Furniture for small apartments: 40 compact solutions

“Smart” furniture for interior design in small areas

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Given the modern trend towards reducing living space, there is a need to create appropriate furniture. Increasingly, apartments with dimensions of less than 20 sq.m. are appearing, and the owners are faced with the impossible task of arranging all the necessary areas for comfortable living. Conventional pieces of furniture can no longer cope with such problems, which is why “smart” models appear that can combine several functions at the same time.

All the pros and cons of smart furniture

For owners of small-sized apartments, the struggle for free space never stops, because there are so few square meters, and they often need to accommodate quite a lot. Moreover, everyone, without exception, wants this to happen without compromising comfort or disturbing aesthetics. Thanks to modern developments, “smart” models of furniture/modules have appeared in the markets of the world and the country, which combine the functions of several zones at once, necessary for comfortable living. Some pieces of furniture can even turn into a fairly compact object, which will not be difficult to hang, for example, several chairs on one nail or turn a table into a compact cabinet or molding on the wall.

But if the advantages of the latter option are obvious and undeniable, then some may argue about the advantages of multifunctional furniture. When they decorate a tiny apartment of a confirmed bachelor, for whom it is unlikely that anything will change in his life, or a children’s room for one child, with models of “smart” furniture, naturally, only the advantages will be visible.

But if at least two people live under the same roof, then some options may indeed have significant disadvantages. This is especially true for recreation and work areas. Very often you can see beautiful compact models of a multifunctional wardrobe in which a bed and a desk are hidden. If a single person uses such furniture, everything turns out quite logically: when you sleep, a table is not needed at all and vice versa.

But the joy of saving space immediately disappears when one still needs to work, and the other wants to sleep. And such situations arise all the time when several household members are forced to use multifunctional furniture at once. There is another disadvantage – the cost of “smart” furniture. We know that you have to pay for comfort and coziness in your home.

Advice from Novate.Ru: You need to take into account that buying 2-3 standard pieces of furniture will cost a little more than one transforming sofa. At the same time, we should also not forget that there may simply not be enough space to locate all the necessary goods.

Reliable mechanisms

The design consists of shock absorbers, swivel legs, special mechanisms on both sides of the model, a base for the mattress and fastening elements. Legs for a folding bed can be used in vertical and horizontal models; they can be easily stored in a niche or closet.

Furniture for folding beds is selected to suit individual needs and wears out over time and therefore requires regular inspection. The folding beds are equipped with a gas or twisted spring mechanism to make it easier to move the bed into a vertical position, because it, together with the orthopedic mattress, can weigh up to 30 kg.

Gas elevator

Lifting using a gas mechanism extends the service life of the structure; operating such a mount is not difficult. Instead of springs, a gas shock absorber is built in; the manipulations performed are carried out silently, without physical effort. The gas presses on the piston, driving the mechanism by increasing the pressure inside. You will have to pay for comfort, but the device will last a long time and will not require frequent adjustments. Models have been developed with special mechanisms that allow you to move the bed along with bed linen and pillows into the closet by pressing a button.

Manual lifting using loops

Although this option is considered very practical and durable, not everyone can lift a heavy structure. Due to the difficulty of raising and lowering, it is almost never chosen. The presence of shock absorbers and springs is not provided; the model is fixed with latches.

Spring blocks

Thanks to the built-in spring blocks and separate springs, the structure is activated. In relation to the weight of the berth, the springs can be tightened and adjusted at your discretion. It will last a long time if you calculate the loads and ensure that the body does not bend.

There are many configurations of folding beds. They offer a choice from budget models to more expensive ones made from natural wood and durable lifting mechanisms. You can build such a structure yourself, but use reliable materials that can withstand constant loads.

Folding chairs/stools

Let's start our acquaintance with “smart” furniture with chairs. It is this piece of furniture that ends up on the route, especially if they are trying to acquire additional pieces in case of a big feast.

In this case, folding chairs come to the rescue, which can be hidden at any time and free up space for maneuvers, and then taken out during the party.

Smart kitchen furniture

No matter how tiny the apartment is, you can’t do without a kitchen. And even if it is a studio of less than 20 sq.m., you can set up a full-fledged kitchen corner without any problems if you know that smart furniture exists.

In addition to the already familiar folding, folding, side and other dining tables, there are many models of kitchen sets with an equipped work area, cooking area, storage and washing systems. Their size starts from a full-fledged cabinet and ends with small cabinets. And the most interesting thing is that such models look equally good in a small apartment, in a mansion, and even in an office.

