6 pieces of multifunctional furniture every home can use

When it comes to space-saving solutions, multipurpose furniture is essential for both small spaces and larger homes. Double-duty furniture offers beauty and functionality in one budget-friendly package.

There are many pieces of multifunctional furniture with straightforward uses, like storage ottomans and futons. However, there are more pieces of furniture that have multiple uses than you might think.

Why multifunctional furniture is a great idea

When you need more functionality in your living space, look to multipurpose furniture.

There are obvious benefits like hidden storage and extra seating, but multipurpose furniture is also great for switching things up in your home. When your furniture can serve multiple purposes, you can move it from one room to another seamlessly. You can also scratch the itch for something new without having to spend a dime.

Another way multifunctional furniture saves you money is by serving two or more roles. Rather than having to buy separate pieces of furniture, versatile items will stretch your dollar further. Choosing furniture you can easily swap or use for more than one purpose helps transform a common space quickly and conveniently.

Multipurpose furniture is the perfect solution for small homes. Furniture options with hidden storage keep your living space clutter-free. When floor space is a top priority, you want your pieces to do as many jobs as possible. This practical approach works with a minimalist mindset that is perfect for small spaces. (Although it’s great for larger spaces too.)

How to pick the right pieces of multifunctional furniture

Your first task when selecting multipurpose furniture is a home walkthrough. Go room by room and assess your needs.

Ask yourself these questions when reviewing your space:

Does your dining room need chairs that can be converted to seating for your living area?
Does your entryway or a corner in your living room need to be used as a home office?
Do you need the ability to convert your living room into a guest space?
Do you have a small bedroom? Do you need additional storage without sacrificing floor space?
Which rooms are your priority? For example, if you know you need a place for visitors to sleep more often than you need to work at home, you’ll want to prioritize a futon or sleeper sofa over workspace furniture.

Once you have a list of multifunctional furniture pieces that you want to purchase, measure the exact spot where you want to place them. No matter how many uses a piece of furniture has, it won’t have the same level of functionality if it’s too bulky or too small for its intended purpose. Measure the length of the wall or floor area where the piece will sit as well as the height of your ceiling to get the most precise idea of what you need.

Another factor to consider is mobility. Will you need to move your furniture from room to room? This may be the case with smaller items like dining chairs or storage ottomans. If you want your piece to serve multiple rooms, style and weight are important considerations. Opt for neutral colors or choose an overall guiding style like mid-century modern if you plan to move your multipurpose furniture around.

6 must-have multifunctional furniture items

Not every piece of furniture needs to offer more than one use. But having a few different multipurpose furniture items is a smart move if your space is limited. After you assess your priorities for each room, you can narrow it down to which pieces you prefer.

1. Coffee tables or end tables

Coffee tables do much more than give you a spot to sip beverages while you relax. They act as a design focal point for your living room, too. The tabletop serves as a wonderful blank slate for you to show off your favorite home decor items.

If you want to save space, you can opt for a coffee table with shelving or storage space, like the Leaton one-drawer coffee table. Depending on the height and material of your coffee table, it also makes an excellent drawing or writing surface for children.

Side tables are another piece of versatile double-duty furniture. Not only can they be used in a small living room as a coffee table replacement, but you can also use them as a plant stand or nightstand. Smaller options like this glass-top accent table can also serve as a snack table or laptop stand.

Opting for end tables on either end of the sofa creates more floor space in the middle of the living room. Smaller tables are a good choice if you like to rearrange your furniture without being tied into a layout that uses a larger coffee table as a central focal point.

2. Dining tables

Dining tables go beyond the dining room. While you may want an adjustable table that expands with a drop leaf, your dining area can have more pieces of multifunctional furniture than that.

For example, a dining set can be split among different rooms of your home to give you more seating options. If you have a smaller family, you can use a few chairs necessary for daily activities at the dining table and use the others for workspaces or other seating areas.

When you need a DIY approach to a home office space, dining tables are a lifesaver. If space allows, smaller dining tables like the Breckenridge round dining table make excellent writing desks.

You may also need your table to act as a makeshift workspace that you clear off at the end of the day. If this is the case, make sure your dining table is comfortable and made from a durable material like wood or metal.

3. Bookcases

Bookshelves aren’t just for books. They’re workhorses in the multifunctional furniture category. The right piece like this 10-shelf bookshelf can even be turned sideways and used as a TV stand.

Shelving is a great way to display your favorite pictures or home decor — consider a multifunctional convertible TV console and bookcase. Shelving usage also extends well past a home office. For example, they make a great shoe rack in a bedroom, closet, or entryway.

If you’re using a shelving unit in your workspace, they’re indispensable organization tools. A bookshelf is a great alternative to an old-school filing cabinet, especially if you spruce it up with some stylish accents.

Wall-mounted shelving saves space in bedrooms and living areas. Not only can you use shelves for your books, but they’re also the perfect alternative for a nightstand in small bedrooms. They can also work as storage for clothing if you lack closet space.

4. Daybeds or futons

If you frequently have overnight guests, a daybed or futon is a multifunctional piece of furniture that should be at the top of your list.

Futons are an ideal piece for smaller spaces (be it a living room or bedroom) that don’t have the square footage for a traditional sofa bed. They offer a slimmer profile while still giving guests a comfortable place to sleep.

Another convertible sofa replacement is a daybed. While this is a great multifunctional furniture choice for a bedroom, you can also use them in a living space or even a sunroom for a more unique decorating approach. They can be styled just like a sofa for day use but will provide a place to sleep for guests.

5. Modular sofas

Modular sofas with storage solutions are a wonderful space saver in your living room. They’re also key if you like to customize and rearrange your furniture layout.

A modular sofa can work well in moderately small spaces. Modular sofas typically come with a chaise or chair that can be removed or switched around. There are also choices with hidden storage, like the Bellaire Button-Tufted Upholstered Sectional that looks like a standard sofa but has removable cushions to reveal a clever storage solution.

If you don’t want a typical sofa bed, a modular option may expand into something larger and more comfortable for sleeping.

6. Storage ottomans

Storage ottomans are useful in almost every room of the house. They’re a classic option for a footrest and coffee table combination, but they also work as a bench in an entryway.

Placing an ottoman at the foot of your bed provides more storage space in your bedroom without taking up too much real estate. They can also work as a part of a modular sofa or sectional in the living room.

Finally, the right storage ottoman is an attractive way to add more storage space in your dining room. You can use it in place of dining chairs and push it under the table when not in use.

Multifunctional furniture makes the most of your space

If you need to purchase a new piece of furniture, why not choose something that can be used in multiple ways? These multipurpose pieces are versatile enough to move from room to room. They also save you money by combining your needs into one piece. For small spaces, multifunctional furniture is a necessity.

Asking yourself key questions about how you use each space in your home will help you determine your priorities and identify which pieces you need. While you may not require every piece of furniture to serve more than one purpose, having a few multifunctional options will improve both the style and functionality of your spaces.

Be sure to browse r oom ideas from Coaster for even more home decor inspiration.