A Complete Guide To Toy Organization Ideas For Your Living Room

The best toy organization ideas for your living room.

As a former nanny, I spent tons of time organizing families’ play areas and living rooms to find a system that kept the kids happy and the space looking serene

Through all of the toys that I have decluttered and organized over the years, I eventually found systems to work for each living space to balance the fun and chaos that comes with keeping your home tidy with littles.   

This post includes plenty of practical toy storage ideas that you can choose from to make your living room and playroom combo work for both kids and adults.

Get ready to find a toy storage system that works for your family with the ideas below!  

a baby with toys in the living room
Photo by Fotios Photography

How do you organize a room with too many toys?

I haven’t seen your living room toy collection but I can assure you that there are too many toys! 

It is so exciting and special to shower our kids with toys (and gifts from relatives add to this too!) but they truly probably have too many. 

Before using any of the tips on this list spend some time decluttering and rehoming toys. It can also be helpful to store half the toys and rotate which toys are available to keep things fresh, new, and less overwhelming. 

toy storage shelves in living room
Photo by Pexels Tatiana

Toy Organization Ideas For Your Living Room

1. Hide toys in the living room with a toy chest 

Keep it simple by storing toys in a toy chest beside your couch. I love these wicker ones because they can match most living room decor.

These work great because the top isn’t too heavy (like a wooden chest) so kids can easily grab what they want!

2. Use small decorative baskets that fit your living room theme

Pick up a few decorative baskets to place around your living room. These work great because there is only enough space for some toys-not the entire collection!

I suggest this toy storage idea if you are planning on rotating different toys in and out. Store the extra toys in a spare closet, in your kids’ room, or storage bins under the couch.

*small baskets can also be used under your coffee table.

3. Use clear bins in deep drawers to easily see toys

If you have a media center with deep drawers, use clear bins to keep items perfectly separated.

That way when your kids want a specific toy they can pull out the bin rather than all of the toys being a free for all.

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4. Install simple built-in cabinetry to store kids’ toys in your family room

Pick up some shelves with doors that close to hide away toys when not in use. When it is play time, prop the doors open for the fun to begin!

This will cut down on the visual clutter in your home and help your living room or dining area feel more cohesive.

5. Use a bookshelf with bins on the lower level for easy access

Use a bookshelf and canvas or wicker bins to store toys. They easily slide out when it is time to play!

You can use bins for all of the spaces (to again minimize visual clutter) or leave a few open so smaller children can easily access their toys.

These work great for living rooms because you can store decor, tissue boxes, baskets for remotes etc. on the top.

Cube organizers can be easily found at most thrift stores and in all different sizes!

6. Add bins under a bench for extra seating and to hide away toy clutter

Create a little book nook or seating area for your kids to enjoy that it is on top of their toy storage.

Small living rooms take a bit of creativity to make it all flow but this is a sneaky way to maximize space.

7. Attach wire or wicker baskets to the wall

If you want a way to keep a larger volume of toys organized, these wall-mounted toy storage options are perfect.

If you have multiple kids, you will naturally have more toys! So I wanted to include an organization system that may be helpful for a bigger collection of toys.

These work great for larger toys as well!

8. Hide the toys behind the couch (;

If all else fails, toss them behind the couch! Kidding but also not. If you have the space, slide your couch away from the wall to give your kids the perfect play area just for them.

It almost feels like a secret fort they can enjoy, but it won’t disrupt the look of the space. Make sure to still add toy organizers like bins or baskets so it is somewhat contained.

9. Use rolling carts for small toys

Rolling carts are the perfect organizers because you can roll them out of the way when play time is over.

I love to use these for smaller items like dolls, cars, action figures, and play kitchen materials.

They are also perfectly eye level for most kids which they will appreciate.

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10. Use open shelves if you have little kids

This storage option isn’t the prettiest but it is one of the easiest for kids to access! This open-shelf option is great for babies and toddlers.

They don’t have to slide heavy storage bins to get to their toys or risk getting hurt in the process.

11. Use a corner for a mini playroom or play space

Dedicate a corner of your living room specifically for play! You could use a bean bag chair, play mat, or mini table for seating. Add a few shelves or a peg board to hold books and toys.

If you don’t have a playroom then a little section in your living room is the perfect solution!

Toy organization tips for families 

Be consistent with encouraging your kids to clean up when they are done playing.

Yes, it will be repetitive but habits are built by small acts of repetition, even for kids.

If they know that the standard is to clean up after playing it will feel normal to them and less of a shock each time. Maybe not at first but stay consistent! 

a kid playing with toys in the living room
Photo by Mizunok

Toy organization for small spaces

I hope this list of toy storage ideas gave you plenty of inspiration to get your living room organized and ready for your kids to make memories in!

It can be hard to balance having a tidy home while also allowing your kids to feel free to play.

Having toy storage systems set up for when playtime is over can really make a difference. 

kid and dads reading a book in the living room
Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Have any other living room toy organization ideas? Let us know in the comments below! I’m sure others in the community would love to learn from you as well.

Stay well, 

Maggie

This post was all about toy organization ideas for your living room. 

Other posts you may like for more home organization ideas: 

21 Genius Tips to Organize Your Laundry Room on a Budget}

13 Life-Changing Ideas For How To Organize Your Small Bedroom

Genius Tips For How to Organize Water Bottles in Your Kitchen

If you would like to save this toy organization for the living room post for later-pin it!

kids playing with toys in their living rooms

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