12 Low Furniture Ideas for Living: Maximizing Style and Functionality

When it comes to modern interior design, low furniture is increasingly becoming a popular choice for those who value both style and functionality. The idea of “low furniture” has different terms such as low-level furniture, low seating furniture, lowboy furniture, and even low-slung furniture.  The style of furniture brings a unique aesthetic appeal to living spaces, while, of course, also giving practical benefits, particularly in smaller rooms, studios, or apartments. As a New York interior designer this is something I need to often consider and want to share some thoughts about with my readers.

First of all, low furniture is not some sort of trend that is popular today and will be gone tomorrow. Rather it’s a versatile design choice that can transform the look and feel of a room. As you know, I like to bring together different aesthetic choices from both Western and Eastern design philosophies and these types of pieces work well in this combination. Low furniture naturally complements an Eastern aesthetic, where simplicity, harmony, and connection to the earth are key design principles. The use of low-profile seating and tables creates a grounded, serene atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Japanese tatami rooms or minimalist Zen interiors.

Embracing low seating furniture and minimalist designs can transform your living space into a modern reflection of Asian design principles, where every element is thoughtfully chosen to promote balance, simplicity, and an inviting warmth. From low-profile sofas and couches to low coffee tables and even beds, incorporating them pieces a living space can create an airy, open atmosphere while again, also providing the functionality that clients need. So let’s get into the specifics.

Types of Low Furniture

Low Sofas and Loveseats

Low sofas and loveseats are quintessential examples of low-profile furniture. These pieces sit closer to the ground than traditional sofas, providing a sleek and modern look while maintaining comfort. These work great in the interior design style I often use with clients (and write about!) Japandi.  If you are new to this concept, check out my blog on this.

Compact and Stylish Designs

While I often work in large spaces (particularly in in cities where real estate goes for a premium such as New York, Paris, Washington D.C., etc.), low-profile sofas do work for such spaces.  They help to create a modern, contemportary look that goes perfectlhy well in these bigger spaces.  That said, low-profile sofas are also excellent for smaller spaces as they take up less space visually and thus make a room feel larger and more open. These types if sofas come in various styles, from minimalist designs with clean lines to plush, cushioned options that do prioritize comfort.

Sleeper Sofas and Sectionals

Speaking of space, for those who need multifunctional furniture where they need to combine furniture in terms of being both a nice, attractive sofa with a sleeping option, low-profile sleeper sofas and sectionals are ideal. These pieces offer the benefits of a comfortable seating area that can also serve as a bed, making them perfect for apartments or guest rooms. (While we love visitors to New York, space for guests to sleep over can be an issue. These help with this dilemma.)

Low Coffee Tables

Staying with the modern, sleek look, I love the idea of a low coffee table.  They are are a staple in low furniture design, and also combine form and function in way that enhances the overall aesthetics of a room.  I think there’s something particularly mod and even sexy as you have a guest over for a coffee or drink and enjoy that beverage seated next to the low coffee table.

Storage-Integrated Designs

What I particularly love is when these pieces also include some built-in storage options, such as drawers or shelves.  Why not maximize the space of a room by keeping your living room organized and clutter-free. This also speaks to my design aesthetic and these designs are particularly useful in small spaces where storage is at a premium. As I write about when talking about Japandi and Wabi-Sabi, every element in a these space are practical yet beautiful.

Minimalist and Space-Saving Options

Clean, minimalist lines in furniture maximize space and hidden storage solutions keep clutter at bay.  And these multi-functional pieces can be adapt to various needs. I recommend this to clients not just because they look amazing, but this focus on functionality indeed creates a sense of order and calm.  We want are clients to have a home where it is easier to relax and unwind.

So, for those who prefer a minimalist approach, low coffee tables with simple, clean designs can maintain an open and airy feel in the room (like the low-slung sofa) and can be the perfect piece in a living room, where this functionality won’t overwhelm the space.

Low Beds and Bed Frames

Moving into the bedroom, low beds and bedframes, such as platform beds, are a popular choice for their sleek design and space-saving qualities.  How are space-saving?  You know they can also incorporate storage drawers underneath and are a brilliant way to maximize space in the room. Obviously, such beds can eliminate the need for additional storage furniture, and will free  up precious floor space and make a he room feel more spacious and elegant.

