Multipurpose Furniture Packs a One-Two Punch

Avoid using bulky storage boxes when you purchase a storage bed.

For apartments with limited space and maximum potential, consider purchasing multipurpose furniture pieces. These items double as something else (often storage) and pack a one-two punch when it comes to decorating your space.

For loft or studio apartments in particular, these attractive furniture pieces make the most of your space, providing a combination of places to sit, sleep, eat, study and store items. Furniture companies such as Space San Diego and Colico Design make furniture with small apartments in mind, or look into the multifunctional pieces suggested below, based on your needs. The addition of just a couple of these can greatly increase the storage and floor space of your home.

Store your clothes and accessories neatly under your bed with this solid pine Manhattan Wood Storage Bed ($1,166) in espresso or black. Four roomy drawers are on each side and another four are at the end, leaving you with nothing sticking out from under the bed and plenty of room for your clothes.

If you already have a bed or need additional storage in your bedroom, consider this combination Secretary Desk/Dresser ($217), which has a fold-down working area, shelves for books and office supplies and three drawers for storing clothes or blankets.

Convert your coffee table into a dining room table with Ozzio Design’s transformable tables in a variety of modern styles. The Kubo adjusts in height from 9 inches to 31.5 inches and features a slide-out top that doubles its surface space. Fully expanded, it seats six people.

Alternately, add a storage bench and two storage ottomans ($84) in lieu of a coffee table and end tables. The bench serves as a comfortable seat but also includes a removable lid with built-in tray for supporting drinks, magazines, the remote control or food.

Ideal for living rooms, the Doc XL sofa bunk bed transforms from a comfy sofa to a bunk bed for two people, complete with ladder for climbing up to the top bunk.  All covers are fully removable and washable.

For when unexpected guests come over, utilize PBTeen’s Tufted Ottoman Bed ($229) in neutral beige. The sturdy metal frame and Velcro straps keep the mattress in place while it serves as an ottoman, but lift off the slipcover and it becomes a twin-sized cot.

This Counter Height Storage Dining Table with Lazy Susan ($646) hides glasses and wine bottles neatly out of sight in its base and features a built-in 24-inch Lazy Susan on top to help with serving dishes. The table appears small because it’s higher rather than wider, but it seats eight comfortably.

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/atlasphoto