Murphy Desk - Love It!

 

In previous articles, I have discussed the benefit of space saving furniture. I found this fantastic murphy bed/desk while perusing the internet and fell in love with it. It allows you to quickly turn your desk into a spare bed and would be great for an office or guest room. I think this is great because usually if your desk doubles as an alternative piece of furniture you spend a lot of time moving your things around! Not the case with this murphy bed. You can not only save space but time as well.

 

What do you think of this piece of space saving furniture?

Space Saving Pallet Furniture

One of our readers mentioned using pallets and mason jars to create some great storage units and shelves. Being inspired I decided to source out some ideas that used repurposed pallets. Here is what I found! I shared links to the directions if I could find them. I hope you enjoy.

Pallet Murphy Desk

This idea is a great DIY version of the murphy desk mentioned in my Space Saving Furniture post. The great thing about it being a murphy desk is you can fold it up allowing you to optimize the room based on your needs. It also provides shelving to store office supplies or display you treasures.

The best part is, it appears that the pallet was kept intact. This eliminates the need to deconstruct it.

 

Bathroom Organizer

This  is fantastic but would require a lot of deconstruction and cutting. It may be just as easy to buy some inexpensive wood and work with it.

That being said, this piece does take advantage of an awkward space and allows your things to be organized in an accessible way.

 

Shelving Unit

This unit isn't only for bathrooms, it could be used anywhere in your house. I could see it being used for pots in the kitchen, clothing in the bedroom or even books. How do you think you would use it?

 

 

Shelf

This is another great shelf that could be used in many ways. It could hold kitchen ingredients, books or bathroom trinkets. This shelf also uses the whole pallet, meaning all you need to do is clean it up and give it a coat of paint. This is also a great depth for romance novels and DVDs.

 

 

Wine Rack

This is a great way to use a single piece of furniture in multiple ways. Not only does it store your wine (or sparkling water if you prefer) it also stores and displays you glasses. The shelves could also be used for magazines or other household items.

 

 

Rolling Coffee Table

This table is great because it provides lots of extra storage. You could even create storage crates out of another pallet to use under the table.

Pot Rack

When I saw this, I thought it would make an excellent DIY pot rack which optimizes kitchen storage as discussed in Room by Room - Organizing Your Kitchen.  You would have to be sure it is constructed well for the extra weight but it would help save money to spend elsewhere in your organizing adventures.

 

 

Shelving Unit

This is another storage unit that could be used in many different ways. I love the height and I think it could even be used as a babies changing table with a few adjustments. Again, you could build storage crates out of a pallet to use on these shelves and make this space even more functional.

This was built using new lumber but could easily be done using a pallet. Instructions are available at Remodelaholic.

 

Storage Caddy

This caddy could be used for crafts and tools, a fruit basket, in the bathroom or even be placed on some of the previously displayed shelving units. It is very versatile.

To build this yourself, visit Lovely Greens.

 

Chest

Anybody who has seen my apartment knows that I love suitcases, storage boxes, and chests so this is my favourite idea. It creates extra storage and extra seating so it is space saving.

I think it will likely take more than one skid and a bit of time but the outcome is totally worth it. If I can think of someone to make it for I will definitely be making this.

Bookshelf

This bookshelf looks really fun although it looks like it is being supported by the wall. I would personally make alterations so that it was free standing but that is because I like to be able to put my furniture anywhere I want and there may not always be a wall.

Space Saving Furniture

My apartment is 600 sq. ft. and limits my ability to do a lot of things. We determined what activities we do the most and then set up our apartment to match. For us sitting down at a table for dinner wasn't a common occurrence so we opted out of having a table. That being said, we like to host the occasional casual get together so it was important that there was a lot of comfy seating. We also need a lot of additional storage because what we have just doesn't cut it.

The important thing to remember is, when buying furniture find items that serve two purposes and plan before you buy.



Need a desk to do work and a table for occasional dinner parties - opt for a farm table. It will provide you with lots of space to work but can be easily cleared off to serve dinner.





Have a studio apartment that lacks storage and privacy - throw in a book case. A ceiling to floor bookshelf or other unit will give you the extra space to put things as well as create a divider from your bedroom to your living space.

If there is a back to the shelf and it is ugly - cover it with fabric, paint or mactac and add a mirror or painting to turn it into a focal point. Or you can add hooks - see photo.




Extra sleeping space - pull out couches and futons have really changed and there are numerous attractive and unique options. You are no longer limited to the giant floral print couch in your grandmas basement that smells like pepperoni.

I am sure that this couch, which converts into bunk beds, is outrageously expensive but it is very cool.





Require a lot of seating but don't need it all the time - look for items that convert into seating or can also be used for something else. Try coffee table with tuck in seating, a storage bench or cube, or even a stool that can be used as a side table during it's days off.






Can't fit a dresser and a queen/king sized bed in the bedroom - look for a bed that has drawers or storage compartments underneath.





Murphy Everything - okay so maybe not everything, but if you have the ability to attach fixtures to the wall (my lease doesn't allow it) you can have more than just a murphy bed. You can have a fold down table with chairs, ironing board, desk and seating. If your TV is wall mounted, you can fold everything up and use you living space as a giant playing field. Hockey anyone?

 

Need more places to store your stuff - The obvious solution is shelving or cabinets but you can find all sorts of furniture with hidden compartment to store stuff - couches, tables, beds!