Makeover: Furniture with multi-tasking talents

Extendable dining tables, stackable seating and sofas with built-in storage are among the multi-tasking furniture items enjoying a surge in popularity as Australians make the move to high-density living.

More of us are living in apartments, rather than the traditional detached house – and this, in turn, is creating a market for furniture that maximises the potential of every inch of available space.

Adrian Galiazzo, founder of custom furniture-maker Crafter Interiors, says items that double as storage is a constant theme.

“Pieces that perform other roles, such as a sofa or a bench seat with a storage element, are one of the biggest trends,” Galiazzo says.

Dining tables that can be flipped open like a book or accommodate insertable leaves are another major design direction.

“If it’s during the week, it can be a two to four-seater, and occasionally it becomes a 12-seater,” he says.

“Chairs that can stack, so they can bring them out as they need, are another big thing.

“People still want to entertain, and have larger parties on occasion, but they don’t want to have massive tables that are always there in that space.”

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In terms of materials, glass, ceramic and laminate work well for a multi-purpose dining table because they can stand up to a lot of wear and tear.

Natural timber develops a beautiful patina over time with everyday use, but steer clear of painted surfaces because they tend to look scruffy with marks and scratches.

Frank Novembre, managing director of furniture retailer Domo, says modular sofas are a good investment because they allow for flexibility with room layouts.

“They can be put together as a setting, or pulled apart and moved individually around the room, making them a versatile option,” Novembre says.

It’s also worth remembering that outdoor furniture can be brought indoors when guests come over.

“Choose a balcony chair that can also double as extra seating indoors when you are entertaining,” he says.

Double duty

Adrian Galiazzo’s top tips for furniture that makes the most of an apartment or small dwelling:

• Extendable dining tables let you entertain guests at the weekends without clogging up your space during the week. Chairs that can be stacked away when they’re not in use, or bench seating that can be tucked under the table also make the most of your home.
• Consider lightweight furniture and/or pieces with concealed castors because they can be moved around easily. This will enable you to rearrange your furniture easily as circumstances demand.
• Multi-tasking furniture that incorporates storage is a must. Examples include bench seats, sofas and beds.
• Stick with furniture that’s light on its feet, such as chairs with slatted and/or low backs and glass-topped tables, because this creates a sense of space. Heavy, bulky furniture tends to make smaller dwellings feel cramped.
• Stackable storage cubes can be a versatile addition to your furniture collection. Depending on how they are arranged, they can serve as an entertainment unit, bookshelf, coffee table or seating.