Multipurpose furniture is beneficial in more ways than one, obviously. Utility, convenience, waste reduction, compactness, and originality are just a few of the reasons why we’re urging you to give these modular furniture ideas a try next time you’re in the market for new furniture.

According to municipal solid waste statistics from the EPA, 9,870 tons of furniture and furnishings were discarded in 2009. This figure accounts for not only primary use, but of secondary, or second hand use, as well.

It wouldn’t be fair for us to ask you to hang on to your beer-soaked sofa from your freshman year in college, but with a little planning, care, and conscious choices – you know, now that the keg parties are over – you could score some chic furniture with multiple uses that might be able to hang around for many years to come.

Not only is multi-use furniture better for the environment, you’re buying fewer new pieces and hopefully using them for far longer, but they’re also great for when you’re tight on space, or just don’t want to clutter your place with a lot of individual items. Plus, sometimes having a trick up your sleeve (think super cool desk that converts into a guest bed) will impress even the most indifferent irresistible of in-laws.

These modular furniture ideas are novel, but certainly not out of reach. In fact, if you’re extra handy, you can replicate some of these, or get really crafty and create your own multipurpose pieces using second hand finds and some DIY know-how.

Bedroom

Whether it’s breakfast in bed you’re after, or a great workspace for those days when you just don’t feel like getting out of your pajamas, then look no further than the elegant and sophisticated La Vela II pop-up night stand. With a built-in table that rises to lap height, there’ll be no reason to ever get out of bed.

Living Room

If your guests seem to be playing musical chairs instead of relaxing in your company, then it may be time for some extra seating. This Cosmos coffee table with storage ottomans has got you covered. Not only is it stylish, but you have four empty holes to fill with stuff!

Easy DIY alternative: score a trunk with a flat top at a thrift store and you’ll have instant storage, a unique coffee table, and a great conversation piece.

Dining Room

Okay, okay, so every now a then you still like to indulge in a keg party, or maybe it’s wine you prefer these days. Regardless of your beverage choice, I think we can all agree that one of the best ways to impress your grown-up guests is with this awesome dining table that also doubles as a pool table. After dinner, simply remove the top, rack your balls, and get ready to break. Designed by Fusion Tables, prices and retailers are available upon request.

Kitchen

Maybe your kitchen is too compact for a large island, or perhaps you just need some extra counter space during the holidays. Well this little cutie is sure to meet your cooking needs. The popular Origami kitchen cart with wood top comes in four colors and easily folds down to fit in slender spaces, like the pantry. Use this mini island and its shelves all the time, or only when you need it – it’s as simple as that.

Easy DIY alternative: snag a second dresser with drawers, freshen it up with paint, add locking casters, hang a paper or dish towel holder, and install some wine glass hanging hardware for a creative, custom multipurpose kitchen island like the one seen here.

Office

Always wanted a gorgeous desk that could double as a guest bed? Bam! Meet the Adam Tavolo queen size wall bed. This is everything you could want in a chic, modern office and then some. Prices are available upon request, but you’ll surely want a quote after scoping out the rest of their gorgeous pics on the Resource Furniture website.

Bathroom

Let’s face it, we can never have enough storage, which is why these multipurpose gems would be great mounted above the toilet. Not only will these floating shelves display useful and decorative items, but they’re also equipped with flip-down doors allowing you to store even more bathroom odds and ends. Get the Slice wall mounted storage shelf from CB2.

Now that you’ve taken a peek at some of our favorite modular furniture ideas, we want to hear from you! Do you have a favorite from our list? Do you already own modular furniture? What are some ways you try and keep furniture out of landfills? Sound off on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Convertible Bed via Resource Furniture

The post Modular Furniture Ideas for Every Room in the House appeared first on EcoSalon.

Kids grow like weeds. Save money and reduce waste by choosing furniture that can accommodate every growth spurt.

One of my best friends recently had a baby. Scratch that–actually her daughter just turned one, and is already yelping out words and scooting around the house. “How can you be 1?”, I wrote in her birthday card, “You were just a bump!”

Kids grow fast, in the blink of an eye really. The comparison to weeds is well-earned. The tiny overalls that were so cute a month ago now expose chubby ankles as the wearer expands toward the sky. Same thing goes for furniture. Buying a tiny bed or desk might seem adorable right now, but the brilliance quickly fades when you realize they’ll outgrow it before first grade even starts.

Modular furniture is designed to be flexible. Much like a new parent’s sleep schedule, it’s adaptable, changing at a moment’s notice depending on the child, activity, and available space. Yes, the average piece of flex furniture costs a bit more than conventional pieces, but you have to factor in future savings: shell out a little more up front, and the next bed or desk you buy might be fitted to their college dorm room.

1. Smart Kid Conversion Set by Adensen

Made of high-quality birch wood and non-toxic lacquer, Smart Kid is a multi-functional set of furniture that morphs along with your child. It can be assembled into a crib with a changing table and storage drawers, or a desk with a chalkboard, a bigger bed and all the drawers your child will need as it grows older. Suitable for children up to 10 years old. $1,170

2. Ergonomic Desks & Chairs by Posture in Style

Today’s children spend more time sitting than any previous generation. Designed specifically to promote good posture in young people, Posture in Style’s innovative line of German-made, ergonomic desks and chairs are safe, stylish, and feature rich. With tilt-able desktops, adjustable height surfaces and chairs, and customizable colors and designs, they’re an investment that cannot be outgrown. Chairs start at $475, desks around $800.

3. AZ Desk by Guillaume Bouvet

Who say’s children’s furniture has to look like it fell out of a circus truck? The AZ Desk possesses a modern sleekness worthy of an adult office, never mind the fact that it will certainly be covered in finger paint at some point. It includes a chair and writing surface that get taller as your child moves from toddler to adult. “Even the writing surface “grows up,” converting from a kiddie-friendly chalkboard into an ergonomic table,” reports Fast Co. Design.

4. Growth Table by Tim Durfee and Iris Anna Regn

In today’s busy world, work and school can often stand in the way of quality family time. The Growth Table is meant to encourage the entire family to gather together at the same surface, whether coloring, doing homework or paying bills. Especially perfect for homeschooling families with multi-aged children!

5. Grow Bike by Orbea

Admittedly, this isn’t a piece of furniture. But bikes are so integral to childhood (and staying active) that we just had to include it. Spanish bike maker Orbea designed a line of bicycles that grow along with your child and (supposedly) last youngsters twice as long as regular bikes. Along with the seat and handlebars, the bike’s lightweight aluminum frame can be adjusted according to height, which eliminates the risk of putting your child on a bike that’s too big before they’re ready.

top image: stevendepolo

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