When living alone, a single piece of furniture takes on multiple roles. The coffee table becomes a dining/ study table while a stool could be used as a side table, ottoman, breakfast counter, or to simply sit. But when living with family, there are some pieces of furniture one can’t — and must not — do without.
The console table
This versatile piece is a must-have as it is the perfect place to display family photographs or heirlooms, stash keys, mail or wallets. Ideally placed near the entrance, it is a one-stop destination for those running in and out of the house. Apart from that, a console table is great at filling up any empty space.
The coffee table
The living room is incomplete without a coffee table, especially in a family home. Ideally placed in the centre of the seating area, a coffee table can be used by children to finish their homework or to prep vegetables while your favourite soap is on. A good idea is to buy a coffee table with built-in compartments to put away magazines, remotes, and other knick-knacks.
An upholstered armchair
There is something about a cosy upholstered chair. For its sheer comfort quotient, this piece of furniture serves the needs of everyone in the family — from the 5-year-old to the 70-year-old. Placed near a window or an open corner, the armchair also offers peace and solitude to those who like to sit with their favourite book and don’t want to be disturbed.
The nightstand
In bedrooms, a nightstand is an essential piece of furniture. A practical option, a nightstand allows one to store a book or magazine one likes to read before falling asleep, and put away the alarm clock, cell phone, reading glasses or a glass of water. Every bedroom needs this – even your child’s room.
A bedroom bench
A simple bench in the bedroom is a versatile piece of furniture It can be used to sit on to put on shoes, toss worn clothes, set out next day’s outfit, or simply sit and read/surf if it’s not time to get into bed yet. We recommend a bench with storage space to keep extra pillows, bedsheets, blankets, etc.
Vintage trunks
Trunks have never really stopped trending. Used for multiple purposes and at multiple paces, a trunk is a great addition in a family house. Not only will it add a vintage vibe, it can be used to stash all the stuff (think books, magazines you can’t part with, clothes for when you lose weight) that threatens to choke your room.
Extra chairs
In a family home, extra chairs will never go amiss. Stash them away when not required but do keep them around. You don’t want to keep any guests standing, do you? When not in use, there’s a lot they can fill in for — a side table, a night stand or a balcony seating.