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Desk in room ideas


12 ways to arrange your space |

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future / Gunter & Co)

Bedroom layout ideas with a desk are a practical way to create workspace in properties that do not have room for a home office and have become increasingly popular in recent years as more of us than ever are working from home.

‘Our homes are having to work harder than ever to adapt into multifunctional spaces, that create a balance between work and play,' explains Rachal Hutcheson,  national retail manager at Sharps. 'If your bedroom is now also your working area, a clutter free tidy desk space, in a previously unused corner, will aid a healthy work life balance.' 

Being a space of relaxation, incorporating a desk into a bedroom does come with challenges, but with some clever thinking there are plenty of ways to create a multi-functional space. Whether you're thinking of incorporating a desk in a large master bedroom or in a teenager's bedroom, we've gathered a selection of bedroom layout ideas for incorporating desks to help get you inspired, along with some handy advice from the experts.  

Bedroom layout ideas with a desk – experts tips for arranging your sleep space

When designing small bedroom layout ideas with a desk it is important to first take into account the size and shape of the space. Before you rush out and buy a desk create a floor plan including dimensions of the room and any doorways, windows as this will make it clearer where furniture is best positioned and what types of desks might fit best. 

There are many freestanding desks available which can easily be moved around if needed, but it is also worth considering bespoke built-in options for space efficiency.

1. Zone the space

(Image credit: Future)

If you are thinking of using your bedroom as an office space during the day then it is important to position the desk away from your bed to ensure you can switch off at the end of the day. If you have a large, main bedroom, position the desk so that you are facing away from the bed whilst working and as far from it as possible, say experts, as this will help distinguish work time from relaxation time.

'Most people want their bedroom to be a place to relax and unwind so if you are also using it as a workspace, try to position the desk further away from the bed to create a separate space in the room,' says Sarit Marcus, professional interior designer and founder of Minted Space . 'I recommend putting the desk on a separate wall from the bedroom.' 

2. Add a desk between fitted wardrobes

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

If space is at a premium, or if you are after small bedroom layout ideas, then opting for a desk fitted as part of a bespoke bedroom storage idea is guaranteed to make the most of the space available. For a neat, streamlined solution that works with the architecture of your room consider fitting the space around the window with floor-to-ceiling closets and using the space beneath the window for a light-filled desk or dressing table area as demonstrated here. 

3. Place the desk by a window

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

It goes without saying that good light is essential in a workspace, so when designing a bedroom layout, 'if a desk is to be incorporated, you might make sure it is placed near to natural light, ideally in front of a window,' says Louise Wicksteed design director at Sims Hilditch .

If you are lucky enough to have a large bay window, then this would make the ideal position for a desk. If you are considering positioning a desk by a window then be sure to consider window treatment ideas such as sheer curtains or venetian blind and shutters with adjustable slats to prevent glare on bright days, especially if the room is south-facing.

4. Fit a floating desk into a corner

(Image credit: Future/Davide Lovati)

Incorporating a fitted desk can be a good use of an empty bedroom corner. To maximize space – and make it as discreet as possible – choose a floating desk fitted flush with the walls and fitted closets as demonstrated here. With no need for legs, this floating desk design gives space beneath to slide in a stool when not in use and creates the illusion of more space within the room. 

If you are looking for small bedroom ideas it's also worth thinking about the material of the desk as this can make a difference says Anna Franklin, interior designer and founder of Stone House Collective explains.  

'If you have the space for two dressers to be about four feet apart you could get glass to cover them and use the glass as a desk. Another option for a more traditional desk is an acrylic desk with a gold base – the clear look will create the illusion of space.'

5. Squeeze a desk into a snug alcove

(Image credit: Future)

Alcoves make brilliant spaces to fit a desk. Provided there is a space to pull in a chair even the tiniest of alcoves can be used to create a workspace as this space proves. By having a desk tucked neatly into a corner of the room and set facing away from the rest of the space, this small bedroom layout idea helps keep the main area of the room clutter-free and allows the desk to be out of sight when you're looking to unwind.

