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When it comes to functionality, small spaces can be especially challenging. As real estate prices continue to soar and folks in urban areas are increasingly embracing smaller living spaces, there's an ever-growing need for cleverly designed space-saving furniture to help do more with less space. Check out these 14 genius examples that bring big functionality into small space.
Published October 11, 2016, Updated May 21, 2019
Published October 11, 2016, Updated May 21, 2019
Decorating
14 Genius Furniture Designs for Small Spaces
May 21, 2019
When it comes to functionality, small spaces can be especially challenging. As real estate prices continue to soar and folks in urban areas are increasingly embracing smaller living spaces, there's an ever-growing need for cleverly designed space-saving furniture to help do more with less space. Check out these 14 genius examples that bring big functionality into small space.
Published October 11, 2016, Updated May 21, 2019
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Elephant in a Box Sofa
1/14Elephant in a Box Sofa
1/14Photo Credit: Furniture Tech LabSource: producthype.co
Not only does this small <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/sectional-sofas-that-will-transform-your-living-room-1927154/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">sofa</a> fit in your small space, but the effort required to move this piece of furniture into your condo is small, too. "Gone are the days of lugging a heavy sofa up flights of stairs in apartment complexes and yelling 'PIVOT' after that iconic scene from <em>Friends</em>," says Furniture Tech Lab about their new <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/elephant-in-a-box/the-strongest-foldable-sofa-that-assembles-instantly?ref=pr.go2.fund&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pr.go2.fund" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kickstarter-funded foldable sofa Elephant in a Box</a>. "Simply remove the cushions and fold the sofa into itself for easy transport." <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/small-space-decorating-mistakes-1926683/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to Avoid</a>Decorating14 Genius Furniture Designs for Small SpacesElephant in a Box Sofa
PHOTO 1 of 14READ LESS -Not only does this small <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/sectional-sofas-that-will-transform-your-living-room-1927154/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">sofa</a> fit in your small space, but the effort required to move this piece of furniture into your condo is small, too. "Gone are the days of lugging a heavy sofa up flights of stairs in apartment complexes and yelling 'PIVOT' after that iconic scene from <em>Friends</em>," says Furniture Tech Lab about their new <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/elephant-in-a-box/the-strongest-foldable-sofa-that-assembles-instantly?ref=pr.go2.fund&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pr.go2.fund" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kickstarter-funded foldable sofa Elephant in a Box</a>. "Simply remove the cushions and fold the sofa into itself for easy transport." <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/small-space-decorating-mistakes-1926683/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 Small Space Decorating Mistakes to Avoid</a>Photo Credit: Furniture Tech LabSource: producthype.co
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Nuovoliola Hideaway Bed/Sofa
2/14Nuovoliola Hideaway Bed/Sofa
2/14Photo Credit: Resource FurnitureSource: resourcefurniture.com
This queen-sized <a href="http://resourcefurniture.com/product/nuovoliola-10/" target="_blank">Nuovoliola 10 Murphy bed</a> from Resource Furniture turns itself into a three-seat sofa with little effort, boasting the perfect design for any <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/cool-blue-calgary-bachelor-pad-1903953/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">bachelor pad</a> or studio apartment. Hideaway beds like these can leave the room lacking when they're closed up, but not this one; once it's shut, the footboard turns into an attractive multi-use shelf. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/van-life-camper-van-design-ideas-thatll-make-you-want-to-hit-the-road-1927449/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Van Life: 16 Camper Van Design Ideas That'll Make You Want to Hit the Road</a>Decorating14 Genius Furniture Designs for Small SpacesNuovoliola Hideaway Bed/Sofa
PHOTO 2 of 14READ LESS -This queen-sized <a href="http://resourcefurniture.com/product/nuovoliola-10/" target="_blank">Nuovoliola 10 Murphy bed</a> from Resource Furniture turns itself into a three-seat sofa with little effort, boasting the perfect design for any <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/cool-blue-calgary-bachelor-pad-1903953/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">bachelor pad</a> or studio apartment. Hideaway beds like these can leave the room lacking when they're closed up, but not this one; once it's shut, the footboard turns into an attractive multi-use shelf. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/van-life-camper-van-design-ideas-thatll-make-you-want-to-hit-the-road-1927449/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Van Life: 16 Camper Van Design Ideas That'll Make You Want to Hit the Road</a>Photo Credit: Resource FurnitureSource: resourcefurniture.com
