Multifunctional Furniture Ideas

Most Clever Multifunctional Furniture Ideas For 2023

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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To be successful in modern design, you need to keep up with trends and find your own unique style. You can make a fun and helpful piece of furniture that will liven up any modern home by taking something that already exists. 

Plus, putting something from your interests and beliefs together in a way you like.

In this post, we'll talk about trendy multipurpose furniture. Each of them was made by improving an already good idea. Let's take a look at some clever stuff and how they were made:

1. Hidden Board Game Table

Are you looking for a space-saving solution that can be used as a dining room and a play area? When it comes to design, you will go right when you mix fun and function.

A hidden board game table is perfect for dinner parties, game nights, and other social gatherings. Wouldn't it be fun to swiftly convert the dinner table into a board game table to maximize your free time with family and friends?

Image source: odditymall.com

Band Pass Design is one of the most well-known companies that make multipurpose board game tables. They use natural, simple, and timeless materials that you will love.

2. Playground for cats in a flexible bookcase

Cats feel safer in closed places, especially ones with at least 3-4 sides. Your cat will feel even safer if the area has a top. Cats might like these spots because they are warm and cozy. 

Image source: etsy.com

The Cat Library was made by Corentin Dombrecht, who loves reading and cats. It can be changed, so it fits in different rooms. This shelving unit has a subtle stair system that keeps cats safe and makes it look nice. It is simple, functional, and a lot of fun!

3. Wall Mounted Pull Out Desk with Storage

Is a desk organizer a must-have for you? An adjustable pull-out desk may be the answer. A pull-out feature enhances your room by providing more space. Whether you use your area for more than one purpose or love a clean look, it is best to go for the space savers. It saves space, is suitable for your wallet, and makes you feel better.

Image source:decoist.com

4. Rotating Coffee Table

A coffee table with a rotating top not only makes it worthwhile but also makes it one of a kind. Don't worry about spilling your coffee on it! You can secure a rotating coffee table and manually adjust it from time to time. 

Image source: pinterest.com

It looks like a Rubik's cube. Its three layers revolve in any direction to reveal more storage for books, magazines, or whatever else you need to store.

5. Modular Tetris Shelf

Someone would eventually make enough shelves in the shape of Tetris pieces to cover a whole wall.

Laurent Burel kept things simple most of the time. He used black-painted composite boards with edges that looked like game pieces. On the other hand, the primary five units can be stacked in many ways, leaving empty spaces and shelves very close to each other.

Image source: yankodesign.com

For a bit of contrast and extra functionality, drawers and doors can be added to the square shapes, and optional glass was added to the long pieces.

6. Origami-Inspired Furniture

Origami has been a source of ideas for many homes and buildings throughout history. Furniture that looks like origami adds a sculptural element to any room. It has also been used to make sports equipment in recent years.

As a remarkable example, Zaha Hadid was known for more than just her curvy buildings. Some things she and her studio make, like the Mew low table, have an origami look. It is a take on the popular Japanese craft from the Hadidian culture.

Image source: design-milk.com

Some designers went beyond copying what origami looks like; they also added its modular feature. If you ever experienced playing with origami as a kid, you would know that it can hide special elements. If you can sneak another piece of furniture into a bigger piece of furniture, then you're a space genius!

7. Ottoman Workout Benches

Ottoman is known not to have backs or side arms. They can be a low, upholstered couch or a small, padded seat used as a table, stool, or footstool. And a workout bench has a similar feature, which is why the combo makes it better.

Most exercise benches are low to the ground, which makes it easier for people to stand up straight while doing some exercises. Some more valuable models also have backs that can be moved and leaned differently.

Image source: trendhunter.com

The famous Ottoman Workout Bench is best for living in apartments or condos. The three-seat ottoman folds out into a giant exercise bench. The ottoman has a secret compartment with many weights, an Olympic bench press, and a bench that can be moved.

You can use this ottoman convertible to build strength and muscles. With that, you can save money on gym memberships.

8. Side Tables As Seats

Do you ever think about how a table in your house could be set up differently to serve different purposes? You can use these beautiful pieces in many ways. They do more for a room than make it look nicer; they make it feel more like home.

Image source: pinterest.com

Many things on this list sneakily include their other purpose, like the side tables that can also be used as chairs. Many side tables used today have this secret feature; you won't notice at first glance unless you need a chair!

9. Extending Dining Table

What's it like when you try to seat an unexpected guest at the dinner table, but there's not enough room? A stylish, extendable table will allow you to host a larger group for dinner. Now they can join you to eat special meals and join exclusive discussions.

Image source: furniturechoice.co.uk

A standard dining room table can be extended as a tabletop that can be pulled apart to make more space. To make it work, one person needs to stand at each end of the table.

Shape And Store Your Life

One thing is for sure: people are starting to downsize their living spaces and budgets, which means multifunctional furnishings will never go out of trend. It's good because you really don't have to store as many things at home that take up too much space. 

It makes the space less cluttered and more relaxing. Try to relate your surrounding area to your head space; wouldn't it be good to be clever in storage? It also saves you from wasting your salary on things you only sometimes use. 

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.