If space is at a premium another 'option for small spaces is to get a drop desk installed where the desk can flip down when needed,' advices says interior designer Esther Dormer . She also advises that, 'when positioning a desk, it should be wherever the outlets are. This will avoid having cords going across the room.' 

6. Incorporate a slim-line desk into fitted storage

(Image credit: Gunter & Co)

If you have a room without an obvious alcove to fit a desk then fitting a narrow shelf into a run of cupboards could make a practical alternative. In this bespoke design by Gunter & Co the shelf has been designed to be wider than the cabinets to provide enough space for a laptop and has been curved at one end to accommodate the window. ‘This won’t work in every house, but it was perfect for our clients,’ says Irene Gunter. ‘We have a generous depth for the desk without it jutting in front of the window.’

7. Hide a desk in a closet

(Image credit: Sharps)

To ensure that your workspace doesn't encroach on your relaxation time it may be worth thinking about how a desk can be cleverly concealed within your bedroom design. There are many companies that offer hidden desks fitted into made-to-measure closets including designs that can slide in and out.

'Opting for a built-in desk solution, with the same design as your wardrobes, will create a cohesive look whilst having the desk in close proximity to the cupboards allows for easy to reach office storage and helps to maximise productivity,’  says Rachal Hutcheson, national retail manager of Sharps .

For other ways to hide a desk in a bedroom Anna Franklin, interior designer and founder of Stone House Collective suggests to 'use a foldable wall-mounted desk, or a foldable shelf that can turn into a desk. Both of these options will allow you to save space, and can possibly provide extra storage.'

8. Add character with a vintage desk

(Image credit: Brent Darby )

If you are looking for cottage bedroom ideas then consider hunting flea markets for an antique desk. Boasting time warn patinas and chippy paint, vintage wooden desks are a fabulous way to enhance and complement the character of country homes and rustic bedrooms. 

9. Choose a freestanding desk in a teenager's room

(Image credit: Future)

When you have a busy family home finding space where young people can study away from the hustle and bustle can be tricky – fitting a desk into their bedroom will provide a space where they can focus away from distractions.  

When thinking about bedroom ideas for teenagers, it may be worth thinking about a freestanding desk over a fitted design which will offer more flexibility over layout. Choosing a lightweight design that is easy to move will means that the space can easily be reconfigured should the function of the room change in future.

10. Choose a desk with drawers

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

As with any home office, storage is important. Choosing a desk with a series of drawers will allow stationary items to be cleared away at the end of the day leaving surfaces clear and clutter-free for relaxation time. With a mirror positioned above it this desk can also make useful dressing table idea. 

11. Let a dressing table double as a desk

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

If you're just looking for a space to perch and write a quick shopping list or jot a note to a friend then a dressing table may be all you need. To choose the right dressing table design think first about where it will be positioned as this may impact the style you choose. Choosing a freestanding design with a mirror attached is a great choice if you plan to position your dressing table in a window or away from a wall were you cannot lean or hang a mirror.

12. Disguise a desk in a windowsill

(Image credit: TG Studio)

This concealed desk by TG Studio is a brilliant use of space. The desktop slides out to make for comfortable working, hiding beneath it all the clutter that would normally be out on display. Meanwhile, the extension of the desk across the length of the window allows for more storage and plenty of display.

How should I arrange my bedroom with a desk?

How best to arrange a bedroom with a desk will ultimately depend on the size and shape of the room, however there are many ways to incorporate a desk into a bedroom layout. 

Incorporating a fitted desk between your closets, or as part of a fitted storage system, is a great way to make the most of space, especially in small bedrooms. The desk can either be left open or can be fitted internally and hidden behind doors.

'Sliding door systems are a great way to conceal desks in the bedroom or any room of the home. Desks can be concealed in wardrobes or alcove spaces and simply hidden with fitted cabinetry when you're finished with the working day,' says Simon Tcherniak, senior designer at Neville Jonson .

Fitting a floating desk into an alcove is another great way to incorporate a desk into a bedroom layout plus is a brilliant space-saving solution for small bedrooms.

