Space-Saving Built-In Furniture Ideas
Rooms can work better and more efficiently with the help of built-in furniture pieces. Here’s where to begin
Liz Durnan
20 February 2019
Houzz Australia Contributor. Previously a freelance writer and editor at a variety of magazines and websites in London, New York and Sydney. Now I live in the Blue Mountains bush in a strawbale house that we built from scratch. I write about my passions – mainly books and sustainable housing – while writing a book and attempting a permaculture garden.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Previously a freelance writer and editor at a variety... More
Noted American architect Frank Lloyd Wright had a penchant for built-in furniture. Now built-ins (as with many mid-century elements), whether beds, benches or dining room tables, are popping up everywhere in new builds and renovations. They’re particularly good for creating effective storage or adding useful elements in tight spaces.
Window seat
A window recess is a great place to build in furniture, as it’s a space that might not otherwise be used. Another advantage is that you can create storage space under banquette-style seating. It also gives you a spot where you can bask in the sunshine.
A window recess is a great place to build in furniture, as it’s a space that might not otherwise be used. Another advantage is that you can create storage space under banquette-style seating. It also gives you a spot where you can bask in the sunshine.
The designer of this Wright-inspired house has taken ideas from the architect’s integrated approach to furniture, design and architecture, using lots of built-ins throughout. The look is seamless, and the built-in shelving, seating and desk make use of all available space. Even better, the banquette can be widened to become a daybed for guests, and the base allows for storage space.
See these built-in seating ideas
See these built-in seating ideas
This cozy nook in a home just outside Tokyo, where space is often at a premium, makes lovely use of a corner for both shelving and seating. There may be underbench storage here, too.
Shelving
Built-in shelves here act as storage and display, and provide a screen between the stairway and the lounge room. Plywood is a useful and pliable material for shelving and built-in furniture.
Built-in shelves here act as storage and display, and provide a screen between the stairway and the lounge room. Plywood is a useful and pliable material for shelving and built-in furniture.
This is a lovely integrated look for a small but cozy living area. The built-in bookshelves wrapping around the room is a clever use of space.
Extra bed
We’re seeing lots of smart uses of space for increased sleeping areas too, like this one that sits above a lounge room. It’s perfect for children or overnight guests.
We’re seeing lots of smart uses of space for increased sleeping areas too, like this one that sits above a lounge room. It’s perfect for children or overnight guests.
And speaking of extra space for beds, how about taking those built-in bunk beds up another level to really make the most of that high ceiling?
Entertainment
For a seamless look, consider recessing a television into a custom-built wall.
For a seamless look, consider recessing a television into a custom-built wall.
Or built-in drawers and cupboards – even an extra desk – for a multipurpose living area.
Here’s how to turn rooms into multipurpose spaces
Here’s how to turn rooms into multipurpose spaces
In the home office
The use of built-ins really comes into its own in the home office. This one makes great use of storage with all those drawers, but there is also a homey touch with the recessed window seating – perfect for a quick afternoon snooze when it all gets to be a bit much.
The use of built-ins really comes into its own in the home office. This one makes great use of storage with all those drawers, but there is also a homey touch with the recessed window seating – perfect for a quick afternoon snooze when it all gets to be a bit much.
We’re also seeing more built-in desks, and I just love this one. It pulls out from under the kitchen countertop. It might have been planned as a work area or a desk, but either way it works well, along with the built-in seating, for a multifunctional space.
A narrow space can be put to maximum use with a row of floor-to-ceiling shelving on one side and a desk, cupboards and more shelves on the other. Not a scrap of space is wasted, but there’s still room to move around – or do a spot of yoga – in the middle.
This corner – and window – could easily have gone unused, but a simple desk and a chair turn this space into a useful workstation.
In kids’ rooms
Banquette-style seating is useful in a kids’ room, providing a little extra storage and comfortable seating.
Banquette-style seating is useful in a kids’ room, providing a little extra storage and comfortable seating.
Outside
And let’s not forget all the potential for building some outdoor seating into a landscape plan. Quite a few people could fit around this lovely outdoor seating – perfect for a party.
And let’s not forget all the potential for building some outdoor seating into a landscape plan. Quite a few people could fit around this lovely outdoor seating – perfect for a party.
Stairs
These look like they would be tricky to build, but what a great use of space for storage.
See these amazing under-stair planning and decorating ideas
These look like they would be tricky to build, but what a great use of space for storage.
See these amazing under-stair planning and decorating ideas
In a dining area
Here’s that Wright-inspired house again with a built-in dining area. Note how this dining table is an extension of the kitchen countertop.
Here’s that Wright-inspired house again with a built-in dining area. Note how this dining table is an extension of the kitchen countertop.
Squeeze it in
Is it possible to transform the tiniest or most awkward little space in your home into something usable, if space is at a premium? Perhaps build in a desk just large enough for a laptop and some small but useful shelving – just add a statement piece of furniture to complete the picture.
Is it possible to transform the tiniest or most awkward little space in your home into something usable, if space is at a premium? Perhaps build in a desk just large enough for a laptop and some small but useful shelving – just add a statement piece of furniture to complete the picture.
Read more:
Lounge in Style: 9 Built-In Sofa Ideas
Tell us:
Do you like built-in furniture? Please show us yours or tell us about it in the Comments below.
Lounge in Style: 9 Built-In Sofa Ideas
Tell us:
Do you like built-in furniture? Please show us yours or tell us about it in the Comments below.
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