How much open shelving should I have?

Less than you initially want. Around a third open and two-thirds closed suits most households, with the closed storage lower where the bulky and unattractive things live. Open shelving also requires ongoing curation and dusting.

Should storage go around the TV or on a separate wall?

Around it usually works better, because it gives the screen visual company and stops it being the only thing in the room. The exception is a room with a strong view or fireplace that already has a focal point competing.

What depth should living room built-ins be?

Around 350–400mm for a mixed unit — deep enough for media equipment and large books, shallow enough not to intrude. Deeper than 450mm and it starts to feel like a wall of cabinetry rather than shelving.

Design

Living Room Storage Ideas

Updated July 25, 20262 min read

The short answer

The decision that determines whether living room storage works is the ratio of closed to open. Most people ask for mostly open shelving and then discover they own things they do not want on display. Roughly two-thirds closed below and one-third open above suits most households.

What a living room actually has to store

Media equipment and cables: Needs ventilation and access, not just concealment.
Games, controllers and remotes: The category most people forget and most need hidden.
Books, and honestly assessed: Count the shelf metres you actually own before designing the shelving.
Children’s things: If applicable, this is the largest and most variable category. Low, accessible, closed.
Blankets and cushions: Bulky. A window seat or an ottoman base handles these well.
Display objects: The things that go on the open third. Fewer than you think looks better.

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Zoning a storage wall

Zoning a storage wall
Zone	Height	Contents
Base	Floor to 900mm	Closed — games, media, children’s items
Mid	900–1600mm	Mixed — books, some display, screen if present
Upper	1600–2100mm	Open display, lighter items
Top	Above 2100mm	Closed — seasonal and rarely used

Answers

Frequently asked questions

How much open shelving should I have?: Less than you initially want. Around a third open and two-thirds closed suits most households, with the closed storage lower where the bulky and unattractive things live. Open shelving also requires ongoing curation and dusting.
Should storage go around the TV or on a separate wall?: Around it usually works better, because it gives the screen visual company and stops it being the only thing in the room. The exception is a room with a strong view or fireplace that already has a focal point competing.
What depth should living room built-ins be?: Around 350–400mm for a mixed unit — deep enough for media equipment and large books, shallow enough not to intrude. Deeper than 450mm and it starts to feel like a wall of cabinetry rather than shelving.

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