Buying Guide To Space-Saving Furniture

Enhance your home with space-saving pieces that serve as a savvy double duty furniture feature all while maximising your space. Marrying your space needs, streamlining clutter, and lifestyle optimisation will help the flow and atmosphere of your entire home.

Why Choose Space-Saving Furniture

The magic equation of form and function is a dream for any interior design aficionado. Building on this, the KonMari method popularised choosing items that spark joy while making room for more of what you love. The related trend for space-saving furniture ties in with the move to live a more fulfilling lifestyle that celebrates the maximum enjoyment of our homes. In many cases, space-saving furniture encourages living in a more relaxed way so that your home becomes a sanctuary where you can easily work from home or host loved ones.

To help you get started, this buyer’s guide will give you styling plus storage ideas for key areas in your home.

Dining

Gathering for a meal is one of the nicest parts of our days with the kitchen often called the heart of the home. As a space that’s constantly in use, it can quickly become cramped with dishes and bulky furniture leaving limited room for you and your family or visitors. Regardless of whether you’re short on square metres or are a fan of minimalism, you can still refresh your kitchen with the right pieces that add style as well as opening up space.

Extendable Tables

To make dining a breeze, even with last-minute guests, extendable tables are the way to go. Get ready to welcome a crowd with a table that seamlessly integrates with your interiors and dinner party preferences. For smaller rooms, round tables remain popular for efficient use of space with plenty of dynamic design options. Try the classic two-toned elegance of the Greystone with its crisp lines complementary to a range of interiors. We love the solid oak Oakham with its compact dimensions perfect for group gatherings -- available in different shapes and sizes for that rustic yet polished finish. The Turin has that sophisticated contemporary drama of heavy wood that effortlessly extends so you’ll wow your guests with the ultimate refined, high-impact piece. For an all in one solution, try the Loire with its extendable features in a timeless solid oak that will suit growing families or if you have frequent house guests. For further inspiration on exactly what to look for in your dining table, this guide can help you.

Oakham Extending Dining Table

Turin Dark Oak Small Extending Dining Table

Loire Oval Extending Table

Benches

With a range of designs, dimensions and materials, benches are a fresh trend in dining. The beauty of a bench lies in their functionality and styling power -- they’ll fit in all different homes without wasting space while looking fabulous. Combine natural wood with a chic geometric edge with the Trento that you can easily dress up with a patterned accent throw or a seasonal textured fur. Make it luxe with a timeless Tablet velvet bench that’s so comfortable and opulent it will be hard for guests to leave. If you’re looking to create flow with an iconic contemporary piece, the Calia suits nearly every space with its rustic oak finish and raw black steel legs, the perfect framing piece for every kitchen or dining room (or even a hallway).

Table Bench Ottoman in Blush Velvet

Calia Large Dining Table

Slimline stools

The finishing touch of stools means every home can be as open and spacious as your local brunch spot with the added bonus of extra floor space. Every day will feel like Sunday with the classic cafe style of the Kent that fits at your kitchen island or home bar needing only a cushion or throw to match your decor. We equally adore the sleek comfort of the Connubia Graffiti stool that couldn’t be a more stylish, versatile piece for minimalist space-saving support.

Kent Silver Metal Stool

Connubia - Graffiti Stool

Camilie Side Board Top

Loire Grey Bookcase

Cabinets & Sideboards

Integrate visual impact with ergonomic storage options that tie in with your home’s design elements. The combination of form and function mean these pieces make life easier all while taking the room up a notch. We love the country charm of the Camille sideboard with its neutral palette and natural oak top. Purchased in two pieces, you have the ultimate space saver with this matched set that can be stacked as a classic pantry or used as separate pieces for heritage longevity. If you’re really stuck for space, you can achieve the same impact with the distinct open look of the Loire, a narrow bookshelf that also works as a pantry or hutch. The French inspired design does double duty for displays or storage with its convenient adjustable shelves ideal when you have limited floor space in compact rooms.

