Living in a small studio apartment has made me particular about furniture. Only the best, most practical pieces are worthy of a spot in my home, and if they don't serve more than one purpose, then I don't want them.
Because of my extreme pickiness and my desire for multipurpose pieces, I tend to do a lot of shopping at IKEA – aka the home of multifunctional furniture, often designed for small apartments. Every now and then, I come across something that feels like it was specially made for me – equal parts practical, stylish, and, of course, multifaceted. My most recent find to fit the bill is IKEA's KOMPISHÄNG Birch Stools.
Slim, lightweight, and stackable by design, these stools deliver so much more than extra seating for my small living room that doubles as a dining room. Stack one on top of the other, and they'll instantly transform into a shelving unit for extra storage or a two-tiered side table.
Interlocking cutouts on the feet of one and the seat of the other allow for sturdy stacking, turning these stools into a two-tiered table in an instant. Finished with dark green paint on their seats, these stools would make a tasteful addition to any room.
The stools are part of IKEA's newly released KOMPISHÄNG collection. Made for students, renters, or anyone subject to frequent moves, the range consists of furniture and decor that's built for longevity, easy to transport, and aesthetically appealing, too. Although those elements aren't often grouped together, this collection is proof that durability, portability, and good design don't have to be mutually exclusive.
Along with the rest of the KOMPISHÄNG collection, these stools will help you make the most of your living space – no matter how small or how temporary it may be – without sacrificing style.
There are so many ways in which these stools can benefit small rooms, apartments, or even dorms. In my studio, I plan to keep them stacked in a corner as a makeshift shelving unit to hold books and plants. When I host guests, I'll unstack them for extra seating. This way, I won't have to buy clunky folding chairs that'll crowd my closet or force people to sit on the floor. Although if I to do the latter, KOMPISHÄNG conveniently has a back cushion that'll make the floor just as comfortable a seat.
I'm also keen on the idea of using the stools as a substitute side table. Most traditional side tables are only good for holding lamps, trinkets, or drinks on their singular flat surface. With flat surfaces, these stools can do so much more.
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At only $60 for the set of two, the Birch Stools from IKEA's KOMPISHÄNG collection are the hardworking pieces that deserves to take up square footage even when it's tight. With their multi-purpose nature, they're sure to help you make the most of your space. See how I'd style them below.
Also from the KOMPISHÄNG collection, this desk is a convenient furnishing because of its collapsible design. When hosting guests this fall and winter, simply pop out its legs and arrange the KOMPISHÄNG stools around it to create a makeshift dining space. And when the party is over, fold it up, slide it away, and stack up the stools to free up your living space.
When stacked, I'd treat the KOMPISHÄNG stools as I would a side table, and I'd style them as such. Position them next to a chair or a couch, use the lower surface to hold a drink, and use the upper flat surface to hold a light like this portable lamp from Target. It'll cast a warm glow on your evening read, and its green stripe will complement the style of the stools themselves.
To make the stools look less utilitarian and more like design-driven furnishings, I'd style them with fresh plants when stacked. This tiny pot can become the home for a small succulent or any other plant of your choosing. Its rustic look can add visual interest to your two-tiered vignette.
Shop More From IKEA's KOMPISHÄNG Collection
Aside from the Birch Stools, IKEA's KOMPISHÄNG collection features so many more standout products, including the three below. Shop them while they're still in stock to help you make the most of your living space.
When you live in a small space, all storage ideas are welcome. Featuring several pockets, this hanger can give everyday essentials a proper home on the back of your door – keeping them from cluttering your living space. Along with the pockets, this hanger also features hooks for coat storage, too.
What looks like a sculptural art piece is actually a book holder. It's designed to give your books a proper place to rest, even if your space doesn't have its own bookshelf. With handles on either side, this book holder is easy to carry around your home.
Although the Birch Stools can stack to form a temporary side table, the KOMPISHÄNG collection features a true side table of its own. Just like the rest of the products in this range, this side table is easily movable – just fold it flat and use its circular base as a handle for convenient movement.
Packed with function-first, design-driven furniture that makes life on the go a little bit easier, I'm certain that IKEA's KOMPISHÄNG Collection will sell out quickly. So don't wait, if the Birch Stools or any other well-made pieces from this line are speaking to you, I suggest you make them yours before it's too late.
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