Design may be a visual art but that doesn’t mean its sole purpose is to please the eye. Beautiful design can be functional, too, and for proof look no further than home décor.
Related: The Most Iconic Pieces of Furniture Ever Created, According to Interior Designers
Since we are spending more and more time indoors, the need for multipurpose furniture and décor pieces has also increased. Our living rooms, for example, also function as our offices or classrooms and so they must be furnished to accommodate that need in an effortless and quick manner.
Designers have responded by creating pieces that are practical in more than one way and that are, at the same time, visually appealing and inspiring.
And contrary to popular belief that multipurpose furniture works best in smaller spaces, larger homes can also benefit from a few pieces that do double duty. They allow you to declutter your home, which in turn will make it feel brighter and airier.
Related: Architects Share Predictions for the Future of Design After COVID-19
So whether you are looking for a smart storage solution for your child’s toys or would like to completely revamp the existing décor of a room, here are some of the most smartly designed and beautiful multitasking furniture pieces.
Jonathan Adler Torino Nesting Cocktail Tables
An eclectic piece of furniture that is just as functional as it is stylish. This set of nesting cocktail tables can be arranged to create a bigger square table or kept partially or fully tucked for a single accent table. Or if you prefer, you can fully separate them and use them as side tables.
To buy: $2,495, jonathanadler.com
Edra On the Rocks Sofa
With this minimalist sofa, the sky is truly the limit. It consists of multiple asymmetrical modules and a couple of freestanding backrests that can be arranged in various configurations so each time you end up with a different design. You can also use some of the modules as cocktail tables—just style them with a couple of trays on top.
To buy: $38,957, ddcnyc.com
Serena & Lily Dip-Dyed Stools
This multitasking sidekick doubles as a bathroom accent, side table, or plant stand. Each stool is hand-shaped from teak and then dipped in white glossy paint for a pop of color.
To buy: $88, serenaandlily.com
Serena & Lily Acadia Hand-Knotted Rug
Hand-knotted from performance fibers, this beautiful rug, inspired by traditional Persian designs, is sturdy enough for your outdoor patio and elegant enough for your living room.
To buy: $4,298, serenaandlily.com
Downtown Cowboy Leather Storage Ottoman
This ottoman is the gift that keeps on giving. Upholstered in genuine cowhide leather that will develop a gorgeous patina over time, it can be used as a cocktail table, additional seating, and storage (it’s the perfect spot to toss your kids’ toys after a play date).
To buy: $4,500, perigold.com
Hinoki Wood Standing Rack
Why do you have to choose between form and function when you can have both? This beautiful standing rack handcrafted in Okawa from Japanese hinoki cypress can serve as a towel rack in your bathroom or if you prefer to show it off in your living room or bedroom, you can use it to hang your blankets and throws.
To buy: $375, the-citizenry.com
Amuneal Murphy Bed
Murphy Beds tend to get a bad rap but this one by Amuneal will make you want one stat.
At first glance, it looks like a super chic accent wall with cabinets and drawers crafted from wood and accented with brass details. Once you open the bed, a sleek contrasting lacquered headboard shows up behind it and it also features some additional storage space.
To buy: $62,399, hammerandspear.com
Royal System Shelving Plus
This shelving system will turn any room—or wall for that matter—into a home office. It mounts directly onto the wall (which means it doesn’t take up any floor space) and can be customized with up to four bays. The lower shelf can serve as a desk as it has enough space to fit a 15-inch laptop while you can use the rest of the shelves and cabinets for storing books or displaying photos and other personal objects.
To buy: $4,495, dwr.com
CB2 Tambour Storage Bench
This statement storage bench will add so much character to your home. Use it in your bedroom to keep bed linens and pillows or in your living, dining room, or entryway as additional seating or storage. The leather seat is removable so the bench can quickly transform into a stylish credenza.
To buy: $999, cb2.com
DWR Mag Table
This smartly designed table is the epitome of functional décor. First of all, it’s compact and very light so you can easily move it from room to room. Second of all, it’s so versatile and durable—it’s built from molded plywood—that it will definitely last years. And finally, here a just a few of its uses: a magazine stand, a side table, a laptop table, and a stool.
To buy: $295, dwr.com
Zoe Ceramic Side Table
This gorgeous side table is the multitasking piece of furniture that your backyard needs. While it is designed as a side table, it is also big enough to be used as an additional seat for when you have people over, or as a plant stand. It is certainly a piece that will not go unnoticed.
To buy: $159, westelm.com
Lulu & Georgia Cadee Basket
This best-selling basket will solve so many of your storage problems. We love its classic look that will fit perfectly in pretty much every room—from storing towels in the bathroom to throws in the living room. You can even place a plant in it.
To buy: $360, luluandgeorgia.com
Rubbra X-Frame Bar Cart
When you are not entertaining friends at home, this bar cart easily transforms into a side table for your living room, a bathroom organization tool, or a place for your plants.
Its elegant and classic look allows it to play multiple roles in your home according to your needs and preferences.
To buy: $360, onekingslane.com
KidKraft Midcentury Kid Reading Chair with Ottoman
Your little one will love lounging in this super comfortable chair paired with a matching ottoman. And you will be pleased, too—the chair has storage for books on its back and you can fit a small blanket under the cushioned seat of the ottoman.
To buy: $180, maisonette.com
Regina Andrew Theo Ebon Floor Lamp
Functional furniture helps you declutter your home. Case in point? This beautiful floor lamp also serves as a side table. It has a rustic ebony birch wood base that extends into a shining brass body topped with a classic white lamp shade.
To buy: $1,450, lumens.com