Original designs

In addition to standard designs, manufacturers also produce many non-trivial furniture models. One of the large domestic companies known for producing such products is Transform-Mebel LLC. Unusual models perfectly complement designer renovations and add a special twist to the interior. Original options:

1. A step stool, where a simple chair can easily be transformed into a ladder.
2. A console table that, when folded, looks like a narrow cabinet or dressing table, and when unfolded, can accommodate up to 6 people.
3. Multifunctional sets for a small studio - in different modifications they provide a sleeping area, a workplace, a kitchen table.
4. Rack with dining table and chairs.
5. Sofa with dining group.

Even a shelf or mirror can become a small table for working or eating. Few manufacturers work with such furniture, but they are found on the market. Each structure is equipped with a lifting mechanism. They are ideal if the room is a walk-through and there is nowhere to place a stationary table.

Step stool

Console table

Multifunctional kits for a small studio

Shelf table

Comfortable workplace

Not only schoolchildren and senior executives need an office in their apartment. Modern realities allow many to engage in freelance work, which means that you need to organize a workplace in a tiny apartment with comfort and make it as inconspicuous as possible. In the case where it is possible to install a cabinet, using the “smart” functions of the latter it will be possible to organize a full-fledged office. Such models are very convenient and practical, because at the end of work you can simply close it and move freely without tripping over a chair or constantly looking at the creative mess on the table.

A transforming cabinet that can be disassembled/extended during operation can be a rather convenient option. The rest of the time, it will serve as a modern piece of furniture for storing books or a TV stand.

There are models of transformable cabinets that will help not only organize your desk, but also your sleeping area. Thanks to such “smart” furniture, you can free up at least 3 sq.m. area and this is according to the most conservative estimates.

Transformable children's furniture

All parents want their child to have age-appropriate furniture. But children grow up so fast. This means you will have to change it quite often. And this requires a lot of time, money and free space. But there is a way out. In such a situation, transformable furniture is useful, which can serve the child almost from birth until school. The simplest example of such furniture is a high chair. From 6 months it is used as a table for the child's meals, then it can be used as a table and chair. The baby will be able to draw on it, play and do his childhood things. And even write your first letters or numbers. This versatile high chair will grow with your baby.

Children's green and white transformable crib

Children's round transformable wooden crib

Children's green-blue transformable bed

Children's small white transformable crib

Transformable teenage corner

Two-level transformable bed for two children

Children's two-level transformable bed

Compact transformable furniture for two children

Comfortable sofa bed for a teenager

Multifunctional furniture modules + “smart” systems

To make life even easier for modern people, designers, together with specialists from various fields of science, have learned to create fully controllable furniture. Now you don’t have to push, lift or pull out any piece of furniture with your own hands - you just need to press a button on the remote control or use your smartphone to have the sofa or bed folded or unfolded. In the same way, tables and multimedia systems appear, shelves are lowered, in a word, almost everything that was installed in the module. And the module itself can move around the room, freeing up one half of the space for maneuvers, then the other.

As a rule, such controlled systems are used to make furniture blocks with a set of several functions, from dressing room storage systems to kitchen, dining room and bedroom. Naturally, this joint miracle of modern technology and the furniture industry costs unimaginable money, but by purchasing such a module you don’t have to worry about anything anymore - the comfort and complete furnishing of the apartment will be provided to the highest standard.

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Transformation of upholstered furniture

A modular sofa does not have transformation mechanisms for upholstered furniture; it is a kind of construction set. Different elements can be used to create structures that differ from each other:

1. For the living room - a soft area and a separate section for decoration.
2. The bedroom has a soft corner for relaxation and a department for linen.
3. In the kitchen there are armchairs and a compact box for storing necessary accessories.

The cost of modular sofas is high, but they can be purchased in parts, gradually complementing the main product with other elements. Depending on their purpose, individual components are equipped with retractable and lifting mechanisms. Such models fit perfectly into modern interiors: hi-tech, modern or minimalism.

The presence of additional fasteners in modular furniture is a great advantage, otherwise the integrity of the assembled structure will inevitably be compromised during operation.

A convertible chair is another multifunctional item that deserves attention. The main feature of most models is the ability to change position multiple times by adjusting the backrest tilt. Common modifications:

• chair-bed;
• chair-table.

