Australian-made furniture perfect for apartments
For many Australians who are moving from a detached dwelling to an apartment, downsizing possessions and furniture for apartment living can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. If you're on the search for new furniture, before venturing out to your local discount store, consider buying local – it's more sustainable, built to last and supports local talent.
Here's a round-up of some of our favourite Australian furniture perfect for apartment living.
THE DAY BED
Made in Melbourne/Perth
A day bed is an ideal addition to any apartment, as it gives the flexibility to accommodate guests while having a multi-purpose function as a couch during the day.
Featured: Mark Tuckey’s Box Day Bed is made from either recycled Oregon with a soap finish and ivory linen, or birch ply with lime and lacquer finish and washed hemp upholstery.
THE FLOATING BED
Made in Tasmania
Aside from looking ultra-futuristic and trendy, a floating bed gives the impression of a more spacious room, which is great if your apartment is on the smaller side. Having built-in nightstands will also create more space around the bed, as well as a valuable storage facility.
Featured: Simon Ancher Studio’s Floating Bed in Tasmanian Oak, which contains soft-close drawers, concealed charging points and a natural oil finish. The bed is available in a selection of stains to suit your apartment’s colour scheme.
THE DISPLAY LADDER
Made in Sydney
Display ladders are an attractive way of storing rugs, blankets, garments, scarves and towels, and especially handy if you run out of space in your storage cupboards.
Featured: Rhys Cooper’s ‘Drape’ ladder is elegant, yet durable and practical.
THE STACKING STOOL
Made in Brisbane
Can you have a small minimalist apartment, and host guests? Absolutely! Stackable furniture is the secret to maintaining your floor space while being able to transform your home to accommodate guests when they visit.
Featured: Mast Furniture’s ‘The Base Stacking Stool’ is a solid timber stool with an organic form as well as many uses – seating, plant stand, side table etc. Each set can be stacked in groups of three stools.
THE SHELVING UNIT
Made in Melbourne
Open shelving units are great for creating the illusion of more available space. A cumbersome unit with cupboard doors essentially blocks the line of vision, whereas a more delicate frame in a similar colouring to the wall should appear less jarring.
Featured: The Fable Open Shelving Unit by Didier features solid, meticulously crafted oak structure.
THE SIDE TABLE
Made in Melbourne
A coffee table can take up an inordinate amount of space, while a side table can serve a similar purpose while being tucked away tidily and only used when required.
Featured: The Lucious Handmade X Hamilton Taylor Made Staple Side Table. The lightweight C-shaped design is both versatile and functional and can be tidily tucked under a couch in place of a coffee table.
THE ARMCHAIR
Made in Melbourne
A comfortable armchair is arguably as important as a decent sofa. Find the right one and you’ll instantly feel at home. A small armchair can be used as an additional seating option in the lounge, in the bedroom/study or even on the deck (if weatherproofed). Many companies give you the option to choose your own upholstery, which gives you a great opportunity to add personality to your new apartment.
Featured: Ingrain Designs Recycled Messmate Chair made from 100% recycled timber, feather cushions, and upholstered with material from Sustainable Fabrics.
THE ENTERTAINMENT SUITE
Made in Melbourne/Byron Bay
An entertainment suite that sits low to the ground, with closing drawers is a great way to keep electronics and cords tidy, whilst also housing an entire hub of entertainment in your living room.
Featured: Pop & Scott Rocky Record Sideboard made from sustainably sourced wood and includes purpose-built shelves for vinyl (which are also adjustable) and the option of custom sizing to fit your space.
THE MODULAR SOFA
Made in Melbourne
Modular sofas are great for three reasons: they’re easy to transport in two pieces, you can arrange them to comfortably fit your lounge and you can put your feet up while watching a movie. Save the stress of trying to manoeuvre any other kind of sofa into your apartment by opting for modular.
Featured: Zuster Contour Modular Sofa is comprised of an Australian hardwood timber frame, feather/down cushions and Japara twill fabric. Cushion covers are also removable for dry cleaning.
THE DINING SUITE
Made in Western Australia
Unless you dine out every night of the week, having somewhere to eat dinner or share a meal with friends could be one of the most important items of furniture you could invest in. Even a small dining table can be a great place to commune and share food, and it can also act as somewhere to sit and work.
Featured: Nathan Day Design Custom Oak Dining Table and Chairs Mosman Park. This dining set is perfect for a small apartment as it’s a great size an elegant, modern design.
THE DESK
Made in NSW
If you are intending on working from home, then a specific zone with a desk is a great way to separate your living areas, from work. You may like to consider installing floating shelves above your desk to house stationery and books to save on space.
Featured: JD. Lee Furniture’s The Stoke Desk made from FSC Certified furniture-grade American Oak with Chain of Custody Accreditation. The desk can be shipped flat packed for easy delivery to apartments.
THE OUTDOOR TABLE
Made in Melbourne
Many apartments today are being designed with an outdoor space to enjoy nature – whether it be a balcony or garden. An outdoor table can act as an alfresco dining option, and by installing an awning or canopy, the area can function as a place to dine year-round.
Featured: Ross Gardam’s Flint Table is available in an indoor and outdoor range. The tabletop is available in sustainably sourced Spotted Gum and stained Accoya.
