Create A Calm, Productive Bedroom-Office Space

Working from home can be challenging, especially when it comes to creating a separate office space in your bedroom. It's important to establish boundaries and divide the bedroom to create a dedicated workspace that promotes productivity and minimizes distractions. Dividing your bedroom and office space can be achieved through various methods, from simple curtains to more elaborate room dividers, such as folding screens, bookcases, or even a wardrobe.

Use a curtain to section off your office space

Using a curtain to section off your office space is a great way to create a temporary boundary without the need for a permanent wall. It's a cost-effective and simple way to divide your bedroom, and can even add to the room's aesthetic.

Firstly, you'll want to measure the space and mark where your screws will go. If you can, line up the curtain with a wall stud for a sturdier hold. You should also determine what type of wall you have, as different walls will require different types of screws. Drywall and plaster, for example, will likely need an anchor before you can screw anything in.

Next, you'll need to mount a screw eye in each wall. Screw eyes are regular screws with a loop at the end to tie wire or thread onto. Make sure to screw them in tightly as they will be holding the weight of your curtains.

Now, you'll need to cut a piece of steel wire rope to length. This should be the same length as the distance between the screw eyes, with an extra 6 inches (15 cm) for securing the wire to the screw eyes. You can use wire rope cutters for this, or, if you don't have any to hand, wrap the section of the rope you want to cut with electrical tape and use a hammer and chisel to cut through it.

Then, use wire clamps to connect the wire to the screw eyes. Thread one end of the wire through the screw eye, fold it back over, and secure it in place with two or three wire clamps.

After that, attach the other end of the wire to a turnbuckle. This will allow you to tighten or loosen the wire. Loosen the ends of the turnbuckle, loop the wire through one of the hoops, and secure it with wire clamps.

Now, use an S-Hook to attach the turnbuckle to the remaining screw eye.

Finally, tighten the turnbuckle so that the wire creates a sturdy and straight line between the two screw eyes.

When choosing your curtain, consider the purpose of your office space. If you're looking for clear-cut separation, go for tight-knit, heavier curtains. If you're simply specifying zones without strict visual segregation, semi-transparent curtains will do.

You can also choose to make your own dividing curtains if you want to select your own fabric. You can do this by cutting a large piece of fabric to the length and height of your curtain wire, and installing grommets along the top edge of the fabric about every 10 inches (25 cm).

Curtains are a great way to divide your bedroom and office space without the need for permanent fixtures. They're simple to install, cost-effective, and can add a decorative touch to your room.

Install a sliding door to separate the bedroom and office

If you're looking to install a sliding door to separate your bedroom and office, there are a few steps you'll need to follow to ensure a smooth process and a stylish end result. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the installation process:

Step 1: Measure the Space

Before purchasing your sliding door, it's crucial to measure the width and height of the opening accurately. Ensure you leave a few inches of space on either side of the door for the hardware and track. These measurements will help you select a door that fits your space perfectly.

Step 2: Choose and Purchase the Door

When selecting a sliding door, you have various options to choose from, such as glass, wood, or metal doors. Consider your privacy needs and the aesthetic you want to achieve. You can opt for a sleek and modern look, like a black glass door, or go for a more rustic barn door style. Choose a door that aligns with your style preferences and functional requirements.

Step 3: Install the Hardware

Most sliding doors come with the necessary hardware, including a track, roller wheels, and door handles. Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the hardware correctly. This step may require some basic carpentry skills and tools, so don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed.

Step 4: Hang the Door

With the hardware in place, it's now time to hang the door. Lift the door into position and attach it to the hardware on the track. Ensure the door is level, and make any necessary adjustments. You may also want to consider adding reinforcement, especially if you have a heavy door, to ensure its stability and security.

Step 5: Test and Adjust

Once the door is hung, test it by opening and closing it to ensure it moves smoothly and is properly aligned. If you notice any sticking or alignment issues, adjust the hardware accordingly. A proper test run will ensure that your sliding door functions flawlessly.

Benefits of a Sliding Door

Sliding doors offer numerous advantages for separating your bedroom and office. They are a space-saving solution, taking up less room than traditional hinged doors. Sliding doors also allow for natural light to flow between the spaces, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, they provide privacy and can help reduce noise, making it easier to focus on work or sleep.

By following these steps and considering the benefits of a sliding door, you can effectively separate your bedroom and office, creating a functional and stylish space. Remember to take accurate measurements, choose a door that suits your needs and tastes, and carefully install the hardware for a seamless finish. Enjoy your newly divided spaces!

Create a headboard with built-in shelving to divide the room

A headboard with built-in shelving is a great way to divide a bedroom and office while adding storage space. This dual-purpose piece can separate a sleeping area from a workspace, providing a sense of privacy and enclosure. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a headboard with built-in shelving to divide your room:

Step 1: Planning and Measurements

Start by measuring your bed and deciding on the desired width of the headboard. In the example provided, the bed is queen-sized and the headboard is designed to be wider than the bed, with six inches of space on either side. Determine the placement of the vertical support pieces and the number of horizontal slats needed for the headboard.

