Tight on space? IIT Guwahati researchers develop ‘space-saving’ furniture that can be customised to become a chair, table, storage and more!

When space is tight, furniture needs to get smarter – and that's exactly what a team of innovators from IIT Guwahati has set out to do. Led by Prof. Supradip Das from the Department of Design, this team has developed a genius piece of space-saving furniture that can morph into eight different configurations. Perfect for those who live in small apartments or compact homes, this new furniture design promises to help you maximize every square inch of space without sacrificing style.

With a clever approach called 'Prototype-Driven Innovation,' Prof. Das and former student Rijas M.P. created a modular furniture system that transforms on demand. Whether you need a chair, a table, or some quick storage, this furniture has you covered.

Why does space-saving furniture matter?

We’ve all seen it – as urban homes shrink, the need for multifunctional, compact furniture is only growing. In fact, according to the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), 32% of urban homes in India measure 258 sq. ft. or smaller. That’s barely the size of a cozy studio apartment! And in rural areas, nearly 39% of homes are about 312 sq. ft. or less. This is where IIT Guwahati’s design really shines, providing a solution for the space-conscious homeowner.

“Our primary objective was to design furniture that optimises the use of limited space by providing users with the flexibility to adjust it based on their specific requirements at any given time,” said Prof. Das. He added, “With homes and apartments becoming smaller, people increasingly need furniture that can serve multiple functions without taking up too much room.”

A furniture piece for every need

So, what makes this furniture special? For starters, it’s all about flexibility. The design includes two side panels, cylindrical bars, and round-headed bolts, all of which you can adjust to transform the furniture into different forms. The result? A single piece that can function as a chair, a table, a storage unit, and more! With a design like this, you don’t have to clutter your space with multiple pieces – instead, you can swap forms with ease.

But it’s not just about squeezing more functions out of one item. The team was careful to make the furniture easy to assemble, encouraging users to build it themselves, much like the popular IKEA flat-pack model. “The furniture is flat-packed and can be assembled by the user, engaging them in the process and tapping into the ‘IKEA effect,’” said Prof. Das, “where people derive greater satisfaction from building their products.”

Adaptable for everyone

And here's the best part: this adaptable furniture comes in a range of material options, so it can work for any budget. Whether you’re into affordable particle boards or want something premium like acrylic or toughened glass, there’s a version for you. Plus, the production cost is expected to drop significantly with mass production, making it a more accessible option for anyone looking to save space.

For families, this design is a winner. The team even developed a kid-friendly version, which makes it a versatile choice for households with children. The furniture’s adaptability allows users of all ages to modify its shape based on their needs, whether that’s for playtime, study time, or just some extra storage.

(With inputs from agencies)