U-Shaped Desk Diy: Create Your Home Office

Creating a U-shaped desk for your home office can be a great way to maximise space and improve productivity. U-shaped desks are particularly popular among those working from home as they provide ample workspace without taking up too much room. They can also be customised to fit your space and are available in a range of styles and colours to suit your taste.

Measure your space

Before you start building your U-shaped desk, it's important to measure your space carefully. This will ensure that your desk fits perfectly in your chosen area and that you make the most of your space.

First, decide on the specific area you want to dedicate to your workspace. This could be a spare room, a corner of your living room, or even the back of your kids' playroom. Once you've chosen your workspace, take measurements of the area, including the width, length, and height. Consider any features that might impact the placement of your desk, such as windows, doors, or power outlets.

If you're planning to place your U-shaped desk in a corner, make sure to measure the angle of the corner to ensure your desk fits snugly. You'll also want to measure the distance from the corner to any windows or doors to ensure your desk doesn't block them.

In addition to measuring the space for your desk, think about the other furniture and equipment you'll need in your office. For example, you may want to include a filing cabinet, bookcase, or additional storage units. Measure the dimensions of these items and factor them into your floor plan to ensure everything fits comfortably.

Keep in mind that lighting is an important consideration when creating your home office. Aim to position your desk near a window to benefit from natural light. However, be mindful of glare on your screen, and consider placing your desk at an angle to avoid direct sunlight.

By taking precise measurements and considering the layout of your space, you can design a functional and comfortable home office with your U-shaped desk as the centerpiece.

Choose a U-shaped desk

U-shaped desks are a great option for your home office as they offer ample storage and surface space, helping you create a well-organised and efficient workstation. They are also known as wrap-around desks and are ideal for both executive office suites and home-based businesses.

Storage and Organisation

U-shaped desks are equipped with a variety of storage options to keep your space organised and efficient. These include drawers, open and closed storage compartments, credenzas, and file cabinets. Some desks also come with built-in cable management systems and USB ports to keep your computer wires tidy and out of the way. The large work surfaces keep everything you need within reach, such as your computer, printer, and other supplies.

Design and Style

U-shaped desks come in a variety of designs and styles to suit your personal taste and the look you're going for. You can choose from solid colours or two-toned finishes, as well as desks with a hutch that feature brushed nickel handles and frosted glass doors for an elevated look. The sharp corners and smooth lines of U-shaped desks fit nicely in corners, along the back of a couch, or even in front of a window, creating a dedicated personal workspace.

Durability and Adaptability

When choosing a U-shaped desk, look for one made with durable and quality materials that can withstand everyday use. Desks with melamine finishes are resistant to stains, scratches, and wear, keeping your work surface protected. Some U-shaped desks also have drawers on ball-bearing slides for smooth and quiet operation, preventing them from jamming or falling off the track. Additionally, many U-shaped desks are reversible, allowing you to change the configuration to accommodate left- or right-handed use and adapt to your space.

Setting a Professional Tone

A U-shaped desk can help you set a professional tone for your home office. The large work surface provides ample space for in-person meetings, allowing you to easily go over documents and project proposals. The different designs and styles available can help you create a trendy yet highly professional workspace, boosting your confidence and efficiency.

Pick a spot with good lighting

When creating a U-shaped desk for your in-home office, it's important to pick a spot with good lighting to ensure a productive and comfortable workspace. Here are some tips to help you choose the right lighting for your U-shaped desk setup:

Natural Lighting: If possible, position your U-shaped desk near a window or a source of natural light. Natural light can improve your work environment and make your workspace feel more inviting and comfortable. However, direct sunlight can sometimes create an overwhelming glare on your screens, so it's best to position your desk at an angle from the window to avoid this issue. You can also try using solar shades, blinds, or a standing screen to diffuse the sunlight without blocking it entirely.

