Living in a small space doesn't mean sacrificing style or functionality. What furniture is best for small spaces? The answer lies in choosing pieces that work double (or triple) duty while maintaining your aesthetic vision. With the right space-saving furniture, you can transform even the tiniest studio apartment into a comfortable, organized home that feels spacious and welcoming.
What Furniture Is Best for Small Spaces? The Multi-Functional Answer
The key to successful small space living is selecting furniture that serves multiple purposes. For limited space, use furniture that has more than one function. Like collapsible/folding tables and chairs, storage beds and ottomans, explains home organization expert advice. Every piece should earn its place by providing storage, seating, sleeping, or working functionsâideally more than one.
15 Essential Space-Saving Furniture Solutions for Small Homes
1. Storage Ottomans: The Ultimate Multi-Tasker
In the blink of an eye, an ottoman can transform from an extra seat for guests to a work surface for your laptop to a colorful accent piece to a comfy footrest, according to furniture experts at Simpli Home. Storage ottomans provide seating, storage, and table surfaces while taking up minimal floor space.
Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, entryways
Where to Buy Online: Revel Sofa, Wayfair, Target, Amazon, West Elm
Price Range: $50-$300
2. Murphy Beds and Wall Beds
Murphy beds remain the gold standard for small space sleeping solutions. Modern versions are easier to operate and more stylish than ever before.
Benefits:
- Free up entire bedroom during the day
- Some models include integrated desks or sofas
- Wall beds are designed and made in Italy for quality construction
Best For: Studio apartments, guest rooms, home offices
Where to Buy Online: Resource Furniture, Expand Furniture, Wayfair
Price Range: $800-$4,000
3. Extendable Dining Tables
Living spaces today demand flexibility, and our extendable dining room table set offers exactly that. These tables accommodate intimate dinners for two or expand to host larger gatherings.
Features to Look For:
- Easy extension mechanism
- Storage for additional leaves
- Compact base that doesn't take up leg room
Best For: Dining rooms, kitchen nooksÂ
Where to Buy Online: IKEA, Transformer Table, CB2
Price Range: $200-$2,000
4. Under-Bed Storage Solutions
If all you've got under your bed is dust bunnies, it's time to make use of that space. Invest in rolling storage bins that are designed to fit snuggly under the bed. A rolling storage bin can work both as a bedside table and as practical storage, suggests Living in a Shoebox experts.
Storage Options:
- Rolling storage bins
- Vacuum-sealed bags for seasonal items
- Platform beds with built-in drawers
5. Convertible Sofa Beds
Modern sofa beds have evolved far beyond uncomfortable pullout couches. No more creaky pullout sofas that are hard to sleep on. Now, we have sleek designs like the Metro Otto-Kube ottoman-sleeper. This convertible furniture for small spaces turns into a 6.5-inch thick mattress for guests.
At Revel Sofa, our modern sectional sofas are designed with small space versatility in mind. Elevate your living space with stylish and comfy furniture from Revel Sofa. Discover our curated collection of modern sofas, crafted for lasting quality and comfort, including modular options that adapt to your space needs.
Best For: Studio apartments, living rooms that double as guest rooms
Where to Buy Online: Revel Sofa, Albany Park, Article, Burrow
Price Range: $600-$2,500
6. Nesting Tables
Nesting tables provide multiple surface areas when needed but tuck away neatly when not in use. They're perfect for entertaining or as flexible work surfaces.
Benefits:
- Multiple sizes for different needs
- Easy to store
- Can be used separately throughout the home
7. Wall-Mounted Desks
Wall-mounted desks create workspace without sacrificing floor area. Many models fold completely flat against the wall when not in use.
Features:
- Fold-down design
- Built-in storage compartments
- Cable management systems
Best For: Home offices, bedrooms, small apartments
Where to Buy Online: IKEA, CB2, Urban Outfitters Home
8. Storage Benches
Benches with built-in storage serve as seating, storage, and room dividers all in one piece.
Uses:
- Entryway shoe storage
- End-of-bed seating with blanket storage
- Dining room seating with seasonal item storage
9. Bar Carts as Multi-Purpose Storage
Modern bar carts aren't just for beverages. They make excellent mobile storage units for office supplies, art materials, or bathroom essentials.
Versatility Features:
- Wheels for mobility
- Multiple shelving levels
- Compact footprint
10. Convertible Coffee Tables
If you don't have space for a game room, a convertible dining table is an excellent investment for your dining area! After everyone has finished eating dinner, clear the plates and utensils from the dining table and remove the wooden cover to reveal a felted gaming table, explains staging experts.
Coffee tables that lift to dining height or include storage solve multiple space challenges.
11. Modular Shelving Systems
Modular shelving adapts to your space and needs while providing both storage and display opportunities.
Advantages:
- Customizable configurations
- Can be reconfigured as needs change
- Works as room dividers in studios
Best For: Living rooms, home offices, studio apartments
Where to Buy Online: IKEA, CB2, West Elm
12. Compact Dining Sets
Look for dining sets specifically designed for small spaces with features like:
- Chairs that tuck completely under the table
- Drop-leaf designs
- Tall, narrow profiles
13. Multi-Level TV Stands
TV stands with multiple shelves and storage compartments eliminate the need for additional entertainment furniture.
Storage Solutions:
- Gaming console compartments
- Media storage
- Display areas for decorations
14. Folding Chairs
Keep comfortable seating available for guests without permanent space commitment.
Best Options:
- Lightweight but sturdy construction
- Attractive enough to leave visible
- Comfortable for extended sitting
15. Loft Beds for Adults
Adult loft beds create usable space underneath for desks, seating areas, or storage.
