Multifunctional furniture meets many different needs of users: two, three, and sometimes even more. This post will talk about a particular type of multifunctional home office furniture.

In this case, furniture meets the needs of work activities as one of the functions it fulfils. This type of furniture suits the modern user and the present moment because it allows our life and works to intertwine at any time and place.

We distinguish two basic types of multifunctional furniture for the home office in relation to their characteristics The first group is represented by furniture that fulfils several functions, combined. Functions are changed without any transformation of the element itself.. A club table, library, sofa or armchair are shown as examples that, in addition to the basic function of storage or sitting meet the needs of work activities.

Another category of furniture has the possibility of transformation, so different functions alternate. Another category of furniture has the possibility of transformation, so different functions change. Examples show that a storage element, a cantilever wall cabinet or a bunk bed can be transformed into a work surface.

Technical solutions and ease of handling significantly contribute to the quality of use.  This type of furniture adapts to the needs of the user. It transforms from day to night variant, that is, from one to another purpose. Multifunctional furniture provides flexibility and the possibility of different use of space.

On the Designcommunication website, there are numerous posts dedicated to home office furniture. Some of them are 11 Desirable Home Office Writing Desks or Home Office Writing Desks Creative Ides and Home Office and Transforming Furniture.

Coffee table KOJI designed by  Lapo Ciatti ( 2022) for Opinion Ciatti Photo: Opinion Ciatti
Coffee table KOJI designed by Lapo Ciatti ( 2022) for Opinion Ciatti
Photo: Opinion Ciatti

Coffee table or laptop stand

Koji is an element of furniture of small dimensions with steel construction and an MDF upper surface. Thanks to its features, it can be used in two ways as a coffee table or laptop stand. Koji is functional, flexible, and mobile, made of materials responsible for the environment.

The two small wheels hidden in the base enable mobility so the element changes its position depending on the user’s current needs. The height of Koji is easily changed and adjusted to the individual user. This personalized element enables the user to take the correct position while working. Changing the body's position during work is relaxing for the user.

Coffee table KOJI designed by  Lapo Ciatti ( 2022) for Opinion Ciatti Photo: Opinion Ciatti
Coffee table KOJI designed by Lapo Ciatti ( 2022) for Opinion Ciatti
Photo: Opinion Ciatti

 Koji can be applied in residential areas as well as in contracted environments. As a multifunctional element, it meets the needs of the modern user. Koji provides comfort, regardless of whether it is used as a coffee table next to the sofa in the living room or as an improvised workstation in the bedroom.

The table for a laptop, a breakfast place, or a storage unit

A bed Boomerang designed by Teixeira Design Studio for Cácio Furniture
A bed Boomerang designed by Teixeira Design Studio for Cácio Furniture
Photo: Teixeira Design Studio

Boomerang is a bed with a sliding table made of birch plywood with oak veneer, which performs several functions. Its mobile element rests on the bed construction and slides on it, changing its position and thus its function. With this design solution, the multi-functionality of Boomerang has been realized. It is used as a table for a laptop or a breakfast place when it is a sliding table near the headboard. Placed at the foot of the bed, it performs the storage function. Along with the work chair, in the same position, it serves as a workplace in the bedroom.

A bed Boomerang designed by Teixeira Design Studio for Cácio Furniture
A bed Boomerang designed by Teixeira Design Studio for Cácio Furniture
Photo: Teixeira Design Studio

Thanks to its functionality and aesthetic characteristics, Boomerang is suitable for small residential spaces or contracted projects for specific purposes (student dormitories, hostels...)

The armchair with a laptray

Assaya collection (armchair, pouf, side table and laptray) designed by Satyendra Pakhalé for Poltrona Frau   Foto: Poltrona Frau
Assaya collection (armchair, pouf, side table and laptray) designed by Satyendra Pakhalé for Poltrona Frau
Foto: Poltrona Frau

Asaia Centenari Armchair attracts attention with its elegant line, attractive materials and top-quality workmanship. It is designed in accordance with ergonomic postulates and provides the user with comfort while sitting. The side table is used to store the necessary little things, and together with the pouf from the same program, they give the whole composition an additional quality. What makes this armchair multifunctional is a small plywood laptray. This practical accessory can support a laptop, tablet or book, thus facilitating the user to carry out certain work activities. The side table and tray on the bottom have light polyurethane foam padding and leather details with visible contrast stitching.
The composition consisting of an armchair, pouffe, table and laptray provides the conditions for the user to easily include an occasional workplace in his living space. Products with these characteristics meet the needs of the modern user. They enable the intertwining of different activities, just as our life and work intertwine.

