Stop Crowding Your Shelves And Drawers With Blankets: There's A Better Way

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If your closets are bursting at the seams and your dressers can barely close, you know it can be hard to find good storage. Whether it's a warm quilt or that blanket everyone had in the '70s, blankets are an especially bulky item to store, taking up lots of space no matter where you put them. So, if you're running low on space but need a new home for your blankets, you need to get creative. Why not use your TV console stand?

A TV stand might seem like an unlikely hero for holding your favorite quilts and throw blankets, but it's actually a perfect solution. Years ago, TV stands used to be stacked to the brim with electronics like VCRs, DVD players, gaming consoles, and controllers. Today, we mostly lean on digital video and streaming services, so now those shelves are just empty space; you've probably even been left wondering how to decorate a TV stand.

For most folks, the living room is one of the main places where you curl up with a blanket, whether it's for movie night, a reading marathon, or just staying warm when it's chilly. So, doesn't it make sense to keep your blankets nearby? Storing your blankets in a hallway closet means you have to go out of your way to grab one, and to put it back after, but by taking advantage of the empty space in your TV stand, you can grab a blanket without missing a beat of your favorite movie. It's a convenient and smart option, and easy to set up.

Pulling off this storage hack successfully is all about maximizing your console's design. If you're working with solid, opaque doors, you have the ideal setup. Closed cabinets are the best way to hide the visual clutter your blankets might cause, as you can stack them high without worrying about styling. If your existing media center has glass doors or open shelving, this DIY organization trick still works; you'll just need to find unique blanket storage ideas, like rolling them up before putting them on the shelf in order to keep them looking nice.

To get started, clear out any old DVDs or electronics still lingering in your entertainment center. Once empty, size up your TV console. Bigger shelves and drawers will be a better match for holding your larger blankets. If you have a combination of both, drawers might also be a good spot to hide your more well-worn blankets or those with a bright, distracting design. Also, keep airflow in mind. Fabrics need room to breathe so they stay fresher, insect-free, and don't mildew. If this is a concern, help keep your blankets fresh and protected by tucking in some small cedar blocks near them, like this 12-pack from HOUNDSBAY. By rethinking how you use the TV stand in your living room, you'll find the best possible storage place for your cozy blankets.