Space saving, dual, triple, multi-function. That’s the key to making a small space work.  I’m still on the small space kick that I was on last week. I just  really like the challenge of designing small spaces. So if you need to have furniture function a few different ways or you’re afraid you’ll have to sacrifice style to get a functional space, then this post is for you my friend! Let’s explore a few ways to get the most purpose out of your multi-purpose furniture.
 

Get The Most Purpose Out Of Multi-Purpose Furniture: Storage Ottomans
 

You can’t beat a storage ottoman for getting some multi-function is a living room, and I’m talking any size living room – especially a small one. My family room is 10’ x 10’ and I have a small scale sectional, a television cabinet and a comfy occasional chair in there and it does not feel cramped at all. Why not? Because I have a storage ottoman that serves as my coffee table, foot rest, and a place to hide all the sins - in my case blankets, serving trays, magazines, pillows, and a few games for when company comes over. And, at any given moment you can find my dog Margaret sleeping on top of it.  Yes, my storage ottoman is also a dog bed. Talk about quadruple function! I can also add it length wise to either side of my sectional if I want an instant chaise. Luxury, my friend, luxury!
 

Get The Most Purpose Out Of Multi-Purpose Furniture: Cocktail Ottoman
 

If you still want the comfort of a soft top but you like the more polished look of a cocktail table, you may opt for a cocktail ottoman for your décor, Think of it like a party on top and business on the bottom. (That’s my attempt at making a cocktail ottoman/ mullet hair style reference. Ahem.. Moving on). My point is, cocktail ottomans give you a nice soft top that can be styled a number of different ways, fabric, leather, single button, completely tufted, accented with nail head trim, or a super simple box pleat without the fuss. The bottom can be styled with open shelving to display your treasures or with closed storage like cabinet doors or drawers to keep everything neat and tidy and hidden away.  
 

Get The Most Purpose Out Of Multi-Purpose Furniture: Lamp Tables
 

Not to be confused with table lamps, lamp tables are accent or end tables with the lamp already built into them. Popularized in the 1950’s, lamp tables are a great space saving option for a smaller corner or for when you need to capitalize on space to make your seating arrangement work. If vintage or mid century isn’t your bag, there are still many different styles, genres, and finishes to lamp tables. You can find modern and contemporary versions just as readily as classic or traditional styles. Any way you slice it, lamp tables are a great multi-function piece for your home décor. 
 

Get The Most Purpose Out Of Multi-Purpose Furniture: Swivel Chairs
 

So this isn’t so much multi-function as it is multiple-focus. The great thing about swivel chairs is that you can place them in an seating group for a nice conversation arrangement. Think two swivel chairs opposite a long great room sofa. Then imagine if the back of the swivel chairs faced the open concept kitchen. The people sitting in the swivel chairs can face the sofa for conversation and then spin around and talk to the person working on dinner in the kitchen. Talk about double duty! Swivel chairs are also really great when you have a perpendicular focal point, like when your fireplace is on the wall next to where your entertainment system is housed. Just swivel to look at the fireplace and swivel to watch TV. And when no one is looking, you can spin and spin until your dizzy. (Who am I kidding? I don’t care if they’re looking!)
 

Get The Most Purpose Out Of Multi-Purpose Furniture: The Parson’s Table
 

This may be my most favorite multi-purpose piece yet. The simple, straight lined Parson’s table. Let’s get into all the ways you can style this table. Typically, Parson’s tables are narrow in width, 18” to 20”  is the norm and the lengths can vary too, 4’ to 6’ is typical. Because they are narrow, they work amazingly well as entry hall tables. Place them behind a sofa and, bingo! You have a sofa table! They can be placed against the wall or in front of a window,  put a chair in front of it and ta-dah, you have a small writing desk. You can even use it as a dining table in a pinch too. That’s four different purposes for one simple table. You can’t beat that with a stick! (Well you could but, that would probably leave a mark.) Anyways…
 

There you go, short and sweet, my 5 favorite ways to get the most purpose out of multi-purpose furniture. If you currently have any of these pieces and you are using them in different ways, I’d love to hear about it. Are you using your storage ottoman as a home office? Write a comment below and tell me about it! Thanks so much for stopping by. I’d love to keep in touch. Why don’t you sign up for my newsletter? Get it here.
 

Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.