Transforming your dining room into a family-friendly space that seamlessly integrates both culinary delights and playful moments is a creative challenge. The key lies in striking a balance between a stylish and functional environment that accommodates both adults and children. Here are 22 design ideas to help you create the perfect dining room with toy storage:
Open Shelving with Baskets
Embrace the minimalist trend with open shelving and baskets. This provides a visually appealing solution for storing toys while maintaining a clean and organized aesthetic. Choose shelves in natural wood tones, or paint them a vibrant color to match the room’s theme. Woven baskets in neutral colors like beige, gray, or natural wicker can be used to store toys and add a touch of texture to the space. This style works well in both modern and farmhouse settings.
Built-in Toy Storage Bench
Maximize space and functionality with a built-in toy storage bench. This clever design incorporates a seating area with a hidden compartment for storing toys. Choose a bench with a cushioned top for added comfort and a spacious storage compartment for larger items. The bench can be upholstered in a fabric that complements the dining room decor, and you can personalize it with custom cushions and throws.
Toy Closet with Sliding Doors
For a more discreet storage solution, consider a toy closet with sliding doors. This option keeps toys neatly concealed while adding a touch of elegance to the room. Choose sliding doors in a material like wood, frosted glass, or mirrored panels to reflect light and enhance the spaciousness of the room. The doors can be adorned with decorative handles or painted in a color that complements the existing decor.
Wall-Mounted Toy Storage
Embrace the trend of vertical storage with wall-mounted toy organizers. This efficient option utilizes vertical space to keep toys organized and easily accessible. Wall-mounted shelves, baskets, and hooks offer a stylish and space-saving solution. Opt for colorful organizers to add a touch of personality to the room, or choose neutral colors to blend seamlessly with the surrounding décor.
Colorful Toy Bins
Inject a playful element into your dining room with colorful toy bins. These brightly colored containers not only provide a practical storage solution but also add a cheerful and whimsical touch to the space. You can select bins in various sizes and colors to match your existing décor or to create a vibrant and eclectic feel. Label each bin to make it easy for children to tidy up.
Under-Table Storage
Maximize space and minimize clutter with under-table storage solutions. Utilize the area beneath the dining table to store toys, games, and other items. Consider using baskets, bins, or drawers with wheels for easy access. Choose storage containers in colors that complement the table and chairs or in vibrant hues to add a playful touch.
Corner Toy Storage
Take advantage of corner space with a dedicated toy storage unit. Corner shelves, cabinets, or cubbies offer a practical and space-saving solution for storing toys and keeping the room organized. This is an especially good option for smaller dining rooms where space is limited. Select a unit in a style that complements the room’s design, such as modern, farmhouse, or traditional.
Floating Toy Shelves
Add a touch of whimsy to your dining room with floating toy shelves. These shelves create a visually appealing display while keeping toys organized and easily accessible. Choose shelves in various shapes and sizes to create a unique and playful arrangement. Paint them in bright colors to match the room’s theme or opt for natural wood tones for a minimalist look.
Play Area Rug
Create a designated play area within your dining room with a colorful play area rug. This rug can be used to define a specific space for toys and games, making it easier for children to tidy up. Choose a rug with a bold pattern or design that complements the overall décor. In the US, geometric patterns and abstract designs are trending, while in the EU, floral motifs and whimsical animal patterns are popular.
Decorative Toy Bins
Elevate your toy storage solution with decorative bins. Choose bins with interesting textures, patterns, or colors to complement the dining room décor. These bins can double as decorative elements, adding visual interest to the room. They are available in a wide range of materials, including wicker, metal, and fabric, allowing you to create a cohesive and stylish look.
Storage Ottomans
Combine functionality and style with storage ottomans. These multi-functional pieces serve as seating while providing concealed storage space for toys. Choose ottomans with a fabric or leather upholstery that complements the dining room décor. Opt for ottomans with removable lids or compartments for easy access to toys.
Toy Hammocks
Create a playful and airy atmosphere with toy hammocks. These unique storage solutions add a whimsical touch to the dining room while keeping toys organized and easily accessible. Choose hammocks made from natural materials like cotton or linen, and hang them from the ceiling or from sturdy hooks. This is a particularly popular choice for European homes with high ceilings.
Toy Bins with Labels
Keep things organized and easy to tidy up with toy bins with labels. Label each bin with a category, such as “blocks”, “cars”, or “dolls”, making it easy for children to put away their toys. You can create your own labels or purchase pre-made labels that match the room’s decor.
Bookcase with Toy Storage
Combine storage for books and toys with a bookcase that features a dedicated section for toys. This creates a cohesive and organized space while providing easy access to both books and toys. Choose a bookcase in a style that complements the room’s décor, and incorporate baskets or bins to further organize the toy storage area.
Color-Coded Toy Bins
Add a pop of color and organization to your dining room with color-coded toy bins. Assign a specific color to each category of toys, such as red for building blocks, blue for cars, and green for dolls. This system helps children quickly identify and store their toys, making clean-up time a breeze.
Toy Cart on Wheels
Keep toys organized and easily accessible with a toy cart on wheels. This versatile storage solution can be rolled around the room, allowing for easy access to toys for playtime and convenient storage when not in use. Choose a cart with multiple shelves or drawers to maximize storage capacity, and select a color or design that complements the dining room décor.
Repurposed Furniture
Embrace sustainability and creativity by repurposing furniture for toy storage. An old dresser can be transformed into a toy storage unit with the addition of colorful bins or drawers. A vintage bookshelf can be used to display toys and books, and a repurposed ladder can serve as a unique wall-mounted toy rack.
Toy Storage Cubes
Add a touch of modern simplicity with toy storage cubes. These versatile storage units can be stacked, arranged in a grid, or placed on shelves to create a customized storage system. Choose cubes in various sizes and colors to suit your preferences and the overall décor of the room.
Hanging Toy Bags
Create a playful and whimsical storage solution with hanging toy bags. These bags can be easily attached to hooks, shelves, or the back of a door, providing a convenient and visually appealing way to store toys. Choose bags in bright colors, patterns, or materials like canvas or fabric to add a touch of personality to the room.
