Dining Room To Home Office Makeover

Dining rooms are beautiful, but they are mostly just there to look pretty. If you are working from home, a dining room can be converted into a home office. This way, you can make better use of the space and add more functionality to your home.

To convert a dining room into a home office, you can start by painting the walls a different colour. You can also add wainscoting to bring elegance and class to the room. You can repurpose the dining room furniture or sell it to make some money. You can then buy a new desk and a comfortable chair. You can also add bookcases or shelves to store books and important documents.

It is important to consider the equipment you will need in your home office. You can add grommets to your furniture to manage cables and cords. You can also add extra shelves to store items that you do not want to keep on display.

Choose custom furniture to fit the room's dimensions

When converting a formal dining room into a home office, choosing custom furniture that fits the room's dimensions is crucial. Here are some tips to help you choose the right furniture for your space:

• Consider the equipment you'll need: Think about the type of work you'll be doing in your home office. Do you need a large desk for multiple monitors, or will a smaller desk suffice? Consider starting with the minimum equipment necessary and choose furniture that comfortably accommodates your needs.
• Plan for cable management: Hide your cables and cords to keep your office neat and organised. Custom furniture can include built-in grommets for cable management, ensuring a tidy workspace.
• Think about future upgrades: If you anticipate needing additional equipment in the future, plan your furniture layout to allow for smooth integration of new items.
• Make a storage plan: Consider the amount of storage you'll need for books, papers, and other supplies. Custom bookcases or sideboards can provide ample storage while fitting the unique dimensions of your dining room-turned-office.
• Allow for ample space: Ensure your furniture leaves enough room for movement and doesn't make the space feel cramped. Custom furniture can be designed to fit the room's dimensions perfectly, maximising your usable space.
• Choose a style that suits your needs: Consider your personal style and the purpose of your office. If you plan to meet with clients, a more formal style may be appropriate. Custom furniture can be crafted from your choice of wood and finished to match your desired aesthetic.

Plan for equipment and cable management

Identify your equipment

First, identify the equipment you will need in your home office. This may include a computer, laptop, monitor, printer, desk lamp, work phone, keyboard, mouse, cell phone charger, and other peripheral devices. Knowing what equipment you will be using will help you plan for cable management and ensure you have the necessary cables and connections.

Plan your cable layout

Consider the placement of your equipment and how the cables will run between them. If possible, try to minimise the number of cables by using wireless devices or devices with fewer cables. For example, you could use a wireless keyboard, mouse, and printer.

Choose cable management solutions

There are various cable management solutions available to hide or organise cables:

• Cable clips can help keep essential cords accessible and organised, such as laptop or monitor cables.
• Cable covers can help camouflage cords running along the floor or up a wall. They come in various colours to blend in seamlessly. Cable covers also provide a safety benefit by preventing tripping over long-running cords.
• Cable sleeves are ideal for reducing the clutter caused by different wires and cords hanging behind your desk. They allow you to bundle them together neatly for a streamlined look.
• Cable ties can be used to bundle and wrap up excess cables. Reusable microfiber cable ties are a good option as they are easy to remove and adjust, and they won't damage the cables.
• Cable management boxes are perfect for hiding clunky cords, surge protectors, and thick cables. They come in various designs, from rustic wooden boxes to modern, minimalist versions.
• Under-desk cable organisers are great for tucking away cables and wires from electronic devices on your desk. Even if the cables are still visible, tidying them up will make them less unsightly.
• Adhesive cable clips are useful for managing the assortment of charging cables for smartphones, tablets, and other small electronic devices. They come in various colours (clear, black, and white) to blend in with walls and wires.
• Cable holder clips are handy for keeping your assortment of chargers organised and within reach, so you don't have to bend over to pick them up from the floor.

Mount power strips

Instead of plugging your cords into a power strip on the floor, consider mounting a power strip underneath your desktop to keep cords organised and out of sight. You will need Velcro fasteners for secure mounting.

