Design Ideas for a Living Room With Kids' Toys

Coffee Table

• Choose a coffee table with an open space under the table top. Create hidden toy storage by sliding decorative bins into the area. Because coffee tables are low enough for children to reach, your kids will be able to get to the toys easily. When you want to create the look of an adult-friendly room, simply slide the bins into the table. Preserve your decor scheme by choosing bins that are made of material that goes with your room: colored or patterned canvas, wicker, sea grass, or even a light wood. You can also look for a coffee table with built-in drawers that your children can pull open easily; make sure that the drawer slides are not overly sensitive to make it more difficult to slam little fingers.

Entertainment Console

• If you have a television in your living room, choose a long, large entertainment console. Look for a low, streamlined model that has drawers, sliding doors, or cabinet doors with space for storage underneath. Instead of storing easily-damaged DVDs and books in the cabinet, use the extra room to store toys. If you buy an entertainment center that has a modern design, it can add to the decor of the living room when the toys are put away.

Window Seat

• Create a space for playing and reading books by installing a window seat in your living room. Build the seat with a hinged top that you can lift to expose an empty area inside that can be used for toy storage. Cover the top of the seat with comfortable cushions or upholster the lid with stain-resistant material. A window seat can also expand the amount of seating in your living room for guests.

Storage Cubes

• Storage cubes are an easy, modular way to create extra seating, footstools and hidden storage. Look for upholstered cubes that have padded tops and lids that lift off to reveal a hollow interior. The cubes can be moved easily to act as toy boxes or seats during a gathering; you can push them together to create a bench or stack them in the corner to save space. With a simple tray, they can act as miniature tables for children or adults.