Multifunctional furniture explained

Multifunctional furniture is furniture with several functions combined.^[1] The functions combined vary, but a common variant is to incorporate an extra storage function into chair, tables, and so forth, making them so-called storage furniture.^[2] It more efficiently uses up living space.^[3] Lack of space can be an important reason for choosing such furniture, but combination furniture is also seen in larger homes for more space-efficient utilization.^[1] Historically, furniture with transforming mechanisms was called "mechanical furniture".

Examples

Some common examples of multifunctional furniture are:

• Chair-table,^[4] a table where the tabletop can be hinged to form the back of a seat to serve as a chair, if necessary
• Chest-chair, a type of chair where the seat doubles as the lid of a chest for storage
• Chest-table, a chest used as a table, with storage space underneath a hinged tabletop. Today more commonly seen as coffee tables, since people's legs do not usually rest underneath such tables.
• Coffee table with extra storage on their underside is a type of multifunctional furniture
• Daybed, a combination furniture which can be used as a bed, for sitting, or for rest and relaxation in common rooms
• Lambing chair, a type of unchair commonly with storage under the seat in form of a drawer
• Monks bench, a table/bench
• Ottoman, a stool where the seat often is hinged with a hollow inside which can be used for storage
• Pull-down bed, a folding bed that is hinged on one end so that it can be stored vertically against a wall or inside a cupboard
• Recliner, a chair which can be folded out to a near supine position for sleeping
• Storage bed, a bed with built in storage
• Sofa bed, a sofa where the seating area can be pulled or folded out to form a bed for sleeping
• Storage bench,^[5] a bench where there is storage beneath the seat
• Step chair and onit chair (the latter has an ironing-board mode)

See also

• Hidden compartment
• Modern furniture
• Overhead storage, space-saving storage that frees up floor space and utilizes room volume

Literature

• Møbler i Norge (1976) by Trond Juul Gjerdi

References

1. Encyclopedia: kombinasjonsmøbel. 2017-09-19. nb.
2. Web site: December 4, 2020. Jessica. Bennett. 16 Clever Ways to Use Furniture for Living Room Storage. 2022-01-30. Better Homes & Gardens. en.
3. Web site: Chen. Connie. 11 multi-functional furniture pieces that'll make your small home feel more spacious. 2022-01-30. Insider. en-US.
4. Web site: Chair-table | American . 2022-01-30. www.metmuseum.org .
5. Encyclopedia: slagbenk. 2018-03-12. nb.

External links

• "kombinasjonsmøbel" at DigitaltMuseum
• Small spaces need smart solutions - Designing furniture for small spaces, in connection with human wellbeing. Kristoffer Thøgersen, Department of Design, Norwegian University of Science and Technology