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Martin Gallagher's 3D Coffee Table
3/14Martin Gallagher's 3D Coffee Table
3/14Photo Credit: Home EditSource: www.homedit.com
There's no better conversation-starter than this unique and oh-so-versatile <a href="http://www.homedit.com/3d-furniture-collection-by-martin-gallagher/" target="_blank">coffee table</a> (with pull-out stools) from Irish designer Martin Gallagher. The sophisticated design allows for the table to adjust in height and the stools can easily pull out to provide extra seating or, in a pinch, be used as side tables.Decorating14 Genius Furniture Designs for Small SpacesMartin Gallagher's 3D Coffee Table
PHOTO 3 of 14READ LESS -There's no better conversation-starter than this unique and oh-so-versatile <a href="http://www.homedit.com/3d-furniture-collection-by-martin-gallagher/" target="_blank">coffee table</a> (with pull-out stools) from Irish designer Martin Gallagher. The sophisticated design allows for the table to adjust in height and the stools can easily pull out to provide extra seating or, in a pinch, be used as side tables.Photo Credit: Home EditSource: www.homedit.com
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Ivy Design Wall-Mounted Table
4/14Ivy Design Wall-Mounted Table
4/14Photo Credit: Ivy DesignSource: www.ivydesign-furniture.com
Like beds, tables can take up an awful lot of space in a room, but we can't do without them. In a small space, this <a href="https://www.ivydesign-furniture.com/en/" target="_blank">drop-leaf table from Ivy Design</a> is a saving grace. Even better, when not in use it, it hangs on the wall and features a plexiglass frame that can house a poster, artwork, mirror or chalkboard.Decorating14 Genius Furniture Designs for Small SpacesIvy Design Wall-Mounted Table
PHOTO 4 of 14READ LESS -Like beds, tables can take up an awful lot of space in a room, but we can't do without them. In a small space, this <a href="https://www.ivydesign-furniture.com/en/" target="_blank">drop-leaf table from Ivy Design</a> is a saving grace. Even better, when not in use it, it hangs on the wall and features a plexiglass frame that can house a poster, artwork, mirror or chalkboard.Photo Credit: Ivy DesignSource: www.ivydesign-furniture.com
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AyA Bed/Desk
5/14AyA Bed/Desk
5/14Photo Credit: AyA KitchensSource: www.ayakitchens.com
Canadian design firm <a href="https://www.ayakitchens.com/product/small_spaces/murphybed.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">AyA offers this genius Murphy bed</a> that's ideal for a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/12-big-decorating-ideas-for-tiny-bedrooms-1894300/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">tiny bedroom</a>. It folds down to a spacious bed for sleepy time and folds up to create a cool-looking work station.Decorating14 Genius Furniture Designs for Small SpacesAyA Bed/Desk
PHOTO 5 of 14READ LESS -Canadian design firm <a href="https://www.ayakitchens.com/product/small_spaces/murphybed.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">AyA offers this genius Murphy bed</a> that's ideal for a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/12-big-decorating-ideas-for-tiny-bedrooms-1894300/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">tiny bedroom</a>. It folds down to a spacious bed for sleepy time and folds up to create a cool-looking work station.Photo Credit: AyA KitchensSource: www.ayakitchens.com
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Aya Expandable Kitchen Island
6/14Aya Expandable Kitchen Island
6/14Photo Credit: ayakitchens.com
This multifunctional <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/show-stopping-kitchen-islands-1049625/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">kitchen island</a> from <a href="http://www.ayakitchens.com/" target="_blank">AyA</a> expands to create additional seating space — perfect for entertaining in a smaller area!Decorating14 Genius Furniture Designs for Small SpacesAya Expandable Kitchen Island
PHOTO 6 of 14READ LESS -This multifunctional <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/show-stopping-kitchen-islands-1049625/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">kitchen island</a> from <a href="http://www.ayakitchens.com/" target="_blank">AyA</a> expands to create additional seating space — perfect for entertaining in a smaller area!Photo Credit: ayakitchens.com
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Philippe Malouin's Hanger Chairs
7/14Philippe Malouin's Hanger Chairs
7/14Photo Credit: Philippe MalouinSource: philippemalouin.com
