There’s no getting around the fact that tiny homes are small. But this doesn’t mean that you need to choose between a couch and a bed; living in a tiny home is all about being resourceful and creative with your space. When every centimetre counts, furniture choices play a crucial role in maximising your functional space.
Multifunctional furniture is a great choice when fitting out a tiny home, helping you save space, without giving up those creature comforts.
Here at Tinee Homes, we’ve worked with a lot of people on creating their dream tiny home on wheels, so we’ve got some great insights into multifunction furniture that works well in giving you the space you need, without your home feeling cluttered.
Murphy Bed/Desk Combo
A murphy bed is the classic space-saver that is perfect for those with tiny bedrooms. These beds fold up against the wall or into a closet when not being used, giving you more floor space during the day. And here’s where that floor space can be used. Murphy bed and desk combos give you the bed of your choice while incorporating a desk space underneath – fold the bed up and you have the perfect work-from-home set up.
Ottoman with Storage
You’ve probably used an ottoman as a footrest before, but they can be more. There are some great storage ottomans out there that give you the space to store blankets, pillows, magazines, games or even seasonal clothing, while still giving you somewhere to put your feet up at the end of the day. A storage ottoman can help keep clutter out of the way, and it gives you an extra seating option if visitors drop by.
Nesting Tables
We all need somewhere to rest a coffee cup, or pop that book away while we get up to do something, and for tiny homes, a set of nesting tables is a versatile yet stylish way of getting some additional storage space in your home, without taking up a lot of floor space. You can spread these tables out and create multiple coffee tables or end tables, and when not in use, they nestle neatly within each other, minimising their footprint and freeing up valuable floor space.
Ladder Shelf for the Bathroom
We know that floor space is at a premium in tiny homes, but wall space can be as well. If you don’t have room for towel racks and cabinets, a ladder shelf can be a great way to get storage without taking up a lot of space. Shelves can be used for storing make up, medicines, toiletries and anything else you may need, while the racks double as towel racks. Ladder shelves can also be a great addition for storage in bedrooms and entryways.
Folding Wall-Mounted Dining Table
Much in the same vein as a murphy bed, it is still possible to have a dining table in a tiny home – just choose one that can disappear when not in use! Wall-mounted folding tables are a great way to save space – you simply unfold them for mealtimes and when done, fold them back into the wall to create open space.
If you aren’t too keen on a wall-mounted dining table, there are plenty of options where the table folds down (and the chairs stack in) to less than the size of a filing cabinet – perfect if you are short on space.
Convertible Sofa Bed
With most tiny home designs, you will have one bedroom space, perhaps two depending on your needs but this doesn’t leave a lot of space for guests. With a sofa bed, you don’t need an extra bedroom – simply turn your couch into a comfy bed, and then in the morning, turn it back into a couch. There are so many styles of sofa beds on the market now, in various styles and sizes, so you can choose one that meets your space needs and your budget.
Storage Platform Beds
While a Murphy bed is a great choice, it isn’t your only choice when it comes to bedding in a tiny home. Platform beds allow you to elevate your sleeping space while adding in valuable storage space underneath.
Platform beds come in all styles, but we love the look of built-in drawers or pull-out shelves, as you can tuck away bedding, clothing or seasonal items without your space looking cluttered.
The Benefits of Multifunctional Furniture in a Tiny Home
There are plenty of advantages to choosing multifunctional furniture when fitting out your tiny home and it generally comes down to space, functionality and versatility.
Space Optimisation
The main benefit of multifunctional furniture is the ability it gives you to optimise the limited space you have available. You can make the most of every bit of floor and wall space (essential in a tiny home) without your home feeling cluttered and overwhelming.
Versatility
Dual-purpose furniture is designed to be versatile and adaptable. You need your furniture to be able to be used for different activities and needs, whether that be for study and dinner, or for watching movies and accommodating guests overnight.
Reducing Clutter
There is no doubt that one of the biggest causes of clutter is too much furniture. Choosing furniture with built-in storage gives you designated spaces for items while keeping your space organised and tidy.
Budget Friendly
Something we don’t often consider if that multifunctional furniture can be cost-effective. While some of these pieces may seem more expensive, because they serve multiple purposes, you are more than likely saving money by buying one piece of furniture rather than two or three.
Aesthetic Appeal
Beneficially, many dual-purpose furniture is aesthetically pleasing. Designers understand that you more than likely have a small space, and you don’t want a foldable table that doesn’t blend in with your home. By choosing furniture that looks good whether it is in use or not, you can maintain a stylish and cohesive look across your tiny home.
If you’re on the market for a tiny home, explore our Tinee Homes designs. Our team will explore practical solutions, including the use of multifunctional furniture, to optimise the space in your home.