Best Toy Boxes & Benches
You can never separate kids from their toys but you can help the young ones manage their precious play items using toy boxes benches. These are toy chests that also serve as benches for both kids and adults. There’s a variety of toy boxes benches styles to match your child’s needs and tastes. Toy chests and benches can be used for a variety of practical purposes including storage for extra bedding, as a bench, and for decorative purposes too. They don’t take up much space and still maintain your kids’ room neat and clutter-free.
Storage Bench with Large Inner Space
$136.99 $176.99
Storage Bench with Large Inner Space
Rosecliff Heights
$136.99 $176.99
Perfect For: Keeping entryways, bedrooms, playrooms, and mudrooms tidy and organized
What We Like: The sturdy MDF structure that doubles as a seating area
Introducing a storage bench that marries function and style effortlessly. The large inner space keeps your scattered belongings organized, and the sturdy MDF structure can hold up to 397lbs, making it an ideal shoe bench or bed stool. The simple white finish complements your existing home décor, and the safety hinge prevents abrupt closure, ensuring that your family's fingers are safe from pinching. This versatile piece is suitable for various rooms in your home.
Designer Advice:
Incorporate decorative storage baskets or bins inside the bench to further organize your items, and add cozy cushions on top for a more inviting seating area.
Geometric Toy Box Bench
$79.66 $153.99
Geometric Toy Box Bench
KidKraft
$79.66 $153.99
What we like: Looks like regular furniture
What we don’t like: Top cannot be used as a bench
Not so great for: Smaller children due to taller height
Perfect for: Living rooms or entryways
If you don’t have a dedicated playroom space for your child’s toys, this bench is the perfect solution. The mid-century geometric design means it will easily blend in with its surroundings in a contemporary space. We recommend it for an entryway tucked under some stairs. Or, place it in your living room so your child can play while you keep an eye on them.
A mixture of function and style, the mid-brown wood sides and white-and-gray color scheme will match a variety of existing decor styles. Finally, the finger-safe close lid will prevent any accidents when your child accidentally drops or slams the lid.
Kids Toy Box with Cushioned Seat and Storage
$197.99 $217.99
Kids Toy Box with Cushioned Seat and Storage
Isabelle & Max™
$197.99 $217.99
Perfect For: Creating an organized and comfortable play area
What We Like: Multipurpose storage and cozy seating in one
The Isabelle & Max™ Kids Toy Box combines a convenient storage unit with a comfortable seating area thanks to its durable MDF construction and charming polka dot printed cushion. Featuring ample inner storage, soft cupboard closures, and a safety hinge, this toy box is perfect for your child's bedroom, playroom, or living room. The playful pink stars, heart cutouts, and white cabinet make it an ideal gift for girls and a great way for parents to teach their kids about tidying up.
Designer Advice:
Pair it with a cute area rug and some colorful bookshelves to create a cozy and inviting reading nook for your child.
Chalkboard Toy Chest with Compartments
$121.99 $136.99
Chalkboard Toy Chest with Compartments
ClosetMaid
$121.99 $136.99
Perfect For: Encouraging creativity during toy clean-up time
What We Like: Front chalkboard surface for artistic expression
This chalkboard toy chest features a front chalkboard surface, allowing your kids to express their creativity while tidying up their toys. Designed with a stay-hinge system to prevent slamming and a dip in the front panel to eliminate pinch points, it's perfect for a kid's bedroom, playroom, or living room area. The chest offers two deep compartments for storage, and all hardware is included for easy installation.
Designer Advice:
Use colorful chalk to create fun labels for the compartments, teaching your little ones about organizing their toys and promoting a functional and enjoyable clean-up routine.
Lift-Top Storage Bench
$77.99 $85.99
Lift-Top Storage Bench
Redwood Rover
$77.99 $85.99
Perfect For: Keeping rooms organized and clutter-free
What We Like: Dual functionality as a storage chest and a bench
This lift-top storage bench is a practical solution for keeping rooms neat while providing extra seating. With 2 safety hinges for a slow closure and built-in handles, it ensures safety and easy mobility. The strong, scratch-resistant wooden chest is extra versatile, suitable for storing shoes, books, toys, clothes, and blankets. The 15.6" D x 29.5" W x 19.5"H size easily slides into narrow spaces and can hold more items than it appears.
