8 Multitasking Furniture Pieces That Will Maximize Your Living Room

A few multifunctional furniture pieces can go a long way in a small living room. Whether it’s a convertible coffee table or a stool with hidden storage, any furnishing that pulls double (or triple) duty can maximize a cramped space in no time. Don’t believe me? Read ahead for eight multitasking furniture items that will transform even the smallest living room into the streamlined space it deserves to be.

Why invest in a pricey storage ottoman when you can have an affordable stool with a hidden compartment that also can double as a side table? This sleek storage stool is composed of natural wood and features a lid (for hiding stuff out of plain sight) and handles for portability. Let it moonlight as a seat, footstool, or end table, depending on what you need for the day.

Buy: Woodrow Storage Stool, $100.00 from Umbra

The only thing better than a beautiful coffee table is one that doubles as desk. This mid-century style wooden coffee table is designed with a lift-up top that hinges outward into a tray-like surface that you can write, type, or eat dinner on. The piece also offers a built-in storage compartment for added functionality.

Buy: Naya Pop-Up Coffee Table, $429.00 from Urban Outfitters

In the market for an accent table that does it all? This clean-lined mango wood and iron accent table has two leaves that extend to provide extra surface area, as well as a designated side rack for storing books, magazines, and other living room miscellany.

Buy: Allen Wood Extending C-Table, $229.00 Starting at $160.00 from Pottery Barn

It’s a refrigerator! It’s a sound system! It’s an accent table! This multifunctional side table is designed with a wireless charging pad (for charging up to two devices at once), a thermoelectric cooling drawer (for keeping cold beverages and snacks at arm’s length), LED-powered lights, and Bluetooth speakers, so you can work, eat, and play music all without ever leaving your sofa. It comes in two mid-century friendly colorways as well.

Buy: Sobro Smart Storage Side Table with Cooling Drawer, $1,199.00 $599.00 from Macy’s

Working from home can be tricky when you don’t have room for a proper workstation. This clever foldout table can mount to any wall in your living room and lower into a desk, when you need to WFH. If you’re really short on space, you can also use it as a dining table, since it can comfortably seat up to three people at once, too.

Buy: IVAR Storage Unit with Foldable Table, $119.00 at IKEA

The only thing better than a comfy compact ottoman is one that can actually provide extra seating for multiple guests. This faux leather ottoman converts into five—yes, five!—padded seats with sturdy metal bases and only takes up about 18-square-inches of floor space. Each piece nests back inside the main cube’s compartment for easy storage.

Buy: Ivy Bronx Cauldwell Convertible Cube Ottoman, $588.00 $269.99 at Wayfair

No room for a dining table in your studio apartment? No problem. This convertible bookshelf features five faux walnut shelves of storage space that swivel down and turn into a full-fledged dining table or desk that can comfortably seat up to eight. All that function certainly justifies its heftier price tag.

Buy: Convertible Distressed Walnut Bookshelf Dining Table, $599.99 at Lamps Plus

If you don’t have space for a fancy sleeper sofa in your living room, a sleeper ottoman is the next best thing. This transforming furniture item converts from an ottoman to a chaise lounge and then into a plush padded bed that a guest can comfortably crash on.

Buy: Inspire Q Hadara Convertible Ottoman Sleeper Lounge, $419.99 $377.99 at Target