Making the most of your space starts with thoughtful furniture choices. Whether you have a small living space or just relish in the practicality of innovative design, multifunctional pieces make furnishing a home a lot easier. Why buy two separate items of furniture when a combination exists? Here are some of the most practical multifunctional furniture items, perfect for your home.
Sofa Bed
A sofa bed is a must if you don’t have the luxury of a guest bedroom. Even if you do, you can host more people comfortably without having to crack out the blow-up mattress. A regular bed takes up a considerable amount of space as opposed to a sofa, which can add a touch of comfort to any room. When purchasing your sofa bed, consider the ease of conversion - there may be a time when you need to provide a sleeping space quickly and conveniently for those unexpected visitors and last-minute plans.
Ottoman
Ottomans are small pieces of furniture that can be used as a seat or footstool, often with storage capacity. Perfect for a clutter-free bedroom or living room, an ottoman is excellent for storing blankets, bedsheets and cushions when you need extra warmth on cold evenings. Many sofa sets come with matching ottomans and for the ultimate space-saving option, consider a sofa with a built-in ottoman.
Fold-Out Table
A wall-mounted fold-out table is a flexible solution for kitchens, offices or any room that requires a non-permanent dining or work surface. When folded, these units can be used as shelving, and some come with small drawers, perfect for storing stationary, cutlery or miscellaneous bits and bobs.
Storage Bed
Storage beds are available in a range of designs. From divan beds with drawers to ottoman beds that swing open, having a space to store clean sheets, blankets, clothes, and more is endlessly practical. A fuss-free bedroom is essential for relaxation - studies have shown that excess clutter and mess can negatively impact mental well-being. Maintaining a calm, organised bedroom will help you unwind, leading to a better quality of sleep.
Sideboard
Living room sideboardsLinks to an external site. have a number of functions. Invariably featuring cupboards and drawers for storage, sideboards can be used as a surface for televisions, lamps, houseplants and ornaments. Add a walnut Mid-Century Modern sideboard into your dining area to store crockery and cutlery, or opt for oak in your kitchen as a breakfast bar and coffee-making station.
Bunk Bed
For multi-child families, room sharing is often essential. Providing you can sort out who gets the top bunk and who gets the bottom bunk with minimal arguing, a bunk bed will free up a little more room by making use of vertical space. Alternatively, cabin or loft beds allow the use of the floor space below, ideal for a cosy study area or seating. Not strictly reserved for young folks, double loft beds are excellent for maximising your bedroom space if you don’t mind climbing a ladder to bed every night.
Desk With Shelving
A desk complete with shelving is perfect for storing items like books and files for easy access, making for a convenient work or study station. Great for bijoux apartments, a desk and bookcase combo is another item of furniture that utilises vertical space, enabling you to set up your home office in your living room, bedroom or anywhere else you please.
Crib
When it comes to your baby’s nursery, storage is everything. A practical bedroom devoid of clutter and unnecessary furniture items is vital for those sleepy nighttime feeds, and maintaining a safe environment for the little one to explore will aid their development. Combination cribs and changing stations are not only fantastic two-in-one items of furniture, but many models feature drawers and cupboards, perfect for neatly storing all of your baby’s essentials in an organised manner.
Kitchen Island
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and for large rooms, an island is an excellent way to fill open space. Often used as a breakfast bar or surface for preparing meals, a freestanding island acts as a functional focal point, extending counter space and storage capacity. Kitchen islands are often available with built-in appliances like cookers or dishwashers, allowing you to experiment with your kitchen layout according to your needs.
Resources:
icons at the top right corner of the subsection.