Designer Advice:
Position the bench in a playroom, entryway, or living room, and use decorative baskets or boxes inside for even better organization.
Personalized Toy Chest with Cushion
$419.99 $449.99
Personalized Toy Chest with Cushion
zhutreas
$419.99 $449.99
Perfect For: Organizing and storing children's toys
What We Like: Dual functionality as storage and seating
This personalized toy chest offers ample storage for your child's toys, while also serving as a cozy seating nook. The BONUS sticker pack enables you to customize the chest with your child's name or any other design you'd like. Enhanced with safety hinges, it ensures the safety of little fingers and comes with a FREE polka-dot cushion, making it the perfect addition to any playroom or nursery. Sturdy wood construction and a high-gloss finish ensure longevity and easy maintenance.
Designer Advice:
Opt for the toy chest in a fun, bright color that complements your child's room decor and let them personalize it with their artwork or name using the included sticker pack.
Contemporary Two-Tone Toy Box with Book Slots
$88.68 $129.99
Contemporary Two-Tone Toy Box with Book Slots
RiverRidge Home
$88.68 $129.99
Perfect For: Organizing and decluttering children's play spaces
What We Like: The spacious storage plus book slots on the sides
This contemporary two-tone toy box offers a clean, painted finish and four solid pine wood legs, making it a stylish addition to any room. With a spacious interior and a child-safe lid, it's perfect for keeping toys and clutter at bay. Featuring two narrow book slots on each side, this toy box is ideal for displaying your little ones' favorite story books and coloring books. Pair it with other RiverRidge® Home Catch-All Collection items for a modern and organized playroom.
Designer Advice:
Consider adding matching décor or storage furniture from the RiverRidge® Home Catch-All Collection to create a cohesive and organized play area for your child.
Treasure Chest Toy Box Bench
$164.99 $179.99
Treasure Chest Toy Box Bench
Harriet Bee
$164.99 $179.99
What we like: Unique design
What we don’t like: Low weight capacity
Not so great for: Girly bedrooms
Perfect for: Pirate-themed bedrooms
If your child is a pioneering pirate, this toy box in the shape of a treasure chest is a fun and practical way to indulge their creativity. Featuring a two-tone design, it is crafted from manufactured wood. Manufactured wood doesn’t hold up as well as solid wood in terms of chips and general quality, but it will still look good.
Plus, the varied color options mean you can match this chest to your child’s bedroom. The storage capacity of 3.9 cubic feet is lower than others on this list, as is the weight capacity of 30lbs. This could be a potential issue if your child has lots of heavier toys or items to put away.
Playful Toy Box Bench
$136 $199.99
Playful Toy Box Bench
Fantasy Fields by Teamson Kids
$136 $199.99
What we like: Playful design will encourage creativity
What we don’t like: Paint may peel over time
Not so great for: If you have a lot of bigger toys
Perfect for: A charming way to store bits and pieces
This toy box is more than just a place to store teddies and trucks. Decorated with a sweet forest display and a fairytale frog, its pink and green color scheme is whimsical but not too overwhelming. Crafted from a mixture of manufactured and solid wood, it bench will be easy to clean, making it a good option if your child is younger.
Your child is sure to love the painted pictures on the front and sides, which will encourage creativity. The flat top can also be used as a work space, giving them the opportunity to let their imagination run wild.
Minimalist Toy Box Bench
Minimalist Toy Box Bench
Kidkraft
What we like: Minimalist, simple design
What we don’t like: Lack of decoration could look dull
Not so great for: Encouraging creativity
Perfect for: Keeping a playroom organized
Available in nine color options, this toy box bench has a streamlined minimalist design. It would be an amazing option if you like to keep your child’s playroom or bedroom understated. Key for organization, the safety hinged lid will keep your child out of danger. Plus, you can teach your child independence by not being in the room when they put away their toys in full safety.
The taller height of just under twenty inches means you can easily store away bigger and smaller items. Moreover, the bench aspect on the top is sturdy enough for your child to sit and enjoy a book or some quality time with their toys.