Benefits:
- Doubles usable floor space
- Creates defined sleeping area
- Modern designs suitable for adult spaces
Room-by-Room Space-Saving Strategies
Living Room Solutions
Priority Pieces:
- Sectional with storage chaise (check out Revel Sofa's Modern Gray Modular 4pc. Sectional Sofa 140" - perfect for small spaces that need flexible seating)
- Ottoman that doubles as coffee table
- Wall-mounted TV to free up floor space
- Compact sofas, accent chairs, desks, and smart two-in-one pieces via brands like Revel Sofa, West Elm, Target, Albany Park
Bedroom Optimization
Essential Elements:
- Platform bed with built-in storage
- Nightstands with drawers
- Wall-mounted lighting to free up bedside table space
- Another simple way to save space in a small bedroom is to add bunk beds! for shared rooms
Kitchen and Dining Area
Space Savers:
- Expandable dining table
- Bar-height table against wall
- Rolling kitchen cart
- Wall-mounted pot racks
Home Office Setup
Compact Solutions:
- Wall-mounted desk
- Under-desk storage
- Multi-functional furniture that transitions from work to living space
Budget-Friendly vs. Investment Pieces: Where to Spend Your Money
Budget-Friendly Options ($50-$300)
Target, IKEA, and Amazon Excel At:
- Storage ottomans
- Folding chairs
- Basic nesting tables
- Under-bed storage containers
Investment Pieces ($500+)
Worth the Splurge:
- Quality sofa beds that you'll use regularly
- Murphy beds with professional installation
- Transformer Dining Sets offer the ultimate space-saving furniture solution, thoughtfully designed to adapt to any lifestyle
- Built-in storage solutions
Where to Buy Space-Saving Furniture Online: Best Retailers
Specialist Space-Saving Retailers
Resource Furniture: High-end transforming furniture with Italian craftsmanship
Expand Furniture: Space savers that will add a room to your home. Convertible Tables, Smart Wall Beds that fold over Sofas or Desks
Transformer Table: Modular, multifunctional dining solutions
Mass Market Options
IKEA: We know life can get busy, so we created space-saving multifunctional tables to help with multi-tasking areas of your home
Target: Small furniture. Big style. Shop Target for small space furniture at great prices
Wayfair: Extensive selection with detailed measurements
Amazon: Wide price range and fast shipping
Design-Forward Retailers
Revel Sofa: Modern, fashionable furnishings at accessible prices -Â offering modular sofas and sectionals perfect for small spaces
West Elm: Modern aesthetics with space-conscious design
CB2: Contemporary pieces sized for apartments
Article: Mid-century modern space savers
Albany Park: Modular seating designed for small spaces
Measurement and Planning: Essential Steps Before Buying
Critical Measurements to Take
Room Dimensions:
- Length, width, and height of each room
- Door and window locations
- Electrical outlet positions
Pathway Requirements:
- Allow 30-36 inches for major walkways
- 24 inches minimum for secondary paths
- Consider furniture placement for daily activities
Multi-Use Considerations:
- How will furniture function in different configurations?
- What clearance is needed for folding or extending pieces?
- Can pieces be easily moved when needed?
Assembly and Delivery Considerations for Small Spaces
Delivery Planning
Stairway and Elevator Access:
- Measure all doorways and turns
- Consider weight limits for elevators
- Plan for tight corners and narrow hallways
Assembly Space Requirements:
- Some furniture needs assembly space larger than final footprint
- Consider where you'll assemble large pieces
- Plan for packaging disposal in small spaces
Smart Shopping Strategies
Research Thoroughly:
- Read reviews focusing on size and functionality
- Check return policies for large items
- Verify assembly requirements and difficulty
Time Your Purchases:
- If you're living in a small apartment or tight space, we found the best small-space furniture and products that maximize real estate in your home. Starting at $30
- Watch for sales on specific items you've researched
- Consider seasonal markdowns on furniture
Making Small Spaces Feel Larger: Design Psychology
Visual Tricks That Work
Vertical Storage: Draw the eye upward with tall, narrow furniture
Light Colors: Reflect light and create airiness
Multi-Level Lighting: Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting
Mirrors: Strategically placed mirrors double visual space
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Don't Overcrowd: Better to have fewer, high-quality pieces
Avoid Blocking Natural Light: Keep window areas clear
Skip Matchy-Matchy Sets: Mix pieces for more visual interest
Don't Forget About Scale: Choose appropriately sized pieces
The Future of Small Space Living
As urban living continues to grow and housing costs rise, the demand for innovative space-saving furniture solutions continues to expand. The moving pros from Dolly reveal the smartest space-saving furniture that will pack your small pad with a ton of storage punch.
Today's space-saving furniture combines smart engineering with attractive design, proving that small spaces don't require sacrificing style or comfort. Whether you're furnishing a studio apartment or maximizing a small home, the right multifunctional pieces can help you create a space that feels both spacious and uniquely yours.
Your Small Space Action Plan
- Assess Your Needs: Identify the functions each room must serve
- Measure Everything: Know your space limitations before shopping
- Prioritize Multi-Function: Choose pieces that serve 2-3 purposes
- Start with Essentials: Invest in quality pieces you'll use daily
- Add Gradually: Build your space thoughtfully over time
Remember, successful small space living isn't about cramming everything into a tiny areaâit's about choosing the right pieces that work harmoniously together to create a functional, comfortable home. With these space-saving furniture solutions available online, including Revel Sofa's collection of modern, modular pieces designed for today's flexible living needs, you can transform any small space into a stylish, organized haven that maximizes every square foot.
Ready to transform your small space? Explore Revel Sofa's curated collection of modern sofas and sectionals at revelsofa.com - where crafted comfort meets space-conscious design, all at accessible prices.