When it comes to decorating your home, you want to invest in furniture that can serve multiple purposes and adapt to different spaces. Versatile furniture pieces can help you save money, space, and time while creating a stylish and functional environment. Whether you need extra storage, seating, or sleeping options, there are plenty of furniture pieces that can do it all.
We asked some interior designers to share their favorite versatile furniture pieces that they use in their own projects and homes. Here are nine of them that you can easily incorporate into your own space.
Ottoman
An ottoman is a versatile piece of furniture that can be used as a footrest, coffee table, extra seating, or storage. You can also move it around easily to suit your needs and preferences. “Ottomans are great because they can be used in so many ways,” says Ashley Moore, founder and principal designer of Moore House Interiors. “They can be upholstered in any fabric or leather to match your style and decor.”
Moore recommends choosing an ottoman with a removable tray top or a storage compartment for added functionality. She also suggests placing a large ottoman in front of a sofa or sectional to create a cozy and inviting seating area.
Console Table
A console table is a narrow and long table that can fit in various spaces, such as behind a sofa, along a wall, or in an entryway. It can serve as a display surface for decorative items, such as lamps, vases, books, or plants. It can also provide extra storage with drawers, shelves, or baskets.
“A console table is one of my favorite versatile furniture pieces because it can be used in so many different rooms and ways,” says Ariel Okin, founder and principal designer of Ariel Okin Interiors. “It can act as a sofa table, a buffet, a bar cart, a vanity, a desk, or even a media console.”
Okin advises choosing a console table that matches the scale and style of your space. She also recommends adding some personal touches to make it feel more like your own.
Sofa Bed
A sofa bed is a sofa that can be converted into a bed by folding out the seat or back cushions. It’s an ideal piece of furniture for small spaces or guest rooms that need to accommodate overnight visitors. A sofa bed can also offer extra comfort and convenience for everyday use.
“A sofa bed is a great versatile furniture piece because it allows you to have both a sofa and a bed in one,” says Nicole Fuller, founder and principal designer of Nicole Fuller Interiors. “It’s perfect for small apartments or studios where space is limited.”
Fuller suggests looking for a sofa bed that has a high-quality mattress and mechanism to ensure durability and comfort. She also advises choosing a sofa bed that complements your existing furniture and decor.
Nesting Tables
Nesting tables are tables that come in different sizes and can be stacked or nested together to save space when not in use. They can be used as side tables, coffee tables, nightstands, or accent tables in various rooms. They can also be separated and spread out when you need more surface area or seating options.
“Nesting tables are one of my go-to versatile furniture pieces because they are so practical and stylish,” says Caitlin Murray, founder and CEO of Black Lacquer Design. “They can be easily moved around and rearranged depending on your needs and mood.”
Murray recommends choosing nesting tables that have different shapes, colors, or materials to create visual interest and contrast. She also suggests mixing and matching nesting tables from different sets to create your own unique look.
Bookcase
A bookcase is a piece of furniture that consists of shelves for storing books or other items. It can be used as a storage unit, a display case, a room divider, or even a headboard. A bookcase can also add character and charm to any space with its design and contents.
“A bookcase is one of the most versatile furniture pieces because it can be used for so many purposes,” says Kevin Dumais, founder and principal designer of Dumais Inc. “It can showcase your personality and style with your favorite books, art, objects, or plants.”
Dumais advises choosing a bookcase that has adjustable shelves to accommodate different sizes and heights of items. He also recommends styling your bookcase with balance and variety to create an eye-catching display.
Bench
A bench is a long seat that can accommodate multiple people. It can be used as extra seating in the living room, dining room, bedroom, or entryway. It can also serve as a coffee table, footrest, storage unit, or accent piece in various spaces.
“A bench is one of those versatile furniture pieces that you can never have too many of,” says Taniya Nayak, interior designer and TV personality. “It can add function and flair to any room.”
Nayak suggests looking for a bench that has hidden storage or drawers for added convenience. She also advises choosing a bench that has an interesting shape, color, or texture to make it stand out.
Bar Cart
A bar cart is a wheeled cart that can hold drinks, glasses, ice buckets, shakers, or other bar accessories. It can be used as a mobile bar station for entertaining guests or serving cocktails. It can also be used as an end table, nightstand, plant stand, or display unit in various rooms.
“A bar cart is one of my favorite versatile furniture pieces because it’s so fun and functional,” says Justina Blakeney , founder of Jungalow . “It can bring some personality and pizzazz to any space.”
Blakeney recommends choosing a bar cart that has multiple tiers or shelves to maximize storage space. She also suggests styling your bar cart with some greenery , candles , books , or art to make it more inviting.
Pouf
A pouf is a soft cushioned seat that can be used as an ottoman , footstool , extra seating , or floor pillow . It can also add some color , texture , or pattern to any space with its fabric cover .
“A pouf is one of those versatile furniture pieces that you can easily move around and use in different ways ,” says Leanne Ford , interior designer and star of Restored by the Fords . “It can create some coziness and comfort in any room .”
Ford suggests looking for a pouf that has a removable cover for easy cleaning . She also advises choosing a pouf that matches your style and mood .
Trunk
A trunk is a large box with a hinged lid that can be used for storing clothes , blankets , toys , or other items . It can also serve as a coffee table , end table , bench , or chest in various rooms .
“A trunk is one of those versatile furniture pieces that you can use for both storage and style ,” says Emily Henderson , interior designer , author , and TV host . “It can add some history and character to any space .”
Henderson recommends choosing a trunk that has some vintage charm or patina . She also suggests styling your trunk with some books , trays , candles , or plants to make it more attractive .
