If you have a home with small space issues then one of the things that is always a challenge is the lack of storage and finding furniture which actually fits into the room without making it feel incredibly crowded and cluttered.
However, multi-functional furniture is now taking hold and is great news for people in small apartments, shared places or small houses as it looks great but can also solve storage and space problems at the same time. The best designs can save space and money.
Some pieces of furniture work on a double or even a triple way function, working both vertically and horizontally, making a design feature and a functional piece at the same time. For this post we asked the team from Such & Such, an online source of designer homeware to give us a quick guide to the best multi-functional furniture.
- Tidy up your hallway
Try a unit with hooks, shelves and a cupboard underneath to provide multiple storage options to keep your hallway uncluttered. Use the hooks for coats, the cupboard for shoes and the hooks can hold your keys, hats and scarves and umbrellas. Unlike a traditional shelf unit this incorporates three different functions.
- A foldable dining table
If you are short of space go for a dining table which can be folded down and comes with an extension panel. That way you can put it up and extend it when you have guests, but when you need your space back it can be folded down and used as a side table for keeping papers and magazines on, or for working at.
- A storage mirror
Invest in a full-length mirror which doubles as a cupboard, it’s the perfect place to store your jewellery and make-up, providing a functional mirror for when you are getting ready and hiding your valuable jewellery at the same time as giving you easy access.
- A futon or bed-settee
If you don’t have a spare bedroom but want to have guests to stay then why not invest in a futon or a bed-settee which is functional as a comfortable sofa in the day, but folds out into a decent bed at night as and when required.
- An ottoman
Ottomans are a great storage solution for small spaces as you can store things like blankets, sheets or pillows in them and use them as a foot stool, small table or for kids to sit on during the day. You can even use them as a small table for books or a small lamp.
- Wicker baskets within a bench
Wicker storage baskets can be used to store all kinds of things and you can tuck them under the bench so they are out the way, using the bench to sit on and change your shoes, or tie up children’s laces, making it a doubly functional piece saving storage space.
- A cocktail table set
Try a cocktail table set which can be folded out to create a dining table, or folded down to be a coffee table, while allowing you to store cocktails or other drink bottles underneath the lid. A perfect multi-functional piece of furniture.
- A storage coffee table
Try a coffee table with storage where you can lift the lid to store books, magazines and remote controls underneath, giving you plenty of space as well as a useful working table to sit at.
- A bed with built-in storage
Instead of stuffing boxes under your bed, go for a bed with built-in shelving and drawers underneath to save space and save all the dust which gathers underneath. You can sleep easy and have an uncluttered bedroom at the same time.
- A moveable kitchen island
Go for a kitchen island which can be extended to create a full breakfast bar, or minimised and kept up against a wall when not needed, saving space and room in the centre of the kitchen.
- A headboard which holds books
Instead of having a headboard and a night stand, go for a headboard with built-in shelving so you can store your night time reading right next to you. You can even add a lamp to one of the shelves meaning no need for extra bedside tables.
There are plenty of other multi-functional furniture ideas out there but these are our top picks for helping to save space and money as they are all relatively cheap and easy to find. So next time you are stuck for space or need new storage, why not consider replacing a traditional piece of furniture with a multi-functional option?
These are the perfect choices for small spaces, providing relief from clutter and while it may be a pain to have to keep extending tables, or moving items to enable lids to be lifted, it is still worth it to be able to live in a clutter-free home.