edge console is not only a storage but also a decor piece that adds chic and interest to the living room.
This narrow console table features some inner storage space with baskets and table lamps on top.
A console behind a sofa is a classic idea for a living room, and you may add baskets to store stuff inside without cluttering the space.
This super narrow console table is squeezed between the couch and wall is a perfect way to make use of this small space. (via ikeahackers).
This narrow console table takes a small nook behind the sofa and allows to store some stuff, hidden and not hidden.