When arranging or decorating a certain area, the focus is directed mostly toward the primary furniture which consists of beds, sofas, and dining tables. Secondary pieces of furniture, however, have equal importance when it comes to the functionality or decoration of the place. These additional pieces are often referred to as supporting furniture as they not only enhance the primary furniture but also provide extra storage space, convenience, and style. This guide helps make the most out of living spaces by exploring what may lie in supporting pieces of furniture.
What Is Secondary Furniture?
Secondary furniture is often regarded as supplementary pieces that serve to enhance the basic function of a particular area. Side tables, ottomans, shelves, and accent chairs are a few illustrations. As opposed to primary furniture, secondary ones are not the focal point of the room but still serve an important function. These items are important because they:
- Provide additional space for organization and storage.
- Increase how the room can be used.
- Serve an aesthetic purpose in the room by blending with the primary furniture.
Common Items to Place in Secondary Furniture
Storage Essentials
A variety of secondary furniture pieces come with built-in storage compartments. Use these to keep organized with the following:
- Books and Magazines: You can keep them stored away tidily in an ottoman or place them on a shelf for a clutter-free space.
- Electronics: Side tables complete with drawers offer a good place to keep remotes, chargers, and even small gadgets.
- Linens: Storing spare pillows or blankets in a storage bench will make them easily accessible.
Decorative Items
Secondary furniture pieces offer space to place decorative elements that improve the aesthetic beauty of the room. For example:
- Vases and Figurines: Highlight artistic pieces on accent tables or mantles.
- Picture Frames: Family portraits or artworks can be mounted on consoles and sideboards.
- Indoor Plants: Small plants can be placed on shelves or tables to add some decor.
Functional Accessories
Functional features that you are likely to interact with daily can also be stored or displayed on secondary furniture. Some of them include:
- Lighting: Use desk or table lamps for focused lighting.
- Coasters and Trays: Place on coffee tables for drinks and snacks.
- Clocks: Used as decorations for console tables, clocks are also useful.
Best Used Secondary Furniture For Any Area of The House
Living Room
- Coffee Tables: Great for setting books, magazines, or serving trays.
- Side Tables: Grommets, lamps, or other devices are no longer a mess lying around, with side tables you have a perfect place for all of them.
- Ottomans: Great for concealed storage such as blankets and games while still providing seating.
Bedroom
- Nightstands: Keep a book on the bedside, or conveniently set your glasses and various personal items in the drawer.
- Benches: Use them to sit and put on or take off footwear, and at the same time move it around to take advantage of more space.
- Dressers: Stylishly enhances your room while offering great storage space.
Area of the Kitchen and Dining
- Sideboards: They can be used to keep crockery, cutlery, napkins, and tablecloths.
- Bar Carts: Ideal for holding drinks and containers.
- Storage Units: Storage for cookbooks, jars, or small appliances.
Home Office
- Drawers: Documents, memorandums, and other office materials can be kept in order.
- Bookcases: These can be used for books along with other accolades or embellishments.
- Carts: Storage for printers and other office equipment.
Secondary Furniture and Suggested Items
| Furniture Piece | Suggested Items |
| Coffee Table | Books, coasters, decorative trays |
| Side Table | Lamps, remotes, small storage boxes |
| Ottoman | Blankets, board games, extra pillows |
| Buffet/Sideboard | Dinnerware, glasses, table linens |
| Bookshelf | Books, vases, small indoor plants |
FAQs
- What is the purpose of a secondary furniture piece?
Their main functions are regular usage and offering organizational benefits to the decor style and interior design of space.
- Is it allowed to use secondary furniture in confined spaces?
Surely, using secondary furniture like folding tables or wall shelves does not take up floor space so they are perfect for restrictive areas.
- What criteria should I apply in choosing secondary furniture?
Consider how often will the item be used, how usable is the item, and the existing decor style in the room.
- Describe some innovative ways of utilizing secondary furniture.
The multi-purpose ottoman with a storage compartment, the bench that has a shoe rack, or the side table that also functions as a charging station are some examples of secondary furniture.
- Is there a space for secondary furniture in a minimalist environment design?
Even in minimalist interiors, secondary furniture is essential as it offers solutions to issues of order and utility while maintaining an uncluttered look.
Conclusion:
Secondary furniture has great importance as far as the functionality and beauty of a given room are concerned. One can enhance the effectiveness of any space within the room by strategically placing storage items, decorative pieces, and functional accessories to form an effective environment. It does not matter if the dwelling is a small apartment or a nice house, knowing what could go in a secondary furniture piece allows everyone to ensure each item serves a particular benefit and still complements the decor.