Ambient Lighting: Most home offices have ambient lighting, such as overhead or recessed lights. While this type of lighting illuminates the room, it may not be sufficient for functional lighting at your desk. To improve ambient lighting in your home office, consider adding light fixtures that bounce light off walls and ceilings, such as upward-shining floor lamps or ceiling lights with pivoting heads.

Task Lighting: It's important to have dedicated task lighting for your U-shaped desk, especially if you work on a computer or do focus-intensive tasks. An adjustable desk lamp is ideal as it provides concentrated and movable lighting that can be directed exactly where you need it. If you have multiple workstations, consider setting up specific task lighting for each area.

Eliminate Glare and Shadows: When positioning your U-shaped desk, avoid placing it so that light sources are behind you when you face your computer, as this can cause glare on your monitor. Similarly, be mindful of the placement of task lights to prevent unintended shadows, especially if you're doing detailed work by hand.

Decorative Lighting: In addition to functional lighting, you can also add decorative or accent lighting to enhance the visual appeal of your home office. This could include wall sconces, picture lights, or other light fixtures that draw attention to specific elements in the room.

Add some greenery

Adding some greenery to your U-shaped desk setup is a great way to promote better health and well-being in your workspace. Plants have been shown to improve productivity and efficiency, so placing a plant in your workspace will be the final touch to your U-shaped office layout.

When adding greenery, consider the lighting in the room. If your workspace has access to natural light, be mindful of placing your U-shaped desk at an angle where the light won't create an unnecessary glare on your screen. This is important to avoid any optical damage and to maintain your focus.

You can add a variety of plants to your workspace, such as small potted plants that can sit on your desk or larger plants that can be placed on the floor or in a corner. If you don't have much space, consider hanging plants or vertical gardens that can be attached to the wall.

Additionally, you can incorporate greenery by choosing desk accessories and decorations in natural, earthy tones. This can include items such as a plant-themed mousepad, a desk organiser made from natural wood, or a green lamp to add a pop of colour.

By bringing greenery into your U-shaped desk setup, you'll not only enhance the aesthetic of your workspace but also create a more productive and healthy environment.

Create storage solutions

Creating a U-shaped desk for your home office can be a great way to maximise space and boost productivity. Here are some tips for creating storage solutions for your U-shaped desk setup:

Drawers and Compartments:

U-shaped desks often come with built-in drawers or compartments, providing ample space to store supplies, papers, and other equipment. You can utilise these spaces to organise and categorise your items, ensuring they are easily accessible when needed.

Filing Cabinets:

Consider investing in a filing cabinet, especially if you have a large number of documents or books. Filing cabinets can now be found in a range of styles and colours, allowing them to seamlessly blend into your home office decor. This is a great way to keep your desk clear and organised.

CPU Tower Storage:

If your U-shaped desk will accommodate a computer, look for a desk that includes a ventilated compartment for your CPU tower. This will ensure your technology is stored safely and efficiently, without taking up valuable desk space.

Matching Furniture:

Brands like Bush, Bestar, and Sauder offer office furniture suites that include matching pieces such as filing cabinets, bookcases, and chairs. Opting for a suite can ensure your storage solutions fit seamlessly with your U-shaped desk and create a cohesive look for your home office.

Desk Accessories:

Utilise desk accessories to organise your space effectively. This can include items such as drawer dividers, pencil cups, storage cups, trays, or a lazy Susan to keep frequently used items within easy reach.

Under-Desk Storage:

Make use of the space under your desk by adding a small bookshelf or storage cabinet. You can also slide a bench underneath to serve as a makeshift shelf for supplies. Alternatively, use a rolling cart for extra storage that can be easily moved when needed.

Wall-Mounted Storage:

If you're limited on floor space, consider utilising wall space for storage. You can add floating shelves, a pegboard, or even mount a small shelf against the ceiling for less frequently used items. This can free up valuable desk and floor space while keeping your essentials within reach.

By incorporating these storage solutions into your U-shaped desk setup, you can create a functional, organised, and efficient home office that enhances your productivity.

Frequently asked questions