Multifunctional Furniture for Small Spaces
Who says small spaces have to be shortchanged? I’m a big believer in living large at home, whatever your square footage may be. All you need to successfully design a small apartment is to consider scale (smaller space, smaller pieces), spatial flow (how you use the space and position furniture pieces), and functionality (one piece, multiple uses).
I’ve personally tried and tested many of the multitasking solutions below in my client makeovers so I know that you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. These are my best picks!
1. Dining/Lounge Bench
The entryway’s your best shot at making a first impression and sets the tone for the rest of your home. If you live in a condo, you often have to work with insufficient built-in storage or a narrow entryway. One solution to this is to place extra storage space outside of your home.
If you can’t place additional units in the common corridor, make the most of your indoor entryway with a dual-purpose storage bench that houses your footwear and provides comfortable entryway seating so you can easily put your shoes on.
Tip: Throw cushions are my favourite accessories for adding warmth, layers, and a hint of colour to the space.
2. Foldaway Wall Desk
Whether you need a place to work from home or a go-to spot to think and read, a foldaway wall desk is a clever space-saving solution that frees up precious real estate when not in use. Pick a piece with inner storage pockets so you can easily stow away files and paperwork to reduce visual clutter. You can also customise the height of your desk to ensure your work station is ergonomically sound.
Tip: These workstations are often best for communal areas where work has to be hidden away, or for people who need the occasional work area at home. I don’t recommend them for children because they need a dedicated space for homework and projects.
3. Island-Table Hybrid
Having a kitchen island is often the first to go when space is scant, but you don’t have to give it up with an island-table hybrid that works extra hard.
This versatile piece of furniture is not only a great prep area that pulls double duty as a dining table, it often comes with an extendable feature that’s either built-in on one end or designed to be tucked away completely under. It’s definitely a small home essential for those who love to entertain as it provides additional seating without taking up too much space on a day-to-day basis.
4. Bar Cart
I love a good bar cart for entertaining. Bar carts have a small footprint and high manoeuvrability, plus it’s a great conversation piece whether or not it’s in use. Skip the booze and consider some of these creative ways to repurpose your off-duty bar cart:
A coffee cart you can wheel between the kitchen, living, and dining areas
A display console or side table in the living room that easily transforms into a serving trolley when guests are over
A portable vanity so you can leave your dresser and bathroom sink clutter-free
5. Coffee Table Alternatives
A conventional coffee table doesn’t always work when you’re pressed for space. Many of my younger families also have no real use for traditional coffee tables, so I recommend using other multi-tasking alternatives:
Repurposed stools: a cluster of stools can make an interesting living room centrepiece in lieu of a regular table. I love how these mobile pieces can be easily replaced by a folding table and used as additional seating!
Stackable nesting tables: these occupy minimal room and can easily be taken apart when you need the extra tabletop space. Opt for clear lucite tables if you want to lighten and further open up a space.
C-table: an accent piece that folds nicely over the arm of your couch, this makes for a TV tray table that also serves as a laptop-friendly work surface
The humble ottoman: I am full of praise for this piece. Ottomans are so useful because they make great tabletop surfaces (just add a tray) and seating when you need them. They also have rounded corners so they’re suitable for homes with younger families. You can get smaller single-seaters or larger, lower pieces made depending on the size of your room.
6. Storage Bed
Bedroom space in flats and condos can be ridiculously hard to come by, and when the choice is between closet space and a king-sized bed… well, let’s just say it’s a fight I’d rather not have.
I believe the best bedrooms are tranquil, uncluttered sanctuaries. If you’re short on space, consider under-bed storage – there are many platform beds in the market that cater to homes short on space. If you have the budget, I highly recommend investing in a custom-made frame that’s made for your space.
7. Bedside Table with Storage
If your current nightstand does little more than prop up your table lamp, it’s time for a space-saving upgrade. The same principles to choosing a storage bed apply as there are plenty of stylish designs available to suit different decorating styles and budgets. I prefer bedside tables with drawers as they provide discreet storage, though open shelving is a great alternative for holding books and magazines if you enjoy a spot of reading before turning in.
