I’ve always had a somewhat eclectic style when it comes to furniture. But we’ve been making some decorating decisions in our condo lately that require us to make choices about what statements we want to make with our home looking forward, from wall colors to fabrics to styles of furniture. One of my favorite pieces of furniture is an old buffet that we found in our barn at our farmhouse in Germany. It holds many memories, and I just think it’s a beautiful example of craftmanship from a century ago.

Today’s post focuses on a few of the more unique elements you might want to throw into your decorating designs, if you’re doing some remodeling or redecorating.


Good interior design doesn’t stop at the living room. It doesn’t rely on pieces that can be picked up wholesale from the best furniture stores, either.  If you’re looking to make a statement with your household possessions, here are just 10 pieces that are out of this world and one of a kind.

1: Wireframe Sofa

Sleek and stylish, the wireframe sofa is a breakthrough in designer furniture. Its cushions are easily removed, fluffed and cleaned; its minimalist design wouldn’t be out of place in the industry’s most fashionable magazine. It even comes in both one- and two-seat varieties for the solo buyer or the canoodling couple.

 

2: Expandable Tables

Expandable tables are exactly what they sound like: tables that unfold into even larger ones. If you’re looking to conserve floor space without sacrificing all the comforts of a large surface area for meals, drinks and remotes, think about investing in an expandable table.

 

3: Egg Chairs

Egg chairs are excellent weapons against chronic back pain. Their ergonomic shape encourages better posture in a natural, comfortable way, but they also allow you to sink back and relax against the cushions. You no longer have to choose between comfort and convenience, not when you have egg chairs in your living room.

 

photo credit: cpkatie via photopin cc

photo credit: cpkatie via photopin cc

4: Swirling Sinks

Not only are they aesthetically interesting, but swirling sinks will also stop you from losing earrings down the drain. Their unique design gives you plenty of time to catch your wayward pearl before it’s gone forever. In fact, the only drawback of swirling sinks is that you might waste water as you’re mesmerized by your own personal Ellenborough Falls.

 

5: Convertible Ottomans

Most people don’t give a lot of thought to their ottomans. If you could pull a mattress out of them, maybe this fact would be less true. Convertible ottomans double as beds in a way that leaves even sofabed manufacturers seething with envy.

 

6: Staircase Storage

Are you tired of tripping over shoes, toys and miscellaneous knick-knacks in the hallway? Convert the bottom of your staircase into a storage unit. You’re only using the space that’s already there, and what’s more, you can stop stepping on Legos with your bare feet at 3am.

 

photo credit: Brett Jordan via photopin cc

photo credit: Brett Jordan via photopin cc

7: Rotatable Tray Tables

Tray tables are useful in all varieties, but the adjustable ones really take it up a notch in terms of utility. Not only will you enjoy buttons and levers to change their height, position and incline, but some models will even let you flip over the surface area entirely!

 

8: Television Flap

Television flaps are designed to conceal your TV until you’re ready to watch it. Make your plasma screen disappear into the ceiling; fold your HDTV into the wall like a piece of origami; hide your old-fashioned box inside a hidden interior compartment. The possibilities are endless when you have a little creativity.

photo credit: terren in Virginia via photopin cc

photo credit: terren in Virginia via photopin cc

9: Chalkboard Furniture

Parents, this one is for you. If you’re frustrated by your child’s habit of irreversibly drawing on the walls, give them some chalk and let them go to town on chalkboard furniture. These fun pieces are available as dressers, toy boxes and even entire walls.

 

10: Book Nooks

If you lack the space for a proper book nook, you can always buy a new bookshelf that has one built into the middle. It will store all your Shakespeare while also allowing you to enjoy the bard from a comfortable seat that doesn’t take up any more existing space.

 

These are just 10 unique furniture ideas for the unconventional home. If you’re ready to think outside the box, these collapsible tables, expanding ottomans and multipurpose sofas should help the inspiration strike.

What style do you have in your home? What are your favorite pieces of furniture?