Built in furniture conjures up visions of breakfast nooks and disguised storage spaces. However, there's really no limit when it comes to these ingenious space saving techniques. You can place built in furniture anywhere. Think sunken in dining tables, built in desks, a complete TV unit, kitchen nooks and more. The trend has seen a rise in popularity in the past few years because of two things mainly practicality and affordability. Many young couples who have just spent money on a new house don't have enough money left to properly furnish the place, so they turn to built in furniture. Some studies show that you can outfit your house with built in furniture pieces for less than a third of what you would pay for traditional furniture. Besides being cheaper, built in pieces save space, which is extremely important if you don't have a lot of space in the first place. This type of furniture is economical and easy to construct, which makes it a good option for first time home owners.

What's more, with built in furniture you can really get creative. The creation of built in furniture demands a heightened sense of space and design—you have to willing to think outside the box.

The Shakers, known for their thrift and practicality are also great fans of built in furniture and if you were to visit any one of their communities, you would realize how efficient and useful it is. Their built in cupboards and nooks took up entire walls, but far from being unsightly, these pieces of furniture are quite magnificent.

For those who are just getting started, there are few staples to consider. Murphy beds and loft beds are made for saving space. However, they also add a creative touch to any small space or apartment. For an increasing number of people who work at home, having a fold away bed is ideal. You have more room to work and you won't be tempted to snuggle up in the sheets.

Next, you've got built in tables. These can be placed anywhere really. You can install a built in desk in a kitchen, in a guest room, or even in your bedroom. You may even want to consider building a desk under a staircase to maximize often unused space. Additional accoutrements to a built in desk include cupboards and shelf space, as well as cabinets and drawers. Adding these will keep your work area free from clutter.

For especially small spaces, consider a sunken desk. Install, for example, a desk or breakfast table beneath your living room, covering with boards and a carpet or rug when not being used. This, of course, requires some work, but it's a good idea to consider if your home is being constructed.

A built in TV unit can save tons of space. You can add additional cabinetry and slide away planks for additional ‘desk space'. Consider little cubbies for storing movies or DVDs. Add shelving components to incorporate audio equipment. Wires can easily be hidden with removable paneling. Really the sky is the limit.

Remember built in furniture isn't merely about saving money; it's also about economizing space and transforming your home.