We have found ourselves with loads of toys in a corner of the living room and a corner of the dining room. I don't think this can be avoided for the next three or four years, so I want to find a solution. What kind of shelves or storage should be added to these corners to contain the toys? I don't want kid-looking toyboxes or boxes made of bendy materials that will look messy in a living room?

god that flickr tool is amazing...

RookieMom,

There are so many questions I would have before answering your question.

- Why two different toy corners?
- What is your price range?
- Are you looking for closed storage containers/shelves or open shelves?
- What style is your home?
- How much space do you have for each shelf?

There are really a ton of storage options. If you could narrow it down a bit I bet others will have suggestions as well. I will give it a shot!

Rookiemom,

Otis' mom has done some truly inspiring things on that front:

http://nursery.apartmenttherapy.com/nursery/nursery-tours/mini-nursery-tour-otis-in-the-house-023366

Rookiemom -- Don't get hung up on looking for "children's" furniture. You're seeking a storage piece for your dining room and another for your living room. This is no different than looking for a china cabinet or a media credenza -- you calculate how much storage you need of different kinds (doors, drawers, open shelves) and find something that fits your specs.

on the other hand, you *do* need something that children can negotiate on their own -- unless you want to be called in every 10 minutes to get something out or put it away. you don't want storage boxes or drawers with sharp corners, drawers that can be pulled all the way out (denting floor), containers that can be easily dented or damaged.

one of the best solutions i've found is soft, flexible baskets that are made out of heavy jute, twine, or woven straw. they stand up and hold a variety of children's toys, yet they're flexible so they don't poke or break (like reed baskets). they look great on shelves, and you can't see what's in them until you're up close. they're easy for children to manage on their own (ours have big handles on the sides), easy to fill quickly with toys, and easy to reappropriate to some other use later when the toys are outgrown.