Step 2: Install Vertical Pieces

Install two vertical pieces of wood, such as 1" x 4" x 7' 8" boards, on either side of where the headboard will be. Secure these pieces to the wall and ceiling for stability. You can nail or screw them into place, ensuring a sturdy structure.

Step 3: Add Horizontal Slats

Attach the horizontal slats for the headboard to the vertical pieces. You can use 1" x 4" x 6' boards for this purpose. It's recommended to nail or screw these slats to the front of the vertical pieces for a cleaner finish and easier installation.

Step 4: Build the Bookshelf Bases

Cut boards to create the base of the bookshelves on either side of the bed. For a queen-sized bed, you may use 1" x 4" x 20" boards, cut to fit inside the vertical pieces. Securely attach these boards, creating a sturdy base for the bookshelves.

Step 5: Add the Front of the Bookshelves

Install a vertical piece at the front of each bookshelf to hold the books in place. Cut boards to the appropriate height, such as 1" x 4" x 22" pieces, and attach them about four inches up from the bottom shelf.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Now you can paint or finish the headboard and bookshelves to match your room's decor. You may want to tape off the edges of the wall and adjacent surfaces to ensure a clean paint job. Prime and paint the headboard and shelves, allowing adequate drying time between coats. Finally, remove the tape and move your bed into place, and you've successfully divided your bedroom and office area while creating functional storage space.

This project is a creative way to maximize space and add a unique design element to your room. You can customize the dimensions and finish to suit your specific needs and style preferences.

Utilise a bookcase as a room divider and for extra storage

If you're looking to divide a bedroom and office, a bookcase is a great option. Here's how to utilise a bookcase as a room divider while also gaining extra storage:

Choose the Right Bookcase

First, you'll want to select a bookcase that fits the style and dimensions of your space. Measure the area you plan to divide and choose a bookcase that suits the size and shape of your room. Consider the ceiling height and available clearance space when making your selection.

Bookcases come in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, glass, or a combination of these. You can opt for a ready-made bookcase or customise one to fit your exact needs. If you're handy, building your own bookcase allows you to control the cost and have a piece that fits your unique specifications.

Positioning Your Bookcase

When using a bookcase as a room divider, you can place it perpendicular to your wall instead of flush against it. This creates a clear division between the bedroom and office areas. If your room is wide enough, you can flank the bookcase by placing two bookcases on opposite walls, creating a sense of balance.

If your room isn't wide enough for two bookcases, a single bookcase can still effectively divide the space. Choose a bookcase that is at least 3 feet wide to ensure it doesn't look ill-proportioned. Position it with enough clearance, allowing for foot traffic flow around the divider.

For smaller spaces, a half-wall or console height bookcase (around 2.5 to 4.5 feet high) can be ideal. This allows natural light to flow through while still providing a sense of separation.

Securing the Bookcase

To ensure safety, it's important to secure your bookcase properly. Use L-shaped metal brackets, wall studs, and screws to anchor the bookcase to the wall. If you have hard floors, consider a bookcase with locking wheels for added flexibility and ease of reconfiguration.

Unleash the Storage Potential

Bookcases offer dual functionality as room dividers and storage solutions. You can use the shelves to store books, decorative items, office supplies, and other essentials. If you want to keep certain items out of sight, use baskets or bins on the lower shelves to create a clutter-free and organised space.

Enhance the Aesthetics

You can further enhance the aesthetics of your bookcase room divider by displaying plants, prized decorative items, artwork, or framed photos. If you're feeling creative, you can paint or wallpaper the back of the bookcase or add picture frame moulding, shiplap, or beadboard panels.

Additional Tips

• If you require more privacy, opt for taller bookcases or place two units back-to-back to create storage on both sides of the divided space.
• Ensure that fragile items are placed on higher shelves, out of the reach of children or pets.
• Regularly clean your bookcase with a lint-free cloth or feather duster and keep it away from excess moisture and direct sunlight to maintain its longevity.

Hang a folding screen to create a barrier between the spaces

Hanging a folding screen is a simple and effective way to create a barrier between your bedroom and office spaces. These screens are lightweight, easy to move, and can be purchased or crafted to match your style and decor.

You can find a basic four-panel folding screen at your local big box store for $20 to $50. They are often made from wood or translucent paper, and can be opaque or translucent depending on your preference. If you're feeling creative, you can make your own folding screen by stapling fabric onto hinged panel frames. This DIY approach lets you perfectly match the screen to your existing decor. Just remember to mount the hinges on alternating sides for easy folding.

Folding screens are a staple of Asian design and can be found in a variety of styles. For example, you can choose between translucent shoji screens and opaque fusuma screens. You can also opt for a modern twist on this classic design with a wooden block screen, which combines form and function to create a warm, organic feel.

Hanging a folding screen is a great way to create a barrier and divide your bedroom and office spaces without the need for permanent renovations.

Frequently asked questions