Furniture for lounge sitting, storage and work

Lounge seating Samu  designed by Favaretto & Partners for Sunon  Foto Sunon
Lounge seating Samu designed by Favaretto & Partners for Sunon
Foto: Sunon

Samu  is a multifunctional product that fulfils several functions of sitting, storing and working. This armchair with a bionic design brings a bright atmosphere to every space. On the lower part of the seat, there is a spacious pocket to put the necessary small things: pencils, paper, magazines, and tablets. The elongated neck of the Sama element serves as a support for a laptop and facilitates work activities. The materials used are waterproof, resistant to dust and grease, easy to maintain and make Samu usable in indoor and outdoor spaces.

The storage and work

Small desk  miniDESK designed by Filodesign for Filodesign  Foto: Architonic
Small desk miniDESK designed by Filodesign for Filodesign
Foto: Architonic

The miniDESK is a multifunctional element made of MDF (2 cm) veneered with ash veneer and white or black lacquered (open pores). It fulfils the double function of storage and work.

At first glance, the miniDESK is a simple and elegant element for storing books and small items. Thanks to the built-in rubber wheels, it is easily transformed into a comfortable and dynamic workplace. The work surface is located 76 cm from the floor, while the seat is at a height of 46 cm. This desk design enables work with a tablet or notebook. It provides an isolated and comfortable workplace, which can be transformed after the end of work activities and gives way to other activities.

Small desk  miniDESK designed by Filodesign for Filodesign  Foto: Architonic
Small desk miniDESK designed by Filodesign for Filodesign
Foto: Architonic

The dimensions of this element and the possibility of transformation make it particularly suitable for small spaces where it is necessary to fulfil a double function. Its simple design makes it easy to fit into any interior.

The secretary desk or coffee table

Zelos Home Desk designed  by Christoph Böninger  (2008) for Classicon  Foto: Architonic.
Zelos Home Desk designed by Christoph Böninger (2008) for Classicon
Foto: Architonic.

Zelos Home Desk does not require much space. Its frame is made of chrome-plated flat steel, and the body of MDF with walnut veneer. Zelos performs the function of a coffee table in the closed position, while in the open position, it is a desk. The folding worktop, covered with black leather, gives the table a  dose of luxury. Side compartments, a drawer and a storage area with a cable channel provide additional comfort.

Zelos is a workplace that meets all the functional requirements of 21st-century users who only need a laptop to work.
Zelos is a workplace that meets all the functional requirements of 21st-century users who only need a laptop to work.

The desk or an artistic wall decoration

The Flow Wall Desk designed by Robert van Embricqs for van Embricqs  Foto  Robert van Embricqs
The Flow Wall Desk designed by Robert van Embricqs for van Embricqs
Foto: Robert van Embricqs

DESK Flow Wall Desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture that combines a desk and an artistic wall decoration in one element. It is aesthetically attractive with a pleasant, warm wood structure. In the folded position, it has a simple shape with an interesting arrangement of segments. The Flow Wall Desk becomes a temporary workplace when needed. The transformation is achieved with only one movement, i.e. rotation around the horizontal axis. Constituent elements of the table are a console plate and a panel of wooden slats that surrounds the worktop and provides privacy. The transformation is made possible by specially placed brass hinges of appropriate load capacity. They ensure a change of purpose but also of form that follows the function. The panel gets an interesting shape that gives the space an aesthetic quality.

The Flow Wall Desk designed by Robert van Embricqs for van Embricqs  Foto  Robert van Embricqs
The Flow Wall Desk designed by Robert van Embricqs for van Embricqs
Foto: Robert van Embricqs

By changing its purpose, the Flow Wall Desk changes the space in which it is located. A comfortable desk during the day becomes a compact wall element after use. The Flov wall table is functional and easily adaptable to the user's needs.

Flow can be used in homes, libraries, hotels, and other interior settings.

You can see the transformation of the Flow Wall Desk on this link.