Any type is comfortable, easy to use, stylish, and functional. To minimize the shortcomings of the product, you cannot skimp on fittings. The chair will have to be reclined often, so the mechanism must be comfortable and reliable. There are also mini models. The narrow width of the structure is not suitable for sleeping, only for short rest. If the chair is purchased as a spare bed, it is worth taking a wider alternative.

Modular sofa

Chair-bed

Chair-table

Furniture for a small apartment: types of designs, tips for choosing

The problem of any small apartment is obvious: lack of free space. The organization of a comfortable and convenient living space in such conditions should be treated with special attention.

Furniture for a small apartment differs from traditional items in its multifunctionality: it allows you to combine several zones with different purposes in a small area.

Modern transformable furniture not only has the necessary level of ergonomics and functionality, but also an attractive, stylish appearance.

Furniture for a small apartment

Efficient use of space

In a small apartment, when placing furniture, you must try to maintain enough free space for safe and comfortable movement, as well as for a visual sense of spaciousness in the room. For these purposes, transformable furniture is ideally suited, the manufacture of which takes into account the requirements of ergonomics and anthropometry. Multifunctionality is the main advantage of such furniture, when one item can turn into several more independent interior elements with a separate function. Built-in storage elements: shelves, drawers, hangers allow you to intelligently use the living space, leaving a lot of free space.

An example of multifunctional furniture that combines a sleeping, storage and living area

In addition, with the help of furniture that is original in shape (chair-bed, table-book, sofa bed) you can create a unique interior solution.

In one of our articles we will look at instructions on how to make a book-table yourself. There you will also find drawings and diagrams of this design.

Interior of a modern living room-bedroom

The emergence of modern high-tech materials and technologies has made it possible to create unique multifunctional models of beds, tables, armchairs, sofas, wardrobes and other furniture with the possibility of transformation.

This furniture allows you to:

1. Save space.
2. Combine several functional areas in the room.
3. Effectively hide storage systems.
4. Decorate and transform the room.

Folding bed in a room combined with a study

A special category is made up of children's furniture with a transformation function. The modules combine a sleeping, studying and storage area. There are many modifications from modular to bunk systems and attics. Don’t forget about the podiums, inside of which the bed is hidden, and a study area is organized on top.

This module requires clearing the working plane before unfolding the bed

Even the simplest piece of furniture at first glance - a cabinet - can become a very useful element in the interior. For example, a matryoshka cabinet can be disassembled into its component elements, each of which is self-sufficient and can be used separately.

Modular upholstered furniture with wheels is used where it is important to preserve free space and not lose the level of comfort.

Furniture for a small apartment can be divided into four main categories:

1. Items that allow you to organize hidden storage.
2. Items with double, triple functionality.
3. Various modifications of cabinets and racks.
4. Seating furniture: armchairs, sofas, chairs, stools.

Podium bed with spacious storage area

Video - Transformable furniture for a small apartment

Organizing hidden storage

In a small apartment there is always a risk of “overloading” it with small things that are stored in plain sight: on open shelves, countertops, window sills, on cabinets and coffee tables and other free surfaces, thereby creating an atmosphere of chaos. Large containers, boxes or baskets may not always be appropriate in solving a problem - in a small room they look awkward and awkward.

An excellent solution would be to organize hidden storage using furniture with dual functionality. As a result: the room will look neater and more spacious, and decorative details will come to the fore.

Table 1. Multifunctional furniture.

Furniture with double functionality

To ensure that furniture does not create obstacles when moving around a small room, preference should be given only to those models that will ensure efficient use of space, having several functions at the same time.

Compact for storage and easy to use table-chair

Such furniture includes:

1. An ottoman with a box for storing linen or other things. This item can be used as a seat, lounger or coffee table.
2. The use of a coffee table is universal - it can be a working or dining surface, as well as a cabinet.
3. Furniture with a cantilever method of fixing to the wall looks elegant and creates an atmosphere of lightness in the room - it can be a cabinet-shelf near the bed or in the hallway, a tabletop or a cabinet under the sink in the bathroom.
4. A coffee table can be made in the form of a bench - its second function is obvious.

Functional coffee table

Transformers for sitting

Small-sized chairs, armchairs and sofas with many additional functions will provide comfort in the smallest living room, while taking up a minimum amount of free space.

