Family-Friendly Living Spaces

Family living rooms fulfill many needs. With multitasking amenities and customized storage, these organized living spaces are perfect combinations of lovely and livable with room to grow

Style doesn't have to trump storage. Creating a sense of togetherness is simple when kid-friendly features blend with livable style in your home's gathering spaces. Here's how to make a living room store everything and work for your family.

Storage Bench

Pack two functions into one with a storage bench. A cushion on top provides a place to sit, while cubbies below can be used for books or bins full of toys, games, or crafts supplies.

Console Cabinet

In an open living room floor plan, consider a console cabinet an essential piece. Position one behind a sofa that "floats" in the middle of a room and you'll have a spot for lamps to illuminate the seating space, a surface for placing drinks, plus plenty of storage.

Tiered Coffee Table

While the surface of a coffee table offers plenty of function, get even more from this living room staple by choosing a tiered model. Stack books and magazines on the shelf below, and use baskets both on and underneath the tabletop to corral other items.

Built-Ins

Invest in built-ins to give your living room architectural presence as well as an organized appearance. Frame a doorway with shelves, or consider cabinetry around a fireplace.

Nesting Tables

Nesting tables, usually in sets of two or three, stack together but can be pulled out for extra tabletop surface as needed. They take up less floor space -- ideal for small rooms -- but still offer room for storage.

Console Table

Like its cabinetry cousin, a console table adds storage but provides a different look. Baskets or bins can be lined up beneath for additional storage.

Hutch

Hutches, pie safes, cabinets, and armoires are stylish storage additions for more formal or traditional living rooms. These handsome pieces bring substance to a space while providing plenty of concealed storage for organizing necessities.

Coffee Table with Drawers

Drawers stacked beneath the top of a coffee table can conceal all sorts of items such as board games, remotes, magazines, and more. Since these pieces tend to be a bit more bulky than leggy, open coffee tables, they work best in larger or more open spaces.

Skirted Table

Turn a simple table into a storage gold mine with the addition of a skirt. For a DIY version, first cut and hem a piece of fabric to size. Then place hook-and-loop tape around the top edge of the table and attach the skirt. Slide storage bins or carts beneath the table.