19 Multifunctional Furniture Ideas That Are PERFECT For Small Spaces

19 Multifunctional Furniture Ideas That Are PERFECT For Small Spaces

We are all familiar with multipurpose furniture. You know the kind you see that have been handcrafted with one hundred intricate mechanisms? It oh-so-satisfyingly unravels into a brand new piece of furniture, virtually indistinguishable from the last. Unfortunately for us, it's not always readily available or budget friendly. 

Hope is not completely lost. From space-saving solutions to economic options, we've rounded up the best multipurpose furniture pieces that you can buy today!

They're affordable, ingenious and will adapt to you and your home. Whether you have occasional visitors or growing families, check out our suggestions for must-have multipurpose furniture. 

1. Upgrade your sofa

IKEA sofa bed
IKEA's FRIHETEN sofa bed

We're sure you're all familiar with this basic piece of multipurpose furniture. Sofa beds come in all shapes and sizes, with different mechanisms and capacities.

The FRIHETEN sofa bed from IKEA transforms into a roomy double bed by pulling on the tabs. The chaise longue section can be placed on either end of the sofa and houses spare bedding when not in use. 

2. A space-saving table 

Butterfly table
Perfect for dinner parties! 

A butterfly or "drop leaf" table can be the perfect solution for small spaces. When not in use, the chairs fold up and can be stored inside the table.

What's more, the table folds down effortlessly, making it the perfect sideboard. 

3. Time for tea  

tray table
A handy solution.

Most of us have a tray knocking about, but how handy is this tray table with folding legs?

The tray is detachable making it the perfect, multipurpose side table. Use it for serving dinner in front of the tv, or detach the tray for breakfast in bed. 

4. Mirror, mirror...

Mirror jewellery cabinet
Top secret!

We love how simple this standing jewellery cabinet mirror is. You wouldn't even know it has all that hidden storage - and with absolutely zero damage done to your walls!

This one even has a handy lock to keep all of your precious jewellery safe.

5. The writing's on the wall

Wall mounted table
So creative!

For those wanting hideaway furniture, look no further than this wall mounted table that folds completely flat when not in use.

Draw your own design onto the board or cover with art. The top is also a handy shelf.

6. Nesting tables

Nesting tables
Stylish in any space.

Nesting tables are highly underrated in the multifunctional furniture department. Whilst they only really serve one purpose - as a table - they can be stacked together when not in use to keep them compact. 

Pull them out and overlap for a modern looking coffee table or use two as bedside tables for an asymmetrical look. 

7. Pull up a chair

For when you need an extra seat

If your space is seriously small, we recommend using a stool as a bedside table. They look like tables but are strong enough to sit on when you need additional seating. 

The only downside to this design is that there is no hidden storage.  

8. Chairs & Ladders 

Fold up chair ladder
We LOVE this idea!

Not Snakes and Ladders, but a chair and a ladder? This fold-up stepladder design is brilliant and super functional.

Whether you need a small stepladder to reach the top of a bookshelf, a chair for extra visitors or a set of shelves to display your treasures, this has it all! 

9. Give your office a facelift 

lift-top coffee table
Sleek and practical. 

This lift-top coffee table seamlessly transforms to turn your living room into a home office or dining room. 

Even better, the table has extra storage - you can never have enough places to hide your stuff! 

10. Raise & fold 

Folding bed
Perfect for when family stay.

Are your guests fed up with sleeping on an inflatable mattress? We know it'll just deflate by the morning, leaving them laying uncomfortably on the floor. Why not try a folding bed

Just like the butterfly table, this bed can fold up against a wall, and the flat headboard makes a great shelf!

Perhaps not as pretty as the other designs, but definitely functional. 

11. Grow with me 

Growing chair
Invest in this!

Why settle for a standard high chair when you could invest in a chair for life?

This amazing Hauck height adjustable chair can be used with add-on accessories such as a bouncer. It will see your child right through to adulthood. 

12. Your dream kitchen on a budget 

Kitchen island
Budget renovations.

Always wanted an island but never had space? Try out an extendable kitchen trolley. These are great for storing extra pots and pans, using as a breakfast bar or to add a bit more workspace when preparing meals. 

It's on wheels so it's easy to move out of the way when you don't need it. 

13. Avoid coffee spills with an armrest table 

arm rest tray
Furniture that takes up zero space?

These clever armrest trays will fit most sofas and armchairs. They are perfect for resting drinks on if you don't have room for a coffee table - and they even have a handy phone holder too! 

14. Barely there side tables 

Side table
Modern design.

Another solution when you don't have room for a coffee table is to invest in one of these end tables. This side table could also be great as a slimline bedside table. 

The functional design allows the table to stand securely on just two legs, meaning that it can become integrated into existing furniture. As long as there is room underneath your sofa the table can be slid into place - taking up no floor space! 

15. Stack them high

Vintage suitcases
Can you find them in your local charity shops?

A stack of vintage-looking suitcases will make a stunning and effortless table with great storage. If you want to change it up, use as under bed storage - the handles make access really easy. 

16. Perfect for children

Children's furniture and coffee table
Blends right in.

This one is ideal for parents who don't want to splash out on a set of children's furniture that will fall into disuse in a few years time. The 3 in 1 coffee table also functions as a chair and a table for kids.

As they grow up, it can be put to use as a bedside table. You wouldn't even know! 

17. Surprisingly sturdy 

Cardboard stool

A cheap and cheerful option is to go for a cardboard stool. This one has some great internal storage and is surprisingly strong to sit on.

Double up as a table and you've got an affordable solution to multi-purpose furniture.  

18. A shabby-chic crate

Wooden crate
Upcycle me!

A crate might not be considered as furniture, but they have so many uses that we had to include them!

Stack and secure them together for a quick and easy bookcase; use as a table or a floating shelf; try a deeper one for a small stool - the possibilities are endless!  

19. Work from home

Overbed table
How's that for efficient?

How convenient does this adjustable overbed desk look? For when you want to work from the comfort of your own bed or have a snoozy Sunday morning breakfast, this desk rolls over the covers and makes a great little table. 

You can use it as a desk elsewhere in your space for maximum flexibility too. 

Who knew there were so many different types of multifunctional furniture! Which is your favourite? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below! 

Joanne A



  1. Author joe on September 28, 2020 at 10:03 am


  2. Author jane on March 26, 2021 at 2:50 pm

    don't like the kitchen on a budget it scares my eyes!!!!!! kitchen on a budget is clearly on a budget. ew.

    1. Author Joanne A on March 30, 2021 at 12:01 pm

      It's not to everyone's taste, but a good idea for small spaces!


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