If you had budget for built-ins, which would you choose? I think I would be partial to white.

I do wonder if there is another space for storage. I wonder because your fireplace is almost flush with the wall, which means your storage unit will protrude into the room a fair amount. That may not be an issue for you. (Probably preferable to the explosion of toys!) Your cabinet is 19" deep. Tape it out on either side to see if the dimensions will work for you.

Also, don't overlook storage ottomans that double as cocktail tables. They can really come in handy. It looks like you have a sectional, so I'd opt for a round one.

Maybe others will be along shortly to offer more feedback. If you're interested in other storage spots, post more pictures for more ideas.

Do you have room behind the couch for storage? I suggest something at least 12 inches deep with drawers or doors. All the toys should go in there before bedtime, maybe even nap time.

Thanks! The mantel is a mess now. I used to have glass Leona console tables on either side that had dome of what’s on mantle. Plus there’s Christmas thrown up there. Ugh. I have the tv mounted on the corner so it can be seen from the kitchen GREAT POINT about the height of the art. it must be lowered!

Manon- I would absolutely do white if I were doing built ins. But I thought maybe I should go wood tone because it’s going to be a piece of furniture. I should have Added photos of the room from diff angles. I don’t mind the pieces coming out 19 inches. I figure I need something at least 18 inches deep x 30 inches high x 50 inches wide to be worthwhile.

Here are a couple ideas....

First I added corner cabinet for under the tv. But not sure it could house all those toys lol. (Perhaps you could find a larger one)

So In addition, I added a storage bench...these could be a temp fix or at least give you a visual.

What you don't realize right now is how quickly your storage needs will change. I would agree that IF you were to get matching consoles wood would be best but I also agree that deep (enough) consoles would project too much. Anyway you are in a relatively brief period where stuff needs to be out and accessible to your little cutie patiotie. Not to say that ALL THAT STUFF needs to be accessible. It is too much. Take 2/3 out and hide it somewhere. Every week or two, rotate in 1/3 and remove all but the very very favorites back out. Keep a small box of toys in a nearby closet to bring out while you are cooking or otherwise busy to delight with its rarity and newness. Just like with grown-ups, when everything is available all the time, it gets boring.

I am not a decor pro BUT, I believe no matter what storage you find, your kiddos and YOU will not use it unless YOU initiate the effort to put it all away at the end of play time, every time. Been there, complained about it, done that. My boys will tell you - part of bedtime ritual was putting stuff away for play time tomorrow. FYI, now that my boys are in their 40's, I'm allowed to miss their mess sometimes...

Maybe one of these on either side with different pulls. Width: 61 3/4 ", Depth: 18 1/2 ", Height: 34 5/8 "

The sideboards are a good idea. I'm not sure these are the ones though.

groveraxle - very good. almost there - pretty much exactly what i had in mind. was thinking more of a walnut-y color if i do a wood tone.

Take Groveraxle's advice and then invest in some storage for your child's bedroom and put all those toys in there. Allow only 1 toy/activity in the FR at a time. If they want a new toy, they have to put away the first one. Make it fun, sing a "clean up song", and you'll accomplish so much more than FR storage. :)

Barbara - i used to say "I'll NEVER allow toys in the the FR" lol! Now i realize it's just not practical. We need to keep an eye on her while we actually "do life" and it's not going to work for her to be in her playroom or bedroom. Plus, at 17 mos, she has the attention span of a gnat. We'd be running for a new toy every 5 mins. Clean up song works sometimes, but again, she doesn't understand yet. Having decent looking furniture that doubles as storage really is the answer. i just don't want to spend more than $500 per piece.

Buy wood in a natural finish. You can re-use them later in other parts of the house when you don't have kid stuff to hide away (or when you get built-ins). Wood will be easier to use in other locations than white painted chests.

Melissa, I was suggesting you do both - storage in the FR and storage in the bedroom (Ikea for bedroom?). Wood in the FR is more versatile than painted cabinets and can be used elsewhere. West Elm has some nice wood cabinets and everything will be on sale around this time of year. Best of luck with your little one - toddlers are so much fun and so much work! https://www.westelm.com/products/mid-century-media-console-48-h3754/?cm_src=consoles-media-storage-cabinets||NoFacet--NoFacet---_-&isx=0.0.240

$400 each on sale

IKEA has some nice inexpensive cabinet options also. I would use white, although Grover's mock up is pretty!!

have you looked at doing some sort of Ikea hack? you mentioned you don't have a budget, but if you had some simple DIY skills, you could do something w/the cabinets for storage, or the built in look. Simple, cheap, and you can move them to another room if you want to upgrade.

even one of these on either side would look nice and help hide all the 'stuff'.

In fact, doing something like this to hold your tv would be a much better option. doable w/one of the hacks

where the hack comes in is doing your own molding and painting

this one is great with a back painted wall

you could do one for her room

or just do a simple storage bench for the living room and put the toys away.