Extra seating is always an issue in a smaller living space. With storage space at a premium, there's not a whole lot of room for big, bulky seating. Enter Canadian furniture designer <a href="http://philippemalouin.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Philippe Malouin</a>, who came up with the Hanger Chair, which features an ingenious design that allows the chairs to fold flat and then be easily stored like a clothes hanger.Decorating14 Genius Furniture Designs for Small SpacesPhilippe Malouin's Hanger Chairs
PHOTO 7 of 14READ LESS -Extra seating is always an issue in a smaller living space. With storage space at a premium, there's not a whole lot of room for big, bulky seating. Enter Canadian furniture designer <a href="http://philippemalouin.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Philippe Malouin</a>, who came up with the Hanger Chair, which features an ingenious design that allows the chairs to fold flat and then be easily stored like a clothes hanger.Photo Credit: Philippe MalouinSource: philippemalouin.com
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Alfred Averbeck's Circle Kitchen
8/14Alfred Averbeck's Circle Kitchen
8/14Photo Credit: Home EditSource: www.homedit.com
Covering only 20 square feet, the <a href="https://www.homedit.com/compact-circular-kitchen-designed-by-alfred-averbeck/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Compact Circle Kitchen</a>, created by German designer Alfred Averbeck, is a space-saver's dream. It's basically an entire kitchen enclosed in a rotating cylinder that features a sink, microwave, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/things-you-didnt-know-dishwasher-could-do-1926172/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">dishwasher</a>, fridge, freezer and an ample amount of cupboard space. One of the coolest features is that it can easily be relocated anywhere in an apartment when the dweller wants to change its location.Decorating14 Genius Furniture Designs for Small SpacesAlfred Averbeck's Circle Kitchen
PHOTO 8 of 14READ LESS -Covering only 20 square feet, the <a href="https://www.homedit.com/compact-circular-kitchen-designed-by-alfred-averbeck/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Compact Circle Kitchen</a>, created by German designer Alfred Averbeck, is a space-saver's dream. It's basically an entire kitchen enclosed in a rotating cylinder that features a sink, microwave, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/things-you-didnt-know-dishwasher-could-do-1926172/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">dishwasher</a>, fridge, freezer and an ample amount of cupboard space. One of the coolest features is that it can easily be relocated anywhere in an apartment when the dweller wants to change its location.Photo Credit: Home EditSource: www.homedit.com
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3Moods Multifunctional Sofa
9/143Moods Multifunctional Sofa
9/14Photo Credit: Indiegogo
The latest in space-saving furniture, this set by <a href="http://www.unamodesign.com/en/product/transformable-couch-3moods/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">UNAMO design studio</a> (which received its seed funding from an Indiegogo campaign) appears to be just a sofa, but its clever design allows it to fold out to become a bed, armchair, chaise lounge, dining table, desk and four benches. Dubbed 3Moods by the Spanish design firm, it's multifunctional and the ultimate in versatility. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/sectional-sofas-that-will-transform-your-living-room-1927154/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">12 Sectional Sofas That Will Transform Your Living Room</a>Decorating14 Genius Furniture Designs for Small Spaces3Moods Multifunctional Sofa
PHOTO 9 of 14READ LESS -The latest in space-saving furniture, this set by <a href="http://www.unamodesign.com/en/product/transformable-couch-3moods/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">UNAMO design studio</a> (which received its seed funding from an Indiegogo campaign) appears to be just a sofa, but its clever design allows it to fold out to become a bed, armchair, chaise lounge, dining table, desk and four benches. Dubbed 3Moods by the Spanish design firm, it's multifunctional and the ultimate in versatility. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/sectional-sofas-that-will-transform-your-living-room-1927154/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">12 Sectional Sofas That Will Transform Your Living Room</a>Photo Credit: Indiegogo
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David Gaynor's Stackable Stools
10/14David Gaynor's Stackable Stools
10/14Photo Credit: David GaynorSource: davidgaynordesign.com
These unique and space-saving stools are fun and attractive. Designer <a href="http://www.davidgaynordesign.com/ida-white.html" target="_blank">David Gaynor</a> designed this high stool that can be unstacked to become three smaller stools – or a stool and an ottoman. Flexible or what?Decorating14 Genius Furniture Designs for Small SpacesDavid Gaynor's Stackable Stools
