Six transforming furnishings that make the most of small spaces
By Cat DiStasio
Convertible furniture isn't new; most of us have lived with a shape-shifting futon or sofa bed at one point or another. Sometimes, though, a small abode cries out for much more than an extra sleeping surface, and designers have been racing to the rescue with innovative setups that completely transform living spaces. Some reach up, like this floating platform that rises to create a whole new room, while others stretch outward, like these smartly designed windows that double as a balcony. We've also spotted a sofa that turns into a comfy bunk bed, and a handcrafted wooden chair with dozens of configurations. These shape-shifting elements are just the tip of the iceberg of inventive solutions to small space dilemmas.
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A smart sofa that changes shape
The Lift-bit furniture system is unlike any sofa you’ve seen before. Designer Carlo Ratti created this unique transformable couch for Vitra, a Swiss furniture company. Made from a collection of upholstered hexagonal stools, the sofa can be reconfigured into countless shapes and setups, all from a smartphone app that controls the motors in each stool. Through the app, users can create a winding sofa for party guests, a cozy chaise lounge and even a bed -- all without lifting more than a finger.
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