Many people find having a small home frustrating because there’s just not enough space for furniture and possessions. While it’s true that small floorplans can pose some challenges, there are ways to get around it. You simply have to think smart with your furniture choices. Here are 20 multifunctional pieces that could be deserving of space in your house.
Bookcase with a fold-down table
If you need extra space in your kitchen, office, living room, or even a bedroom, invest in shelving with a fold-out table. Such a product gives you plenty of room for books and knick-knacks but also has a feature that lets you use it as a workspace and dining table. Photo: IKEA/Ivar
Under-Bed Storage That Doubles as Bedside Table
If all you’ve got under your bed is dust bunnies, it’s time to make use of that space. Invest in rolling storage bins that are designed to fit snuggly under the bed. A rolling storage bin can work both as a bedside table and as practical storage. Just roll it out at bedtime – and roll it back under the bed in the morning to save floor space. Photo: IKEA/Fredvang underbed storage
From Side Table to Dining Table
The frustrating thing about a small home is the lack of space for work and play. You can have one or the other, but often not both. Therefore, buying a convertible table could be worth your while. They can function as a desk for work, then turn into a convenient side table or dining table for entertainment with ease. Photo: KOTPOP/Extendable dining table
Convertible Sleeper Chair
Whether you like day naps or need an extra guest bed in a cramped home, consider a sleeper chair. During the day, they can be comfortable armchairs for TV-watching. At night, they can recline out to form a bed. Those unexpected guests are now well catered for. Photo: Esright/Convertible chair bed
Floating Desk With Shelving
If you’re in a small home, tiny home, or dorm room, a floating desk with shelving can be an ideal space-saving solution. It functions as a convenient form of storage but can also be a workstation – with plenty of room for a computer or note pad. Photo: Latitude Run®/Dianie Floating Desk
Side Table With Storage and Cable Management
How many side tables can you think of that consider our needs for electronics? It might be time to start purchasing furniture with cable management systems to tuck cords away safely while you charge your devices. Photo: Umbra/side table
Triple Duty Sleeper Sofa
Not everyone has enough room for a guest bed, which limits how many people you can entertain. Fortunately, if you buy a sleeper sofa, you’ve got more room for guests than ever before. Such couches can be quickly transformed into a comfortable bed. Some even have coffee table ottomans that form part of the bed. Photo: Jaxx/Convertible sleeper
Mirror With Shelving and Hooks
As you’re heading out the door, it’s only natural to look at yourself in the mirror one more time to make sure there’s no spinach in your teeth. Rather than traipsing back to the bathroom, consider investing in a shelving unit with hooks and a mirror. Here, you can grab your keys and coat as you walk out the door while also giving yourself one more glance in the mirror before you leave. Photo: Umbra/Wall organizer
Staircase With Built-in Shelving
One of the most popular forms of storage in loft apartments and tiny homes is staircase storage. However, any homes with stairs can see the value in them. Each stair can be a pullout drawer to give you more room for your possessions. Photo: Girlinatinyhouse
Stackable Beds
There is nothing wrong with having an ordinary bed that does one thing and one thing only. Although, what if it could do and be so much more? Stackable beds can be a corner sofa, a day bed, twin beds, and a double bed. Customize the layout to suit the occasion without having to buy more than one product. Photo: IKEA/UTÅKER stackable beds
Murphy Bed With Integrated Table
If your home is too small to fit a bed, dining table, and workstation, then invest in something that can be all three. You can purchase a murphy bed that folds up to produce a dining table for four or a desk for one. At night, you can then make a few quick changes and enjoy somewhere comfortable to sleep. Photo: InovaHome/Tess murphy bed
Floor Lamp With Table Attached
Having a lamp in your living room can be helpful for targeted lighting while reading or for ambiance. However, not everyone has space for a side table and lamp. So, why not buy something that has both? You can now purchase side tables that come with a built-in light. They take up minimal space yet function as two items. Photo: Hsyile/Floor lamp with table
Sliding Wall With Built-in Table
Small homes call for genius solutions. If you don’t have space for a full-time dining area, then create one that pulls out and tucks away again. You may be surprised at what you can build into the average apartment or tiny home wall. Photo: Jack Chen
Loft Bed With Integrated Storage and Desk
If the kids are complaining about feeling cramped and crowded in their bedroom, make some changes. A loft bed could be the answer. Such a bed has a storage and desk area on the bottom and a bed on the top. It’s an ideal solution for a child’s small bedroom. Photo: IKEA/Småstad Loft bed
A Console That Converts Into a Large Dining Table
Having guests over at the last minute can be a nice surprise, but it can also be stressful if you don’t have anywhere to feed them. Purchase a console table that sits nicely by a wall but turns into an expansive dining table for six. Those unexpected guests will then always be welcome. Photo: Casabianca/Console dining table
Window sill doubles as dining nook
If you only have a small floorplan to work with, put your windowsill to good use. An extendable sill can double as a breakfast bar, while the bench to sit at it can double as your living room coffee table. It doesn’t get much more multifunctional than that. Photo: Fieldwork Design & Architecture
From Kitchen Counter to Breakfast Bar
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s where people love to socialize as they prepare meals. Make your kitchen as user-friendly as possible for this task by allowing your kitchen counter to double as a breakfast bar. With the addition of a couple of stools, it can be transformed from a prep station to a dining area. Photo: Tay & Mckay
Storage Ottoman With Built-in Trays
Storage ottomans are convenient enough, but their soft top means they aren’t that suitable for sitting beverages on. However, if you choose one with built-in trays, they can be. All of a sudden, they gain an extra function. Photo: Strick and Bolton/Storage ottoman
A double rod that holds your shower curtain and your towel
If you have nowhere to store your towels once you’re finished with them in the bathroom – why not just leave them there? You can install a double shower curtain rod that holds not only the shower curtain but also your towel. Leave it there to dry, and you don’t have to reach far for your next shower. Photo: Zenna Home/Double Shower rod
A Lift-Top Coffee Table That Does Double Duty as Dining Table
If space is limited, consider purchasing a lift-top coffee table. You can use it as a coffee table when you’re on your own, then lift the top to turn it into a dining table when you have guests. No one has to know that you don’t have a dining table full-time. Photo: YumanMod/Lift-top coffee table
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