The simplest way to store a growing board game collection is a cube shelf sized for game boxes, with doors on the lower rows if children or pets are around. Inside each box, an insert or small bags keep pieces sorted, so games can stand upright without spilling. For a few favorites, a wooden box makes a nice gift.
Board game storage options compared
Board game storage usually combines two things: shelves for the boxes, and inserts or bags for what is inside them.
| Option | What it does | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube shelf | Holds boxes upright or flat in square compartments | Most collections | Large boxes that are deeper than the shelf |
| Cabinet or door inserts | Hides games behind doors | Homes with small children or pets | Less easy to browse at a glance |
| Box insert | Trays inside a game’s own box | Big games with many pieces or expansions | Some need gluing; some do not fit sleeved cards |
| Wooden or plastic storage box | A separate box for one game or a set of cards | Small card games, a gift for one favorite | Loses the original box art on the shelf |
Cube shelves for board game boxes
Cube shelves suit board games because a square compartment takes most game boxes either way up. IKEA’s KALLAX insert with a door is 13 inches wide, 14 5/8 inches deep and 13 inches high, made to fit one KALLAX compartment. The large square KALLAX unit measures 57 7/8 inches wide, 15 3/8 inches deep and 57 5/8 inches high, and IKEA says it must be anchored to the wall.
Before buying any shelf, measure the largest box in the collection. Big games can be wider or deeper than a standard compartment, and a box that hangs off the front of a shelf collects knocks.
Tip
Cabinets and doors for board game storage
A cabinet keeps a board game collection out of sight, which suits a living room that also has to look calm. Doors also keep pieces away from small children and pets. With a cube shelf, doors can go on the bottom rows only, with the most-played games left open on the top rows where adults can reach them.
Board game inserts that keep pieces sorted
A board game insert is a set of trays made to fit inside one game’s box. Each card deck, token and figure gets its own place, so setup is faster and a box can stand upright without the pieces sliding.
For Tapestry, its civilization-building game, Stonemaier Games sells a full-color foamcore insert designed and made by Folded Space. It holds the core game and all three expansions, with cards sleeved or unsleeved, inside the core game box. Glue is not included; Stonemaier says normal white glue works and puts construction at about an hour. That kind of build suits a gift for someone who enjoys a small project.
Board game inserts, storage boxes and sleeves
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Wooden and plastic boxes for small card games
Small card games and loose components often do better in a separate box than in a bag. A wooden box makes a gift on its own, and a plain plastic organizer box with small compartments suits tokens, dice and spare pieces. When the original box goes, keep the rulebook with the game: slip it under the lid or into a flat sleeve.
Board game storage as a gift
Board game storage is a good gift for a player who already owns most of the games they want. An insert for their favorite big game is a safe pick, since it adds something they will use every time they play. Ask which game takes longest to set up, and look for an insert for that one.
More gifts for a game room
A full game room starts with a good place to play: our guide to board game tables covers vault tables, toppers and chess tables. For smaller gifts, see gifts for board game lovers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best shelf for board games?
Cube shelves are a popular choice, because square compartments hold game boxes upright or flat. IKEA's large square KALLAX unit is 57 7/8 inches wide, 15 3/8 inches deep and 57 5/8 inches high.
Should board games be stored flat or on their side?
Flat storage keeps pieces in place, while upright storage makes spines easier to read and boxes easier to pull out. If a game is stored upright, an insert or small bags stop the pieces from sliding into a pile at the bottom.
What is a board game insert?
An insert is a set of trays that fits inside a game box and gives each component its own place. Stonemaier Games sells a foamcore insert for Tapestry, made by Folded Space, that holds the core game and all three expansions in the core box.
How do I keep board games away from kids or pets?
Use a cabinet with doors, or doors fitted into a cube shelf. IKEA sells a KALLAX insert with a door that is 13 inches wide, 14 5/8 inches deep and 13 inches high, sized to fit one compartment.
Sources
Board Game Gifts · Section 01, Gift guides · Updated October 25, 2026
