Grown-Up Study Nooks (for When a Home Office Isn't an Option)
Get serious about study no matter the size of your abode with these cosy – yet workable – desk ideas
Whether your home is on the smaller side or you’re not willing to give up an entire room for the sake of an office, there’s no need to turn the dining table into a work desk. These clever ideas will help you to see that overlooked corner in your living room with fresh eyes, and create the perfect nook for hitting the books.
Introducing textiles can really warm up a work space – try adding a rug to personalise your office nook and give the impression of a separate room, even though it may just be a corner of your living area. Rugs can also help reduce noise if you live above another apartment.
Find natural light
There’s something energising about working near a window, even if the view isn’t the most inspiring. Find a bright and sunny spot in your home and see if it’s possible to set up a study nearby.
There’s something energising about working near a window, even if the view isn’t the most inspiring. Find a bright and sunny spot in your home and see if it’s possible to set up a study nearby.
Tip: Research has shown that natural light improves workplace performance, as well as having a positive effect on sleep patterns and general wellbeing, so do what you can to harness the sun and avoid artificial lighting near your desk.
Set up under the stairs
Is there a more perfect use of a nook than to create a little office under the staircase? A Harry Potter-esque work space may need a little brightening – consider installing lights if you plan on setting up long term.
Is there a more perfect use of a nook than to create a little office under the staircase? A Harry Potter-esque work space may need a little brightening – consider installing lights if you plan on setting up long term.
A word of caution – this might not be the quietest of office spaces, so it may be best left for night time when the sound of feet traipsing up and down the stairs won’t disturb your study.
Go for fuss-free shelving
Where there’s a nook there’s a way … to add a few floating shelves, that is. Make the most of a small space by using shelves – just keep the load light and pack away everything you don’t need on a day-to-day basis.
Where there’s a nook there’s a way … to add a few floating shelves, that is. Make the most of a small space by using shelves – just keep the load light and pack away everything you don’t need on a day-to-day basis.
Tip: If you’re renting, look into drill-free storage options such as a tiered desktop organiser or a standalone desk to hold your belongings.
Inspiring ways to personalise a rented home
Inspiring ways to personalise a rented home
Make walls work harder
When storage is an issue, look to double-duty walls. Chalkboard paint is a great way to create a space where you can write your weekly to-do list – for those who experience allergies, try a whiteboard as a dust-free alternative.
When storage is an issue, look to double-duty walls. Chalkboard paint is a great way to create a space where you can write your weekly to-do list – for those who experience allergies, try a whiteboard as a dust-free alternative.
Tip: A plain wall can be made into a bulletin board using a pin-able material such as cork or MDF. Simply cover in a thin fabric – linen is a stylish and durable option – and pin up notes and reminders or inspiring mementos.
Inject personality with colour
Putting the walls of your office nook to good use doesn’t mean they have to be utilitarian. Make them pretty with a bright colour or statement wallpaper – the space will truly feel like your own and will create a feeling of separation from the rest of the room.
Browse medium-size home offices
Putting the walls of your office nook to good use doesn’t mean they have to be utilitarian. Make them pretty with a bright colour or statement wallpaper – the space will truly feel like your own and will create a feeling of separation from the rest of the room.
Browse medium-size home offices
Fold it away
Finding space for a home office might be easier than you think – all you need is an empty cupboard and a power point. Shelving may need to be customised so that you’re not slouching over or reaching too high, but ensuring your chair is at the right height can also solve this dilemma.
Big up other small places with these too easy tricks
Finding space for a home office might be easier than you think – all you need is an empty cupboard and a power point. Shelving may need to be customised so that you’re not slouching over or reaching too high, but ensuring your chair is at the right height can also solve this dilemma.
Big up other small places with these too easy tricks
Tip: A cupboard that keeps your laptop out of sight is ideal in the bedroom, where computers, tablets and smart phones can disturb sleep with light, noise and radiation. If your wardrobe allows, set your desk up inside and when you’re finished working, close the doors and wheel your chair out of the way until you’re ready to use it again.
A pull-out drawer that doubles as a desk? What more could you want in a study nook! Perhaps a comfortable chair, an adjustable lamp and some storage space for your laptop and office supplies when your table is folded away.
Tell us
Do you have a study nook in an unusual place in your house?Upload a picture to the Comments section below.
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Tell us
Do you have a study nook in an unusual place in your house?Upload a picture to the Comments section below.
More
Browse more home-office stories
An office isn’t known to be the most welcoming space in a home, but there’s no reason your work area can’t be as cosy as any other room. The first step is seating – ensuring there’s somewhere soft and comfortable to plonk down when you need a break from your desk makes for a more inviting place to spend time.