8 Ideas for Squeezing in a Work-From-Home Area

Think you haven’t got room for a home office? Think again...

Amanda Pollard 11 February 2022

Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors and architecture.

Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors... More

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Whether you work remotely full time or spend a few days a week in the office, you’ll no doubt need a surface at home on which to park your computer and any other work paraphernalia you need. It can be tricky, however, to find space for a dedicated desk. Looking for inspiration? Check out these ideas to find out how you and your laptop can move away from the kitchen table and into a workspace of your own.

Santamaria Design

1. Tuck beneath the stairs
An understairs area is often used as a storage cupboard, but it can make an equally good spot for a desk. The sloping ceiling isn’t a problem when you’re sitting at the desk, and the width is usually ample for a screen and lamp.

Here, the team at Santamaria Design has ensured the practical desk and drawer unit fit in with the décor in the hallway. The timber work surface echoes the treads of the stairs, while the drawers and chair blend into the white backdrop.

Meraki Home Design

If you prefer to look at something more interesting than a white wall, consider adding some wallpaper to your understairs desk niche, as the team at Meraki Home Design have done here.

Ready to revamp your home? Find reviewed interior designers in your area on Houzz

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2. Work at the window
For an even better view, consider creating a surface in front of a window. The outside aspect is ideal for its calming, biophilic properties and the natural light will help to balance your body’s circadian rhythm.

A shelf like this one, designed by Clare Gaskin Interiors, is ideal if you don’t need a large work area. The simple design helps the desk to blend into the room without impinging on the rest of the space.

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Don’t let a bay window put you off creating a desk with a view. In fact, it could provide you with even more of a work surface.

Here, an MDF desk has been built to perfectly fit the window area, with a cable hole and an upstand to make the space super-practical.

Maurizio Pellizzoni Ltd

3. Double with a dressing table
A bedroom is often the obvious place for a desk area away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the home – and if you can squeeze in a dressing table, you can squeeze in a desk, too. This desk and dressing table combo by Maurizio Pellizzoni illustrates how small a space you need to make this work.

However, it can be challenging to ensure it doesn’t impinge on the calm feel of your sleep space. The key to success is to opt for a minimalist style. A clean white ledge in this scheme sits neatly alongside the bed and echoes the crisp white sheets. The team has balanced this out with a comfortable blue chair that tones with the upholstered bed and navy bedding.

Neville Johnson Ltd

4. Design into a unit
Make more of a living room media and shelving unit by investing in some clever joinery. This full-wall construction designed by Neville Johnson, for example, looks as if it’s only storage, but closer inspection of the bottom right-hand corner reveals a nifty fold-out desk (see below).

Neville Johnson Ltd

The cabinet doors open to reveal a stool, and a useful stationery drawer pulls out from under the desk.

Fitted Lifestyles

Here’s another idea for a multifunctional media unit designed by Fitted Lifestyles, but this time the desk is permanently on show. A stylish screen divides the TV area and the desk, and a recessed shelf and integrated light signify the work space is a separate zone.

Openstudio Architects Ltd

5. Hide in a cupboard
If you prefer your desk area to be shut away in the evening, try building it into a cabinet. The door on this tall unit designed by Openstudio Architects slides along to display an attractive, practical work area.

A handy pull-out shelf adds more surface area and is ideal for the computer keyboard. When you’re planning something like this, it’s a good idea to think about the main elements you want to include in your desk area beforehand.

Mood London Design

6. Curve into a corner
Even a tiny space can accommodate a desk, as long as you’re clever about the design. Consider an ergonomic curve like this one by Mood London, which fits neatly into a niche.

The rounded edge is space-saving and comfortable, and has the added bonus of looking rather stylish, too.

BoConcept Scotland

7. Flip out
Here’s a smart idea for those who want to hide their desk away when it’s not in use. A wall-hung cabinet by BoConcept Scotland flips open to form a work surface, then flips back to sit unassumingly in the corner of the room.

Think also about investing in a foldable chair like this one, as it can be tidied away if necessary.

Making Spaces

8. Extend a worktop
Sometimes a simple idea can be wonderfully effective. Take this kitchen worktop by Making Spaces, which has been continued along into the corner. The ledge is just large enough for the owner to perch with their laptop.

Additions that make this an even more useful area are the comfortable bar stool, the handy wall light and easy access to the plug socket.

Your turn
Which of these ideas would work in your home? Tell us in the Comments below, save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story, and join the conversation.

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Prin M

Inspired by these designs and trying to convert out garage into a work space so I can have some actual separation from office life vs home life. It’s a flat roof garage. Struggling to work out the best layout and also have a space for exercise and would be nice to have a small shower and storage space. Ideas and thoughts very much appreciated (I’m new to renovating! )