Label your cords

Labelling each of your cords will save you time and frustration, especially if you have a limited number of USB or HDMI ports.

Make a plan to organise your home office

Making a plan to organise your home office is essential to ensure that your new workspace is functional and efficient. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Assess your needs: Consider the type of work you'll be doing and the equipment you'll require. This will help you determine the layout and storage solutions needed for your office.
• Think about storage: Determine what type of storage solutions will work best for you. Bookcases or custom shelving can help you organise books, files, and supplies. You may also want to invest in a cabinet or sideboard to hide away bulkier items or items you don't want on display.
• Create dedicated zones: Allocate specific areas within your office for different tasks or purposes. For example, you might want a zone for your computer and another for crafting or hobby-related activities.
• Plan for ergonomics: Ensure your office furniture and layout promote good posture and comfort. Choose a desk and chair that are the appropriate height, and consider adding ergonomic accessories like a keyboard tray or adjustable monitor stand.
• Manage cables and cords: Keep your workspace tidy and safe by managing cables and cords effectively. Use cable ties, cord organisers, or custom furniture with built-in cable management solutions to keep cords out of sight and prevent tripping hazards.
• Personalise your space: Make your office feel like your own by adding decor and personal touches. Choose a colour scheme that inspires you and incorporate items that bring you joy, such as plants, artwork, or family photos.

Give yourself room to breathe

When designing your home office, make sure you provide ample space for movement. Cramped quarters aren't conducive to productivity. You want to be able to push away from your desk, lean back in your chair, and mull over your next steps. Clear thruways are a must for busy families—at any moment, a rambunctious child might tear into your office, eager to show you their latest discovery.

If you're converting a dining room into an office, you'll want to make sure you have enough space to move around. If you have a large dining table, you may want to consider getting a smaller desk or table for your office. You'll also want to make sure you have enough room for any additional office equipment, such as a printer or filing cabinet.

Another way to give yourself room to breathe is to organise your office space effectively. Invest in some storage solutions, such as bookshelves or cabinets, to keep your office supplies and paperwork organised. This will help you feel more relaxed and productive in your new home office.

If you're short on space, consider getting creative with your storage solutions. For example, you could hang shelves on the walls or install a pegboard to maximise vertical space. You could also utilise under-desk storage solutions, such as baskets or drawers, to keep your office essentials close at hand but out of the way.

Finally, don't forget to think about the placement of your office furniture. Make sure you leave enough room to comfortably walk around your desk and any other furniture. If you have a door, ensure it can open and close without obstruction. By giving yourself room to breathe, you'll create a more functional and inviting home office space.

Consider your personal style

When converting a formal dining room into a home office, it is important to consider your personal style. The style you choose for your home office should fit your personal tastes and how you plan to use the office. If you are a lawyer or an architect, you will most likely need to meet with clients. If that is the case, a formal dining room is perfect for converting into a home office. Dining rooms are usually located near the front of the house, which means you won't have to escort your clients through other rooms to reach your office. If you plan to receive clients in your office, consider the impression your furniture will make. For a professional impression, turn to high-end furniture.

If you work in a field that skews conservative, you may want the decor to lean more toward the traditional. A lawyer, for instance, may want a desk in a dark wood like walnut with a front modesty panel that hides the legs; this creates a formal impression that can be enhanced with matching bookcases filled with leather-bound volumes. Architects may prefer something warmer and more artisanal, such as a table in a natural wood tone, or even furniture with two-tone finishing.

People whose offices are purely for personal use may wish to buck traditions and expectations in favour of comfort and personal taste. Transitional furniture—a style that mixes elements of contemporary and traditional furnishings—blends many of the best qualities of modern rustic and farmhouse styles and works well with pieces from either. The clean lines of mid-century modern furniture have helped this style retain its widespread appeal more than a century after its debut.

If the furnishings you choose for your home office are well-made and built to endure, they'll make a good impression on visitors regardless of the style you choose.

Frequently asked questions