Keep your living room tidy by choosing storage that both looks good and keeps the clutter out of sight. From multifunctional pieces to statement sideboards, Good Homes picks out the best storage solutions for busy homes…

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1. Make it multifunctional

If your living room also serves as a spot for working, why not choose a coffee table that offers you a pull-out desktop and cubbyholes to pop folders or books? This Aralene lift-top coffee table with storage is £209.99 from Wayfair.

2. A bit on the side

An underrated item, the side table is super handy as a place for drinks and lamps – but also for savvy storage, and the latest designs deliver for both style and function. If it’s to go next to a sofa, make sure to check the height of the table when buying, so it’s roughly in line with the arm, and doesn’t look too short or tall in comparison. 

Pictured above, clockwise from left:

• Smartie Minor swing arm floor lamp with adjustable lipped cherrywood table, £1,775 from Besselink & Jones
• Level side table by Ferm Living, £205 from Abode Living
• Rattan Side Table With Shelf, £175 from Ella James
• Eichholtz Napa Valley side table in washed oak, £1,090 from Sweetpea & Willow
• Industrial Schoolhouse Side Table, £155 from Vincent and Barn Ltd
• Ligne Roset Cestino storage table with recycled leather basket from Ligne Roset

3. Style up a sideboard

This trusty piece of furniture is truly versatile, as not only does it offer a place for glasses or any dining-room overspill, but a handy spot to display photos, vases, a lamp, or even create a cocktail station. What’s more, they’re low-level enough not to be too intrusive, and work well whether they’re set against a wall or behind a sofa as a room divide. Pictured below: Leyburn dark mango wood sideboard, £825 from Next Home.

4. Invest in a storage sofa

If you’re constantly losing your TV remote or phone when relaxing on the sofa, choose a design with a centre console. This Storeaway Wander two-corner recliner with sofa bed and console from DFS (£3,199), not only has cup holders built in, but transforms into a bed too. Multi-tasking at its finest!

5. Stowaway footstool

Short on space? Opt for an ottoman footstool, which provides storage as well as extra guest seating, plus a spot to put your feet up.

Pictured above, clockwise from left:

• Arundel heart-shaped velvet footstool in cream, £44.99, Homescapes
• Fluted Ivy Footstool in Velluto Mustard, £249 from Sofology
• Pot Pie storage footstool, £645 from Loaf
• Marie Storage Pouffe, Taupe Boucle, £89 from Cult Furniture
• Pumpkin Storage Ottoman in Dove Grey, £299.99 from My Furniture

6. Go bespoke with a media wall

Make use of every inch of space by creating one big wall of storage in your living room, featuring drawers, shelves and cupboards. Known as a media wall, not only will it take attention away from the TV itself, but will also help store digital boxes, consoles and cables – and you can make a feature of it with mood lighting and display pieces. Go bespoke for the best results. This Manhattan storage in Graphite starts from £1,500 with Sharps.

7. Add a bookcase or dresser

A versatile piece for any room, use the humble bookcase to keep books and files in a home office but also to display ornaments, or as a dining-room addition for crockery and glasses. If you prefer to keep everything tucked away, opt for a dresser with glass cabinets and drawers – measure up carefully to maximise your storage while making sure there’s room to open doors and drawers. Have tall ceilings? Use the top as an extra shelf for storage baskets or a home for house plants.

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