One problem that never seems to leave us, especially if you’re living in a major city – is the lack of space! If you’re an independent millennial who recently moved out of their family home and into their own, then a major issue that you may be dealing with almost every day…is space constraints in your own home. Our modern millennial homes have many virtues, but one thing they lack is space! Space constraint is something most of us end up dealing with every day. Smart storage solutions can be lifesavers in such tricky and compact situations. And to make your lives easier, we’ve curated a whole collection of storage solutions that come in the form of furniture designs that, to be honest, are going to completely organize your home. Not only do these products comfortably store your belongings, but they’re also perfect for displaying those special items that you don’t feel like shutting away in a dusty cabinet. From a slithering sculptural table with smart storage surfaces to a modular Japanese-inspired shelving design – these innovative storage and display solutions are the additions your home needs.
1. The Cobra Table
Designed by Deniz Aktay, the Cobra Table is artistic, sculptural but also super functional. It is inspired by a cobra, doing complete justice to its name.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Cobra table could be a small center table or a more suitable side table. It doesn’t have much of a footprint, and it has a snake-inspired form that is accentuated by a somewhat meandering shape.
What we like
- No component or surface space of the Cobra table is left useless or unused
What we dislike
- The slightly curved surface of the middle section means the books may slide off
2. Altitude Shelf
The Altitude Shelf is a new line of shelving by Evan Clabots that is inspired by clean lines and the minimal form of traditional Japanese woodworking.
Why is it noteworthy?
Although inspired by Japanese furniture, we can see bits of traditional Danish furniture in the piece as well. The shelving design is marked by clean minimal lines and no back panels which ensures that the design is open, airy, and free-flowing.
What we like
- Modular design inspired by Japanese and Danish furniture
What we dislike
- Bulky space-consuming design
3. Linea Collection
Italian furniture brand Porro is developing the Linea collection that was designed by late postmodernist architect and designer Medini a couple of years ago. The collection includes quirky and colorful storage units!
Why is it noteworthy?
Mendini created the designs by defining them with stunning cellulose acetate surfaces that feature inlays in primary colors. The collection is made up of three pieces – two sideboard cupboard units, and a writing desk.
What we like
- Characterized by bold and bright colors, with playful contrasts between light and dark colors
What we dislike
- The aesthetics may be considered too quirky by some people, and not preferred by everyone
4. Hideaway Swing Desk
The Hideaway Swing Desk is no ordinary desk! Primarily because it’s not just simply a desk, it’s also a sleek and elegant sideboard.
Why is it noteworthy?
In its original state, the Hideaway Swing Desk functions as an excellent sideboard that is perfect for smaller homes. But when you move the furniture piece at a 90-degree angle, it transforms into a functional and sturdy workspace.
What we like
- Designed to be a flexible storage solution that can solve a variety of problems in modern homes
What we dislike
- Space-consuming + bulky design
5. Combus Shelving System
The Combus Shelving System is a super smart and functional furniture design that provides versatile storage and partition spaces in the office.
Why is it noteworthy?
Designed by office furniture brand Narbutas, the Combus Shelving System features a range of varied shelving types and heights, that can be customized in different finishes.
What we like
- Can be integrated with accessories like planter boxes, metal bookends, and felt storage baskets
What we dislike
- Not suitable for smaller office spaces with space constraints
6. Funky
Say hello to Funky! Funky isn’t just your ordinary everyday storage unit, it is designed to add an eclectic element to your home, that can spark conversation and lighten up your living space.
Why is it noteworthy?
The hallmark of Funky’s design is the perfect harmony between vibrant colors, and neutral, wherein each element complements the other, in turn uplifting the piece’s aesthetics and visual appeal.
What we like
- Adds a touch of artistic charm to your living space
- Versatile + adaptable design
What we dislike
- It may not cater to everyone’s tastes and could be considered too eclectic for some
7. Nice Chair
This unique-looking chair is intended to be a disassembled chair and it is called the Nice Chair! The Nice Chair is designed to occupy minimum space and can be easily assembled and disassembled.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Nice Chair can function as an ordinary chair to sit on, or as a rocker that moves back and forth. The rounded bottom edges of the chair enable it to rock back and forth, creating a mesmerizing lull that can guide anyone to sleep. You can also slide a tabletop between the ridges on the arms of the chair, to convert it into a workspace, that can hold and store your work accessories.
What we like
- Multifunctional furniture design that can switch between two different modes
What we dislike
- There is no way to stop the chair from rocking while working
8. SUNRIU Design
The Grid Chair by SUNRIU Design is a simple and tastefully designed chair with thoughtful details that make it quite unique. The otherwise ordinary wooden chair incorporates a few flat elements.
Why is it noteworthy?
The idea behind the Grid Chair was to tackle the issue of accidentally knocking over your coffee, or a glass of water while sitting on a chair or couch. The Grid Chair is made up of four planks of wood arranged in an interesting grid-like manner. The various lines of the chair stagger together to create a neat grid that creates extended flat surfaces on either side of the chair.
What we like
- The extended surfaces serve as storage spaces to hold your coffee, books, and other knick-knacks
What we dislike
- Space-consuming and bulky design not suitable for smaller spaces
- The wooden edges of the extended surfaces are rough and raw and could hurt young children and babies
9. Fréquence Shelf
Designed by Jean Couvreur for Kabata, the Fréquence shelf is a minimal and sophisticated shelving design that functions as a multifunctional piece of modular furniture.
Why is it noteworthy?
The shelf includes a bunch of geometrically shaped modules that can be combined, mixed, and matched to create a variety of designs, according to your personal taste and preference.
What we like
- The elements can be configured to create a small bookcase or a larger room divider
What we dislike
- Bulky + space-consuming design
10. The Overlap Table
The Overlap table is a versatile furniture design that is commanding and functional. It can serve as a coffee table and a side table!
Why is it noteworthy?
I truly appreciate how the simple design prioritizes storage – something that modern homeowners will appreciate as well, considering the space constraint issues we all face nowadays.
What we like
- Functions as a coffee and side table
- Minimal + clean aesthetics
What we dislike
- The box holds books only up to a fixed size and doesn’t allow for bigger books to be kept
