15 Creative Ways to Organize Board Games for Style and Space
If you're unsure how to store your board games, it's time to explore some clever storage ideas.
As cooler weather approaches and indoor gatherings increase, your board games will see more action. We consulted experts, including interior designers and organizers, to uncover the best methods for organizing and storing your board games, focusing on both style and functionality.
Smart storage solutions will protect your games and their components while matching your decor and maintaining a tidy space.
Organizing Your Board Games
Before investing in storage bins or labels, clarify your purpose. Are you looking to streamline your collection for easy access during weekly game nights or simply keeping them for special occasions? Knowing this will guide your choice of storage method, whether it's for the living room, bedroom, or another area.
Interior designer Nina Lichtenstein emphasizes that organizing board games is an opportunity to enhance your home's usability and style. By implementing thoughtful storage solutions, you can keep your games accessible and beautifully integrated into your home, ensuring game night is always just a reach away.
1. Rolling Games Cart
Choose a stylish cart that complements your decor.
Nina suggests a rolling library cart as a chic way to store games, especially if you enjoy moving them between rooms. This is particularly useful for smaller spaces where flexibility matters.
She recommends the Vasagle Rolling Cart from Amazon, which is a sleek bar cart with sturdy handles for easy mobility, available in two sizes and colors.
If you have a large collection, Ali Mirdamadi suggests rotating a selection of games. Display a few at a time on a cart or in a storage cube, such as the Closetmaid from Amazon, which comes in various colors and configurations.
Daniel Brown recommends enhancing your rolling cart with snacks and drinks, making it a fun addition to any room. Consider the Honey Can Do Rolling Utility Cart from Amazon for added versatility.
2. Designate a Shelf, Cabinet, or Closet
A stylish cabinet for your favorite games.
Nina believes that board game storage should blend style with practicality. Designate a shelf, cabinet, or closet to keep your games organized and accessible.
Choose a piece that matches your decor. Open shelves like the IKEA KALLAX let you display games while keeping them within reach, while a closed cabinet, like the Sauder HomePlus Storage Cabinet from Amazon, provides a concealed look.
For a spare closet, install adjustable shelves to fit different game sizes. Utilize the door for additional storage with over-the-door organizers for smaller items. Nina recommends the SimpleHouseware Over Door Organizer from Amazon, which has clear windows for easy visibility.
In our home, we use a sideboard for our frequently played games, making it easier for our daughter to access and tidy them. It was a great decluttering exercise.
Regardless of the space you choose, Ashley Hines suggests creating a system for keeping games in their original boxes, whether organized by color, size, or type. For open shelving, consider using large open-top bins for easy access.
3. Utilize Vertical Space
Vertical storage can reduce visual clutter.
Jim Christy highlights that vertical storage is a key strategy for keeping board games organized. Use clear, labeled bins to save space and make it easy to find games without mess.
He also suggests using a dedicated shelf for frequently played games. For smaller components, like dice, consider small containers within the game box.
Vertical storage is a smart hack, especially when space is limited.
Nina recommends wall-mounted or floating shelves, such as the SONGMICS Floating Wall Shelves from Amazon, to store games without sacrificing floor space. Arrange them by size or theme for a visually appealing display.
4. Label, Categorize, and Organize
For effective storage, organizing your games is essential. Nina advises categorizing them by type, such as family games, strategy games, or party games. Label shelves or storage bins accordingly for easy identification.
Nina recommends Mantah Chalkboard Labels from Amazon, which are reusable and waterproof.
Amanda Schmitt suggests using cabinets with dividers to keep games separate and organized. Mark each section clearly, and consider using photos of game boxes if labels aren't suitable.
5. Stackable Storage Bins
Nina notes that stackable bins are ideal for smaller games or those in irregular boxes. They can be stored in closets, under beds, or on shelves. Opt for bins with lids to keep dust out, like the IRIS 19 Qt Stackable Storage Bins from Amazon.
6. Unbox Games
Ashley Hines advises unboxing games to reduce storage space. Removing items from their original packaging can simplify access and storage.
She suggests using zipper mesh bags for organization, like the EOOUT Mesh Zipper bags from Amazon, which come in various sizes and colors. You can also store instructions or rules by cutting them out and keeping them in the bag.
7. Repurpose Furniture
Incorporate multifunctional furniture for stylish storage.
Nina encourages re-purposing existing furniture for game storage. Multi-functional pieces, like storage ottomans or benches, can provide stylish yet functional solutions.
She suggests the Simpli Home Avalon Storage Ottoman from Amazon as a versatile option available in various colors.
8. Custom Built-ins
Custom built-ins offer tailored storage solutions.
Nina believes custom built-ins are ideal for serious collectors. They allow you to design shelving that integrates seamlessly into your living space, especially beneficial for larger collections.
9. Game-specific Storage Solutions
Consider specialized organizers for games with many components. Nina recommends The Broken Token for high-quality options.
Invest in inserts or containers that neatly store all components, particularly for games like Catan or Risk.
10. Stylish Baskets
Chic baskets can enhance your decor.
Nina suggests using decorative baskets for a casual storage approach. These can be placed next to bookshelves, under tables, or as part of your decor. Wicker or fabric bins add warmth and keep games organized.
11. In Kids' Rooms
Kids can easily access games in their play area.
Amanda Schmitt recommends storing games on a shelf in the playroom, sorted by age appropriateness for easy access. Regularly review the collection to remove damaged or unused games.
12. Themed Games Nook
Create a dedicated space for gaming.
Nathan Thorne suggests transforming an unused closet into a themed gaming nook, featuring built-in shelving and mood lighting. This can create a cozy corner devoted to fun.
13. Over Door Storage
Over door storage is a practical solution for easy access. Various options, including metal, wood, and mesh, are available to suit your decor.
14. Attic, Shed, Garage, or Basement
These spaces are perfect for storing games not in regular use. Ensure they are stored in airtight containers to prevent damage.
15. Under Beds and Couches
Utilize the space beneath your bed for storage.
Amanda suggests using under-bed storage boxes for games, labeling them by type for easy access. Dead space under couches can also be utilized for storage.
After organizing your board games, consider how to store blankets or tackle toy clutter in your home.