Sofa with functional accessories

A seating system Pantelleria ,designed by Cesare Arosio for  Meronie&Colzani Foto Meronie&Colzani
A seating system Pantelleria ,designed by Cesare Arosio for Meronie&Colzani
Foto: Meronie&Colzani

Functional accessories of small dimensions on upholstered elements, sofas or chairs contribute that these elements fulfil not only the basic function. A small club table as an integral part of the sofa contributes to comfortable sitting. If necessary, it becomes a workplace for the user on the move and supports the equipment he uses for work.

The library and workplace

Library from the system Boutique Mast,designed by Piero Lissoni + CRS Porro  (2022) for  Porro  Photo:Porro
Library from the system Boutique Mast,designed by Piero Lissoni + CRS Porro (2022) for Porro
Photo: Porro

Solutions that for implementation use elements from the furniture system, can also be multifunctional.

One of the many examples is the library from the Boutique Mast program. The presented solution combines book storage with a workplace built into the library. With the addition of a chair, work activities take place without disturbing other activities in the room. The construction of the Boutique Mast program is made of thin, circular, metal columns combined with cantilever shelves and open or closed modules. The system provides countless possibilities of combination and solutions that vary from wardrobes, units for living rooms, transparent partitions, libraries, etc. The solutions are completely personalized, if necessary they can be from wall to wall or floor to ceiling for different purposes.

The multifunctional solution of the library with a workplace meets the users' needs and is aesthetically attractive. It is especially suitable for living spaces without conditions for creating a separate workspace.

Wall element, dining  table or writing desk

Folding wall table, desk Wally Standard, company Clei   Photo: Archiproducts
Folding wall table, desk Wally Standard, company Clei
Photo: Archiproducts

Valli Standard is a wall container  that turns into a cantilever work or dining table. Manipulation is simple with one movement, the metal legs placed on the side of the top are released and self-locking in the desired position. The wall element is equipped with two internal wooden shelves and electrical connections that contribute to the comfort of the workplace. There are also side shelves for books that do not disturb the space in which they are located. The folding table can also be used as a dining table with a length of 1.35 cm. Valli Standard is, if necessary, a work or dining table hidden in a shallow element hung on the wall (depth of only 15 cm).

Folding wall table, desk Wally Standard, company Clei  Photo: Archiproducts
Folding wall table, desk Wally Standard, company Clei
Photo: Archiproducts

Valli Standard is especially suitable for small spaces because it meets the different needs of users.

The console and workplace

The console from the Table B series designed by Konstantin Grcic for BD Barcelona    Photo: BD Barcelona
The console from the Table B series designed by Konstantin Grcic for BD Barcelona
Photo: BD Barcelona

The attractive console from the Table B series can perform the workplace function without any transformations. Placed in an anteroom, living room or hallway, this element attracts attention with its attractive panel material made of extruded, high-polished and anodized silver aluminium. The contrast is the legs of an inventive shape made of electropolished stainless steel rods. The cable management kit is available to increase working comfort.

The bed or desk

Kali Duo Board , foldaway bunk bed with desk,company Clei Photo: Clei
Kali Duo Board , foldaway bunk bed with desk,company Clei
Photo: Clei

Assemblies of some furniture systems have the possibility of transformation. One example is a bed that folds and turns into a work surface with shelves. The bed can rotate around a shorter or longer axis depending on the design solution. Kali Duo Board is an assembly with this type of transformation, but with two bunk beds. Position changes are made possible by patented fittings for furniture and production at a high technological level. The folding opening system  applied to the Kali Duo Board is equipped with a safety device that prevents accidental opening and closing

With a simple movement, the system converts from a night to a day version and vice versa. Furniture transforms and changes its function over time, but also changes the space in which they are located. Elements appear and disappear to fulfil a user's need at a particular moment.

Furniture that transforms is especially suitable for small spaces that need to satisfy multiple functions.

Kali Duo Board , foldaway bunk bed with desk,company Clei Photo: Clei
Kali Duo Board , foldaway bunk bed with desk,company Clei
Photo: Clei

Multifunctional furniture for the home office can be used in different rooms of the living space: in the living room, bedroom, and hallway... This type of furniture is the most convenient way to introduce a work function into the rooms for other purposes. It has numerous benefits:

  • It adapts to the needs of users and situations at any time because it transforms
  • Enables the efficient use of space for different purposes because it is multifunctional
  • It is suitable for small spaces because it saves space
  • It provides flexibility of space
  • It overcomes the limitations of space
  • Provides individual comfort to the user because it is functional

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