Complete Guide: Choosing the Best Toy Storage Furniture for an Organised Kids' Room
Whether it's dolls, cars, building blocks, or soft toys, toys quickly take over your living space. A suitable toy storage unit not only saves space but also helps establish a tidy-up routine for your child. This comprehensive guide helps you select the ideal furniture based on your needs, budget, and available space, whether you're looking for cheap toy storage at Action, a designer model at IKEA, or a custom solution for the living room.
Key Takeaways:
- Choose child-height furniture to encourage independence.
- Open bins and cubbies make quick tidying and sorting by category easy.
- Modular furniture grows with your child.
- Safety (stability, rounded corners) is paramount.
- Combine closed storage (for small items) and open storage (for bulky toys).
Different Types of Toy Storage Furniture
Bookshelves and Shelving Units
Low bookshelves or wall-mounted shelves are ideal for displaying books and toys. Models with cube cubbies (like IKEA Kallax) allow you to add fabric bins to hide clutter. At BUT, you'll find colourful shelves suitable for kids' rooms.
Toy Bins and Chests
Wooden or fabric chests are perfect for soft toys and bulky items. Watch out for heavy lids: choose models with safety hinges or no lid. Fabric chests from GiFi or Action are budget-friendly and lightweight.
Drawer Units and Dressers
Low dressers with deep drawers work well for small toys, costumes, or doll clothes. Drawers allow category-based sorting. IKEA offers the Trofast system with sliding plastic bins.
Modular Furniture and Tower Storage
Modular systems (cubes, stackable cubbies) adapt to your space and evolve with your child. Some models include a chalkboard or a desk. Vertical tower storage maximises small spaces.
Wall-Mounted and Hanging Storage
To save floor space, wall shelves, hanging fabric pockets, or mesh storage nets are practical. Ideal for shared rooms or small spaces.
How to Choose Your Toy Storage Furniture
Essential Criteria to Consider
Before buying toy storage furniture, evaluate:
- Child's age: for a baby, choose bins without sharp edges; for a 3-6-year-old, cubbies at their height; for a teen, more minimalist furniture.
- Available space: measure the area (height, width, depth). A small kids' storage unit may suffice in a corner of the room.
- Type of toys: bins for Lego, shelves for books, chest for soft toys, drawers for accessories.
- Budget: ranges from Action and Centrakor offer solutions under £30, while IKEA and BUT provide durable furniture from £50 to £200.
- Style: natural wood, white, bright colours, themed (princess, cars).
Comparison Table of Storage Types
| Type of Furniture | Advantages | Disadvantages | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bookshelf/Shelving | Visibility, easy access, modular | Can accumulate dust | Books, board games, display toys |
| Toy Chest | Large volume, hides everything | Hard to find a specific toy, heavy lid | Soft toys, stuffed animals, bulky toys |
| Dresser/Drawers | Category sorting, closed storage | Less accessible for small children | Small toys, costumes, accessories |
| Modular Cubbies | Expandable, customisable | Requires additional bins | Children aged 2-10, shared rooms |
| Wall Storage | Space-saving, decorative | Limited capacity, needs fixing | Small spaces, teen room |
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Toy Storage
Neglecting Safety
Unanchored furniture can tip over. Choose stable models and always secure them to the wall. Avoid sharp corners and small detachable parts for children under 3.
Choosing Too Large or Too Small
An oversized unit clutters the room; a too-small one won't suffice. Assess the volume of toys and allow room for growth.
Ignoring Child Accessibility
If the child can't reach the storage, they won't use it. Place everyday toys at their height and reserve higher shelves for less-used items.
Forgetting Versatility
A piece that only serves toy storage will become obsolete quickly. Prefer models that can evolve: shelves convertible into a desk, reusable bins for other purposes.
Care and Use Tips
Cleaning and Durability
Wipe surfaces regularly with a damp cloth. Fabric bins can be machine-washed (check the label). Solid wood furniture lasts for years; particle board is more prone to moisture damage.
Optimal Organisation
Use drawer dividers, label bins with pictures for toddlers, and rotate toys to avoid boredom. Involve your child in tidying by making it a game.
Adapt Storage by Age
For a baby, choose soft, lidless bins. For a preschooler, open cubbies with pictograms. For a school-age child, a desk with drawers and shelves for supplies.
Where to Find Cheap Toy Storage Furniture
Discount Stores: Action, GiFi, Centrakor
Action regularly offers fabric bins and chests under £10. GiFi has a wide range of colourful wooden furniture (shelves, chests) between £15 and £50. Centrakor provides decorative solutions with wicker or fabric bins.
Specialist Retailers: IKEA, BUT
IKEA is the go-to with the Kallax, Trofast, and Kura series. Prices range from £20 to £150. BUT offers designer children's furniture (Oxybul brand) and wooden chests.
DIY Solutions for Personalised Toy Storage
You can make a DIY toy storage unit using wooden crates, pallets, or stackable storage boxes. Paint them to match the room and add casters for mobility.
Conclusion
Choosing the right toy storage furniture transforms a child's room into an orderly and pleasant space. By considering age, toy type, safety, and budget, you'll find the ideal solution at Action, GiFi, Centrakor, IKEA, or BUT. Don't forget to involve your child in the selection and organisation to help them adopt good habits. For a harmonious home, check out our selection of kids' storage furniture combining functionality and style.