While fitted desks offer a seamless, clutter-free look freestanding desks also have benefits as they offer flexibility over your bedroom layout ideas allowing the arrangement to be easily reconfigured if needed, plus a freestanding desk can easily be positioned in a window to make the most of natural light.

How do I separate my bedroom and office?

There are several ways to separate an office area from a sleeping area in a bedroom. As bedrooms are places dedicated to rest and rejuvenation, if you are planning to incorporate a desk into your layout, then it's important that it is kept separate from your sleeping area.  

‘Position them away from the bed at the opposite side of the room so you can keep the two functions of your bedroom separate,' says Simon Tcherniak, senior designer at Neville Jonhson . 'Ideally choose a pull-out desk or conceal with sliding doors so you can switch off and hide away your work-station at the end of the day.' 

'There are many clever storage bedroom systems available that seamlessly hide the desk,' agrees Sarit Marcus, professional interior designer and founder of Minted Space. 'However, if you don’t have one of these systems, an easy and affordable way to hide a desk is with a room divider. A room divider is also a great way to spruce up the décor of a room.'

Pippa is Content Editor on Homes & Gardens online contributing to Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors print issues. A graduate of Art History and formerly Style Editor at Period Living, she is passionate about architecture, creating decorating content, interior styling and writing about craft and historic homes. She enjoys searching out beautiful images and the latest trends to share with the Homes & Gardens audience. A keen gardener, when she’s not writing you’ll find her growing flowers on her village allotment for styling projects.

21 Smart Ideas for Putting a Desk in a Living Room

By

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel is an interior design expert who has covered architecture, interiors, and decor trends for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Lonny, and the American and international editions of Elle Decor. She resides in Paris, France, and has traveled to over 30 countries, giving her a global perspective on home design.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 10/21/22

Design by Caroline Andreoni Interior Design / Photo by Sophie Lloyd

Working from home is a modern challenge that is also a decorating opportunity to personalize your workspace without regard for office rules or norms. While some people are lucky enough to have dedicated home offices—whether big and small—most people have to get creative to make it work.

This might mean converting the guest room or bedroom into a hybrid workspace. But it often means finding a corner of the living room—which is usually the biggest room in the house—to slide in a desk without wrecking your decor and ruining the vibe of what is supposed to be a room devoted to gathering and relaxation. There are multiple ways to approach this living room layout dilemma, from doing your best to make it blend in by making it cohesive with the rest of your decor, to making it a design feature that takes pride of place, making itself feel at home while it helps you to get your job done.

Here are some ideas for finding a place for your desk in the living room that doesn't wreck your decor or change your style.

The Best Desks for Big and Small Spaces

10 original ways to organize your workplace at home - INMYROOM

Workspace place at home - the necessary space in almost every apartment. But, unfortunately, not everyone has a separate office. That's why the question arises where to find and how to equip a workspace in a residential apartment so that it:
1. was convenient;
2. contained everything needed;
3. organically fit into the overall interior of the apartment.

To answer the question: how to organize a working place at home, you need to know a few rules for creating a comfortable space. nine0006

Regulations organizations

No. 1. First you need to decide how much you need places and what will be included in this zone. If you are sitting at a computer, then it will suit you small computer table. If it deals with papers or books, then you need to think in advance where you put these accessories so that they always were at hand.

#2. Look at your apartment and see if there is space suitable for the working area. If there is, then you will only have select the desired desktop design places in the apartment. If there is no such zone, try to make a permutation. nine0006

#3. Be sure to consider how the light on your table: from a window, from lighting fixtures, etc. Think you can whether you install and connect the lamp in such a way that you do not suffer then from lack of light.

#4 . If you decide to organize a workplace at home, then its design should not go against the overall interior of your apartment or room.

