Designers' Secret Weapons: 10 Underrated Furniture Pieces That Transform Any Space

When it comes to home design, everyone obsesses over the big-ticket items—the perfect sofa, the dream bed, the statement dining table. But what about the unsung heroes that truly make a space functional and fabulous? 🤔 Designers have been quietly incorporating these underrated pieces into their projects for years, and now they're sharing their secrets!

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Storage Ottomans: The Ultimate Multi-Tasker ️

Jenny Williamson of West Rose Design absolutely swears by storage ottomans, calling them "a staple in most designs." And honestly, what's not to love? These versatile pieces provide:

• Extra seating for unexpected guests

• Hidden storage for blankets, pillows, or random clutter

• Lightweight mobility for flexible room arrangements

"They're typically lightweight and can be easily moved," Williamson explains. "They provide additional seating and a place to stack other items." Perfect for small spaces or anyone who loves functionality without sacrificing style!

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Antique Bars: Timeless Character Meets Function 🍸

Caroline Dedeker of Cedar & Oak recently sourced an antique bar for a client that became the talk of the town. "A bar provides effortless functionality between two spaces without there having to be an actual separation," she reveals. These pieces bring:

• Historical charm and personality

• Practical storage for glassware and spirits

• Seamless room transitions

Whether you're mixing cocktails or just displaying your favorite decanters, an antique bar adds sophistication that modern pieces often lack.

Console Tables: The Understated Workhorse 📋

Taylor Shanahan of Redmond Aldrich Design has a serious obsession with console tables. "We are constantly looking for consoles to live behind a sofa, in a living room, or next to the entryway as a drop-zone," she admits. These slender wonders offer:

Shanahan even jokes, "In another life, I would probably own a shop that only sells consoles." Now that's dedication!

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Coffee Table Clusters: Dynamic & Flexible 🎨

Jessica Neilas of Thoughtform Design Build and Wolfe champions the coffee table cluster approach. "By doing a cluster of tables and ottomans in different sizes, you can really play with different heights and materials," she explains. This technique provides:

• Visual interest through varied heights

• Flexible arrangements for different occasions

• Multiple surface areas for drinks, books, and decor

Neilas suggests including pieces around 18 inches high for casual seating. "It's an inviting way to get people to sit in the middle of the room and use the space differently."

Drink Tables: Small But Mighty ☕

Don't underestimate the power of a dainty drink table! Christina Clark of Clayton Korte loves how they "round out any sitting area, no matter how small." Designer Allison Jaffe places them "next to accent chairs so that you never have to reach to put your drink down."

But wait—there's a vintage twist! Neilas is obsessed with traditional telephone tables from the post-modern era. "They would consist of a cute perch, sometimes upholstered, specifically designed with a surface for an old-school telephone," she describes. How charming is that?

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Dressing Stools & Benches: Elegant Storage Solutions 👞

Clark views dressing stools or benches as essential design elements. "Use at the end of the bed for hidden storage or as a convenient place for putting shoes on," she suggests. Jill Lagom agrees, noting how benches work wonders in small spaces:

• Guest room luggage storage

• Entryway seating

• Extra seating when entertaining

Personality Pieces: Beyond Traditional Furniture 🎲

Want to elevate your space from basic to brilliant? Lagom suggests incorporating unique items like:

• Marble chessboards for "playful sophistication"

• Vintage gumball machines for nostalgic charm

• Record players in colors matching your decor

"Pro tip: hit up your local thrift store for cheap, awesome records," Lagom advises. "You can also buy one or two classics online."

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Instruments as Decor: Creative Space Solutions 🎹

Who says furniture has to be... well, furniture? Lagom loves using instruments throughout a space. Her brilliant ideas include:

• Using a piano with a deep fallboard as a desk

• Hanging electric guitars on walls as art

• Incorporating smaller instruments as decorative accents

This approach blends creativity with practicality, proving you don't have to sacrifice artistic expression for functionality.

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Twin Beds: Compact & Versatile ️

For multifunctional rooms (think guest room/home office combos), Lagom suggests twin beds. "When you set up a twin, it's compact and can act as a daybed so you can use the room as an office," she explains. This smart solution offers:

• Space efficiency in small rooms

• Daybed functionality for lounging

• Easy conversion between purposes

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Secretary Desks: The Ultimate Space-Saver 📚

Aileen Jackson of Jackson Warren Interiors calls secretary desks "so underrated." She explains, "It's a pretty piece when folded up, but can open to function as a workspace—we love a hardworking piece of furniture." These classics provide:

• Compact footprint when closed

• Full workspace when needed

• Elegant display surface

Why These Pieces Matter in 2025 🌟

As we navigate smaller living spaces and multifunctional homes, these underrated furniture pieces are more relevant than ever. They prove that:

• Functionality doesn't have to sacrifice style

• Small pieces can make big impacts

• Personality matters more than perfection

Designers agree: it's time to look beyond the obvious choices and embrace these hidden gems. Your space will thank you! 💫