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Winter brings holidays and those holidays usually bring guests. That may or may not be something you enjoy, especially if you’re short on space. Here’s something that might make your younger* guests a little more comfortable without taking up too much room the rest of the year. The Hideaway Folding Guest Bed is like a suitcase when closed (with a convenient handle for carrying) and can be used as a ottoman or be stored under a bed or in a closet. Open up the triple-fold mattress for a comfortable sleeping space for one, no fussing about with an air pump or a leaky air mattress.
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Here’s another excellent option for a counter stool, straight from Coolican & Company. Handcrafted from solid Black Walnut (harvested on the Niagara Escarpment), the counter height stool has a classic turned leg with an interesting faceted top for comfort. The pared down styling makes it a future classic, as it would work well with many other design periods. The price is pretty reasonable too- or, at least not crazy expensive considering some of our other favorites.
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If you’re looking for a super-minimal table or bench, you might like the looks of the Simone Collection by 57st. design. Double-thick Baltic birch plywood has dovetailed ends (spaced in irregular intervals) for visual interest and overall strength. The short or long bench would do well in an entryway or hallway, and won’t break the bank, thankfully. Free shipping, too, just in case that sweetens the deal.
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If you’ve ever shopped for a sofa with a clean, minimal style, you know that most of the time they’re shockingly expensive. This Gray Sofa is not (in comparison). It has reverse-stitched seams, the requisite low profile, and an option of high or low arm height…or, do one of each, as shown in the image above. Custom fabric is also available. Curious? Yeah, me too. This may help your decision as well: each piece of Interior Define’s furniture collection* is made-to-order and every piece has a 365-day return policy. Pretty crazy (in a good way), right?
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Need a side table with decent storage and good, solid construction? Check out the Hanko Side by Chadhaus. Soft-close slides will shut the drawer softly while the pared down appearance will slip in nicely alongside a mix of modern furnishings. Pair two on either side of a bed for nightstands or just add one to your living area to store the clutter of remotes and charging cables.
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This isn’t new, but it remains a stand-out piece in the seating/side table category. Designed by Ron Gilad in 2003, this stool/end table is quite the thing to have in your home. Leave the space empty and enjoy the inside/outside silhouette or use it for storage- it looks fantastic with stuffed with books.
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Ooo, nice! We’re big fans of Kaufmann Mercantile, so, of course it’s exciting to see their new line of select goods. The Gathering Bench is particularly lovely, as it is made from solid Black Walnut wood, and by woodworkers in New York, no less. Think of the design like a recipe; start with a base of Scandinavian lines, throw in a fair amount of Danish mid-century modern, and then add a generous pinch of Japanese minimalism. Sounds good to me. It would look damn good in an entryway or at the end of a bed, with or without miscellany piled on top.
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Hip, hip, hooray for geometric steel side tables that cost $175. We can thank PWHFurniture on Etsy for this find. It’s made of sheet steel and a welded steel base, so it’s sturdy and particularly friendly on the ol’ wallet. Now you’ll have an ideal spot to set your drink(s) and/or mobile device when you settle into your favorite chair/sofa. Choose between white, black, blue, red, or yellow.
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Set your mind to modular mode, and you’ll see that the Plus collection is a solution to your storage woes. Three concrete cubes can be combined in different ways to make furniture; there’s a single storage cube that can also be used as a seat, a longer bench, and a larger square table. Build a bookcase, a console, or just have one as a side table and/or seat. I’m sure you’ll have fun moving and stacking them into various configurations… although they are a little heavy, so you’ll be building muscle mass every time you shuffle them around.
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Want a more polished look to your living area? Check out Blu Dot’s new Plateau occasional tables. A circle of Carrara marble sits atop a powder-coated steel base for a refined, clean-edged look that’s sure to compliment your other modern furnishings. The materials and circular design hit that sweet spot of affordable elegance- who doesn’t want that?
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This Studio Chair ships flat-packed and is easily assembled, but you won’t find it at your local IKEA. Designed by Jason Whiteley, the chair is simple and precise, and refers to a type of common, robust chair originating in Switzerland. And, unlike some of the results from that aforementioned big box store, this chair is structurally sound and will withstand all manner of use, contract included. Easily assembly also means quick disassembly should you wish to pack it away in storage when not in use.
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Pa-dow! If the sight of the Zorro Coffee Table doesn’t stun you with its circular (blue!) glass top, I don’t know what will. A minimalist Z structure supports the two overlapping tops, with reflections adding further depth to its shiny surfaces. Choose between the blue glass (above) or the black marble and smokey glass version (below).
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Well, hello there, you set of delightfully minimal side tables. Would you like to come live with me? I promise to only put you in the best of spots, and to only split you up when extra guests show up and need a spot to set down their tea or coffee cup (there will be a coaster, of course) or maybe even their phone, or, if they’re brainy, their books. Otherwise, you’ll be free to sit together unencumbered so your clean lines and solid surfaces will be shown off to the best of their ability.
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Remember how I shared that I am building a lake house? Well, that endeavor also involves finding furniture to fill that lake house somewhat soon. I am against the idea of filling up a house all at once, because schedule constraints should not force one’s hand when it comes to collecting pieces that one will live on/around for the next several decades of one’s life. Plus, do you really need every room to be stuffed full? No, of course not. Personally, I like furnishing a home bit by bit, adding a piece here and there only when you need (or badly want) it.
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I know, shelving is rarely exciting, but this shelving system sort of is. The shelves are made from aluminum- nothing new, I know- but these shelves can be up to 2 meters (>6′) long and they’ll support books and other weighty items, unlike some of the lesser quality aluminum shelves that bend and/or dent under the slightest stack of books.

There’s also an option of open or closed units, back panels, side panels, and folding doors that allow you to customize the look you need. Hide away what you don’t want to see, leave open other areas for display and easy access. There are quite a few colors as well, which just makes everyone happier.
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