10 Double-Duty Classics for Small Spaces

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If you live in a small space, multi-purpose furniture can be a big help. Pieces that serve more than one function can save space and allow you to mix things up without having to change out your furniture. For some of our favorite double-duty pieces, click through the links below...

FIRST ROW
• 1 George Nelson's Platform Bench doubles as a coffee table.
• 2 Philippe Starck's Prince Aha Stool also works as a side table and storage space.
• 3 Anna Castelli Ferrieri's Componibili doubles as a side table or stackable storage.
• 4 The Case Study Sofa transforms into a bed by removing the cushions.
• 5 Ceramic garden stools are perennial indoor/outdoor pieces.

SECOND ROW
• 6 Hans Hopfer's Mah Jong Sofa can be configured as chairs or a sectional.
• 7 Shaker Peg Trim doubles as an architectural detail and storage space.
• 8 IKEA's Grundtal is a contemporary classic that works in bathrooms or kitchens.
• 9 Banquettes are a time-honored approach to seating and storage.
• 10 Train racks provide shelving and hooks for the bathroom, bedroom, or kitchen.

Add your recommendations for double-duty classics in the comments.

Top Photo: Michael and Mindy's Sunny Chicago Loft

Comments (8)

I don't know that I'd call any of these things "classics." More like, "advertising" or "PR."

posted by SIUCarbondale10 on April 24th 2009 at 3:28am
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love everything on this list!

http://pearlsandgreentea.blogspot.com/

posted by mrslee on April 24th 2009 at 7:22am
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an armless, backless bench doubling as a coffee table isn't really anything new.

posted by twitteringbirdie on April 24th 2009 at 3:06pm
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The Shakers would be rolling in their graves to have their extremely functional pegs be reduced to architectural detail!

Not a great list, but whatever.

posted by FantasticMrFaux on April 24th 2009 at 3:16pm
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I love the pocket kitchen in the first pic.

posted by cericericeri on April 27th 2009 at 10:45am
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I have to say I'm a bit disappointed with this 'list'... while I love the storage containers, I am not sure the others fall under 'dual duty for small spaces'.
This was not up to the usual Apartment Therapy standards.

posted by apdesigngirl on April 27th 2009 at 3:13pm
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I'm kind of dissapointed also.

posted by colleen2009 on April 29th 2009 at 7:19am
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The garden stool, banquette and train rack ideas are the only items on your list that feel like they could be timeless and useable for any decor (all three could come in many different styles and shapes) otherwise this list feels dated and useless. Maybe nextime use less product plugging.

posted by AnnickaJ on April 29th 2009 at 7:53pm
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