Classic Toy Box Bench
Classic Toy Box Bench
Melissa & Doug
What we like: Easy to maintain
What we don’t like: Lid does not close completely
Not so great for: Smaller toys that may get lost
Perfect for: A simple tidying solution
The classic design of this toy box bench will appeal to adults and children alike. You can choose from white, espresso, or honey wood finishes. A solid option if you want your child’s toy box to pair well with other furniture, it would look nice with either contemporary or traditional décor schemes.
As for durability, the solid wood used to craft this bench means you won’t have to worry about your box chipping over time. The only potential downside is scratches from the paint, but this could happen with any painted item. Overall, the 8.25 cubic feet of space will hold everything from spare blankets to teddy bears.
Kids Wooden Storage Bench with Magical Forest Display
Kids Wooden Storage Bench with Magical Forest Display
Fantasy Fields by Teamson Kids
Perfect For: Brightening and organizing a child's play area
What We Like: Whimsical design with ample storage space
This kids wooden storage bench features a magical forest display adorned with flowers and friendly creatures, making it an enchanting addition to any playroom. The large main compartment offers plenty of space for toys, craft supplies, and clothing, while also functioning as a low table for playtime activities. Constructed from durable wood with easy-to-clean surfaces, this charming storage bench is built for long-lasting use and effortless upkeep.
Designer Advice:
Pair this storage bench with other items from the Magic Garden collection for a cohesive and vibrant play area, creating a delightful space that encourages your child's imagination.
Kids Toy Storage Bench with Lid
Kids Toy Storage Bench with Lid
Isabelle & Max™
Perfect For: Keeping your child's bedroom organized and tidy
What We Like: Safety hinges and stenciled shapes
This kids toy storage bench is both functional and stylish, making it a great addition to any child's bedroom or play area. The bench is made from engineered wood and features a white finish with black-hued and stenciled shapes, adding a playful touch to the design. With a lift-up seat, it offers ample storage space for stuffed animals, board games, and other toys. The safety hinges ensure the lid stays open as your child searches for their favorite toy. Measuring 21.3'' H X 27.4'' W X 11.4'' D, it's perfect for small spaces.
Designer Advice:
Create a cozy reading nook by placing this storage bench next to a bookshelf, complete with a soft cushion and some colorful throw pillows.
Connally Toy Storage Bench
Connally Toy Storage Bench
This toybox really has a soft touch. It features two center-mounted safety support hinges for a soft close and extra sturdiness. Children and toys can pile on top of this one because the bench holds up to 175 pounds. The neutral, soft gray finish is on trend with walls and furnishings around the house so this toybox can be used in playroom, family room or bedroom.
Nantucket Toy Storage Bench
Nantucket Toy Storage Bench
This toybox is a crisp, clean and classic piece of furniture. It has three separate storage drawers that are a foot wide each and deep enough for larger stuffed animals. Each of the pull-out drawers has a cut-out that makes them easy to grasp. The beadboard accents on the front of the drawers gives this one a bit of designer flair. The top stays closed and holds up to 81 pounds. Just add a cushion and some pillows and it’s a perfect little seat.
Enchanted Woodland Kids Wooden Toy Storage Chest
Enchanted Woodland Kids Wooden Toy Storage Chest
Fantasy Fields by Teamson Kids
Perfect For: Brightening and organizing any child's play area
What We Like: Whimsical forest-animal design and versatile usage
This charming wooden toy storage chest features an Enchanted Woodland design with friendly forest animals, adding a touch of whimsy to any playroom. The ample storage space keeps your child's toys, crafts, and clothing organized, while the chest can also provide seating or a low work surface for playtime. Durable wood construction and easy-to-clean surfaces ensure lasting use and hassle-free upkeep.
Designer Advice:
Pair with other items from the Enchanted Woodland collection and choose vibrant, nature-themed accents to create a truly magical play space for your child.
Austin Toy Storage Bench
Austin Toy Storage Bench
This roomy toy box makes for quick clean-up. It has 8.33 cubic feet of space to hold all the dolls and princess dress-up accessories. This toybox features a soft-close safety hinge that will not slam on tiny fingers. This is the perfect bedroom accent because once all the toys are put away and the lid is closed it doubles as a bench. With a 153-pound weight capacity, the seat provides enough room for a friend, too.
