Making Your Own Space Saving Furniture

Considerations

The key to creating space-saving furniture is to develop items with multiple uses, or items that can fold away or disappear into walls or ceilings. Each household is different, with differing numbers of people sharing smaller or larger common areas. Consider all the things each member of the household likes to do before deciding which space-saving pieces would meet the largest number of needs using the smallest space. Every piece of furniture should have built-in storage, be able to swing out of the way, or be able to convert into something else.

Murphy and captain's beds are two of the most familiar pieces of space-saving furniture. A dining alcove with a pedestal table that can be pushed down to make a spare bed is another familiar piece. Flat screen computers can be hung underneath food prep counters, with the entire counter protected by a sheet of clear, plastic laminate. Add storage cupboards at each end, plus bench seating which stores under the counter, and you have a multifunctional kitchen island.

Needs Assessment

Gather family members and list all the activities you wish to be able to do in each room of the house. List all the items needed for each activity. Decide how much space is needed to store these items, which provides the quickest access and the simplest cleanup. Brainstorm new ways items could be stored. Remember that during the brainstorming stage all ideas are welcomed, and no idea is shot down. This encourages creative thinking.

Decide which furniture pieces could be combined. For example, if a room is used for watching television, listening to music, working on the computer, doing crafts, making puzzles, sewing and gaming, a couch with storage drawers for games and craft supplies and an entertainment center with dual computer work stations on each side might be all the furniture that room needs.

Decide what dimensions are needed for each piece of furniture. A captain's bed with under-bed storage drawers and a fold-down student's desk for a child should not be as long or wide as one for an adult.

Putting It All Together

Choose your materials. This includes safety or protective materials such as the clear laminate sheet that would be needed for an under-counter mounted computer in a kitchen island. Be sure to use any needed protective gear, such as safety goggles, dust masks, or gloves.

Gather all the hand and power tools needed to complete your project. Cut, manufacture or purchase all parts needed for each piece of furniture you intend to build. Miter corners as needed. Drill pilot holes for any screws or bolts. Countersink wood screws. Use carpenter's glue in all screw or bolt holes and between any wood joints for extra strength. Use epoxy to join metal or plastic parts. Sand burrs after cutting metal, wood or plastic, before assembling any parts. Use clamps when needed to allow glue or epoxy to set.

Resources

• Space Saving Furniture: Kenchikukagu