Toy Storage Shelves

Whether they're on the floor or on the wall, toy storage shelves create storage space that is accessible, convenient, and doesn't intrude on valuable play space. Versatile and durable, a shelf or shelving unit will provide years of use to a growing child. These shopping and usage tips will help you to find the best toy storage shelf for your child's room.

Types of Toy Storage Shelves Not all toy shelves are created equal. There are bookcases and cubbies, toy organizers and dollhouse-style shelving units, single wall shelves and huge wall storage units with cupboards and drawers. All have their advantages and disadvantages, so the best way to choose between them is to know what your child needs now and in the years to come. For example, a cute toy storage shelf with a painted theme will appeal to your child now, but he or she will likely outgrow it within a few years. If you want something that will last for years, consider purchasing a furniture-quality bookcase or wall storage unit that will work as toy storage shelves now but can be adapted to other purposes later.

Important Considerations
Size: do you want the shelf out of your child's reach or closer to the ground?

Sturdiness: wall shelves are always screwed into the wall, but some shelving units can also be attached to the wall to prevent toppling.

Toys: what kinds of toys are going to be stored on the shelf? If there are a lot of them and some are bulky or heavy, then it might be best to choose a shelving unit with drawers. You wouldn't want bigger toys falling off a shelf as little hands reach up to grab them.

Access vs. Neatness: easy access is the advantage that toy storage shelves have over toy boxes or toy chests, but toys are also on open display, which can sometimes look messy. If you'd prefer a storage system that can be kept out of sight, go with drawers or boxes.

Recommendations
An inexpensive and versatile toy storage solution that we like is a toy organizer (aka toy storage rack) with toy storage bins. Stored at an angle, these bins are made from durable and resilient plastic, and together will offer much more storage space than a typical toy storage shelf. Toy storage racks are also ideal for storing both bigger, heavier toys and small, loose toys like Lego.