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23 December 2021

More Ways Than One: 11 Multipurpose Furniture Ideas

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Dave Hut - Content Editor

Want to maximise space without scrimping on style? Then multipurpose furniture could be your new best friend.

There’s something so satisfying about transforming a room with furniture that took on a different form only seconds ago. Plus, if you live in a small home or flat, these multifunctional furniture ideas are a must to make the most of your living areas.

But what is multipurpose furniture? Quite simply, it’s furniture that has a variety of uses. For example, the one we’re all familiar with is a sofa bed, because it’s both a sofa and a bed! But not all multifunctional furniture designs are as obvious, so we’re here to share a few extras that might make life a little easier. Read on for inspiration.

Multifunctional furniture ideas for your home

1.    Breakfast bar

A breakfast bar is great for rallying everyone around for a bowl of Cheerios before heading out the door. However, this handy worktop area has more than one use.

Not only does it provide an additional preparation space for cooking, but it also offers an extra workspace for anyone that’s swapped the office for a home set-up. Plus, an added bonus is you’re not too far from the snack cupboard!

Some breakfast bars also have additional storage space underneath for kitchen essentials. That’s essentially four uses rolled into one handy furniture solution.

2.    Dressing table

While dressing tables are traditionally used for beautifying yourself in the morning, they can also double up as desks. In fact, they’re the perfect height for a chair to fit under. Plus, as long as the top is clear, there’s plenty of room for a laptop, stationery essentials, and of course, your cup of coffee. This multipurpose furniture idea is ideal if you’re temporarily working from home and don’t want to invest in an extra item!

3.    Storage bench

The hallway tends to be a dumping ground for shoes and coats you throw off as soon as you walk through the door. But, it doesn’t have to look cluttered with this multifunctional furniture addition. If you have room, a storage bench is perfect.

This item pairs up as a seat, so you have somewhere to take your shoes off. And, once you’ve done that, you can open it up to store away gloves and hats. The only downside is training everyone to actually use it!

4.    Coffee table with drawers

A coffee table is a common feature in living rooms. However, if you’re lacking space, it might feel like an obstacle you hurdle over to get to the sofa. To optimise its use, choose a neutral grey, truffle or white coffee table that doubles up as storage and will complement any colour scheme.

There are plenty of options available, including ones with handy drawers for your DVDs, TV remotes and more. They also come in a variety of sizes and shades to suit your space.

5.    Cube storage units

In recent years, one of the best multipurpose furniture design ideas has to be the versatile cube storage unit with removable boxes or baskets. Examples such as those found in our Tetbury range have made clutter-free homes a reality. Plus, they can be used in any room in the house.

The size variations make them perfect for kid’s rooms, bathroom suites, living areas and compact studio flats with limited space. There’s also the option of basket drawers and boxes in various colours and styles. You can also use these units to display ornaments and photographs along the top – or even a small TV!

6.    Kitchen island

Fortunately, a kitchen island isn’t reserved just for those with grand kitchens. There are also options for homes with less space to work with.

A kitchen island with an extendable workspace gives you extra preparation room when you need it. It also pairs up as storage with cupboards underneath. Not only that, but if you buy a couple of bar stools, you’ve got the perfect dinner spot.

Alternatively, breakfast bars with shelving offer many of the same perks while taking up less space in the centre of the room.

7.    Display cabinet

Display cabinets or dressers are an ideal multipurpose furniture addition for kitchens, living rooms and dining areas. You can display everything from dinnerware to pots and pans or perhaps even show off your best ornaments and family photographs.

These units are ideal for making storage more presentable in any space and sit neatly against the wall to avoid eating into your living space. Plus, larger dressers can be split in two to create a separate sideboard and bookcase.   

8.    Blanket box

If you’re looking for a tidy storage solution that doubles up as a seat, then a blanket box is a perfect choice. These handy storage boxes make tidying away bulky blankets and throws a breeze. You can also store clean towels and bedding in them, or even summer clothes that you won’t need until next year. Position your blanket box at the end of your bed to use as an extra seating area while you’re getting ready.

9.    Nest of tables

Nest tables are a fantastic space spacing design for smaller living areas. The main table provides space for a lamp or vase and those all-important coasters. Need more room when guests visit? Simply pull out the smaller one underneath.

These tables work well in both living rooms and bedrooms. With a selection of classic colours including white, truffle, dove grey and navy blue lamp tables to choose from, our nesting tables suit both traditional and contemporary décor.

10. Chest of drawers

A chest of drawers is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture in the home. Traditionally used for storing clothing in bedrooms, they can also be used to store away odds and ends in hallways and stationery in home offices.

Our broad selection of designs match all types of interiors. Plus, you can choose from a wide range of sizes, from large 7-drawer options to narrower tallboy styles to suit your space.

11. Washing machine stands

Looking for an easier way to load and unload your washing machine? Try a washing machine stand. These practical pedestals raise your appliances and also give you handy space for storing laundry essentials in your utility room or kitchen.

The designs in our Tetbury range are a great example of this helpful stand and storage solution. There are easy clean baskets to house all your cleaning products and you can get double or single versions to meet your needs.

Making the most of your space with multifunctional furniture

With space at a premium in smaller homes, we’re always looking for ways to maximise space and help you get the most out of your living areas. That said, no one wants to compromise on style, and with these helpful ideas – you don’t have to!

At furniture.co.uk, we have a selection of multipurpose furniture solutions for your home. So whether you’re looking for storage benches for your hallway or a breakfast bar that provides a work, prep and eating space, it’s all here.

There are plenty of style options to choose from too. Our ranges cater for homes with a traditional look and those with more contemporary features. So why not explore our entire collection of furniture additions to find the ones that work best for your space?

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Dave Hut
Content Editor

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