Double Duty Furnishings for Small Space Living

Aug 16th

Double Duty Furnishings for Small Space Living

Written by faith

Small space living, 500-600 square feet, is the norm as Generation Y settles into housing. Seattle, my home base for my interior design practice, mirrors this phenomenon of urban living.

Making up for small quarters are essential amenities like being wired for every possible electronic gadget, W/D, nearby coffee houses and cafes and transportation. No surprise that traditional furnishings do not work in such confined spaces. Each piece of furniture takes on double duty and some very imaginative solutions are available. If you need quick solutions for space saving furniture, go here.

Take these coffee table options provided by Jeffrey Braun and Palecek that expand storage and seating options.

Jeffrey Braun Hidden Agenda

Palecek Hudson Ottoman

The coffee table/storage chest features exotic wood and slides open for access and closed to hide items not currently in use. Designed by Jeffrey Braun, a film art director turned interior designer and furniture maker, it is called “The Hidden Agenda.” Braun is based in Seattle and has an affinity for urban living. He designed “The Hidden Agenda” with a nod toward the special effects seen in the film world. The Hudson ottoman offers flexible combinations for extra seating while also serving use as an ottoman.

Converting a table into dual function is especially useful for a small space. It can used as a work or dining surface and then using the lift mechanism lowered for use as a coffee table. Here are examples from Lorts and Hydra Designs.