11 Multifunctional Items You Won't Want to Live Without

A floor lamp with a side table — The Spruce / Illustration by Amy Sheehan / Wayfair

We may not be living in the future of flying cars and teleportation, but furniture has come a long way from its single-purpose, simplistic forms. These days, beds double as storage units, tables and lamps come together in one snazzy piece, and even side tables can simultaneously serve as a little bed for family pets. This is the era of multipurpose furniture.

Multifunctional furniture items have been making waves in living spaces not only because they cut down on what's not necessary, but they're often the foundational elements of a smartly and efficiently designed home. Though these multitasking pieces are useful in smaller places that need to preserve space, any apartment or house can really benefit from the way they work. These items don't have to be wildly elaborate—some of them are surprisingly simple—but they still provide uses that basic furniture can't.

Below, shop several different furniture items that have more than one function and will make storage, entertaining, relaxing, and organization so much easier.

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Transition from a long day working from home to a movie night with a coffee table that's able to handle both. The lift-up table top on this model creates a convenient workspace as well as the perfect surface for a big bowl of popcorn. There's plenty of storage space for office supplies, remotes, and other living room essentials on the left-hand side.

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Apartments or homes without a dining room can still enjoy sit-down meals and additional storage space thanks to this table that has expandable leaflets. One side contains shelves for holding dining necessities that your kitchen may not be able to accommodate. Add bar stools or tall chairs and you're set for hosting without needing an elaborate table setup or designated room.

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Bookworms can curl up and settle in for hours with a seating situation like this. A cushioned sitting area that's also equipped with bookshelves is a smart choice for home offices, bedrooms, and playrooms. Even if reading isn't your favorite hobby, this is a great furniture piece to have in a front entryway for putting on shoes and storing umbrellas, shoe horns, and footwear.

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Ottomans are useful as they are, providing a foot rest or side table when needed. But one with a hidden storage compartment takes things to another level. Throw blankets and other accessories can easily be stowed away in this petite option, for instance. The lid also can be placed with the wood side facing up to serve as a stable surface for drinks and snacks.

Zipcode Design New London Upholstered Accent Chair

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Any room that's meant for relaxing needs some kind of comfy accent chair—even better is a chair that can transform into multiple arrangements. This chair's cushy design can be used as a regular seat or can be configured into a chaise lounge or fully flat bed. Homeowners will appreciate an adaptable chair for catering to overnight guests and midday naps.

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Is it a table, a desk, or a bookshelf? This handy unit is actually all three. After determining which side you'd like the shelves to be on, you can then fill them with books or work supplies. The surface can float between a sturdy workstation, crafting area, or even a small dining table for people living solo.

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A bed frame constructed like this takes the act of shoving things under the bed and makes it efficient and intentional. Though it's a sleek and chic tufted headboard at first look, with a quick pull of a tab, the mattress lifts up and reveals a spacious storage area that's hidden away in a matter of seconds.

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This stylish piece of furniture combines the classic living room side table with a floor lamp. It goes beyond just two purposes though—the table also has a built-in USB port for charging electronics. While it may first be considered for social areas, it's equally a good fit for bedrooms as a typical bedside table alternative.

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Accent tables and shelves are perfectly fine on their own and provide ample storage space or surface area for decor. That being said, one that doubles as a pet bed is hard to beat. This cubic version provides everything a regular table does and then some—beneath its top is a padded area for dogs, cats, and other pets to curl up and relax in a room with the rest of the family.

AllModern

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Like smaller storage ottomans, a storage bench is another great feature in homes. Front entryways and bedrooms are both great candidates for these types of items, as they're perfect for sitting on to finish getting ready for the day and holding extra blankets or seasonal clothing items that don't need to be out or on-hand at all times.

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Dreaming of a wine cellar? We'd argue this mini bar setup is slightly cooler. Not only is it a space that holds bottles and glassware, but there is a built-in table for enjoying snacks and tipples with visitors. Small spaces can designate it as the main table and larger homes can have it in a separate area or add it to a downstairs wet bar.

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