There’s just something about a multifunctional piece of furniture that ticks all the checkboxes for me! Imagine a product that’s been designed to work as a clothing rack and a treadmill?! Or a side table that transforms into a chair! Space-saving goals much? That’s the magic of a multifunctional furniture design. It looks like a single product, but functions as more than one! They’re a smart option for our modern urban homes, which tend to be pretty cramped, hence adding multiple bulky and cumbersome furniture designs to them isn’t really an option. But multifunctional pieces that serve a variety of purposes, and solve a bunch of unique problems can be a lifesaver in such situations. And, we’ve curated a whole bunch of such super cool designs for you! From a multifunctional coatrack to a multifunctional WFH unit that combines a library with integrated desks – these intriguing multifunctional pieces are what your millennial homes need!
1. D-Tach
D-Tach is a versatile stool that transforms into a small workspace designed to accommodate today’s mobile work culture. With each day, our world seems to become more and more mobile. Mobile offices, working from home, and freelance careers are increasing in popularity as we move away from corporate offices. With work culture making such a big shift towards mobile lifestyles, our home offices and furniture should reflect that.
Why is it noteworthy?
Industrial design student Andrew Chang decided to create a chair that fits the bill. D-Tach is a modular stool design that functions as a traditional office chair, only to disassemble into parts that provide a small working space on the go.
What we like
- Transforms into a small workspace
- Fits into most modern offices
What we dislike
- We’re unsure how comfortable would the small workspace be to actually work in
2. Acrobat
Acrobat is a multifunctional storage piece that combines the safekeeping components of an entryway table with the hanging function of a coatrack.
Why is it noteworthy?
As we continue to downsize our living spaces, the more multifunctional our furniture is, the better. Smaller spaces don’t necessarily have to mean less living space. Multifunctional furniture helps make more room for living while taking care of a lot of our household tasks. We usually have our own system of arranging EDC items like key rings, wallets, and phones. Entryway tables and coat racks usually take the brunt of those organizational needs, so finding multifunctionality in their design is key to keeping our homes decluttered. Acrobat, a multifunctional coat rack designed by João Teixeira, combines the storage components of an entryway table with those of a coat rack.
What we like
- The metal tube tops can also be used to hang clothes or hats without the need for a hanger
- The wooden hull that interlinks the beams offers a safe space to store EDC items like wallets, phones, and keyrings
What we dislike
- Can occupy a substantial amount of space
3. The Raak Mai desk
The Raak Mai desk is a multifunctional, versatile desk conceptualized for designers.
Why is it noteworthy?
Preliminary inspired by the needs of designers, Rodríguez hoped to incorporate analog mechanisms that work to take care of digital tasks. While many of the elements of the Raak Mai desk can be adjusted manually, the overall structure of the desk was fitted to ensure the digital needs of modern technology could be met.
What we like
- Allows users to adjust the desk’s height, tilt, and storage capabilities according to their working needs
- An integrated winch allows users to manually adjust the desk to a standing height
What we dislike
- No complaints!
4. Curiosity-Go-Round
Curiosity-Go-Round is a cylindrical, miniature library that also functions as a workspace with integrated desks and tables.
Why is it noteworthy?
Taking the multifunctional and immersive spirit of WFH furniture to its maximalist end, architect Keigo Kobayashi was called on by the Creative Project Base team to create a bookcase that combines elements of a traditional workspace with integrated storage units to form a bookworm’s private working oasis called Curiosity-Go-Round. Before Curiosity-Go-Round reached completion, Japan-based company Creative Project Base told Kobayashi, “I want you to make a bookshelf that can hold all the books you have now…I want to make it a place where you can come up with ideas by yourself.”
What we like
- The convex shelves curve to provide spacious tables for collaborative or solo work
- The overall unit rises like a wonky cylinder with an open internal center that leaves room to explore the unit’s bookshelves
What we dislike
- No complaints!
5. Cassle
Cassle is a multifunctional piece of furniture designed for cats to have their own private retreat without taking up too much floor space.
Why is it noteworthy?
Keeping cats entertained in small spaces is quite the challenge. Tiny living quarters, like studio apartments and micro-homes, make sharing space with cats feel like a game of Tetris. It’s all a matter of finding the right toys, litter boxes, and furniture to keep your cat happy, without taking over the entirety of your living area. Cassle, a multifunctional piece of furniture designed for cats by Soo Bin Cho, makes the most of your available floor and wall space to keep your cat happy and your apartment clutter-free.
