9 Ways to Take Advantage of the Space Under Your Sofa

published May 2, 2017
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(Image credit: Passion Shake)

Under-sofa organization is a many splendored thing. Not only does it provide you with extra storage room for stashing your stuff, it offers easy access to everyday items—newspapers, magazines, and DVDs—that can often get lost in living room clutter.

To prove it, we’ve rounded up nine unexpected ways to maximize the space under your sofa. From DIY drawers to sliding storage boxes, each idea is designed to make the most of that small, but promising, area. And while we can’t say you’ll never lose your remote control again, we can promise that you will look at your sofa in a whole new, storage-savvy light.

(Image credit: Passion Shake)

DIY an Under Sofa Tray on Wheels

Who needs a coffee table when you can have your very own under-sofa drawer? With little more than wooden planks and a set of wheels, Passion Shake proves you can just make your own sliding sofa storage drawer—and a surprisingly chic one at that.

(Image credit: The Container Store)

Repurpose an Under-Bed Box

Designed specifically to fit under your bed or sofa, the Container Store’s Long Under Bed Box with Wheels is a sleek (and affordable, at under $20) storage option. Complete with an easy-open locking lid and wheels that can roll in either direction, this extra-long box is a game changer.

(Image credit: Urban Outfitters)

Use it for Open Magazine and Book Storage

Sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to under-sofa organization. Instead of using bulky storage boxes and trays, try simply stacking your favorite books and magazines under your sofa, for a stylish but functional living room scene. Directly above is an old Urban Outfitters product photo showcasing some open under-sofa storage.

(Image credit: IKEA)

Make an IKEA VEDDINGE Drawer Puzzle Saver

If you’re searching for a savvy way to store puzzles, drawings, or other fun playthings look no further than Ikea. Turns out that if you attach a set of caster wheels to one their $12 VEDDINGE drawer fronts, you’ve got yourself a sliding puzzle saver for the whole family to enjoy.

(Image credit: Urban Outfitters)

Try This Storage Crate on Wheels

If you don’t have the time or desire to make your own sliding sofa drawer, consider an already-made alternative for under-sofa storage. This rolling wood storage box from Urban Outfitters can hold anything from sweaters to office supplies, and fits under most futons (and taller sofas).

Try Your Hand at Making a Bookshelf Platform

Seems that all it takes is a little plywood and some imagination to forge a sofa with endless storage potential. Instead of investing in a pricey piece with storage space, the architect who lives in this home from Dwell reminds us that you can also make-your-own sofa frame—particularly one with built-in bookshelves and cubbies.

(Image credit: Target)

Snag a Right-Sized Storage Bag

While they might not be the most fashionable option of the bunch, good old-fashioned storage bags, like this one from Target, are still a smart way to store stuff under your sofa and help you cut down on clutter.

(Image credit: All You)

Slide Normal Baskets and Trays Underneath

Seems that simple storage baskets can work wonders anywhere in your apartment—even under your sofa! Here’s an idea we spotted above from All You: Just slide a few slim baskets or trays under your furniture and voila, you’ve got a new place to store some of your small living room essentials.

(Image credit: Amazon)

Make Room With Furniture Risers

If you aren’t working with a ton of under-sofa space to begin with, consider picking up a set of furniture risers to score some extra room. Not only are they inexpensive, they’re totally foolproof.