10 Simple But Clever Storage Ideas for Small Living Rooms

Having a small living room doesn't have to be a curse, even if you have a lot of stuff. With our clever storage ideas for small living rooms, you can make the most of your space without having to consult Mrs Hinch herself.

The key is to make use of what you already have or buy multi-purpose furniture. Look at that bookcase in the corner of your room with a new set of eyes; it could be used for so much more than just holding books.

Ottoman footstools, display units with doors or drawers, and nesting tables are perfect for small living rooms. They offer additional storage space while also serving as functional pieces of furniture.

Shop our favourite pieces of storage furniture for small homes below, all backed by our free 5-year guarantee…

Whether you're downsizing and don't want to get rid of all your possessions or you want to make your living space more organised and welcoming to spend time in, we’ve got some easy and clever ways you can make your living room feel, well, more roomy.

Our Best 10 Small Living Room Storage Ideas for Your Home

As home furniture and interior design lovers, we here at Fairway have seen some smart (and not so smart) solutions for living room storage over the years. We’ve come up with our top 10 picks to help you make the most out of your limited, but valuable, space.

So, without further ado, let’s get creative…

Idea 1: Use Ottoman Footstools for Secret Storage

The key to a cosy, small living room is to make your furniture work twice as hard for you. Look at your furniture differently and see where you can double up a regular piece of furniture as a storage opportunity.

Blanket boxes and storage footstools are the ultimate multitaskers when it comes to furniture. They’re not just great for extra seating when guests pop over or for propping your feet up — they also give you handy storage to keep your living room neat and tidy.

Storage Footstools We Recommend

Here are just a few of our favourites…

We love a sturdy blanket box, with a few cushions on top as an extra seating area or the perfect place for pets to snooze.

The Ellis Storage Footstool is one of the most versatile in our range and will fit in with lots of interior styles, like modern contemporary, classic, or minimalist. It’s also available in a variety of colours and fabrics to match your decor.

If you’re looking for something more compact, the Calgary Storage Stool is a great option. Its sleek design means it can fit in almost any room, while providing ample storage space.

Whether you’re stashing blankets, cushions, or even toys, these pieces blend right into your decor while keeping everything out of sight. It’s a smart way to save space without sacrificing comfort or style!

Idea 2: Opt for Vertical Space Storage Solutions

Floor space might be limited in your small living room, but vertical space probably isn't. Making the most of the space above your head is key to organising a small space.

Bookcases and display units are a great way to declutter your small living room while adding some style.

Vertical Storage Inspiration

Open shelving, like the Aston Display Unit or Jupiter Tall Bookcase, is perfect for showing off your favourite books, ornaments, or plants. It also creates a nice, airy vibe that makes the room feel brighter and more spacious.

If you prefer a more structured look, boxed-in units with closed storage can hide the clutter and keep things tidy.

Mixing open shelves for display with hidden compartments, like the Fusion Bookcase with drawers, for storage is a smart way to keep your space both practical and stylish.

Idea 3: Make a Feature of Your Storage With Stylish Sideboards

It's easy to think that storage is just a useful commodity in your living room. However, when you're working with a small space, it's impossible to hide your storage completely. So, why not lean into it and make it a feature?

Choosing stylish and unique storage furniture, like sideboards or display units, can totally change the vibe of your small living room. Not only do these pieces give you practical storage, but they also double as statement furniture, adding personality and charm to your space.

A good sideboard or display unit can become the focal point of the room, blending function with style.

Classic Sideboards We Love

Whether you go for a sleek modern look, like the Toledo Sideboard, or something bold and artisanal, like the Vigo Sideboard, these pieces help you keep your living area neat while making it look amazing.

Idea 4: Use Small But Plentiful Furniture, Like Nests of Tables

It might seem counterproductive to put lots of pieces of furniture in your space, but large furniture risks overwhelming a small living room. Having more, smaller pieces of furniture can give you the storage you need without cramping your style.

Narrow hall tables or coffee tables with drawers, like the Nanterre Coffee Table, are a great storage solution. Their slim designs take up hardly any floor space while still being super functional.

Nests of tables with drawers, like the Kilburn Nest of Tables, are also perfect for stashing things like remotes or coasters, keeping your space neat and tidy.

