The living room often serves multiple purposes in small apartments—relaxation, entertainment, work, dining. That means more items competing for limited space. Strategic storage keeps the room functional without feeling cramped.
Furniture with Built-In Storage
Coffee Tables
- With drawers: Hide remotes, coasters, small items
- With shelf below: Books, magazines, baskets
- Lift-top: Concealed storage inside
- Ottoman: Storage inside, acts as table with tray
TV Stands and Entertainment Centers
- Choose closed storage over open shelving
- Drawers for remotes, gaming controllers, cables
- Cabinets hide electronics and media
- Consider wall-mounting TV to use furniture space better
Seating with Storage
- Storage ottomans: Blankets, pillows, games
- Benches with storage: Along walls or under windows
- Sofas with storage: Some have compartments
Shelving Strategies
Floating Shelves
Use wall space without taking floor space:
- Above the TV
- Flanking windows
- In corners
- Behind the sofa
Tall Bookcases
- Use full ceiling height
- Mix books with decorative items and storage boxes
- Keep frequently used items at eye level
- Anchor to wall for safety
Corner Shelving
Corners are often wasted space:
- Corner shelf units
- Floating corner shelves
- Tall corner bookcase
Controlling Clutter
Flat Surface Management
Coffee tables, side tables, and entertainment centers attract clutter:
- Use trays to corral items
- Limit decorative items
- Give remotes a designated spot
- Process mail immediately—don't let it pile up
Daily Reset
Each evening, take 5 minutes to:
- Return items to their homes
- Clear surfaces
- Fluff cushions
- Deal with any mail or papers
Specific Storage Solutions
Blankets and Pillows
- Storage ottoman
- Basket beside the sofa
- Blanket ladder (if floor space allows)
- Inside a cabinet or closet
Books and Magazines
- Bookshelf with space limits (one in, one out)
- Coffee table with shelf
- Floating shelves
- Digital alternatives for some reading
Electronics and Cables
- Cable box or cord covers
- Power strip inside entertainment center
- Drawer for controllers and accessories
- See our cable organization guide
Games and Entertainment
- Closed cabinet in entertainment center
- Decorative boxes on shelves
- Storage ottoman
- Keep only games you actually play
Multi-Use Living Rooms
When your living room is also your office or dining room:
Work Zone
- Desk that closes or folds
- Secretary desk with cabinet
- Shelving for supplies
- Ability to hide work at end of day
Dining Area
- Bench with storage instead of chairs
- Sideboard or buffet for dishes
- Drop-leaf or extendable table
The "Guest Ready" Test
Keep your living room at a level where unexpected guests wouldn't embarrass you. This doesn't mean perfect—it means a 10-minute pickup would make it presentable. This baseline prevents the stress of panic cleaning.