Comfortable chair with storage functions

When choosing a sofa for a small living room, first of all you should pay attention to the configuration and dimensions of the product. First of all, you should abandon models with massive armrests that require additional space.

Storage systems

Particular attention should be paid to the choice of racks and cabinets - they should be spacious, but not bulky. You will have to take into account the design, color, material and size of the products.

In small rooms, cabinets are used as follows:

1. Through racks are used as a zoning element, placing them in the center of the room.
2. Sliding wardrobes are placed in niches, corners or along walls and are used for storing clothes and little-used items.
3. A small shelving unit can additionally become a decorative focal point if souvenirs, photo frames and other accessories are placed on its shelves.
4. The lid of a low shelf or cabinet can be used as a table or cabinet.

Purpose and features

When arranging a home of a small area, it is very important to rationally use every square meter. In addition to practicality and functionality, the selected furniture should be comfortable and cozy. Only transformers have all of the above qualities. They combine the properties of two or more objects, for example, a bed and a wardrobe, a table and a cabinet. The main advantages of furniture, which determine the high demand for products:

• originality of design;
• possibility of use for zoning space;
• wide range of furniture;
• quick and easy transformation.

Transformable furniture has few disadvantages. First of all, any of the combined models are more expensive than the standard one. Although this factor can be controversial. You will have to pay more for a sofa and bed than for a transformable option. Another disadvantage of such furniture is the rapid wear of the mechanisms during regular use. You need to be prepared for periodic replacement.

Fittings manufacturers usually provide information on the number of cycles of operation of the mechanism, that is, they provide a guarantee for furniture not for 2 years, but, for example, for 20,000 additions.

All types of furniture are divided into cabinet and upholstered. The former are based on a solid frame, while the rest include poufs, armchairs, sofas, and beds. Manufacturers produce transformers that differ in type of use:

1. Some models fold compactly and take up little space when stored; they can be taken out when necessary.
2. The second ones are stationary - with different types of layouts they perform the functions of objects that are different from each other.

Absolutely every transformable furniture is suitable for small spaces. It can be used for sleeping, resting, eating, storing things, working. There are furniture models that combine not 2 or 3, but significantly more items. For example, a bed + a compact sofa + a desk + a wardrobe + an armchair. The only advantages of such multitasking models are ergonomics and originality. The more parts, the shorter the life of the furniture.

Features of a transformable bed

Residents of small apartments also want to have a full-fledged sleeping place in the form of a bed. But even a one-and-a-half-bedroom model will take up almost all the available space, turning the living room into a bedroom. When several functional areas are combined in one room, the bed is abandoned, choosing a transforming sofa. Or they choose a modern model of a transforming bed, which during the daytime, using a convenient mechanism, is retracted into a niche on the wall, turning into a sofa. Otherwise, such a device is called a “wardrobe-bed” for its external resemblance to the facades of a folded closet.

The transforming bed turns into a comfortable sofa during the daytime

The assembled bed-wardrobe is completely invisible in the interior

The advantage of such furniture over the already traditional transforming sofas is as follows:

1. They are compact. The niche module, where the assembled bed is placed, requires less space compared to a sofa, since the main area is located along the wall in height.
2. The bed forms a full-fledged sleeping place with a solid mattress, without a single joint, which are inevitable when transforming a folding sofa of any modification.
3. The bed frame is made of durable metal and slats, which together with a special mattress provide an orthopedic effect and healthy sleep.
4. The peculiarity of such a bed is that the bed linen can not be removed during daytime storage, but simply fastened with special straps - this allows you to save a few free minutes in the morning and evening.

Folding bed in a teenager's room - the sheet is fastened with a special strap

The size of the bed is selected depending on the wishes - it can be single or double. The difference is not only in size, but also in the folding mechanism: the former are located horizontally, and the latter – vertically. This should be taken into account when designing the room layout.

Note! When the bed is unfolded, there should still be free space around it for unhindered movement.

When the bed is positioned horizontally, the free space above it is equipped with shelves, niches or mezzanines. When positioned vertically, a flat plane is formed with a sofa attached to it.

A bed tucked into a niche forms a flat wall plane on which a shelf or picture can be placed

When unfolded, such a bed is equipped with high-quality lighting using spotlights mounted on top in a niche. Additionally, the wardrobe-bed is equipped with compartments for storing small items and books.

