Grown-up Study Nooks (for When a Home Office Isn’t an Option)
Get serious about study, no matter what size your home, with these cosy yet workable desk ideas
Samantha van Egmond
23 April 2017
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance writer specialising in sustainable, natural and ethical living.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance writer specialising in sustainable, natural... More
Whether your home is on the small 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.
Add soft furnishings
An office isn’t known as the most welcoming space in a home, but there’s no reason your work area can’t be just 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.
An office isn’t known as the most welcoming space in a home, but there’s no reason your work area can’t be just 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.
TIP 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 if it’s just 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 shows 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.
TIP A word of caution – this might not be the quietest of office spaces, so your study may be best left to night-time when the sound of feet traipsing up and down the stairs won’t disturb you.
Go for fuss-free shelving
Where there’s a nook there’s a way… to add a few floating shelves. 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. 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.
Renting your property? Try these quick fixes to turn it into a home
Renting your property? Try these quick fixes to turn it into a 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 – if you suffer from 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 – if you suffer from 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 it 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 create a feeling of separation from the rest of the room.
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 create a feeling of separation from the rest of the room.
TIP A colourful piece of furniture or décor will help to break up a white-on-white colour scheme – try breathing new life into an old chair with a fresh coat of paint, or incorporate a favourite artwork into your desk space to inspire you throughout the day.
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 you’re not slouching over or reaching too high, but ensuring your chair is at the right height can help solve this problem.
Living in a small space? Here’s how to make it feel bigger
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 you’re not slouching over or reaching too high, but ensuring your chair is at the right height can help solve this problem.
Living in a small space? Here’s how to make it feel bigger
TIP A cupboard that keeps your laptop out of sight is ideal in the bedroom, where computers, tablets and smart phones can disturb your sleep with light, noise and radiation. If your wardrobe allows, set your desk up inside it too and when you’ve finished working, close the doors and wheel your chair out of the way until you’re ready to use it again.
TIP 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 storage space for your laptop and office supplies when your table is folded away.
Do you have a study nook in an unusual place in your house? Upload a picture to the Comments below.
Do you have a study nook in an unusual place in your house? Upload a picture to the Comments below.
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Thanks for this informative article. Since I can definitely implement
something for my daughter. Unfortunately, she has no room in her room for a
desk, but maybe it will work under the stairs. :) It certainly looks very cozy.
Other question: Is there somewhere an article about mobile offices? I am an
independent insurance agent and therefore a lot with my car on the road. I
would like to have an opportunity to store my documents and materials properly.
So far, I've only encountered so-called auto-assistants (e.g., https://www.sortimo.co.uk/products/mobile-office/).
However, they are so clumsy. Are there any other options?
Edwardallen, you probably know this already, but you can get ones where the paper tray folds up. Only problem is you have to put paper in each time, but I don't have a problem with that as I don't print that often.