Camelford Toy Storage Bench
Camelford Toy Storage Bench
This toybox boasts a contemporary and geometric feel. From the printed shapes scattered across the seatback and the front of the box to the curved back and sides this is a toybox for a modern child. The large cutouts not only add to the design of this toybox, they make it extra easy for little hands to lift the lid and get to the toys.
Toy Box
Toy Box
This stylish toybox is more than just a way to handle clutter, it’s also an eco-friendly choice. It is made from engineered wood, not MDF or particle board. The paints and finishes all meet and beat strict chemical emissions standards. Each toybox is hand-sanded and hand-painted and it comes in a rainbow of solid shades sure to complement any room. The item comes with casters so it easily rolls from one playspace to another keeping the toys and the mess all in one spot.
Christiana Toy Box with Section Divider
Christiana Toy Box with Section Divider
This toybox takes organization up to another level. A non-removable divider separates the box into two sections and the shelf on top holds 30 pounds of more toys or accessories. It will be a great game for toddlers and preschoolers to learn how to divide and organize when they have to put different toys away into the different sections.
Alamogordo Toy Box
Alamogordo Toy Box
This toybox is truly a statement piece for bedroom or playroom. The shape is reminiscent of a camper or RV. It even has wheels but no worries – they don’t function and the toybox won‘t roll. The lid with a safety hinge flips up to reveal the roomy toy storage area. The side shelves make it easy to keep favorite books just an arm’s reach away.
Toy Storage Bench
Toy Storage Bench
Classic simplicity and timeless design is what this toybox is all about. It features 8.25 cubic feet of space ready to be stuffed full of toys. The finish easily wipes clean to get rid of any sticky fingerprints. The bench tops holds up to 150 pounds. This style of toybox is a chameleon and will be perfectly in place in a modern, traditional or farmhouse décor.
Princess and Frog Toy Chest
Princess and Frog Toy Chest
This whimsically-designed piece is part toybox, part side table. The scalloped-edge bottom on the front and sides pairs with elegantly curved legs to make a statement. But it is the Princess and the Frog designs that catch the eye. Flowers, dragonflies, butterflies, a frog and a princess crown all around make this the perfect toybox for any little princess’ kingdom.
Buying Guide
Eliza is a creative interior designer who swears by the power of sleek interiors and quality furniture to transform daily personal and professional life. With a B.Sc. in interior design from Philadelphia University and a well trained eye for craftsmanship, she offers unparalleled advice on how to arrange your space to make it sophisticated, comfortable, and functional, whether it’s the office or bedroom.
If you have kids and you want an organized home, you can’t go wrong with toy boxes and benches. These are the perfect way to add some style to your home, while having a hidden place for all those toys that would otherwise clutter up the floor.
Toy boxes & benches come in many different styles, materials and sizes. They range from being one solid color and understated to decorative and ornate. Toy benches are especially useful, since you have the multifunctional aspect of both storage space and a place to sit.
Below we’ll help you decide which toy box or bench works best for your needs and your home.
The first step is choosing between toy boxes and benches. A toy box operates mainly as a storage unit. A bench was built with someone sitting on it in mind. If you want something that also doubles as sitting space, look for a toy bench, since these are constructed with bearing the weight of a person in mind.
Choose a toy box if you want only the storage. The two main situations where this makes sense include:
- You already have many chairs and furniture around, so having a storage bench would be redundant.
- Where you place the toy box makes a difference. If you plan to slide it under a floating shelf or near another obstruction, it won’t make sense to buy a toy bench.
Buy a toy bench if:
- You plan to place the toy bench where extra sitting space would be convenient. For instance, a popular place to put a toy bench is at the foot of a bed.
- Toy benches work wonderfully in smaller spaces. It’s a bit counterintuitive, but because you have less square footage, combing the uses of storage and a place to sit frees up space.
Perhaps the most crucial part of choosing toy boxes & benches is what type of style you use. Each style goes best with a certain décor type, which we’ll outline here:
- Choose plain and solid color toy boxes and benches in rooms with a modern or transitional look. If the rest of the room is full of solid colors and has a sleek look, plain and solid-colored toy boxes and toy benches will fit right in. These will add a timeless appeal.
- Choose wood grain toy boxes and benches in styles that are more on the rustic or classic side. Wood grains give a rich texture and have a classic, handmade look.
