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Cabinet indoors with timber top, timber shelving with artwork in the back ground

Overview

Extra storage always comes in handy. Adding storage to the living room might not be the first thought that springs to mind, but it will make the room more functional and versatile. We’re sharing advice on how to plan strategic storage cabinetry for your living room.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Plan for purpose

First, think about what you would like to store in the living room – for example, board games, books, tech or blankets. From there, you can plan the number of cabinets you’ll need, and what size they should be.

Next, consider where you want your storage to be located. You might want to build cabinets around the TV, creating a custom built-in entertainment unit. Or you might want to use the storage to showcase decorative items, a special artwork, or even a photo gallery.

Once you’ve taken all of this into consideration, grab a tape measure and get busy measuring the space.

Bunnings team member with tape meausre

2Mix and match

Next, take your measurements and head in-store or online. We have a wide range of cabinetry to choose from and you’ll be able to select something that suits your space – tall, narrow, short and wide storage units, ones with shelves or drawers, and everything in between.

Play around with the dimensions of each and see how they would fit together in the space. In this way, you can customise the design to satisfy your storage requirements in the style you prefer.

Kitchen with cabinet door open

3Built-in features

To create a bespoke, built-in look, think about adding a bulkhead up top and kickboards at the bottom. You can also add a timber or a stone benchtop to add to the custom feel of the storage.
Cabinet with timber top, vases and baskets in the back ground

4Watch the full episode

For more renovation inspiration, watch Episode 8: Living room, Kids bedroom and Hallway renovation in our Make It Happen: The House Project series.

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.