Shopping for small space furniture requires careful consideration and planning to make the most of the available area. You have to balance your needs with the function of the furniture and the space available which can be tricky. This makes it necessary to choose pieces that serve two or three different functions each. Read our expert’s recommendations here:
Last Updated: March 24, 2025
Space vs. Function
As mentioned previously, with a small amount of space to use, it is crucial to maximize the function that your furniture provides. For example, a sofa bed can be used as seating during the day and as a bed for guests at night. A coffee table with storage compartments can provide both a surface for drinks and a place to store items. Here are some examples of multi-function furniture currently available:
Storage Beds
Using a storage bed with drawers maximizes the large amount of space that a bed takes up in a small space. You take away the need for a dresser by storing your clothing underneath where you sleep. This eliminates one additional piece of furniture by removing the need for a chest of drawers.
What you need to consider is that your small space has vertical space to use as well. By stacking your bed on top of drawers you are utilizing otherwise unused space for maximum functionality. All your furniture, not just your bed, should be considerate of this fact!
Learn about getting large beds into small bedrooms in this Washington Post article – 11 Tricks For Fitting a Big Bed Into a Small Room
Tables with Storage
Tables with storage can be used in any room and in any space to maximize functionality. There are many options for dining tables and cocktail/coffee tables that feature storage space. Since the space is being taken up by a table anyway, why not use part of the space taken with some added storage?
Sectional Couches
Sectional couches, or sofas, offer many great opportunities for furnishing small spaces. Because sectionals come in many different configurations, you can find the exact one to fit your space fairly easily. Some are modular, which means that they can be configured in many different ways to fit into just about any space. Other still include pull-out beds which are good for visitors, or for movie nights!
Mattresses
In many cases, the reason that you are furnishing a small space is because you have a smaller apartment, flat, or loft. Getting a mattress into that space can prove to be exceptionally difficult sometimes. Fortunately, many high-quality mattresses are shipped in a compressed box making it much easier to get into your smaller space. These beds are built the same way that all other mattresses are so the quality is just as good. Mattress manufacturers simply came up with a method of shipping mattresses faster and cheaper by squeezing them into a much smaller box.
Space Saving Furniture
Choose furniture pieces that are specifically designed for small spaces. Look for items with sleek profiles, compact dimensions, and clever storage solutions. For instance, a wall-mounted desk can be folded up when not in use, or a dining table with drop leaves can be expanded when needed.
Office Furniture
In the age where more and more workers are opting to work from home, having space to work from can be challenging in smaller spaces. Fortunately, furniture manufacturers have been creating sleek desks and chairs that are both functional and take up the least amount of space. Consider the work that you do, or that your children do for school, and think of the needs of that space. You’re sure to find office furniture that will meet your needs for both function and space optimization.
Wall Space
One area that is often overlooked when trying to maximize space usage is the walls. Tall bookcases or shelving units can provide storage without taking up too much floor space. Wall-mounted shelves or floating shelves are also great options for displaying items without cluttering the floor. In the above instance, you get a cabinet that provides both storage and a mirror for that last hair check on the way out the door!
The bathroom is another room where you can maximize space with added storage. Cabinets that are above the toilet, or mounted to the wall can help to declutter vital counter space. In some cases, you can also store your bathroom linens in a cabinet.
Shelving & TV Stands
Bookcases, TV stands, and shelves, in general, are great ways to collect and store decorations, electronics, and necessary items within your small space. In many cases, these pieces are thinner and hug the wall to minimize how much floor space they use making them ideal for small spaces. If you’re not sure how to increase storage without also increasing the footprint in your small space, shelving is your best option.
Another option for TV stands is to get one that incorporates an electric fireplace along with shelving and cabinets. The obvious bonus for these is that you get an additional heat source for your home which is safe and only requires a wall plug to operate. These pieces fit the trifecta of functionality, storage, space optimization, and style.
The technology for these electric fireplaces has advanced to the point where many of them can be scheduled for daily operation, or they come with wireless remote controls. They all feature automatic shut-off for safety and none heat up the top so your TV is safe.
Home Decor
Finishing off your small space with some decorative items can help to make the space feel more homey and personal. Adding items like rugs, wall clocks, mirrors, and lighting can really make the space pop. In some cases, these items can also serve more than one purpose so you’re still keeping to the idea of having multiple uses for one item to maximize functionality.
Lighting
The right lighting can make your small space feel cozier by adding atmosphere and style to the area. In fact, there are some floor lamps that also have a table in the middle of them so you can get multi-use functionality from them as well!
Did you know that the lighting in your home can affect your mood, according to this article from the Washington Post?
Need More Help?
You can contact one of Gardner White’s experts at (248) 481-2208, chat with one online, or visit one of our local Michigan stores.