When I first designed our living room space, it was pre-child so thoughts of toy storage were not on my radar. Nor were thoughts on durability. Or the possibility of abstract art being on pretty much every surface of the room. But then I got pregnant and I had to start thinking about it! With some luck, the coffee table solution we came up with works for little energetic souls and adults alike. Here’s what it looks like:
It’s basically two cubes each with their own storage ottomans! Each ottoman holds a whack load of toys and they also serve as footstools for anyone needing a little leg stretch. And with two cubes, you can share!
Now this is not a new IKEA hack but it’s a useful one! Each cube was made from an IKEA hack of the LACK side table (we bought them in glossy white). In total, 4 side tables were purchased. Two of the tables were assembled as per the instructions and then the tops of other two tables were drilled in as the base of each cube. Easy peasy!
I originally purchased the storage ottomans online from Walmart and like I mentioned, they hold a lot of stuff! (Side note, the ottomans were about 15″ in height in case you’re looking for something similar. I can’t find the link to the original ones I purchased!)
(Looking at this picture, that ottoman needs a purge!)
The surfaces of these tables are quite durable and serve as in impromptu breakfast area, sticker book, drawing station (Crayola, thank you for making your ultra clean series!) but it’s most often used as the base station of the Paw Patrol Lookout:
Note: This is what our living room looks like most days. Ok, that’s a lie. Usually it’s messier.
P.S. Nickelodeon, you’re welcome. I’m pretty sure your stocks went up once my little girl started liking your series 😉
Shirley says
Glad you featured these as they were /are a great idea…inexpensive ,durable,FUNCTIONAL & stylish
Lidia says
Thank you so much!!! ♥♥♥
Jessica says
I love this idea! So easy, and a great way to hide all the junk that accumulates…ALLLLL over the place
Lidia says
Yes!!! Those ottomans hold A LOT!!!
Jessica says
Hope those tables hold up with your littles! I always worry about those sharp corners though :/
Jessica
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Lidia says
Sharp corners! We haven’t had any issues but I can see that being a concern for sure!!
Cammi says
Great idea! My daughter has so many toys and I’m still trying to figure out a way to keep them organized so our family room doesn’t look the toy aisles at Target exploded everywhere.
Lidia says
LOL!!! Oh how I miss Target here in Canada!!!
Emily says
This is a great idea! Something like this in a playroom would be great too!
Lidia says
Thanks Emily!!!