Here’s How and Where to Build Your Office Nook

Working from home can be a challenge if you haven’t carved out a space that creates separation from your personal life. With a little creativity and the right supplies, you can design a pleasing and functional home office in any of several small, unused areas of your home.

Best Spots for Your Office Nook

If you take a walk around your home, you’ll be surprised at how easily some of the under-utilized spaces can be converted to an ideal home office nook. Here are some areas to consider that might work in your home.

Under the Stairs

An office under the stairs doesn’t have to be as cramped as a crawlspace. Depending on the type of stairs, it can be quite airy and bright. If you use the right furniture and accessories, an under stairs office can be functional and comfortable.

Awkward Corners

Sometimes backing yourself into a corner makes for a cozy office nook. Using specially designed corner furniture will help maximize every inch of space and turn an ungainly corner into a comfortable and functional home office.

Kitchen Office Nook

If you’re renovating your kitchen, consider incorporating a home office into the space. If renovating is not in the budget, look for areas between windows or doors, near the breakfast table, next to a door opening, or anywhere you can place a small desk, a chair, and some shelving.

Under-Used Closets

Just about any closet can be easily converted into your private home office. If you choose to go with a new “cloffice”, you’ll have to declutter and organize the space. Once it’s cleared out and ready to go, you can start exploring closet office ideas.

End of a Hallway

There is no end to the possibilities of setting up a home office even when the only space is the end of a hallway. Typically, this area has three walls, so you can easily set up a small desk, chair, and a light source.

Back-to-Back with Sofa

A sofa offers an opportunity to create an office nook in your living room. Start by adding a sofa table, then pick out a lamp and some storage bins that complement the interior décor.

Slope-Ceiling Attics

Instead of just a dusty, little-used space in your home, an attic can become an ideal spot for an attic office. You’ll have to be creative with the size and shape of your furniture in order to properly utilize all the space.

Great Office Nook Features

Once you’ve figured out where to create your new home office, the next step is to figure out which items will work in the space you’ve selected. Here’s how to choose the most appropriate items for your space.

Colour-Zoning

Choosing the right colours is important. To create a feeling of spaciousness, use lighter paint colours which will reflect natural light and make surfaces appear larger. If your home office nook has a distinct ceiling area, paint the walls in a darker colour and leave the ceiling white so it feels higher and creates the illusion of more space.

Vertical Storage

Storage may be the biggest challenge in your home office. Think up, not outwards, and also think outside of the box for storage solutions such as stackable drawers, floating shelves, or pegboard to hang just about anything.

Ladder Desks

A ladder desk has a unique design and provides a versatile workstation for a small desk nook. Stay organized and have everything in one place by using one surface for your computer and the others for storing supplies.

Office Nook Cabinetry

If your office nook can’t accommodate a built-in desk nook with cabinets, there are other options. You can hang towel racks with cups, use a spice rack to store small objects, install floating shelves or use a rolling utility cart that can be moved as required.

Natural Light Options

Natural light is always your best option, and you can always supplement it with task-specific lighting. If natural light is minimal, consider if the space could accommodate a window, or even a skylight.

Power Lighting Options

For good lighting in your home office (and for great video call lighting), keep the light sources indirect such as table lamps, accent lights, task lights, and floor lamps. Bounce light throughout the space by using fixtures with shades.

Small Space Shelving

Squeeze in as much storage as you can with ladder-style shelving units. The shelves narrow towards the top to help make your office nook feel lighter while offering storage for items in various sizes. Wire pantry shelves also work well in tight spaces.

Go Cordless

Eliminate unsightly cords in your home office by choosing cordless office supplies whenever possible. Otherwise, you can use a power bar either on the floor or mount it to a small shelf underneath your desk. Use clear cable connectors or Velcro to attach wires to a wall or the back of a desk.

Privacy Screen

Neutral privacy screens that are portable make a great background for video calls in your home office. They also stop unwanted guests from walking into your shot.

Turn Your Office Alcove into an Accent Wall

Sometimes your home office can provide a unique accent wall to the room. The easiest way is by using a different colour of paint or vibrant wallpaper. You could also add bold material for your shelving such as reclaimed wood or industrial metal. If your home office is in an old closet, use a barn door to not only hide your office when you’re not using it but provide interest for the room as well.

Office Nook Ergonomics

Even though your home office may be small, make sure you take comfort into account. Make sure your office chair supports your back; your desk or work surface is at the right height for using your keyboard; and you have sufficient light in the space.

End-of-Day Cleanup

Shutting a door is the best way to develop a work/life balance. If there is no door to your home office, try to create the feeling that you are finished for the day by filing away papers, cleaning off your desk, pushing in your chair, and turning off any lights.

Whether your home office is small and cozy or out in the open, with a little imagination and creativity you can design a space that is uniquely yours. Add some personal touches that make your office nook distinct, and remember to step away at the end of the day to create a division between your work and home life.