Single room

The best option would be a separate room. Then you can decorate the room the way you want. Install the required number of racks, use the table of the dimensions you need, arrange an additional seating area by placing a small sofa or easy chair. nine0006

B living room

In today's world, not everyone has the opportunity organize your workspace in a separate room. As a rule, for these goals have to be done in one of the living rooms, for example, in the living room. For so that the working area is organically inscribed in the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe living room, you need to think about the design of the desktop, racks and shelves that you will need. You can separate the space with the help of partitions or large floor racks that will become and partition, and a place to store the necessary things. nine0006

B bedroom

If your family members can interfere with you in the living room, then the bedroom is a more secluded place. Here it is necessary to fence off the area for sleeping. To do this, just hang a curtain between the bed and the table, put partition or install a canopy.

In the kitchen

proximity to a stove or sink will become dangerous for equipment or documents. Therefore, you can zone the kitchen with floor racks or use double table: on one side - written, on the other - kitchen. nine0006

On the balcony

As a rule, in each the apartment has balconies, but often they are used as storage space unnecessary things. You can use the balcony in a more useful way and make him in his office. But before that, it is necessary to insulate and glaze it in order to use It was possible not only in summer, but also in winter.

Underfloor heating and quality windows will make a balcony comfortable place to work. The dimensions of the table and shelves must be selected based on the size of the balcony, try to use all the free space in order to to put things in there. A huge plus of this room is that there is a lot of light and fresh air, and working in such an environment is much nicer. nine0006

In the pantry

Organize work the space in the pantry is lighter than on the balcony, because there is no need to insulate and to carry out additional heating devices, but it is necessary to show more creativity. Pantry rooms are usually smaller than balconies, but they are usually have doors that allow you to separate this area from the rest of the residential space.

You can install a small table in the pantry, and leave the rest of the place under the shelves and additional storage organizers. For finishing in the pantry, choose light colors and think about the lighting system. Unlike the balcony, here you will not be able to use natural light, so install some lighting appliances. nine0006

Options accommodation

We offer your Here are some original ideas for desktop, which will help to competently organize the zone, while not taking up a lot of space.

In a niche

In many apartments there are wall niches, they are usually taken away for decorative elements, but you can use it more practically: place there is a small desk and set a few shelves.

In the cabinet

Placing the table in the cabinet is a good option for those who do not have a closet. You can not only save space in your apartment, placing a table in the closet, but also hide your work area at the moment when you becomes necessary: ​​simply by closing the cabinet doors. This placement idea is quite also successful because there will be enough space in the closet to clean necessary accessories. nine0006

Folding table

If you have a small apartment and need to save money space, then you can not buy a massive desk, but use a small folding. They are usually installed against walls and "recline" when necessary.

Window sill

Window space, usually does not perform any functions, but you can organize a working zone. The workplace by the window is continuation of the window sill, its increase. In this case, you will not lose square meters, but you will get excellent lighting and a comfortable place to work. Flowers that will organically fit into this space will help brighten it up. A workplace by the window can give you also a great view. nine0006

For two persons

If there are several people in the apartment who need workspace, you can organize a workplace for two. For this use, as a rule, long tables along one of the walls of the room. If you don't have such an opportunity, then you can resort to a more economical option, a table for two, separated by a rack. Thus, you organize your table and place for storage.

Interesting ideas

Wrong way to organize your workspace at home difficult as it may seem. nine0003 #1. In order to use room, fix shelves and small organizers on the walls to “unload” work surface.
#2. The printer can be installed not only on a table, but also on a fixed shelf, thus leaving it at hand, but freeing place to work at home.
#3. Use chalkboards to write down important ideas.
No. 4. Add flowers to your work area to help Refresh and revive the design of your space. nine0006

Photo gallery

Workplace in the interior of the apartment.

Video

Organization of a home office.

tips and layouts from the pros - INMYROOM

Tips

Finding a place for your desk even in the smallest room is real. We tell you how to equip a comfortable and functional home office in the bedroom or living room of a typical apartment

Isn't it a dream to allocate a separate room for an office? Unfortunately, finding a place for at least a full-fledged bedroom and living room in a small space is already a success, let alone a home office. Designer and permanent contributor to InMyRoom Irina Sobylenskaya tells how to equip a workplace in a living room. nine0006

Irina Sobylenskaya – interior designer, regular contributor to InMyRoom. Graduated from Rhodec International School of Design; has a liking for bright colors, does not like bare walls. Since 2015, he has been running the author's blog Merry Home.

