When it comes to seeking hidden storage, beneath the bed is often top of the list. But have you ever considered making use of the dead space under sofas?
Here, professional designers and cleaners have shared their best storage ideas and practically uses for these often neglected spots to make your busy living room that little bit more functional.
How to make the use of space under sofas
1. Hide an air purifier
One of the biggest mistakes compromising your home’s air quality is not having an air purifier.
However, even some of the best air purifiers can look out of place in your living room.
That’s why Joyce Huston, co-founder and lead designer at Decorilla, keeps a low-profile air purifier, such as the TDBYWAE Air Purifier, from Amazon, tucked away under her sofa.
She shares, ‘I always want my living room to feel as fresh as possible, so one item I'm a big fan of keeping under my sofa is a low-profile air purifier. These small but mighty machines can really improve air circulation without needing to sacrifice any floor or counter space, and you don’t need to worry about affecting the room’s aesthetics.
‘I've also tucked essential oil diffusers [such as the portable NEOM waterless Wellbeing Pod Mini+, available at Amazon] underneath too, with the furniture acting as a natural distributor for aromatherapy.’
2. Stashing blankets
A more obvious use for the space under sofas is to stash linens and blankets when not in use, says Scott Schrader, cleaning expert with CottageCare.
To store blankets, he recommends using low-profile lidded storage boxes or zippered duvet-style linen bags. ‘They are great storage for throws, pillow covers, or even holiday linens to keep dust-free. Breathable is best to avoid mustiness.’
The Techni Home Rolling Underbed Bags from QVC are ideal for this, as they have a metal frame to prevent items from being squished, wheels for easy access, and clear lids so you can see everything at once glance.
3. Charging tech
Organizing cables is a constant uphill battle in a modern home, so why not do away with perfection and simply stash them under your sofa instead?
Scott continues, ‘Many homes lack outlets to keep remotes, controllers, or more permanent tech devices plugged in consistently. A flat-ish surge protector from Best Buy and a power cord caddy, from Wayfair, can convert under-sofa space into a hidden charging hub.
‘Just have foresight for airflow and don't overload sockets,’ Scott adds.
4. Pet sanctuaries
The space under your sofa doesn’t have to be used exclusively for storage – they are also key real estate when trying to make a home pet-friendly.
Joyce shares, ‘Many of my clients with cats or small dogs have turned the space under their sofa into a cozy pet sanctuary. A low-profile pet bed [such as the Latitude Run Tatami Mat, from Wayfair] slides perfectly underneath, creating a secure hideaway.
‘Since many cats and dogs feel safe when tucked away but close to their owners, it’s a really popular idea, plus it’s great for studio apartments where dedicating floor space to pet areas isn't practical.’
5. Kid caddies
When organizing a home with kids in mind, keeping easy-access storage at their level can help to introduce children to chores and encourage them to be both creative and tidy.
To make use of the space under your sofa, Scott suggests using open-top storage baskets to stash toys and games. That way, ‘You have an appearance of contained storage while maintaining easy slides when accessing items. The trick is to choose a low profile one so they glide under the sofa without snagging, as well as labelling or compartmentalising so it doesn't become an opportunity to dump random stuff.’
The Water Hyacinth Under Bed Bins, from The Container Store, are perfect for this, allowing for easy access without the space under your sofa looking messy.
What to shop
This woven under bed basket is a good option if you can see clearly under your sofa, and you want to keep your living looking sleek and streamlined.
This large latch lid storage bin is perfect for keeping items safe from pests and dirt that may hide under your sofa or along walls and baseboards. It’s great to kids’ arts, crafts, books and Lego.
This small portable air purifier is best for small rooms, covering up to 600 sq. ft., and can tuck neatly out of sight.
Vacuum storage bags are ideal for seasonal storage, keeping blankets and household linens safe from pests and moisture, without them taking up valuable storage real estate.
These drop front baskets are ideal for making use of space under smaller sofas or chairs, where an under-bed bag won't fit, or is too large for what you need to store.
These under-bed storage bags on wheels are easy to pull out, and maintain good ventilation for items to prevent mold or musty smells.
Meet the experts
Next, discover all the genius ways to make use of space under cabinets and sideboards to really maximize every inch of real estate in your kitchen, too.
