7 Items That Work Hard For Their Keep in Small Spaces
When space and budget are tight, dual-purpose pieces are your secret weapon to maximising every inch and penny
When it comes to saving the pennies, there are stacks of clever hacks for repurposing unwanted stuff or bringing life to old items. But what about when saving space is also on the agenda? We’ve tracked down some hard-working, multi-tasking items that will not only minimise your spending, they’ll also claw back valuable inches in every room.
2. The all-in-one ottoman
No room (or no money) for a spare bed? No problem. This innovative ottoman folds out to become a comfy-looking single bed with a built-in head board. What’s more, when the bed isn’t in use, you can use the top as a coffee table. Simply pop on a large tray and you have a stable surface for hot drinks and food.
No room (or no money) for a spare bed? No problem. This innovative ottoman folds out to become a comfy-looking single bed with a built-in head board. What’s more, when the bed isn’t in use, you can use the top as a coffee table. Simply pop on a large tray and you have a stable surface for hot drinks and food.
3. The useful dining chairs
There’s lots to love about a sturdy vintage church chair – but does anyone actually make use of their clever design out of context? Well, do! The little nook originally intended for storing bibles inside also provides the perfect spot for magazines, cookbooks or even household paraphernalia, such as spare birthday cards or pens or scissors. Just ensure you display the items in a tidy and organised fashion (you could pop a pretty ribbon around paperwork and collect loose items in a flat cardboard gift box in a nice colour). This way, it doesn’t become the equivalent of a kitchen miscellaneous drawer.
There’s lots to love about a sturdy vintage church chair – but does anyone actually make use of their clever design out of context? Well, do! The little nook originally intended for storing bibles inside also provides the perfect spot for magazines, cookbooks or even household paraphernalia, such as spare birthday cards or pens or scissors. Just ensure you display the items in a tidy and organised fashion (you could pop a pretty ribbon around paperwork and collect loose items in a flat cardboard gift box in a nice colour). This way, it doesn’t become the equivalent of a kitchen miscellaneous drawer.
4. The handy side table
Book storage is an age-old problem in small homes where space is limited, particularly when there aren’t any alcoves to take advantage of. Step up this book-table combo with its circular design that incorporates a wraparound shelf below for your fave reads. Now there’s just the problem of finding time to read them…
These sorts of tables come in various styles and designs, also look out for coffee tables with a flat shelf underneath.
Book storage is an age-old problem in small homes where space is limited, particularly when there aren’t any alcoves to take advantage of. Step up this book-table combo with its circular design that incorporates a wraparound shelf below for your fave reads. Now there’s just the problem of finding time to read them…
These sorts of tables come in various styles and designs, also look out for coffee tables with a flat shelf underneath.
5. The versatile sofa
With more of us adopting open-plan layouts in our homes, it’s essential to source versatile furniture that’s functional and not just fabulous, so that the room works together as one whole space. For example, this sofa has a clever built-in sideboard at the rear, creating practical and useful storage…
Forget open-plan – explore the trend for ‘broken-plan’ living
With more of us adopting open-plan layouts in our homes, it’s essential to source versatile furniture that’s functional and not just fabulous, so that the room works together as one whole space. For example, this sofa has a clever built-in sideboard at the rear, creating practical and useful storage…
Forget open-plan – explore the trend for ‘broken-plan’ living
…while also acting as a natural room divide. By displaying tall items, such as vases, along the surface behind the sofa, the living space is clearly defined and naturally zoned off from the rest of the open-plan room.
6. The supersized bedsides
These nifty bespoke cupboards not only answer the quest for more hanging space, but they also incorporate an area for bedside bits. By keeping them tall and slim, they work hard without encroaching on too much valuable floor space either side of the bed. Genius!
These nifty bespoke cupboards not only answer the quest for more hanging space, but they also incorporate an area for bedside bits. By keeping them tall and slim, they work hard without encroaching on too much valuable floor space either side of the bed. Genius!
7. The multi-functioning bed
Sleepovers, toy storage, reading nook – with so many functions to cater for in a child’s bedroom, try investing in a bed that does it all, something like this one. A trundle bed underneath for friends – tick, recessed cupboards for bedside essentials – tick, storage boxes to keep clutter off the floor – tick. What more could you need?
Browse children’s beds in the Houzz Shop
Do you have any clever, dual-purpose items you couldn’t live without? Share your tips and photos in the Comments section.
Sleepovers, toy storage, reading nook – with so many functions to cater for in a child’s bedroom, try investing in a bed that does it all, something like this one. A trundle bed underneath for friends – tick, recessed cupboards for bedside essentials – tick, storage boxes to keep clutter off the floor – tick. What more could you need?
Browse children’s beds in the Houzz Shop
Do you have any clever, dual-purpose items you couldn’t live without? Share your tips and photos in the Comments section.
Thinking of adding a bench seat to your open-plan dining space? Then you should definitely factor in hidden storage beneath. This will combat all manner of storage issues in a small kitchen. Decide whether a lift-up lid or doors or drawers on the front will work best for you to store bulky items such as cookbooks, occasional serving platters or even bigger items such as bread makers. And a wine rack like the one at the end of this bench would mean you could reclaim your worktop and cupboards for everyday essentials.