Five chic ways to hide all those toys.
Toy storage doesn’t have to look like toy storage. In our house, we used modern, multi-purpose furniture to house Levon’s clutter. Below are five ways we store his toys in plain sight.
Storage Benches & Toy Boxes
As far as I’m concerned, every banquette, ottoman, bench, and window seat should double as storage. In our home, we keep board games in the built-in banquette in our dining area. A wooden toy box under our living room window inconspicuously hides Levon’s extensive costume collection. If you have a bench at the end of any bed that doesn’t double as storage, it’s a missed opportunity!
Rialto Ivory Storage Bench | CB2 | SHOP
Palmer Storage Bench, Tosequartz Linen | Maisonette | SHOP
Mid-Century Toy Chest | West Elm Kids | SHOP
Baskets
We have floor baskets scattered throughout our house to store large toys and throw blankets, and smaller baskets on shelves for art supplies, Hot Wheels, and small action figures. You can find an incredible selection online in all shapes, sizes, and colors. I’m a huge fan of rope baskets and own multiple sizes of both of the brands listed below.
Braided Wool Storage | RH Baby&Child | SHOP
Max Size Rope Basket | Cottonphant | SHOP
Consoles, Sideboards and Buffets
If we had a larger house, perhaps I’d insist that all of Levon’s toys be stored in his bedroom or playroom, but in reality, he has toys in every room of our home. And honestly, I like it because I don’t want him constantly shut away in his room. I love that he plays in the living room while my husband is cooking dinner. I love it less when I’m trying to work and his army tank is launching bombs, but it’s still worth it. In our living area, we have a gorgeous reclaimed wood console that holds toys, craft supplies and board games for easy access. Remember, anything with drawers and shelves can function as modern toy storage.
Ingram Buffet | Anthropologie | SHOP
BESTÅ Storage Combination With Doors | Ikea | SHOP
Graydon Shagreen Panel 4-Door Sideboard | RH | SHOP
Storage Beds
If you’re shopping for a new bed, consider one with storage underneath. The drawers can be used for sheets of course, but you can also use the space as modern toy storage!
Avalon Upholstered Corner Storage Bed | Pottery Barn Teen | SHOP
Winston Porter Braydee Solid Wood Low Profile Storage Platform Bed | Wayfair | SHOP
MALM High bed frame/2 storage boxes | Ikea | SHOP
Dressers
Levon has a lot of little toys that I organize in bins and baskets, but drawers would work just as well. If your child’s room has a closet large enough to house their clothing, why not use a chic dresser to store toys? It keeps the room organized and is much more pleasing to the eye than open toy shelves.
Roselle Wide White Wood Dresser | Crate&kids | SHOP
Kids White Campaign Wide Dresser | Crate&kids | SHOP
BUSUNGE 2-drawer chest | Ikea | SHOP
Jessica Butler is the co-founder of Raise, stepmother of two, and adoptive mother of one. Prior to Raise, she was a writer on USA’s "In Plain Sight" and TNT’s "The Last Ship." She and her husband, writer/producer Warren Bell, co-created the Nick at Nite series "Instant Mom," based on her life as a stepmother. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and six-year-old son, Levon.