Carving out ample storage in a living room plays a crucial role in the layout and successful styling of a lounge space. Not only does it help you to de-clutter but it can also provide an anchor and focal point to the room's design.
However, making living room storage like shelving, cabinetry, and credenzas look more luxurious than functional is a tough brief for interior designers, but it certainly can be done. So if you're thinking, how can I make my living room look expensive, then we've done the hard work to get the answers for you.
Here, we've picked the experts' brains for their best tips to help you elevate your storage and make it look and feel more expensive. And you'll be pleased to know, it doesn't have to require maxing out your credit card.
How To Elevate Your Living Room Storage
Instead of simply filling your space with shelves and cabinets, consider ways to elevate these storage elements so they complement your room’s high-end look. From sleek, built-in shelving to polished finishes and unique materials, storage can become one of the most visually appealing parts of your living room design.
1. Style it up
Styling, of course, is the secret sauce to elevating any space, and in the living room, it’s an essential element to make storage look high-end rather than purely practical.
'Storage furniture often presents a great opportunity to create styled vignettes, which instantly add a polished and luxurious look to your space,' explains interior designer Kathy Kuo.
'For storage pieces with shelving – bookcases, etageres, display cases with glass doors – use the shelves as a staging area for fun styled vignettes,' she suggests. 'If you're strategic, you don't have to sacrifice much storage space to do this, and many practical items you may need to store can be used decoratively, like books, small boxes, candles, and more. You can take a similar approach to the surface of media cabinets and sideboards – have fun arranging different combinations of vases, coffee table books, scented candles, and small sculptures.'
Embrace the bookshelf wealth trend and elevate your stacks of novels with these textured and wavy travertine bookends by McGee & Co.
Hand-crafted in Paris, Astier de Villatte's ceramics are made using black clay coated in a milky, pure white glaze making each piece delicately unique, just like this shell trinket box.
Creating a stack of beautiful books on a shelf or atop a sideboard makes a beautiful display. This Kelly Wearstler book (her 1st in 10 years) has so many retro tones to add color to a neutral space.
2. Focus on the details
'For a truly elevated look, it’s all in the details,' suggests Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs.
Elements like hardware, finishes, and trim can elevate a storage piece from basic to bespoke, giving your living room a polished, upscale vibe. Changing out standard handles for something more unique instantly makes a piece feel custom and by choosing the right finish, you can add an extra level of sophistication.
'Cupboard fronts with unique textures or materials – like fluted wood or high-gloss lacquer – add instant elegance,' she continues. 'For a polished aesthetic, I recommend choosing hardware that feels like jewelry for your furniture; warm brass or polished nickel can make even the simplest storage unit look upscale.'
3. Source vintage pieces with personality
'We often introduce an antique commode or sideboard into a more contemporary living room scheme to help create a balance of old and new,' suggests Wendy Labrum who decorated with vintage in the living room above.
'Although a historic piece with inherent character, it is also practical at hiding games, toys, and everyday items for families,' Wendy adds. 'Often for new construction projects, we tend to incorporate built-in shelving in social/tv watching areas because the combination of open and closed cabinet space is functional and also great display for accessories and art.'
'Built-in, custom storage is ideal for that seamless, luxury vibe, but if that’s not feasible, opt for freestanding pieces that blend in with the room’s decor or vintage finds with character,' adds Linda Hayslett. The beauty of freestanding furniture vs built-in storage is that aside from being more budget-friendly, they come with their own personality and patina.
4. Makeover your open shelving
If you already have open shelving and are looking for tips to make living room shelves look expensive, there are some bigger ticket buys that can do some serious heavy lifting.
Of course, books, vases, and decorative objects are important but as Molly Torres Portnof, founder of DATE Interiors, proves above a library-style ladder works wonder to make the nook feel more decadent. 'There's nothing more elevated than beautifully styled custom floating shelves in a living room,' says Molly.
Additionally, lighting like picture lights, a small portable lamp, or recessed LED's can help to elevate the shelves and illuminate your carefully-curated decor even more.
5. Look on the inside
'Inside organization is key – think lined drawers, discreet cable management, and velvet trays for smaller items,' adds Linda. When it comes to making your living room storage feel expensive, the interior details matter just as much as the exterior.
Neatly arranged drawers, shelves, and cupboards that are free from clutter not only look cleaner but are much nicer to use. Investing in organizational accessories like drawer dividers, trays, and baskets allows you to keep things tidy while enhancing the overall aesthetic. Be sure to use cord covers to conceal wires behind custom cabinetry and open shelving to keep your space looking seamless and clutter-free.
Peel and stick wallpaper can also be used to lined the backs of cabinets and drawers for a surprise pop of print. 'These small touches make a world of difference, both functionally and aesthetically.'
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a great and easy way to give the inside of your storage a facelift. Try lining drawers or the back of shelving and cupboards (especially lovely to glass-fronted cabinets) for a surprise upon opening.
Woven baskets are a lifesaver in any room, from living rooms to kitchens to bathrooms. These are made from a natural water hyacinth with two polish wooden handles.
Red Rosso marble is the epitome of luxury. This tray will make an excellent catch-all on your credenza or a TV stand with a candle and decorative matches to create a beautiful vignette.
Your living room storage can serve both beauty and function, blending seamlessly with the rest of the room’s decor so long as you put a little bit of time and energy into the little details.