A wardrobe bed consists not only of a sleeping place and a sofa - it can also include a wardrobe, shelving and shelves

Note! A bed of this design would be appropriate not only in small rooms, but also in fairly spacious living rooms as an additional bed in case guests arrive.

Corner sofa design with built-in bed

When installing such a bed, it should be taken into account that its design is quite massive and requires a level base for both the floor and the wall - this will ensure the correct and long-term operation of the furniture.

Wardrobe bed

A wardrobe bed is a little simpler than a transformer with a sofa, and most importantly – more compact. This is a good choice for small bedrooms or living rooms that already have a separate sitting area. The bed easily rises and falls, and when folded, it presses tightly against the wall and replaces the wall of a closet.

A full double bed can occupy up to five square meters in a room. A transformer will not take up more space than a regular deep cabinet: there are even models up to 45-50 cm. There are two types of designs: vertical with niches on the sides or horizontal with drawers and shelves.

85 small apartment design ideas (photos)

Application options for a transforming table

Coffee tables are very popular among furniture with a transformation function, allowing you to store various small items and take on the appearance of a dining or work table. No less popular are transforming tables, which when folded resemble a cabinet, but can be expanded into a full-fledged dining table for 8 people.

The coffee table lid forms a working or dining surface

Modern style coffee table

After a simple transformation, the working coffee table turns into a comfortable workplace. The container under the lid allows you to store stationery and paper. When choosing such a model, special attention is paid to the height of the working plane - it should not cause discomfort during work and be sufficiently firmly fixed. Models with several height modes are convenient.

Dining coffee table

The table with storage function can be equipped with several drawers and built-in storage systems. Models with secret compartments for storing valuable documents and things are popular.

Like the bed-wardrobe, there is a table-wardrobe, which unfolds according to the same principle, taking a vertical position, or slides into a special niche. The simplest design is a table that, when folded, is fixed on the wall.

Simple folding table

Folding tables are used in small kitchens or rooms where it is necessary to organize a work area.

Ottoman with the function of transformation into a dining table

Video - How to make an original transforming table yourself

Video - Transformable furniture for small apartments

Transforming sofas

A bed is a necessary part of furniture. But the dimensions of the apartment do not always allow each family member to have a separate place to sleep. In this situation, there is a way out - this is a transforming sofa. The modern furniture market offers models of sofas that, if necessary, turn into luxurious 2-meter beds. Some models can be transformed into 2-tier beds. Almost all transforming sofas are equipped with drawers for linen, so we can say that this is already a sofa-bed-wardrobe.

Gray transformable sofa in the living room Large transformable sofa in the living room Green transformable sofa Modular transformable sofa in the living room

Designer tips for choosing furniture for a small apartment

When arranging the interior of a small apartment, it is important not only to choose the right design style and color scheme, but also the furniture. With its help, you can achieve the desired visual effect, make the room visually more comfortable and spacious.

Table 2. How to choose furniture for a small apartment.

Save space with built-in furniture

Advantages and disadvantages of transformable furniture for a small apartment

Functional furniture set that turns into a bed, sofa and table with two armchairs

For many, the appearance of this type of furniture interior has become further confirmation that the apartments in which our people live are so small that it is impossible to furnish them with normal furniture.

Pull-out bed for built-in office

Indeed, its use has become the most expedient and cost-effective solution for owners of small-sized housing.

Furniture complex including a bed, table and wardrobe for small apartments

However, over time, those who did not have problems with living space began to pay attention to its advantages. It turned out that it has other advantages:

• appealed to lovers of minimalism, as it allows you to further increase your living space;
• has high versatility;
• with its help, it is possible to change the interior of the room in a short time;
• it is possible to create different functional areas in one room;
• storage areas can be completely camouflaged;
• significant savings on the family budget, since a transformer that combines several items will cost less, but if we consider one piece of furniture, it will actually cost more.

The folding section in the closet turns into a bed

As for the shortcomings, they also exist.

Lifting and other mechanisms, as a result of constant use, fail much faster than in conventional furniture, and often - than within the designated warranty periods.

Transformable bed-table - convenient, functional, but requires careful use

Attention! Such structures are more fragile than ordinary tables, cabinets or beds. Evidence of this is the frequent breakdowns of transformers, especially children's beds, on which children love to jump.

Self-production of a table-rack

Tools you will need

1. Orbital sander.
2. Screwdriver.
3. Plunge saw.
4. Welding machine.

Video - Review of multifunctional transformable furniture