How to Make Your Living Room Storage Look More Luxurious

Good storage in the living room is essential, especially when living in a small space, but finding storage solutions that meet both your aesthetic needs and don’t interfere with a carefully designed room can be challenging.

Here, three interior designers share practical tips on how to make your living room storage pieces look more high-end. You’re just one step away from creating a more functional and upscale living space.

1. Modular and Streamlined Thinking

In many homes and apartments, the living room doubles as an entryway for items like shoes and everyday essentials. Elissa Hall, founder of EDH Interiors, suggests choosing modular and streamlined storage solutions for this space.

She says, “Swap out open shoe racks for ones with closed compartments to create a tidier look.”

Hall adds that after these steps, you can go further by replacing the knobs on large storage shoe cabinets from big-box stores with more stylish knobs that suit your design style. You can easily find affordable, stylish knobs on Amazon.

2. Elevate Your Baskets

For families with kids, the living room often serves as a play area, even if there’s a dedicated playroom elsewhere. Instead of using simple, clear plastic bins for toys and games, consider ways to make toy storage look more stylish.

Hall suggests ditching plastic toy bins in favor of textured baskets. “This solution not only creates a more high-end look but also adds a sense of design,” she says. You can label each storage bin for easy organization by category.

3. Skip the Furniture Sets

When purchasing closed storage furniture for the living room, you may be tempted to buy a whole set from a retailer to complete the task. However, if you want a space that looks expensive, it’s best to avoid matching furniture sets. Heidi Tate, founder of Tate Interiors, recommends taking the time to find unique pieces that stand out.

She says, “Mix materials and styles—like pairing a chic, modern buffet with a vintage mirror—to create a layered, high-end, and personalized look.”

Facebook Marketplace is a great resource for finding unique, affordable vintage items that no one else in your neighborhood will have in their living room.

4. Add Art

Don’t let one corner of your living room be completely dominated by storage items. Tate explains that a great way to divert attention away from the utilitarian layout is by adding decorative elements.

She says, “Carefully selected pieces can turn a storage area into a true focal point.”

Whether it’s a beautiful original piece from a flea market or a DIY abstract canvas, as long as you choose something that complements your color scheme and design style, you can’t go wrong.

5. Embrace Your Own Style

Julieta Alvarez, founder of Julieta Alvarez Interiors, encourages people to think outside the box when selecting furniture for the living room. Don’t settle for anything too generic.

She suggests skipping mass-produced, inexpensive coffee tables and instead opting for more interesting and attractive styles. Alvarez recommends high-quality, durable coffee tables, with stylish storage baskets underneath, such as wicker or felt baskets.

“This not only adds storage but also adds much-needed texture to the space,” says Alvarez.

6. Weave in Some Accessories

Don’t limit your open storage space to just functionality. Alvarez suggests adding decorative items to break up the monotony. She often shops on Etsy for unique, eye-catching pieces.

Her favorite items to add to shelves include bone-inlaid boxes, vintage brass accessories, marble chains, and bowls.

These tips will help transform your living room storage from practical to polished, making it look both luxurious and functional.