7 Pieces of Furniture That Work Hard for Their Keep
Storage banquettes, sleeper ottomans and other multifunctional items are the keys to maximizing every inch and penny
When it comes to saving pennies, there are loads of clever tricks for repurposing unused stuff or reviving old items. But what about when saving space is also on the agenda? We’ve tracked down seven multitasking items that also can restore valuable inches to every room.
2. Sleeper ottoman. No room or no money for a spare bed? No problem. This ottoman folds out to become a comfy-looking single bed with a built-in headboard. When the bed isn’t in use, you can use the piece as a seat, footstool or coffee table. Simply pop on a large tray, and you have a stable surface for food and drink.
Browse ottomans
Browse ottomans
3. Dining chair with magazine rack. There’s lots to love about a sturdy vintage church chair — including that the shelf for storing Bibles also works for magazines, cookbooks or even household paraphernalia, such as spare birthday cards, pens or scissors. Just ensure that you display the items in a tidy and organized fashion so that the chair doesn’t become the equivalent of a junk drawer. For example, you could pop a pretty ribbon around paperwork and collect loose items in a flat gift box in a pretty color.
4. Table with bookshelf. Book storage is an age-old problem in small homes, particularly ones without any alcoves. Enter this round table, whose design incorporates a wraparound shelf for your favorite volumes. Now there’s just the problem of finding time to read them!
This kind of table comes in various heights, shapes, materials and styles.
Find tables with a shelf
This kind of table comes in various heights, shapes, materials and styles.
Find tables with a shelf
5. Sofa with sideboard. With more of us adopting open-plan layouts in our homes, it’s essential to choose furniture thoughtfully so that everything works together as a whole.
For example, this sofa has a clever built-in sideboard at the rear, offering useful storage while acting as a room divider. Displaying decorative items along the top separates the seating area from the rest of the open-plan room.
For example, this sofa has a clever built-in sideboard at the rear, offering useful storage while acting as a room divider. Displaying decorative items along the top separates the seating area from the rest of the open-plan room.
6. Nightstand-closet combo. These custom cabinets provide a place to hang clothes and a surface for bedside essentials. Since they’re tall and slim, they don’t take up much floor space.
7. All-purpose bed. Sleepovers, toy storage, reading nook — this bed handles everything. A trundle bed below accommodates friends, storage cubbies above keep clutter off the floor, and recessed shelves display colorful items.
Tell us: Do you have multitasking items you couldn’t live without? Share your tips and photos in the Comments.
More: Discover other space-saving tricks
Tell us: Do you have multitasking items you couldn’t live without? Share your tips and photos in the Comments.
More: Discover other space-saving tricks
Decide whether a lift-up lid or doors or drawers on the front will work best for your bulky items, such as cookbooks, serving platters or even occasionally used small appliances. A wine rack like the one here lets you reclaim counter or cabinet space for everyday essentials.