Dual Purpose Furniture
Small space living calls for furniture that can be used for one than one function. These can be pieces that fold, morph, stack, rotate, expand, or collapse to make the most of the square-footage you’re working with. Whether you are downsizing, starting out, or have a funky floor-plan, being able to efficiently use the space you have is a serious skill! Below we scoured our favourite sources of internet inspiration for a few examples on creative ways to make use of your space.
The classic storage hideaway:
What about having built in storage in a window bench? This is a great way to build in storage and have a comfy place to sit while reading or daydreaming. Storage is at a premium even in the most generous of spaces so this just seems like a good idea no matter how much space one has. Pack your drawers with blankets, books, paperwork, or leave them empty and fill as needed!
Game time:
Have fun with your multi-functional pieces– balance the work with some play. Above is a regular table that transforms into a pool table. Now that’s thinking outside the box!
I see this kind of table working well in an apartment where space is limited and also in a basement or secondary suite. Just because you don’t have an additional area for a dedicated games room doesn’t mean you have to go without.
Now you see it, now you don’t:
This wall table from Resource Furniture would be an ideal space saver. Tucking it away when more floor space is needed and opening it up when a table is needed seems like a great idea to me.
Big, small, in-between:
This console table is very smart (but no, it doesn’t sync with your iphone…). From side-table status, it converts to a full size dining table when needed. This would be perfect for an apartment, single-person household, or couple who don’t need a full-size dining table everyday, but don’t want to give up the fun of hosting a dinner party or having friends and family over. It’s the modern alternative to TV trays (and much better looking!).
Pick a spot:
This would be such a great addition to a bathroom or a small apartment or even a kid’s room. Just pull down the pegs when you need to hang something. A real space saver! The natural wood grain is a beautiful touch– this will even look great when it’s not in use.
Made in-house:
Thinking about pieces that are multi-functional and aesthetically pleasing, we are pretty excited about our own Jericho benches. We have come up with two different sizes that we feel will work well in any home. The simplicity of a bench might be overlooked, but it’s versatility will make an immediate impact.
Put your feet up: Use Jericho for additional seating during a get-together, or as a spot to relax at the end of the day
The Jericho bench can be used in front of a fireplace for extra seating or by the front door as a place to sit while putting on your shoes. It can be used at the end of a bed for as a place to hold your bed cushions at the end of the day instead of having the cushions end up on the floor. The bench can be used in a dining room along one side of a table for communal seating as well. It can be used at the end of a hall, to add interest to a long corridor or in a mudroom instead of a built in seating bench.
The Jericho Bench is all-inclusive: lightweight seating, incredible visual interest, and the perfect lookout ledge for our furry friends.
The wider size of the Jericho bench can be used as a coffee table or an ottoman. It is a comfy place to put your feet while lounging but will also accommodate a tray so you can have a place to rest a cup of tea.
Our wider Jericho model can accommodate a little bit more and complement a larger space.
Cats, blankets, tea trays, art books… Pile it on!
We started this project because we were having difficulty coming up with the perfect bench that would work in many situations. We feel these really fit the bill. Each bench is unique to the owner as we source unique vintage tapestries for the upholstered part of the bench. Each steel frame is fabricated in the lower mainland and then powder coated to coordinate with the selected upholstered top. We love how these benches are turning out and hope you do too. Email us at: Tina@designerscollective.ca or phone us at: 604-771-4184 to have an in person peek at them or place an order with us. We look forward to hearing from you!
