When Family Rooms and Playrooms Collide: Stylish and Functional Toys Storage Solutions

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Playrooms are often integrated into family or living rooms.  As a result, many families are faced with the challenge of creating a space that is welcoming to visitors yet suitable for daily play.  Standard toy bin storage are problamatic as they can create the look and feel of a toy store or playroom.  To get the best of both worlds, standard family room furniture, such as storage ottomans and TV cabinets or armories, can provide the look you desire with the storage you need.

Wall Units

Family rooms are often oriented around the TV.  To maximize the functionality of your room, choose an entertainment center that can store toys, as well as it does a television.  Ample storage within child’s reach, as well as baskets or bins to store (or hide) the toys, are key features to look for.  Ikea’s Expidet system is a great starting point for families on a budget.  With several different sizes, colors, doors, bins and drawers and other accessories to choose from, customizing your system is as affordable as it is fun.  Click here, to see all the Exipdet options available at your local Ikea, or here for options available online.

 Armoires and TV Cabinets

If you are looking for a simple solution to “hide” or store toys in your common area consider using an armoire or TV cabinets.  While these units are not designed specifically for toy storage, they can discreetly provide ample storage space without looking out of place or forced.  The upper section of armoires are perfect for storing taller or bulkier toys, while the shelves below can often be adapted to store smaller bins, buckets or baskets of toys.  Often times the lower shelves can be removed, providing additional storage space.  The insides of the doors can also be used for hanging storage or converted into a bulletin board by simply attaching corkboard.  Good quality standard TV cabinets are also easy to find used or at amazing deals as many household are switching to flat panel televisions.  With little need for these dated units, top-quality units are selling for as little as $40 on craigslist, garage sales and in the newspaper.  While looking for a piece however, don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty to make the cabinet work for you.  With a little paint, wood polish and/or a hammer (to remove unwanted shelves), converting a dated TV cabinet into an ideal toy storage unit can be accomplished with minimal investment and effort.  Additionally, be sure to attach these units to the wall as they can be a tipping hazard. 

Storage Ottomans

Ottomans are a great place to rest your feet, but they can also be a great place to store toys.  Storage ottomans are easy to find and come in many different sizes, shapes and colors.  Finding an ottoman that complements your décor however, is only half of the battle as most models are not child friendly.  The hinges that allow the heavy lids of the ottomans to open and shut are rarely child safe.  Propping the lid open can also be a nuisance as the lid can block the view of the kids and/or the TV.  A simple solution to convert almost any storage ottoman into a child safe storage area is to completely remove the hinge and replace it with small wood blocks (as shown in the picture below).  By replacing the hinge with wood blocks the lid can be completely removed to provide access to toys, while preventing the lid from sliding off the top of the ottoman while resting your feet.  Simple remove the hinge and screw wood blocks into the corner of the lid, slightly offset from the edge, as you want the blocks to rest inside of the ottoman, not on its sides.

Storage Units, Desks and Benches

Hiding toys in a storage unit that coordinates with the room can also make a room feel more unified.  Multi-tasking furniture is also a great way to save space in a shared roomed.  Hidden storage compartments in benches, chairs and or desks help to maximize toy storage while minimizing room clutter.  (Click on the picture below for additional product descriptions).