We Answer Wednesday - Multi purpose furniture

“We love the idea of owning furniture that does more than just look nice. We want to have furniture pieces that we can use as storage and can do double duty.. what are some suggestions?” 

We hear from so many people that they want furniture that can do more than one thing. These days, we’re always multitasking, everyone is always trying to do it all, between work, friends, life, family, balancing everything is what humans do best, so why should our furniture be any different? As much as we’re advocates for everything to be beautiful, we understand that somethings need to have another purpose than just being nice to look at. We get lots of people asking about small space decorating. What are the best items to purchase for storage and that also look great? Here are a few suggestions of furniture pieces that can be multi-purpose, or do double duty.

Coffee Tables: Instead of using a traditional coffee table, try an ottoman that opens up with storage inside. This is a great place to put your extra pillows and blankets or whatever you need to keep tucked away and don’t have a space for. This can also serve as extra seating in your living room if you don’t have enough for guests.
Another option is to have a solid material coffee table but make sure it comes with ample storage. Whether it opens up, or has lots of shelves and drawers. Make sure you utilize all the storage you can.

 

TV Walls: Obviously, most people have a TV. Instead of just using that as a media space, use the extra wall space for shelves as well. Decorative baskets, books, personal photos. Create a gallery wall and use all the space available to you. Gallery walls are very on trend at the moment. Whether you create a modern, streamlined gallery wall, or an eclectic mix of all that you love – don’t let usable space go to waste!

 

Dresser instead of a Console: Most people have a table at their front door for keys and decorative pieces. Instead of just having a table there, add a dresser with storage and shelving. Having this extra storage at the front door can be very beneficial. You need spaces to put things like hats, mitts, scarves, mail etc. Having all these extra items hidden and organized will also be good for your mind. No clutter – no stress! 

 

Hall Tree instead of just a bench at your entry: Similar idea to the dresser at the front entry. Having a hall tree will give you the bench for added seating, it will also have hooks, and shelving, granting you more space for odds and ends. This is another great spot for kid’s coats, back packs, shoes, hats, mitts, etc. Having these hooks and extra shelving options will be helpful organization for the whole family.

 

Sofa Bed: A sofa bed is a fantastic double-duty item. Most people need a sofa somewhere in their home. And lots of people could also use an extra bed for guests. Why not purchase a sofa that can be used in multiple situations? Get something stylish that also serves as a guest space.  

 

Chest/Bench in the bedroom: Do you have extra space in your room? If so, add a bench at the end of your bed. Same idea as the ottoman suggestion. Add a storage bench at the end of your bed for items like pillows and blankets. Maybe even seasonal clothes. Not into the idea of a bench? Try an antique chest. Something that will add additional functionality to your home.

 

Bookshelf as a Room Divider: Depending how large your space is, you may need to break up some open concept areas. Having a book case used as a room divider is a great option for storage and privacy as well. This is a great place to add accessories and accents as well such as picture frames and books. If you have an open concept space, or a studio space, a lot of times, you lose that extra wall space. Not having the wall space to add all these extra pieces is sometimes a downfall, but utilizing the space you have in smart way will contribute to an organized home.

 

Decorating Basics of Living in Small Spaces

You don't need a huge amount of square footage to meet all of your lifestyle needs but you do need to be smart and think outside of the box when it comes to living in a smaller space.  Here are some great basics for living and decorating a small space.

1 - a tiny room doesn't need tiny furniture.  sometimes a larger sectional will be far more functional in a smaller space than say a small sofa or loveseat.

2 - purge before you move.  it's a freeing experience and clutter leads to stress, so figure out what you really want/need in your new space and don't purchase any organizing or storage pieces until you have decided what stays and what goes.

3 - use reflective surfaces to let the light bounce around the space. A small space feels bigger when you maximize the light in the space.  Glass coffee tables and hanging art in glass frames can make a huge difference.



4 - Make sure window coverings don't cut the light.  You panels should hang on either side of the window which makes it appear larger but also lets in lots of natural light.

5 - Think vertical.  when you are hanging art and shelving don't let wall space go to waste, using the upper wall space for art displays draws the eye up which makes the whole space feel big.

6 - in the kitchen, install cabinets that touch the ceiling, you will have extra storage and like point #5 the eye will be drawn up.  Also look at open shelving, lighter toned cabinets and some glass doors to lighten up the kitchen space.



7 - Cork and magnetic boards in the kitchen can help you keep organized.  This is perfect for an odd wall or the interior of your cabinet

8 - Cleaning caddy.  fill one cleaning caddy and keep it in an area like the kitchen or the laundry space, fill it with items for the whole space not just one room, that way you don't need to keep 'special' cleaning items in specifics rooms.

9 - in your home office or den, use a wall file system to keep your files and documents in order.  It keeps them off of the desk and again you are using the wall space.

10 - if you are in need of a spare bedroom but also a workspace, look into a Murphy bed with a desk attachment.  It's neat and organized.

11 - look for streamlined furniture in the living room - so avoid bold colour and patterns and big bulky arms.  A sleek sectional and slipper chairs will look great without all sorts of extra bulk



12 - Hang your TV on the wall and use an arm if it needs to be angled.  This means you won't need a bulky furniture piece to hold your TV.  You can have a furniture piece (if you like) and it can serve other functions like bookcase, storage for movies, blankets, board games and even dining room accessories.

13 - Remove DVDs and CDs (if you still use them) from their bulky jewel cases and keep them in a holder - it takes up less room

14 - Hang shelves above the toilet to give you more storage than just  medicine cabinet and get the clutter off of the counter top

15 - Add shelves and baskets inside the vanity.  Bathroom vanities are often these big cavernous spaces that aren't well designed for storage.  Add a shelving system and baskets to keep toiletries organized and tucked away

16 - Benefits of wallpaper.  If you have a long and narrow hall from the entry to the main living space, take advantage and wallpaper it (nothing too over the top) but a tone on tone pattern or illusion of texture like barn wood or silk would add some visual interest and would be a great art piece but again without the bulk of frames

 

17 - Go custom.  Look into closet systems for your front hall.  The front hall closet will play many roles - your coats, guest coats, dry cleaning drop off and pick up; sport equipment and maybe items needed for work - a custom closet might be worth it an there are many affordable options out there. Even just adding a second rod can do wonders

18 - Don't forget a furniture piece for the front entry, in a small space you will have a get creative - floating shelving, a set of stools, a sofa table are great options for a front hall in a small space and have a plan for key and mail - eliminate that everyday clutter