Space Savers: Consider the Beauty of Built-Ins

Noted American architect Frank Lloyd Wright had a penchant for built-in furniture. Now built-ins (as with many midcentury elements), whether beds, benches or dining room tables, are popping up everywhere in new builds and renovations. They’re particularly good for creating effective storage or adding useful elements in tight spaces.

Window Seat

A window recess is a great place to build in furniture, as it’s a space that might not otherwise be used. Another advantage is that you can create storage space under banquette-style seating. It also gives you a spot where you can bask in the sunshine.


The designer of this Wright-inspired house has taken ideas from the architect’s integrated approach to furniture, design and architecture, using lots of built-ins throughout. The look is seamless, and the built-in shelving, seating and desk make use of all available space. Even better, the banquette can be widened to become a daybed for guests, and the base allows for storage space.

See more of this house


This cozy nook in a home just outside Tokyo, where space is often at a premium, makes lovely use of a corner for both shelving and seating. There may be underbench storage here, too.


Shelving

Built-in shelves here act as storage and display, and provide a screen between the stairway and the lounge room. Plywood is a useful and pliable material for shelving and built-in furniture.


This is a lovely integrated look for a small but cozy living area. The built-in fireplace makes the perfect focal point, with the built-in bookshelves wrapping around in a clever use of space.


Extra Bed

We’re seeing lots of smart uses of space for increased sleeping areas too, like this one that sits above a lounge room. It’s perfect for children or overnight guests.


And speaking of extra space for beds, how about taking those built-in bunk beds up another level to really make the most of that high ceiling?


Entertainment

For a seamless look, consider recessing a television and fireplace into a custom-built wall.

How to Get That Built-In Media Wall You Really Want


Or build in drawers and cupboards — even an extra desk — for a multipurpose living area.


In the Home Office

The use of built-ins really comes into its own in the home office. This one makes great use of storage with all those drawers, but there is also a homey touch with the recessed window seating — perfect for a quick afternoon snooze when it all gets to be a bit much.


We’re also seeing more built-in desks, and I just love this one. It pulls out from under the kitchen countertop. It might have been planned as a work area or a desk, but either way it works well, along with the built-in seating, for a multifunctional space.


A narrow space can be put to maximum use with a row of floor-to-ceiling shelving on one side and a desk, cupboards and more shelves on the other. Not a scrap of space is wasted, but there’s still room to move around — or do a spot of yoga — in the middle.


This corner — and window — could easily have gone unused, but a simple desk and a chair turn this space into a useful workstation.


In Kids’ Rooms

Banquette-style seating is useful in a kids’ room, providing a little extra storage and comfortable seating.


Outside

And let’s not forget all the potential for building some outdoor seating into a landscape plan. Quite a few people could fit around this lovely outdoor fireplace — perfect for a party.

Spring Patio Fix-Ups: 10 Wonderful Ways With Built-In Benches


Stairs

These look like they would be tricky to build, but what a great use of space for storage.


In a Dining Area

Here’s that Wright-inspired house again with a built-in dining area. Note how this dining table is an extension of the kitchen countertop.


Squeeze It In

Is it possible to transform the tiniest or most awkward little space in your home into something usable, if space is at a premium? Perhaps build in a desk just large enough for a laptop and some small but useful shelving —just add a statement piece of furniture to complete the picture.


Tell us: Do you like built-in furniture? Please show us yours or tell us about it in the Comments.

More:
Built-Ins Boost Storage in Small Bathrooms
Storage Help for Small Bedrooms: Beautiful Built-Ins
Built-In Buffets Beef Up Diniing Room Style

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