Savvy storage: lounge options

Different rooms in our home put different demands on our savvy storage wisdom. Unfortunately for most of us, kids manage to spread their mess everywhere, so here are a few tips on controlling the family’s clobber.

Lounge storage

• Get a box chest. Few of us have time or energy to build a box seat into a space like a bay window, but using free-standing box chests for storing things you don’t need every day can save space and give you either extra seating (with colourful cushions on top), or somewhere to place plants and lamps. Homebase have a few options, including the Haven Storage Box and the Wycombe Pine Blanket Box for £89.99, but if you shop around you will find box chests to suit all needs – from antique or imported styles, to modern plain wood boxes that can be painted to suit your décor.

• Choose a cupboard. Although wall-mounted or free-standing shelves look more ‘open’ than cupboards, messy shelves will not give a sense of spaciousness in your living room. If your shelves are groaning with clutter, think about opting for something that combines a cupboard at the bottom and shelves above. This can fit into an alcove or a corner, or it might be worth getting a unit that’s made-to-measure to really maximise the space.

• Mix and match. To make shelves and cupboards blend in with smaller living spaces, paint them either the same colour as the walls, or a slightly lighter shade of the same colour.

• Baskets for toys. Keep a funky-looking canvas tub in the corner of your lounge for any toys that need scooping up at the end of the day. This is an easy way to control the mess when you’re in a hurry, and is a task that can be delegated to the kids. The Great Little Trading Company have a range of different tubs in plain colours to suit various living spaces, and bright patterns to suit children’s bedrooms, from about £10-£38.

Another alternative for classy toy storage in your hall or lounge is a Marks & Spencer set of 3 Water Hyacinth Round Storage Baskets for £39.50.