Lego has been loved and littering our floors since 1932. Here are 12 creative storage ideas to keep a lid on it.
We love Lego for the endless play and learning it offers young minds – the very word itself comes from an abbreviation of the two Danish words “leg godt”, meaning “play well”. From construction to colour coordination, space to super heroes – there’s a creator in every child that comes to the fore when surrounded by the wonder of these colourful bricks.
The balance between keeping the Toy of the Century accessible, ready for play and tidy enough to avoid constant curses (who hasn’t yelped in pain as they traversed the lounge-room floor scattered with bricks and bodies?!) has to be one of the greatest parenting challenges of all time.
The key however, must be to keep it simple and focus on spontaneous play – as Lego says, “All children have the right to fun, creative and engaging play experiences.” If colour coordinated tubs look amazing to you but keeping them sorted is more than you or your child(ren) can manage, it may add more stress to you both.
Things to remember:
Keep it simple – it’s supposed to be fun!
Consider how easily your child can come and go from play
Allow for easy packing away
Be creatives to stimulate their imagination
If possible incorporate a display area for creations
Here is our roundup of genius ideas from Pinterest and beyond to conquer the (Lego) world:
1. Corner playstation
Top tip: Secure Lego base boards to top of cabinets for stability and instant building
We love: Simple table hack, clever use of corner, sliding tubs underneath
2. Table tub
Top tip: When space is tight, a small playstation works really well
We love: A reversible lid for easy hideaway, compact portability
3. Drawstring playmat
Top tip: Ensure sturdy stiches to standup to regular pulling and tugging. Incorporate padding in the base for added comfort
We love: That you can make it yourself in fabric to match whichever room it will be stored in!
4. Under-bed platform
Top tip: Add carpet offcuts to underside for easy sliding on floorboards
We love: It’s simplicity – anyone can do this!
5. Converted coffee table
Top tip: Upcycle your existing coffee table for this project and upgrade to a new one for your living room!
We love: The low height of a coffee table suits a child perfectly
6. Open drawer under bed
Top tip: Upcycle an existing under-bed tub or old drawer by adding wheels and handles
We love: Easy accessibility – everything is immediately visible to encourage immediate play
7. Sunken table tubs
Top tip: Tap the image to follow the Pinterest link for a great weekend DIY project
We love: A stylish solution to a messy problem
8. Shoe organiser
Top tip: Fix Velcro strips to tops for a travelling wall of Lego!
We love: See-through pockets, easy & affordable idea
9. Corner command station
Top tip: For the serious Lego builder, install shelving above storage for display of creations
We love: This solution for an older child, who can take charge of the organisation and display themselves
10. Colour coordinated
Top tip: Consult your children as to how they’d like to organise their bricks and enlist their help from the get-go
We love: Upcycled printer’s tray hung with mini figures above
11. Mini figure shelves
Top tip: Line shelf with Lego board to keep figurines in place
We love: Space-saving narrow strip shelf doubles as storage and display
12. Zip-up play mat
Top tip: Use oilcloth for hard wearing and easy cleaning
We love: DIY project that doubles as a tidy storage cube