PHOTO 10 of 14READ LESS -These unique and space-saving stools are fun and attractive. Designer <a href="http://www.davidgaynordesign.com/ida-white.html" target="_blank">David Gaynor</a> designed this high stool that can be unstacked to become three smaller stools – or a stool and an ottoman. Flexible or what?Photo Credit: David GaynorSource: davidgaynordesign.com
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Flux Foldout Bar
11/14Flux Foldout Bar
11/14Photo Credit: Flux FurnitureSource: www.fluxfurniture.com
This unique bar starts off small, but can grow as large as you like. When folded up, it's thin and easily transportable. When it opens up, however, the <a href="http://www.fluxfurniture.com/items/arc/" target="_blank">Flux ARC</a> can be linked to other units to form a spacious bar boasting loads of storage and enough space for serious entertaining.Decorating14 Genius Furniture Designs for Small SpacesFlux Foldout Bar
PHOTO 11 of 14READ LESS -This unique bar starts off small, but can grow as large as you like. When folded up, it's thin and easily transportable. When it opens up, however, the <a href="http://www.fluxfurniture.com/items/arc/" target="_blank">Flux ARC</a> can be linked to other units to form a spacious bar boasting loads of storage and enough space for serious entertaining.Photo Credit: Flux FurnitureSource: www.fluxfurniture.com
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Kitchoo
12/14Kitchoo
12/14Photo Credit: KitchooSource: kitchoo.com
This ultra-clever design, by French firm <a href="http://www.kitchoo.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kitchoo</a>, is space-saving personified. When closed, the unit looks like an accent chest, but when the lid is flipped up, a sink and two burners are revealed. Below the counter, there’s a drawer-style <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/quick-and-easy-hacks-to-clean-your-microwave-in-minutes-1925540/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">microwave</a>, a small refrigerator/freezer and even a petite dishwasher. It's like a kitchen in a box!Decorating14 Genius Furniture Designs for Small SpacesKitchoo
PHOTO 12 of 14READ LESS -This ultra-clever design, by French firm <a href="http://www.kitchoo.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kitchoo</a>, is space-saving personified. When closed, the unit looks like an accent chest, but when the lid is flipped up, a sink and two burners are revealed. Below the counter, there’s a drawer-style <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/quick-and-easy-hacks-to-clean-your-microwave-in-minutes-1925540/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">microwave</a>, a small refrigerator/freezer and even a petite dishwasher. It's like a kitchen in a box!Photo Credit: KitchooSource: kitchoo.com
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Space-Saving Spiral Stairs
13/14Space-Saving Spiral Stairs
13/14Photo Credit: EeStairsSource: eestairs.com
Need a set of stairs in your tiny house? Then <a href="http://www.eestairs.com/en/36_1m2_by_eestairs_(efficient_stairs).htm" target="_blank">EeStairs</a> has got you covered with this amazingly functional (and quite groovy looking) spiral staircase that extends a full storey in height but only takes up one square meter of floor space.Decorating14 Genius Furniture Designs for Small SpacesSpace-Saving Spiral Stairs
PHOTO 13 of 14READ LESS -Need a set of stairs in your tiny house? Then <a href="http://www.eestairs.com/en/36_1m2_by_eestairs_(efficient_stairs).htm" target="_blank">EeStairs</a> has got you covered with this amazingly functional (and quite groovy looking) spiral staircase that extends a full storey in height but only takes up one square meter of floor space.Photo Credit: EeStairsSource: eestairs.com
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Foldout Coffee Table
14/14Foldout Coffee Table
14/14Photo Credit: Sculptures JeuxSource: sculpturesjeux.com
Small-space functionality doesn't get cooler than this <a href="http://www.sculpturesjeux.com/en/products/catalogue/tetra.html" target="_blank">inventive little table from Sculptures Jeux</a>. When the extra leaves are pulled out, you instantly get five times the table surface. It's also ideal for a small family with kids, as the leaves are mounted at different heights. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/moroccan-decor-ideas-for-every-room-1926882/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 Moroccan Decor Ideas for Every Room in Your Home</a>Decorating14 Genius Furniture Designs for Small SpacesFoldout Coffee Table
PHOTO 14 of 14READ LESS -Small-space functionality doesn't get cooler than this <a href="http://www.sculpturesjeux.com/en/products/catalogue/tetra.html" target="_blank">inventive little table from Sculptures Jeux</a>. When the extra leaves are pulled out, you instantly get five times the table surface. It's also ideal for a small family with kids, as the leaves are mounted at different heights. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/moroccan-decor-ideas-for-every-room-1926882/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 Moroccan Decor Ideas for Every Room in Your Home</a>Photo Credit: Sculptures JeuxSource: sculpturesjeux.com
