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These pieces of furniture can be "replaced" to create more space

Assessing which pieces of furniture are truly essential and which can be reconsidered is an important step in creating a more comfortable house.

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Jun 27, 2025, 7:00 AM

08 min de leitura
Project by Larissa Perna.

Project by Larissa Perna. (Rafael Renzo)

Thinking about furniture from a new perspective — more practical, functional, and light — can completely transform the utilization of projects. In this sense, it is worth paying special attention to pieces that, although essential, often occupy more space than they should. By replacing them with versatile and smart versions, it is possible to gain precious meters without giving up comfort or style.
White walls, wooden floor, and green cabinets define a 3,000 sq ft apartment. Beta Architecture project. In the picture, the living room features a hollow bookshelf and wooden flooring.

Projeto Beta Arquitetura. (Juliana Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

In compact apartments or houses with integrated plans, every centimeter makes a difference. The good news is that contemporary design has invested in solutions that combine aesthetics, functionality, and space optimization. Below are ideas for furniture that can be replaced with more practical alternatives — and how this impacts daily life!

Conventional cabinets for shelves and hanging shelves


In the kitchen, upper cabinets are almost a rule — but not always the best choice! In small spaces, they can create a stuffiness sensation and visually weigh down the area. An effective alternative is to invest in open shelves or hanging shelves, which make the projects lighter and more organized at the same time.
Melina Romano- Casa Alma Duratex

Melina Romano - Casa Alma Duratex. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2021. (MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

In addition to facilitating access to daily use items, these solutions allow you to highlight utensils and dishes that are part of the decor. It is possible to combine shelves with support bars or hooks, creating a dynamic storage system with a more fluid visual.

Retractable sofa for sofa-bed or lightweight line models


The retractable sofa is often a favorite for those seeking comfort, but its bulk can compromise circulation, especially in integrated living rooms. In this scenario, the sofa-bed emerges as an excellent option. It elegantly assumes two functions and works well for guests or moments of relaxation.
With a 180º view of the sea, a 550 m² apartment receives a young and sunny project. Project by 021 Arquitetura. In the photo, a children's room with a designed wall and neon.

Projeto de 021 Arquitetura. (Produção Lu Algarthe | Fotos: Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)

Another possibility is to replace the retractable with a model of straight lines and narrow arms, which occupies less space without losing sophistication. Sofas with visible feet and light coverings also contribute to a sense of spaciousness in the projects.

Traditional rack for multifunctional panel


If the television is still the focal point of the living room, the traditional rack can be replaced with a smarter structure. A custom carpentry panel — with shelves, niches, and even built-in cabinets — allows for organizing and decorating at the same time, keeping everything in place without occupying usable floor space.
25 m² apartment gets a young, integrated, and functional project. Project by Carolina Gava, In the photo, bedroom, balcony, and shelf with rotating tv.

Projeto de Carolina Gava. (Monica Assan/CASACOR)

These panels can also integrate projects, such as the union between the living room and home office, or gain extra functions with drawers and built-in countertops. The secret lies in finding a design that meets the real needs of the space and matches the style of the house.

Nightstand for shelves or floating niches


In bedrooms, the nightstand can be replaced with more creative and lighter alternatives. Floating shelves, compact side tables, or even niches built into the headboard are solutions that maintain functionality and still help compose the décor with personality.
150 m² apartment combines a cool decor and a view of the Lagoon. Project by Manuela Santos. In the picture, a couple's bedroom with a slatted headboard and paintings.

Projeto de Manuela Santos. (Leonardo Costa/Divulgação)

In addition to saving space, these alternative pieces of furniture facilitate cleaning and create a more modern visual. Another tip is to use multifunctional furniture, such as stools that serve as support or trunks that store and decorate at the same time.

Center table for poufs or mobile side tables


The center table can be charming, but is not always practical — especially in small living rooms! A good idea to replace it is to use upholstered poufs, which serve both as support and extra seating, or mobile side tables, which can be moved as needed.
Ground floor apartment of 75 m² gains color, charm, and a lot of security. Project by Paula Neder. In the photo, living room with a brick wall and sofa.

Projeto de Paula Neder. (MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)

This type of choice guarantees more flexibility in the use of space, ideal for those who enjoy hosting or need adaptable environments. Poufs with internal storage space are a functional and aesthetic bonus.

Bookshelf for organizing modules and built-in niches


The traditional bookshelf can be rethought to make way for lighter modules, which can be arranged vertically, horizontally, or built into the wall. Open niches, MDF modules, or thin metal structures are options that ensure personality without overloading the projects.
Trama Studio, by Melina Romano – CASACOR São Paulo 2018

Estúdio Trama, por Melina Romano – CASACOR São Paulo 2018. (Denilson Machado/CASACOR)

The idea here is to value the verticality of the projects, leaving the floor free and contributing to the sense of spaciousness. Furthermore, this type of composition allows changes over time, following the growth of the house and its needs. CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator, developed by the CASACOR Technology team from the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.