Whether you’re in a small apartment and need to carve out a nook for work or guests or just looking for ways to make an extra room in your home even more versatile, the right furniture can help get the job done. We’ve selected five pieces in a variety of styles to help make your multi-use dreams a reality.
A Discreet Desk
Most multipurpose guest rooms double as a home office, so choosing a proper desk is essential. Look for a small desk that can be used as a vanity or console while company is visiting. Wall-mounted and corner desks take up less room while wheeled desks can be a versatile option easily repurposed for hosting. Be sure to keep files and notes stored in a cabinet or organized on shelving to keep the space looking tidy. No guest room? Tuck a desk in your dining room, living room, or kitchen for an out-of-the-way workspace.
A Brilliant Bed
Beds can take up a lot of real estate in a room, and if you’re not hosting guests regularly, it may not make sense to have a large bed when you can use that space for other needs. If you don’t want a bed taking up the majority of your multi-use room, it’s time to take a look at Murphy beds. Murphy bed designs have improved significantly and often have built-in storage, desks, or other options to make them even more versatile. If you’d still like some comfy seating, consider a daybed with a trundle that can accommodate two guests but only takes up the space of a twin.
Sleek Shelving
Whether you’re creating a combo office / guest room, library / dining room, or laundry room / pantry, ample shelving will help keep a busy space in order. Consider closed shelving for day-to-day items and open shelving for books or games. Add some of your favorite treasures and knick-knacks to a bookcase to show off your personality and create even more visual interest. For more inspiration, check out our tips on how to style a bookshelf.
A Sofa with a Secret
If you’re living in a small space, room for an extra bed can be extremely hard to come by. That’s when it’s time to enlist the help of your couch to take your living room from single-use to extra guest room. These aren’t your grandma’s sofa beds – whether it’s a traditional futon, modern convertible sofa, or a stylish take on the classic sleeper sofa, you’ll be able to get some serious couch time in day-to-day but provide a comfortable spot for guests at night. Read our sofa bed buying guide to determine which option works best for your space.
A Transforming Table
Formal dining room spaces can be hard to come by if you’re living in an apartment or open concept space. Some TV trays may be all you need on an average day, but if you’re hosting company for dinner, a full size table makes the occasion all the more special – even if you have to break out the folding chairs. Look for a convertible table that masquerades as a console, desk, or ledge but expand to seat four to six for a practical way to get more use out of limited space.