These pieces are not only practical but also blend right into your room without making it feel cramped.

Idea 5: Get a Multi-Functional Coffee Table

Coffee tables are a staple of any living room, but could they be doing more for the space? The answer is yes, they could!

A coffee table with storage, especially one with hidden compartments, like a laptop storage table, is a game-changer for keeping a small living room tidy and organised.

It’s not just a surface for your daily stuff — it’s also a sneaky spot to stash away clutter like remotes, magazines, or kids’ toys. The hidden storage helps your space feel clean and calm, even if it’s small.

Multifunctional Pieces We Recommend

Storage coffee tables, like the Vigo Storage Coffee Table, are also a stylish and practical way to make the most of your living area. If you’re short on space, this is a must-have!

Idea 6: Fill Alcoves With Shelves for Proportions

Alcoves can give a living room dimension and personality, but when your space is limited, they can end up feeling like a waste of space. However, with a bit of creativity and DIY know-how, they can become valuable storage space.

Adding shelves to alcoves is a great way to get some extra storage and make use of those often-overlooked spaces.

Open shelves can give your room a light, airy feel and are perfect for showing off your favourite books, keepsakes, or decor.

Prefer a tidier look? Try adding glass doors — they’ll keep everything dust-free while still looking sleek and stylish. It’s a simple upgrade that’s not only practical but also brings a nice touch of charm to your living room.

Idea 7: Create a Feature Storage Wall

Dedicate one wall in your small living room to hold all your display units, bookcases, and even your TV, and you’ll instantly make the most of your space. This setup keeps the floor clear for easier movement and gives the room a cleaner, more organised feel.

Versatile Storage Wall Shelving

Some of our favourite bookcases for creating a storage wall like this include the Nanterre Large Bookcase and the Kilburn Dining Large Bookcase. Both are versatile options that can hold books, decorative items, and other essentials and line your wall seamlessly.

For a more unique look, consider mixing and matching different styles of bookcases, such as the Fusion Bookcase with the Hampton Dining Tall Bookcase. You can also add storage baskets or boxes on some shelves to keep smaller items like remotes, chargers, and cables hidden away.

By combining storage and display on one wall, you can cut down on clutter and make the room look bigger, all while having plenty of space to show off your books, décor, and entertainment must-haves.

Idea 8: Keep Your Storage Slim-Line

While storage is a necessity in modern homes, it doesn't have to be big and bulky, taking up excessive space in your small living room.

Choosing slim storage furniture, like narrow bookcases or compact console tables, like the Nanterre Console Table, is a great way to make the most of a small living room.

These pieces give you plenty of storage for your essentials while keeping the design sleek and simple. With smaller furniture, you can stay organised and keep things functional without making the space feel cramped or cluttered.

Idea 9: Keep Things Organised With Classic Display Units

Knick-knacks, ornaments, and keepsakes make a house a home, but in a small living room, they can quickly feel like clutter.

Display units are a great way to keep all your little things neatly organised. They give your cherished items a proper spot, freeing up surface space and keeping your living room looking tidy and welcoming.

With everything in its place, you’ll avoid that cluttered feeling and create a more open, comfy vibe for you and your guests to enjoy.

Idea 10: Create Organisation Zones

Organising your living room into specific zones is a great way to keep things tidy and make the most of your space, especially in smaller rooms.

By assigning areas for different activities or items, you can reduce clutter and make the room more functional. For example, keep all electronics and accessories in one spot, like a corner with a TV stand or media unit, to avoid scattered cables and gadgets.

Designate another area for children’s toys, using storage bins or baskets that match the décor. If you love books, create a reading nook with shelves along one wall to keep books organised and surfaces clear.

Clear zones not only make cleaning up easier but also give your living room a more open and organised feel.

Invest in Quality Furniture From Fairway Furniture

Turn your small living room into a cosy, functional space with Fairway Furniture! From storage ottomans to compact sofas and extendable tables — find smart, stylish pieces that help you make the most of your space.

Our high-quality furniture is designed to be practical and inviting, whether you're relaxing after a long day or hosting friends.

Shop our collection online and find the perfect pieces to create a living room you’ll love coming home to!

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