1. Determine the optimal size of the workplace

A table, chair and table lamp - in fact, this is all you need to work with papers or a computer at home. Therefore, the first step is to decide on the size of the home office. Analyze what actions you plan to perform - typing on a laptop, drawing, sewing, gluing models - and estimate how much space the necessary materials will occupy. nine0006

Be careful: the rule "The more the better" does not always work. Access to objects that are out of reach by hands (about 35-40 cm from the edge of the countertop) will be limited - choose models no more than 80 cm deep and 200 cm wide.

For example, I will take my living room and try to come up with a suitable option for myself. Given: a room with access to a balcony, furniture - a corner sofa, a bedside table, a coffee table, a cabinet with a TV, a narrow rack along the wall and a small armchair. There is also a small folding table against the wall - there are flowers on it. nine0006

I need a desk for working on a laptop, drawing drawings and sketches, storing books and notebooks. It turns out that I need a countertop 50-80 cm deep, and the width will depend on the location.

2. Looking for a place for the desktop

Idea 1: facing the window

The ideal place for the desktop is next to the window. Good lighting, an inspiring view from the window (I believe that this is exactly what you have), rest for the eyes - these are just some of the advantages of this location. And the table lamp is useful only in the evening. nine0006

In my case, it is quite possible to place a small table 60 cm by 130 cm by the window: to do this, you need to move the sofa deep into the room. It turns out quite a comfortable workplace, 75 cm between the table and the sofa is enough for a passage. Keep in mind that according to the rules of ergonomics, the passage area to the workplace should be 71–90 cm. More is possible, but less is not worth it.

Pros: workplace in a cozy "protected" corner, plenty of natural light, easy access.

Cons: now you can jump onto the sofa right from the threshold - for me personally, this is a drawback. I know that some do not like to sit with their backs to the door - also a minus.

Idea 2: back to the wall

Remember the aisle width? If the parameters of the room allow, place the table facing the door and in the center of the room. It is psychologically more comfortable to work with “protection” behind your back.

The option of sitting with my back to the wall also suits me: I can place a table diagonally where there is now a lone armchair with a floor lamp. At the same time, savings: you can not buy another chair. The sofa will then stand in its rightful place and everyone will be happy. nine0006

Pros: I will sit facing incoming people (although a dubious plus - only a dog and a cat can enter me during the day). Books on the shelves of the rack will always be at hand - this is an undoubted advantage of this option.

Cons: a table with a chair blocks the general access to the rack. The narrow passage between the rack and the table will also make itself felt - bruises are most likely provided.

Idea 3: facing the wall

If the view from the window and the center of the room did not work out, the only option left is to place the table facing the wall. Of course, I would like to admire the landscapes, but you can work quite comfortably with a view of the wall. Before your eyes, you can place cutting boards, gliders, hang photos and shelves - there are a million options to decorate a wall. nine0006

I can also place a table against the wall: for this I will have to get rid of the folding table, and rearrange the flowers on the windowsill. A hindrance in such a layout can be a balcony door, but in autumn, winter and spring it is always closed, and in summer it will even be pleasant to sit almost in nature (our balcony is not glazed).

Pros: is quite convenient location - not on the aisle, but not in the corner either. You can hang shelves on the wall.

Cons: natural light from the window will be on the right side, which is not very comfortable. It will not be possible to put the table deeper - it will interfere with the opening of the balcony door. nine0006

3. Choosing a work desk and chair

Once you have found a place for your work space, you can start thinking about the model and design of the pieces of furniture. There is no single recipe here - it all depends on the style of your apartment, your taste and the desired functionality. Desks with extra storage drawers are great if you have nowhere to put stationery, papers, and other things. Those who prefer to use the space to the maximum, and hide the creative mess from prying eyes, will definitely appreciate bureau tables.

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