Designing for less: How multifunctional furniture can make your home smarter

In Dhaka, where apartment sizes are shrinking and rents are on the rise, people are getting smarter about how they furnish their homes. Minimalism may be trending globally, but in this city, it is less about following a fad and more about making the most of a limited space. 

That is where multifunctional furniture comes in; beds with storage underneath, sofas that turn into beds or foldable dining tables that disappear when not in use are no longer niche choices. They are fast becoming staples in many households. By replacing bulky, single-use pieces, these designs help make homes feel more open, tidy and comfortable.

"People want their homes to feel calm and spacious, even if they're small," says interior designer Afrah Khan. "The easiest way to achieve that is by choosing furniture that blends in, doesn't dominate the room, and serves a purpose or even two." She frequently recommends hydraulic beds, especially for families with children, noting that hidden storage is often a game-changer in compact homes.

Sofa beds are another popular pick in Dhaka. Perfect for single-room apartments or homes without a dedicated guest room, they offer a smooth transition from day to night, especially useful during guest visits or overnight stays. For people who love to host but lack space, nesting tables are a great option. They come stacked in sets and can be pulled out or tucked in as needed.

For bedrooms with limited wardrobe space, full-length mirrors that double as jewellery cabinets or slim storage lockers can be added to walls and behind doors. Some even come with built-in lighting, creating a small dressing corner without the need for bulky vanities.

In smaller kitchens, movable kitchen islands on wheels are becoming popular. These provide an additional prep surface and often come with shelves or pull-out baskets for storing dry goods, pots or small appliances. When not needed, they can be rolled to a corner or used as a bar cart or serving table during gatherings.

Corners, often overlooked in tight apartments, are now becoming high-functioning zones thanks to smart furniture solutions. Compact corner shelves, for instance, are being used to display décor or store kitchen essentials without taking up prime wall space.

L-shaped benches with built-in storage are being placed in dining nooks, doubling as seating and a place to tuck away extra linens or appliances. "We often recommend floating corner desks or wall-mounted ladders that act as both a storage rack and display unit, as these pieces can make the most of the tiniest corners without overwhelming the room," says Afrah.

As the need for smarter furniture grows, local brands have stepped up. Hatil and Sencillo, for instance, now offer sleek, space-saving options that suit minimalist interiors. 

Sencillo's modular sofas and fold-out desks are designed with Dhaka's tight corners in mind, while Hatil's extendable dining tables and storage beds combine clean design with function. A few newer local brands are also taking initiative based on the rising demand to introduce compact designs with modern finishes, all catering to small-space living.

Afrah explains that with more people working from home, the demand for multipurpose furniture has increased. "People look for desks that double as dressing tables or dining spaces that can work as a Zoom backdrop," she says. The idea of buying "one item that does two things" is now spreading beyond just central Dhaka and becoming a smart choice across households.

For those with unusual layouts or specific needs, many local studios and carpenters offer custom-built solutions often at more affordable rates than branded furniture. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have helped bridge the gap, allowing customers to discover new makers, browse their work, and request personalisation.

But not all multifunctional furniture is built the same. Experts suggest checking for durable materials and strong mechanisms. "These pieces go through more wear and tear than regular furniture," says Afrah. "Always ask what kind of hardware is used; stainless steel and heavy-duty systems are ideal." She also advises checking for available spare parts and whether the seller provides after-sales support.

If you are renting, it is also wise to avoid permanent fixtures like wall-mounted beds or built-in cabinets. Instead, go for freestanding foldable furniture that's easy to move when needed. Neutral colours, clean lines, and slim silhouettes help furniture blend into the background, making rooms look lighter and less crowded.

While prices vary depending on materials and build, most people are willing to invest a little extra in pieces that save space and last longer. A basic storage bed might start around Tk15,000, and fold-out dining tables can range from Tk8,000 to Tk20,000.