5 reasons why vintage furniture is perfect for small spaces

The 5 reasons in brief

1. Designed for small spaces - then and now
2. Multifunctionality was the goal
3. Storage heroes! Many vintage pieces are true storage wonders
4. Built to last - quality you can feel
5. Vintage pieces have a soul - important in small spaces

Why small spaces are a reality today

At the end of the last century, owning a house was a big dream for many Europeans. In countries like Germany, land was affordable, and banks were happy to offer loans. Even today, about 65% of people dream of living in a single-family home. But things have changed. Nowadays, not many people can afford large plots, and some simply don't want to for environmental reasons.

Average living space per person:

• Italy: about 31 m²
• France: 33 m²
• Austria and Switzerland: about 45 m²
• Germany: about 47 m²

City dwellers generally have even less space than people living outside the city.

So small spaces are a reality for many of us. This raises the big question: How can you furnish a small apartment so that it feels like home?

What many don't know is that after World War II, people had to live in even smaller spaces, and designers back then developed some truly clever furnishing ideas. Ideas that still work wonderfully today.

Reason 1: Designed for small spaces - then and now

In post-war Europe, people lived in tight spaces with limited resources and faced the great hopeful challenge of rebuilding their lives from the ground up. This created a great need for smart, multifunctional furniture to help this generation make the most of their homes.

Vintage furniture comes from a time when people had less space and fewer resources. Apartments were small, but the furniture had to do a lot. Designers responded with creativity and intelligence - they designed pieces that not only looked good but could also perform many functions.

Furniture was not just about appearance - it had to serve many purposes. The furniture was designed to meet the demands of sleeping, working, learning, and socializing all in one. Imagine a wardrobe that was not only meant for clothes but also included a built-in desk, a hidden bar compartment, and a modular daybed.

There was even a lasting sense of security and readiness - furniture that could quickly adapt to different environments or be easily moved in case people had to relocate again. All essentials were cleverly combined into a few versatile pieces.

Reason 2: Multifunctionality was the task - Europe's clever furniture makers

Post-war Europe was very different from the booming United States, where people eagerly embraced new prosperity and new design trends. In contrast, Europe had to rebuild itself from scratch in every way. The furniture from this period was heavily influenced by the Bauhaus movement, which emphasized the social responsibility of designers and manufacturers to improve people's lives through good design and to make quality products affordable.

Mid-century designers and manufacturers focused on multifunctionality. They designed furniture for working, sleeping, and socializing - all in one.

Typical multifunctional furniture pieces from this era:

• Bar cabinets served to store bottles and glasses, but also books and magazines
• Cabinets were not only meant for clothes but also contained built-in bar compartments and desk surfaces
• Coffee tables could be converted into dining tables

That changed from the 1960s onward. From then on, convertible furniture increasingly focused on promoting social interaction - like extendable dining tables and convertible sofas. The urgent need to build a new life gave way to the desire for connection and exchange, fostering personal growth.

Reason 3: Storage Heroes - A Love Letter to Flötotto

Besides vintage furniture that amazes with clever functions, there are also pieces offering extensive and flexible storage solutions. In the 1970s, the manufacturer Flötotto launched its Profile System - a furniture line like Mary Poppins' carpet bag, but for your living room.

The furniture series from Flötotto, which anticipated the colorful 80s, was characterized by bright, striking colors. And there is hardly anything that can brighten a room as much as a lemon-yellow piece of furniture.

The Brilliant Concept

The concept is brilliantly simple. Like wooden building blocks, the modules of the profile system can be combined in countless ways. They transform into:

• Functional Walls
• Islands
• Towers

The modules can be easily separated and rearranged at any time. If you want to open the door from the other side, simply turn the container upside down. It's that simple. Like Lego for adults.

Originally, these storage wonders were found in children's rooms, kindergartens, and schools. Today, originals from the 1970s decorate living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways around the world - making adult life easier.

Reason 4: Built for Eternity - The Timeless Quality of Vintage Furniture

Vintage furniture is not made for short-term trends. It is made for eternity. Many vintage pieces arrive in our warehouse in remarkable condition. They have been cared for and loved. And thanks to their quality, they can be restored again and again.

In the 20th century and long before, furniture was made to last a lifetime. Owners treated their pieces with care, and many of them have remarkably stood the test of time. When these treasures arrive in our warehouse, they are often still in excellent condition.

What sets vintage furniture apart from others is its exceptional quality, which allows for refurbishment and gives these pieces a new life. While the 21st century is often called the age of "fast furniture," more and more people are rediscovering the value of craftsmanship and durable materials.

That's why investing in vintage furniture makes absolute sense. People are starting not just to buy furniture. They appreciate pieces with history, made with love and care in a time when good design and quality mattered more than mass production, low prices, or compact shipping.

Reason 5: Soulful style - vintage furniture brings meaning to small apartments

Vintage pieces have a soul. And in small spaces, where every item counts, an emotional connection is important.

As we have seen, vintage furniture was originally born out of necessity. It was meant to be multifunctional, space-saving, and durable. So why, aside from the variety of functions they offer, are these pieces still so popular with younger generations today, especially in living and working spaces that are often even smaller than in the 1950s and 60s?

The difference from built-in furniture

If you can afford it, most small spaces today are equipped with built-in furniture. Pragmatic, effective, and smart solutions. When you move, you simply leave them for the next tenant or owner.

In contrast, multifunctional vintage furniture is not custom-made yet fits seamlessly into modern spaces. They are compact, cleverly designed, not too bulky, and invite you to think outside the box and live.

More than just functionality

Vintage furniture is more than just functional objects; they have a soul. They tell stories, evoke nostalgia, and create emotional connections, even if you don't share their history. It's not about furnishing the entire tiny apartment in mid-century style, but about adding meaningful, purposeful pieces that still make sense today.

The space-saving ideas from the past still prove themselves and help us make the most of our homes in a stylish and thoughtful way. And of course, sustainability also plays a crucial role. These timeless pieces already exist, and by giving them a second life through restoration, we reduce waste and honor the craftsmanship.

Conclusion

Ultimately, vintage furniture offers more than just clever design - it gives us the opportunity to live consciously, beautifully, and with a touch of magic from the past. A win-win situation!