Convertible and Murphy Beds

If space is a premium (again such as in New York) in studio apartments or small homes, convertible beds or what are called Murphy beds are excellent options. These beds can be raised up against the wall (creating more space) but also can have storage options embedded into them.

Low Storage Solutions

Storage is a critical aspect of interior design, especially in smaller spaces. I think of storage as something as flow issue. How annoying is it to be looking for things buried away, where you have to remove all these items in order to find something at the bottom of a drawer, or in the depths of a closet. There have to be better ways to make this a non-frustrating process.  Having enough space that is well-organized is a good start. You can do this with low storage solutions, such as low bookshelves, cabinets, and under-bed storage units, offer practical ways to keep your living area organized while maintaining a cohesive design.

And if you want to keep floors and surfaces clear, consider using wall-mounted shelves and storage units. These can be installed at varying heights, allowing you to maximize vertical space without crowding the room.

Other Low Furniture Ideas

Under-Bed Storage Units and Bookshelves and Cabinets

Make the most of your space (and crowd out the dust bunnies) by using the space under your bed for storage.  It’s one of the easiest (and often overlook) way to maximize functionality. Low storage units can slide easily under a platform bed, and can tuck away many items not needed for the moment such as off-season clothing, shoes,, extra bedding, even books or paperwork (old tax returns anyone?).

If you don’t want to put under the bed, or even if you just want more space, low-profile bookshelves and cabinets are ideal for storing items without taking up too much wall space as they can easily be placed under windows or along low walls, providing storage while keeping the room feeling open and airy.  These can work well when you have windows and of course wouldn’t dare cover up them with storage systems–as necessary as they may be!  Those of you who follow my blog know how much I care about using light correctly in a space.

Low Seating Options

In addition to low sofas and loveseats, there are various low seating options that can add comfort and style to your living space.

Floor Cushions and Poufs

Floor cushions and poufs are versatile seating options that can be easily moved around the room. These low seating pieces are perfect for casual gatherings or as extra seat when you more guests than usual.  What I like about them too is that they add a relaxed almost bohemian vibe to a room and can be easily stored away when not in use.

In case you haven’t heard the term pouf, it’s like an ottoman.  In terms of functionality, they are very similar. Both are like low stools that can serve as footrests, as well as extra seating or side or coffee tables or trays when paired with a flat surface.  This is especially true in smaller spaces that need some sort of multi-tasking furniture.  Poufs can even serve as an accent piece, particularly when they are designed with vibrant colors.

Low Profile Chairs and Stools

Low-profile chairs and stools are great for smaller living rooms or apartments and not just when space is limited. These chairs provide comfortable seating without taking up too much space, and their low height helps maintain an open feel in the room.

Three Specific Benefits of Low Furniture

Creating the Illusion of More Space

Now while I often work in brownstone apartments or in large New York lofts, I do want to explore how great low furniture is in small spaces. As I mentioned above, a primary benefit of low furniture is its ability to make a room feel larger. Keeping the furniture closer to the ground, you can create more visual space above and make the room appear more open and airy.  This is really key when you have lower ceilings.  That’s a whole issue unto itself which I have some thoughts on in my article on low ceiling design tricks.

(If you want some more small space ideas, check out this article by Apartment Therapy’s Cara Gibbs.)

Some other benefits of choosing furniture like this include:

Enhancing Room Aesthetics

Size matters.  It’s not just the style of a piece of furniture that affects its look, it’s its size.  Low-profile furniture helps to contribute to a sleek, modern aesthetic that can elevate the overall design of your living space. The clean lines and minimalist designs often associated with low furniture help create a cohesive, uncluttered look.

Multifunctional Uses

Many low furniture pieces are designed with multifunctionality in mind. For example, a low coffee table with storage can serve as both a functional surface and a place to store books, magazines, or remote controls. Low-profile couches and sleeper sofas provide comfortable seating by day and can be converted into beds at night.

So there you have it.  Incorporating low furniture into your living space is a smart way to maximize both style and functionality. Whether you live in a large home or a small apartment, low-level furniture options like low-profile sofas, lowboy furniture, and low-slung coffee tables can help create a more open, spacious environment while providing the practical benefits of storage and multifunctionality. By carefully selecting and arranging low furniture pieces, you can transform your living room into a stylish, comfortable, and highly functional space.