One problem that never seems to leave us, especially if you’re living in a major city – is the lack of space! If you’re an independent millennial who recently moved out of their family home and into their own, then a major issue that you may be dealing with almost every day…is space constraints in your own home. Our modern millennial homes have many virtues, but one thing they lack is space! Space constraint is something most of us end up dealing with every day. Smart storage solutions can be lifesavers in such tricky and compact situations. And to make your lives easier, we’ve curated a whole collection of storage solutions that come in the form of furniture designs that, to be honest, are going to completely organize your home. Not only do these products comfortably store your belongings, but they’re also perfect for displaying those special items that you don’t feel like shutting away in a dusty cabinet. From a slithering sculptural table with smart storage surfaces to an ottoman stool with a built-in storage shelf– these innovative storage and display solutions are the additions your home needs.
1. The Cobra Table
The Cobra Table was designed by Deniz Aktay, and it is considered to be artistic, and sculptural, but also functional. The table was inspired by a cobra, doing complete justice to its name.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Cobra table could be a small center table or a more suitable side table. It doesn’t have much of a footprint, and it has a snake-inspired form that is accentuated by a somewhat meandering shape.
What we like
- No component or surface space of the Cobra table is left useless or unused
What we dislike
- The slightly curved surface of the middle section means the books may slide off
2. The Hideaway Swing Desk
The Hideaway Swing Desk is no ordinary desk! Primarily because it’s not just simply a desk, it’s also a sleek and elegant sideboard.
Why is it noteworthy?
In its original state, the Hideaway Swing Desk functions as an excellent sideboard that is perfect for smaller homes. But when you move the furniture piece at a 90-degree angle, it transforms into a functional and sturdy workspace.
What we like
- Designed to be a flexible storage solution that can solve a variety of problems in modern homes
What we dislike
- Space-consuming + bulky design
3. Funky
Say hello to Funky! Funky isn’t just your ordinary everyday storage unit, it is designed to add an eclectic element to your home, that can spark conversation and lighten up your living space.
Why is it noteworthy?
The hallmark of Funky’s design is the perfect harmony between vibrant colors, and neutral, wherein each element complements the other, in turn uplifting the piece’s aesthetics and visual appeal.
What we like
- Adds a touch of artistic charm to your living space
- Versatile + adaptable design
What we dislike
- It may not cater to everyone’s tastes and could be considered too eclectic for some
4. The Grid Chair
Designed by SUNRIU Design, the Grid Chair is a simple well-designed chair with a few thoughtful details that truly set it apart. SUNRIU Design made a few changes to an ordinary wooden chair by incorporating certain flat elements.
Why is it noteworthy?
The idea behind the Grid Chair was to tackle the issue of accidentally knocking over your coffee, or a glass of water while sitting on a chair or couch. The Grid Chair is made up of four planks of wood arranged in an interesting grid-like manner. The various lines of the chair stagger together to create a neat grid that creates extended flat surfaces on either side of the chair.
What we like
- The extended surfaces serve as storage spaces to hold your coffee, books, and other knick-knacks
What we dislike
- Space-consuming and bulky design
- The aesthetics are a bit raw and rustic, which may not be preferred by everyone
- The wooden edges of the extended surfaces could hurt young children and babies
5. The Altura
Called the Altura, this minimal and sturdy step stool was designed for Case Furniture. Designed by Patricia Perez, the simple and compact stool doubles as a side table and a plant stand.
Why is it noteworthy?
Described as a “sleek yet sturdy design”, the stool has been equipped with two stepped tiers that are extremely handy in holding and storing all kinds of items – from lamps, and books, to an entire person!
What we like
- It enables users to reach those high-up places in their homes that they usually aren’t able to reach
- Altura’s minimal and neutral aesthetics make it a great addition to any modern living space
What we dislike
- There are similar designs on the market, but nothing to really help it stand apart
6. The Fréquence Shelf
Designed by Jean Couvreur for Kabata, the Fréquence shelf is a minimal and sophisticated shelving design that functions as a multifunctional piece of modular furniture.
Why is it noteworthy?
The shelf includes a bunch of geometrically shaped modules that can be combined, mixed, and matched to create a variety of designs, according to your personal taste and preference.
What we like
- The elements can be configured to create a small bookcase or a larger room divider
What we dislike
- Bulky + space-consuming design
7. The Overlap Table
Designed to be a pretty versatile furniture design, the Overlap table looks commanding and functional enough to serve as a coffee table, and compact and cute enough to be used as a side table.
Why is it noteworthy?
I truly appreciate how the simple design prioritizes storage – something that modern homeowners will appreciate as well, considering the space constraint issues we all face nowadays.
What we like
- Functions as a coffee and side table
- Minimal + clean aesthetics
What we dislike
- The box holds books only up to a fixed size and doesn’t allow for bigger books to be kept
8. The Berliner
The Berliner is a pretty visually eye-catching pouf that also serves as a storage shelf, because of the wormhole-like cavity that runs through the middle of it.
Why is it noteworthy?
The cavity doesn’t affect the pouf’s comfort in any way, but it adds a unique feature to it, giving you the perfect place to store books, magazines, and remotes, or even use it as a lounging space for small pets!
What we like
- Can store various reading materials like books, magazines, documents etc
What we dislike
- Space-consuming design
9. The Cheft Bookshelf
Maryam Pousti created an interesting geometric bookshelf by connecting interlocking sheets of wood. The unique Cheft Bookshelf can be assembled without using nails, screws, or glue.
Why is it noteworthy?
Besides functioning as a practical bookshelf, it can also be used as a room divider, or as a form of shelving for other items in your home. To be precise twelve interlocking sheets of wood were used to build Cheft. The bookshelf is also accompanied by a table and bar stool which all together form the Cheft furniture collection.
What we like
- Inspired by the geometric patterns of traditional Persian architecture
- The bookshelf’s warm wooden aesthetics allow it to merge with the interiors of any modern contemporary home harmoniously
What we dislike
- Extremely space-consuming design, not suited for smaller homes
10. The Allieva Desk
WhynotDesign designed the Allieva desk for Foppadretti – one of the most well-known Italian brands for baby products and wooden furniture since 1945. The Allieva is a foldable wooden workstation that is designed to be compact and functional and serves as an efficient and comfortable design for your home office.
Why is it noteworthy?
This sleek, foldable work desk is meant to fit in any space, making it perfect for small houses and dorm rooms. Despite compromising on size, Allieva is aesthetically pleasing. It takes up as little space as possible and measures only 7 inches deep when folded.
What we like
- The workstation can be set up easily with a simple gesture
- Comes with a large compartment at the base of the table that allows you to keep everything
What we dislike
- The folding and unfolding mechanism could be considered tedious by some
