Guwahati: A research team from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) has developed a unique and space-saving furniture design aimed at addressing the growing need for adaptable furniture in small living spaces.
As urban homes shrink, the demand for multifunctional furniture, that maximises space, has surged.
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The research team from IIT Guwahati’s Department of Design led by Prof Supradip Das used a prototype-driven innovation approach to create a versatile piece of furniture capable of transforming into eight different configurations.
Comprising two side panels, cylindrical bars and round-headed bolts, the furniture can be easily adjusted by the users to serve various functions, including a chair, table or storage unit.
This innovative design is ideal for small homes where space is limited and flexibility is essential.
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The team has successfully secured a patent for the invention.
According to a survey by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), 32 per cent of urban homes are 258 sq ft or smaller, while in rural areas, 39 per cent of homes measure 312 sq ft or less.
This trend has increased the need for compact and versatile furniture, and IIT Guwahati’s new design offers a solution tailored to small living spaces.
Prof Das said that his team’s 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.
“With homes and apartments becoming smaller, people increasingly need furniture that can serve multiple functions without taking up too much room,” Prof Das said.
“By developing a highly customisable piece, we have aimed to combine practicality with versatility, enabling users to modify its shape and function to suit their daily needs, whether for seating, storage or as a workspace,” he added.
To arrive at the final design, the team built and tested several prototypes, experimenting with different concepts.
They selected the best design based on space-saving efficiency, ease of use and cost-effectiveness.
The furniture is designed to be affordable, with a variety of materials to cater to different income levels.
“The furniture is flat-packed and can be assembled by the user, engaging them in the process and tapping into the IKEA effect, where people derive greater satisfaction from building their own products,” Prof Das said.
The IKEA effect, named after a Swedish furniture giant, describes how people tend to value an object more if they make or assemble it themselves.
The furniture’s adaptability allows the users of all ages to modify its shape based on their requirements.
A smaller version is also available for children, making it a versatile option for any household.
The design’s simplicity ensures easy adjustments, empowering the users to make the most of their available space.
While the lab-scale prototype costs approximately Rs 35,000, the production cost is expected to drop significantly when scaled up for mass production.
The design is flexible in terms of materials, offering affordable options such as particle boards or premium alternatives like acrylic and toughened glass, making it accessible to a broader audience.
This innovative, multifunctional furniture promises to be a game-changer for those living in compact spaces, delivering both practicality and style.