What we like
- Made from biodegradable and sustainable materials
- An unconventional spin on traditional cat furniture, amounting to a piece that saves space and is multifunctional
What we dislike
- No complaints!
6. Kosumi’s Wall Organizer and Mess-Free Planter
Defined by an assembly system close to LEGO building blocks, Kosumi’s Wall Organizer and Mess-Free Planter come with base grids that attach to walls with 3M strips, requiring no hardware or tools in the process. Once users form their base grid on their chosen vertical surface, the fun begins. Stocked with over 20 different modules, Kosumi’s Wall Organizer and Mess-Free Planter come with hangers, magnetic clips, transparent storage containers, planters, and cubbies.
Why is it noteworthy?
No matter the size of your living space, multi-use furniture helps to keep both the floor and our minds free from clutter. Adding his own multi-functional, organizational WFH design to the mix, Fahredin Kosumi created a Wall Organizer and Mess-Free Planter to form a magnetic, modular garden to mount on any vertical surface.
What we like
- Works like LEGO building blocks
- Impressive storage space
- Entirely recyclable
What we dislike
- We’re not too sure how long the plants would last in such an ecosystem
7. Me;ow
Me;ow is a modular cat furniture system that features multifunctional modules for humans and cats to enjoy.
Why is it noteworthy?
Me;ow is a modular cat furniture design that takes feline-friendly furniture and makes it palatable for human taste too. Comprised of multiple, colorful sofa modules, Me;ow features differently shaped cushions that link together to form various furniture configurations. The different pieces of Me;ow also have integrated cat-specific features that encourage your cat to get down with their feline urges to their heart’s content.
What we like
- Standalone modules work as buffers between the multifunctional pieces to provide more cushion space for both you and your cat
- Me;ow even features a side table module with an integrated bed below the tabletop where cats can get their snooze on
What we dislike
- No complaints!
8. The Cowboy Sidetable
It seems we can never escape Deniz Aktay and his designs. This German furniture designer has become prolific when it comes to creating concept furniture pieces, especially tables. Every table he designs gives us something to think about. The latest creation is the Cowboy Sidetable Bookmark. It’s a side table and a bookmark in one that lets you keep things organized. If you’re a bookworm, you will want to have one and have your latest book to rest on such a table.
Why is it noteworthy?
The side table allows things to be at an easy reach. Usually situated beside a sofa or your favorite armchair, you can place your drink on the table for when you want a nightcap. Leave your smartphone on the tabletop, so you don’t miss any important call or message. And when you need to take a break from reading a book, just put the last page face down on the book rest.
What we like
- The Cowboy Sidetable is called such because the tip that protrudes appears like a saddle, especially when there is a book on top
What we dislike
- No complaints!
9. The Threefold
This modular furniture brings to the users a lounger they can lay back on with support, or it can instantly transform into a low stool for the aged who cannot sit cross-legged on the ground. And when you want to keep your food or a board game you’re carrying along, the Threefold can become a sturdy table. A perfect companion for picnics and camping, the Threefold construction is supported by stretchers and is safe and secure to use.
Why is it noteworthy?
There is frankly no dearth of adaptable furniture for picnics, camping, and outdoor events, but the Threefold presents its own use case, courtesy of its incredible versatility and effortless, timesaving flip in form. This is essentially true since the traditional mats we carry to the outdoors are limited in form. The fabric mats would offer more comfort, versus a semi-wooden mat as the Threefold, however, it has limited application. If you’d have realized, it excludes a section of users who cannot sit on the ground from convenience and comfort, compelling you to carry an additional folding chair. The conceptual Threefold outdoor furniture here extends adaptability to each individual’s needs in one useful unit.
What we like
- Transforms into a lounger, stool, and coffee table
- Safe + sturdy design
What we dislike
- Not very aesthetically pleasing
10. Home Tool
Normally when we see modular furniture, it’s meant for certain parts of the house. We’ve seen shelves and storage spaces for kitchen or work areas that also work as bookshelves and stationery storage space. There are also tons of closet space-saving furniture and systems out there. But this Home Tool seems to combine all of these things and more into a tiny package that will occupy just 0.45 square meters of your floor space.
Why is it noteworthy?
When “deactivated” or all the other panels are closed, you’re left with two open shelves where you can place books, decorations, or even jars of snacks that you’d want to have within reach. There’s a “desk” or work area that you can bring down where you can place your laptop or you can write or study on. Under that is another pullout type where you can place wine bottles. That way you can reward yourself instantly after you finish work or a task.
What we like
- The Home Tool has enough compartments and space to place various things that you need to be stored or displayed
What we dislike
- It’s still a concept!
