Multifunctional furniture is furniture with several functions combined.[1] The functions combined vary, but a common variant is to incorporate an extra storage function into chair, tables, and so forth, making them so-called storage furniture.[2] It more efficiently uses up living space.[3] Lack of space can be an important reason for choosing such furniture, but combination furniture is also seen in larger homes for more space-efficient utilization.[1] Historically, furniture with transforming mechanisms was called "mechanical furniture".
Examples
Some common examples of multifunctional furniture are:
Chair-table,[4][5] a table where the tabletop can be hinged to form the back of a seat to serve as a chair, if necessary
Chest-chair,[6] a type of chair where the seat doubles as the lid of a chest for storage
Chest-table, a chest used as a table, with storage space underneath a hinged tabletop. Today more commonly seen as coffee tables, since people's legs do not usually rest underneath such tables.
Coffee table with extra storage on their underside is a type of multifunctional furniture
Daybed, a combination furniture which can be used as a bed, for sitting, or for rest and relaxation in common rooms
Lambing chair, a type of unchair commonly with storage under the seat in form of a drawer