We enjoy seeing surprising wall-leaning furniture as much as anyone. While these pieces may be great space savers, call us curious: Are they comfortable to use? What weight can they support? Do they, ugh, fall down easily?
Take a peek, along with our practical thumbs up/down judgment calls.
Thumbs-Up: Wall-leaning tables and desks

The wall-leaning Appunto table has pizazz, and should handle a computer or meal with aplomb. We also like how it folds straight down for storage. Let’s applaud this French design for tiny and small living. (Laurent Corio, designer)

A Lovebird consists of two wall-leaning desks which connect drawers to form a standalone table. It’s a true multi-use solution for work and play. This Japanese design comes from a student completing her coursework. (Yuki Matsumoto, designer)
Thumbs-Up: Wall-leaning seating

“Flip is designed to look as if it has been made from the tops of two chairs,” explains its British chair designer. The piece is a solid, practical wall-leaner which easily flips to reveal a higher or lower seat rise. (John Caswell, designer)

A small space winner designed in land-locked Switzerland, the Curt evokes a traditional shipdeck chair with a seat sling. It’s obviously comfortable, has an anti-slip coating for safety, and may be easily stored. (Bernhard Burkard, designer)
Thumbs-Down: Wall-leaning tables and desks

This U.S. ladder-style piece looks handy with a computer desk and storage shelves to boot. It’s only thumbs-down because you may find similarly-sized furniture with standard support instead. (Mastercraft LBI, designer)

The Kaki is an all metal, round wall-leaner with a little bend to grab against the wall. It seems best-suited for an entry hall or side table. As a lightweight, this Japanese design is elegant through impractical — unless you love it. (Kenyon Yeh)
Thumbs-Down: Wall-leaning seating