An all-in-one statement piece used as an entertaining feature will be the talking point of any dining room. Contemporary design is a continuing trend with the spacious Loft perfect for displaying a record player, vinyl collection, and drink station while leaving room for a vase. This reclaimed pine piece has a multi-coloured finish and tapered legs like a piece of industrial art. Expand any small room with a compact sideboard offering multipurpose storage such as the playful modernist Indus. With its robust adjustable shelves, the design twist on mod-retro is cohesive with the tidy oak curves balanced by the brushed steel accents enabling quick access to stored crockery. Tie the look together with a stunning mirror for a focal illusion of even more space.

Loft Reclaimed Pine Sideboard

Indus Rustic Oak & Peppercorn Narrow Sideboard

Lounge

Living among items that you cherish while making the most of your space means you need pieces that truly fit your needs. Don’t sacrifice on luxury and comfort when you can open up your whole home with lounge room essentials that suit your colour scheme, preferred materials, and floor plan. The intersection of their aesthetic and practical features promotes balance for a thoroughly zen space that adapts to your day-to-day.

Sofa Sets

Plush sofas that easily convert for visitors are the most efficient way to save space throughout your home. Change the dynamic of the room in more than one way with the lovely Langdon in an eye-catching blossom pink. A statement sofa that transforms into a double-bed means no more worries about air beds or spare rooms. This cosy solution is a speedy set-up for overnight guests so that it’s a timesaver, too. Futons are another savvy mainstay as a multi-use back-up bed. The cushioning of the Roxy makes it a retro favourite plus it seats three people when upright. We also love this soft, supportive futon as a daybed for naps and reading -- just add a footstool or ottoman!

Langdon Pink Fabric Sofa Bed

Roxy Light Grey 3 seater Sofa Bed

Coffee Table

Maximising the utility of a coffee table is a no-brainer especially when you’re short on room in other areas of your home. The dark walnut stained Montpellier has sleek geometric lines with two in-built drawers offering storage that help stabilise the pinewood unit. You can tailor this table to your lifestyle whether it’s with candles for hygge or an accessible throw.

Montpellier Coffee Table With 2 Drawers

Ottomans

When you’re streamlining your space, look for unexpected hidden storage that makes everyday items multi-purpose. The Taylor Storage Footstool will rest your feet while stashing the weekend papers between reads or even a light blanket for when the temperature drops. Take it easy with this stool that you can use as an ottoman, reading catch-all, or even extra seating when you run out of chairs.

Taylor Storage Footstool

Bedroom

Bunk Beds & Cabin Beds

Gone are the days when bunk and trundle beds were an eyesore -- modern designs add definition and personality to rooms for both kids and grown ups. In an elegant nod to stately homes, the Elsa is the ultimate stylish space saver for a bedroom or living area. Make your home into a cottage getaway with this daybed framed by classic cream mouldings that expands to two single beds or a hotel-worthy super king size mattress. With space savers, no matter what season it is, it will always be a relief to have flexible options for unexpected guests or extra room for growing little ones. The Wendy is available in two colours so your bed frame effortlessly accents your decor. The secure frame of this bunk bed comprises a single bed on top and a double bed on the bottom without looking bulky. Not only does this clever sleeping solution comfortably accommodate last-minute arrivals, the secure framework will reassure nervous kids (and their parents!). Bunk beds can also be styled a number of ways to make every house a home including using the room under an elevated cabin bed as a play area or secret fort that will capture kids’ imaginations.

Elsa Daybed With Trundle

Wendy Single/Double Bunks Oak

Bed Frames

Every home can benefit from extra storage. If you’re stuck for space, what about taking essential storage then combining it with modern lines and ultimate comfort? The in-built storage offered in modern bed frames is a winning combination of practicality and convenience. The Walkworth has many advantages, not least the range of sizes you can choose from to suit your bedroom. Livability is a sizable benefit and this frame has abundant storage space for bed linen as well as clothes. The slate fabric is a gorgeous signature shade regardless of the design palette in your home and you’ll be able to enjoy sitting up in bed to read or having a weekend coffee with the cushioned headboard. Choose from three sizes -- 4’ 6, 5', and 6’ -- then complete the room with the matching bed locker.