Multi-functional furniture is furniture that realizes new or other functions based on the original functions of traditional furniture. It is basically a redesign of furniture.
The four distinctive features of multi-functional furniture that differentiate them from traditional furniture are:
- The integration of mechatronics technology
- The application of computer technology
- The application of new materials
- The exquisite adjustable structure
A piece of furniture should have at least one of the above characteristics before it can be called multi-functional furniture.
In this article, we are going to list some multi-functional furniture recommended for your living space. There are six main types of furniture categorized according to their functions: Beds, Chairs, Cabinets, Tables, Curtains, and Doors.
Types
Beds/Mattresses
ORIGINAL FUNCTION: Sit and sleep
CURRENT FUNCTION: Multimedia hub, push and pull, massager
EXAMPLES: Wall bed, foldable bed
Chairs/Stolls
ORIGINAL FUNCTION: Sit and rest
CURRENT FUNCTION: Rotate, lift, fold, move
EXAMPLES: Liftable and foldable sofa bed/coffee table (bench)
Cabinets/Racks
ORIGINAL FUNCTION: Save and store
CURRENT FUNCTION: Automatic open/close, lift function, disinfecting
EXAMPLES: Anti-mold wardrobe, liftable cabinet, multi-functional safe
Tables/Desk
ORIGINAL FUNCTION: Place and support
CURRENT FUNCTION: Rotate, lift, move, deform
EXAMPLES: Rotatable dining table, automated mahjong table
Curtains/Windows
ORIGINAL FUNCTION: Hang and shield
CURRENT FUNCTION: Multi-layered, motorised, operational via remote-control
EXAMPLES: Remote-controllable curtains, automated window shades
Doors/Screens
ORIGINAL FUNCTION: Conceal and cover
CURRENT FUNCTION: Temperature adjustment, soundproof, automatic
open/close
EXAMPLES: Automated doors, musical walls, bathroom partitions
Image via FreeDownloadCAD
New Ways of Designing
The usage of new materials
Designing furniture with new materials not only results in a brand new structure but also the realisation of unexpected new functions. For example, nano-materials are not only moisture-proof and bacteria-resistant but they also have super flexibility. Shape memory alloys can restore their original shapes under certain temperature and pH conditions after deformation. Composite materials often have strengths and stiffness that exceed their preset volume and shape by several times.
The original constituent materials for sensors are photosensitive, pressure-sensitive, and acid-based, thus making them suitable for making sensors. Other materials such as glass, paper, and wood are energy-saving and environmentally-friendly.
Exquisite adjustability
Multi-functional furniture is not all about complicated mechanisms or brand-new materials. A set of linkage mechanisms with several flexible connections, wheels, buckles, slides, and many other simple yet sophisticated structures can also achieve new functions such as height-adjustable seats, desks, wheelchairs, rotating dining tables, folding sofa chairs, combined bookcases, and so on.
Benefits of Multi-Functional Furniture
Easy to move/carry around
After folding, such furniture will become portable, making them easy to store and carry. Therefore, they are frequently used in daily life. For example, plastic surfaces lined with metal brackets and movable partitions crafted for accordion folding are light in load and easy to use for decoration. They are safe, sturdy, and extremely convenient in assembling and disassembling.
Easy to organize/keep neat
Big furniture pieces, if used in a small room, will make it crowded. This will make the room inconvenient and uncomfortable to use. The use of multi-functional furniture can resolve this problem very well, allowing the different furniture pieces to be easily categorised and used.
Easy to save space
As multi-functional furniture is capable of reducing its own size when not in use, it makes saving space more effective. For example, the size of a bench is 28cm × 24cm × 23cm when opened, and reduced to a quarter of its size after being folded. This not only saves space but also makes it easier to store.
Easy to bring with you
Due to their special user-friendly design, most of these furniture pieces are designed for compactness and versatility, making them light and easy to carry. Such furniture design has greatly met our needs, especially in today’s age. For example, some travelling accessories have the stool folded in for easy keeping in a bag or even a pocket. After folding, not only is the space occupied reduced but the safety of carrying is also ensured for some sharp tools included in the travelling accessories.
Image Via FreeDownloadCAD
In conclusion, two is indeed better than one. Multi-functional furniture is easy to use and designed to be highly functional, making them popular with small apartments and families.
If you have relatives or friends visiting you, your bed can be pulled out from under the sofa or down from the wall, while the door of your bookcase can be used as a desk. Due to its avant-garde design, this type of furniture is more suitable for fashionable youngsters.
Multi-functional furniture can be found in most furniture stores today, so why not get some cool furniture pieces for your home?
Renotalk is the leading home & living platform that connects a thriving community of property owners with reliable interior designers, contractors, brand owners, and product merchants who offer a wide range of home improvement education, services and deals to make the building and designing process easier, more exciting and more affordable.
