Tiny House Couches With Storage: Space-Savvy Seating Guide

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Why Storage CouchesWhat To Keep InsideStorage StylesStorage Couch TypesHow To Decide

When I was building my tiny home, I quickly learned that every bit of space counts. Even though I’d committed to the minimalist mindset and pared down my belongings, I still needed places to put them. I found that a small couch with built-in storage was the perfect solution, without sacrificing comfort or precious space.

Hi, I’m Ryan

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after a decade of living in a tiny home, it’s that every inch of space matters. That’s why I love comfy seating with hidden storage, so I don’t have to sacrifice space or coziness in the name of storage.

Why Couches With Storage Are Perfect For Tiny Homes

You might ask yourself, is a tiny house storage couch right for my space? In a word: yes. You can choose what version works for you. Traditional store-bought couches tend to be very comfortable for relaxing at the end of the day but light on storage options.
A couch with storage combines the best of both worlds. I love to read, so I spend a lot of time on comfortable seating when the weather’s not great, so having a good couch is a priority for me.

The main benefit of using under-couch storage is that the storage can be mostly out of sight, reducing the presence of clutter. Tiny home couches with storage are a great way to organize items that you want to keep, but don’t need to use every day, like sports gear, so they aren’t blocking your path or providing distraction when not in use.

What To Keep In A Storage Couch

What Are Common Sizes For Tiny House Storage Couches?

Tiny houses are subject to specific size constraints, and I even wondered at first whether it was possible to fit a storage couch in a tiny house.

But there are a surprising number of seating options that offer additional storage and fit perfectly into tiny homes.

Many people end up choosing a couch spanning one end of their tiny house, usually around 6-8 feet long and a couple of feet deep. These often take the form of bench seating with cushions, or an eating nook off the kitchen.

However, if you have something different in mind, don’t rule it out — one of the biggest benefits of moving to a tiny home is having flexibility.

Different Styles Of Hidden Couch Storage

I’ve seen a lot of tiny home couch storage ideas — from pieces of furniture that hide items completely out of sight, to those that allow for items to be stowed away while still partially visible and easily retrievable. In my experience, there are three main styes of built-in storage that work especially well for tiny homes.

Easy-Access Drawer Storage

Flip-Top Storage Fits Bulky Items

Open Storage Helps You See What You Have

Storage In Arm Rests

Types Of Couches And Furniture With Storage

Space-saving furniture with storage options come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking for something that’s top-tier in coziness or something that can serve multiple functions in your home, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Traditional Couch With Storage

I find that most people, even in tiny homes, still prefer having a comfy couch to sit on and read or put their feet up and nap. Some traditional couches come with pull-out drawers, lift-up cushions, or armrests that offer a safe place to tuck away belongings without sacrificing comfort. Just be sure you’re aware of the couch dimensions and your space limitations, so you don’t take up all your available space with a single piece of furniture.

Storage Bench With Cushions

Loveseat

Being the smallest style of couch, and accommodating drawer or cubby storage underneath, these are a natural fit for tiny homes. This style works well for homes with one or two residents, or the homes of people who spend more time outdoors than indoors.

Sectional

Storage Ottoman

A flip-top ottoman can add storage even if you already have a couch without storage built in. An added bonus to using these is that it’s possible to move them around until you find the location that feels best for the space, or if you require temporary modifications to your layout.

Sofabed/Futon

I find that one way to fit all the furniture into the puzzle of a tiny house is to use double-duty formats like a futon or a sofa that turns into a bed. Many find the adaptable nature of these pieces gives them the best of both worlds. Futons lend themselves to long drawers underneath, or, depending on the height, they can be a good candidate for long roll-out storage bins.

Convertible Daybed

Customized Storage Seating

What I love about tiny homes is that you can shape them to your needs. There’s no limit to the designs you can come up with when you design your own tiny house!

Customized seating can even vary based on your height or the height of others who’ll be sitting there as well. If the people using the space aren’t on the tall side, it’s possible to make a part of your tiny home do double or even triple-duty, like combining a loveseat and storage cupboards in the same zone as the sleeping loft above.

I’ve seen some folks use couches with cubbies underneath that they use either as open space, or with baskets — it’s totally adaptable to their needs, and they’re able to easily update it over time if their lifestyle or living arrangements change. Another possibility is to use fabric or woven baskets to add storage to the side of the couch.

Decide Which Style of Couch Works For Your Space

First of all, think about what style of seating best fits your needs and space. How many people will realistically be sitting here? Do you want a seat next to or inside the kitchen so someone can sit and chat with the chef, or do you prefer to clearly define those areas?

Maybe you want your couch to convert into a bed, whether for yourself or guests. Some tiny house dwellers even decide on a couch that can move around, perhaps on wheeled casters, to meet different needs in the space.

The storage furniture you choose all comes down to your preferences and needs. Even though benches with cushions aren’t my personal favorite, many people like this style. Depending on the number of people (or furry friends!) living in or visiting your home, more seats might make sense for you. Remember that one of the benefits of a minimalist lifestyle is that you have more control over what works for you.

Whether you’re going for hygge or high efficiency, a storage couch is a key element to helping any tiny home flow. You just need to choose which one!

Your Turn!

• What style of storage couch would be the best fit for your tiny home?
• Which items do you need a home for that you could store in a couch?