- Choose colorful toy boxes and benches for artistic spaces or children’s rooms. Bold colors are a common design theme for children’s spaces, which is where toy storage is a necessity.
- Embellished toy boxes and benches are a great addition to a child’s room or play area. For instance, many toy boxes and toy benches may have painted text on the side, a certain color pattern or added sitting cushions on the top. You might see a pink princess theme in a girl’s bedroom, as an example. It might also make sense to organize by putting each child’s name on the front of their toy box.
You can find toy boxes and benches in a few different types of materials.
- The most common material you’ll see is wood. Wood is a sturdy material that can support the weight of people sitting on it, so it’s a good choice for a toy bench, especially. For safety reasons, make sure the box is carefully finished, there are no splinters or rough edges that may pose threat to your child’s delicate skin.
- A common addition to toy benches is a tufted ottoman look on the lid. These can come in leather or a type of fabric like cotton. Some toy boxes and benches may even be lined in fabric. Choose these types if you’re looking for a style that matches your upholstered furniture. You may also want an understated look that appears to be furniture itself.
- Another type of toy box is made of fabric, such as canvas. These are often foldable, so they make a wonderful option for small spaces when not in use. Pro tip: Whenever you choose fabric to be part of your child’s play area, consider scotch guarding it to protect it from staining.
- The other most common material toy storage boxes are made out of is plastic. Since plastic doesn’t support weight well, these types are often smaller varieties you’d place on a shelf or off to the side of the room. They also often come in bright colors and playful children’s motifs, making them a good option for a children’s room or play area. Some larger models even have a children’s art easel as a lid.
Choosing the correct size will depend on your goals for toy boxes & benches. Below we’ll cover the three main sizes and which size makes the most sense with your storage goals:
- Smaller shelf designs: These come in dimensions around 8 inches in height by 12 inches in width by 14 inches in depth. If you’re looking for something to store more limited items like small toy pieces, such as figurines, matchboxes or Lego blocks, you’ll want to consider a smaller box. Sometimes you can even find types that stack on top of each other.
- Floor toy boxes: When you think of a standard toy box sitting off to the side of a child’s room, dimensions can vary, but it’s common to see them around 20 inches high by 40 inches wide by 21 inches deep. These are meant for larger toys, like stuffed animals or toy trucks.
- Full-sized toy benches: If you’re looking for your toy storage option to double as a piece of furniture, you’re going to want something that can seat one or two peopleand store larger toys inside. A common dimension of a toy bench is about 21 inches high by 30 inches wide by 18 inches deep. These most often seat about one person. Some go longer, at about 43 inches long, to seat more people.
These are only averages for dimensions. Be sure to measure the space you plan to place the toy box or bench, and shop around to find the best size for that space.
Toy boxes and benches also have multiple organizational designs. Below we’ll explore the different organizational patterns and find out when each makes the most sense.
- Slide-Out: Some toy boxes & benches actually have smaller boxes in them that slide out. If you have many different smaller toys you want to organize, a slide-out option might be your best bet. This kind of storage is also an opportunity to teach small kids some organization skills as they may have to try put their toys into different categories.
- Lid: These types of toy boxes and benches simply open on the top and have one compartment for storage. If you have larger items, the lid design will work best. Also, if you want a sleeker design where you cannot see the toys once they are in the box, go with a conventional lid box. Obviously, this will not be the best choice if you plan to place books, other toys or decorative objects on top of the box.
- Open style: Some toy boxes and benches are open on the front. If you want your kids to see the toys they can pull out and play with for more convenience or want the toys to be part of your kid’s bedroom decor, go with an open style.
Since there are so many designs and types of toy boxes & benches, it can still feel overwhelming. Here are some main points to keep in mind:
- Toy boxes work best for placing on or under shelves and off to the side of a room.
- If you need to save space, toy benches can add both sitting space and storage. The multifunctionality makes up for their bulky size.
- Start with the room’s design to inform which style and material you’ll buy. For instance, wood grain toy boxes go well in rustic room styles.
- Choose whether you plan to store smaller toys, larger toys or want added sitting space with storage. That will inform the size of the box or bench you select.
- Closed styles with lids in toy boxes & benches give a sleeker design. Casual home spaces can get away with open or slide-out toy box designs.
