Bedroom Office: Maximizing Space For Work

Working from home has become the new normal for many people. However, not everyone has the luxury of a separate room to use as a home office. If you're looking to create an office in your bedroom, there are several ways to make the most of your space and create a functional and stylish work area. From swapping a nightstand for a desk to utilising a curtain to hide your desk, you can create a productive and inspiring workspace without encroaching on your sleep space.

Use a curtain to hide your desk

Curtains are a great way to hide your desk and create a boundary between your work and personal life. If your office space is in a nook, you can hang curtains from the ceiling to conceal your desk. When you're done for the day, simply close the curtains, and your office is hidden. You can even place an armchair and a small table in front of the curtains to make it seem like there's nothing but a cosy reading corner behind the drapes.

If you want to get creative, you can use a statement curtain as a fun and unexpected way to hide your desk. For example, you could use a cheery, striped curtain to hide your office nook. When you're ready to work, pull open the curtains, and let the wallpaper behind it entice you. At the end of the day, close the curtains again to conceal your workspace.

Another way to use curtains to your advantage is to place your desk by a window. This will make your office feel bigger and give your eyes a break from the screen. Just remember to have options for regulating light and glare, from simple solar shades to curtains, depending on your needs and style.

If you're looking for more privacy, you can also use a room divider or a separator that you can put up while working. This will help you create a visual boundary between your office and bedroom. Room dividers come in many designs, so you can easily find one that suits your style and adds a decorative flair to your space.

Create separate zones

Creating separate zones in your bedroom-office is essential to maintaining boundaries between work and home. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Use Room Dividers

Curtains, screens, or even a faux wall can help create a distinct office space within your bedroom. This can be especially useful if you have a large bedroom, as it allows you to section off a specific area for work. You can also use a combination of furniture and decor to create a barrier between your work and sleep areas. For example, a large plant can help create a sense of separation between your desk and bed, as suggested by an interior designer in The Spruce.

Positioning of Furniture

The placement of your furniture can also help create separate zones. If possible, place your bed in a corner or along the longest wall to maximise space. You can then set up your desk by a window, allowing you to enjoy the view and natural light while working. Alternatively, you can place your desk against a wall, facing away from the bed, to create a sense of separation. This arrangement also allows you to make use of the wall space above your desk for storage or decor.

Utilise Nooks and Corners

If your bedroom has any nooks or corners, these can be perfect spots for your office area. By tucking your desk into a corner, you create a dedicated workspace that feels separate from the rest of the room. You can also angle your desk in the corner to make use of dead space, as suggested by Lucy Searle, global editor-in-chief of Homes & Gardens.

Convert a Closet

If you have a large closet, you can turn it into a mini home office. This provides a separate space for work while also allowing you to close the door and separate yourself from your work when it's time to relax.

Use Colour and Decor

You can also use colour schemes and decor to create visual separation between your office and bedroom areas. For example, use a coherent colour scheme throughout the room, but choose a slightly different shade for your office area to set it apart. You can also use rugs to define different zones, as suggested by Clara Ewart, head of design at Kitesgrove.

Install a Murphy bed

Installing a Murphy bed is a great way to save space in a bedroom-office setup. Murphy beds are beds that can be folded up and stored against a wall when not in use, allowing the room to be used for other purposes.

Planning and Preparation:

• Measure your space: Before purchasing a Murphy bed, measure the space you have available to determine the size of the bed and mattress that will fit best. This will help you visualise how the bed will fit in the room and how much space will be left for other furniture.
• Choose the right design: Select a Murphy bed design that matches your room's decor and your personal taste. You can choose from a variety of styles and finishes to find one that suits your needs.
• Gather materials and tools: Before starting the installation, ensure you have all the necessary materials, tools, and hardware. This will save you time and effort and minimise the risk of mistakes.

Installation Process:

• Build the bed frame: Follow the instructions provided with your Murphy bed kit to build the bed frame. This will typically involve measuring, cutting, and assembling the frame pieces.
• Secure the mattress bracing: Use sturdy materials, such as plywood or pine boards, to create a strong support for the mattress. Secure the bracing with wood glue, nails, and screws.
• Install the cabinet: Build a cabinet for the bed to sit inside. Cut the sides of the cabinet and sand them for a smooth finish. You can also add shelving or cabinets on either side of the bed to camouflage it further.
• Attach the bed to the cabinet: Follow the instructions to attach the bed frame to the inside of the cabinet, ensuring it can be easily opened and closed.
• Install gas springs: Gas springs will make it easier to raise and lower the bed. Connect them from the inside of the cabinet to the bed frame.
• Finishing touches: Paint or stain your Murphy bed to match your room's decor. You can also add trim, cabinet hardware, or other decorative elements to enhance the overall appearance.

By following these steps and planning carefully, you can successfully install a Murphy bed in your bedroom office, maximising your space and creating a functional and stylish environment.

Choose a minimal desk

When incorporating a workspace into your bedroom, choosing a minimal desk can help to ensure that your space remains functional and stylish without feeling overwhelming. Here are some tips for selecting and styling a minimal desk in your bedroom office:

Opt for a Small Desk

Select a small desk that fits your space without taking up too much floor space. A compact desk can help you maintain a sense of openness in your bedroom. Consider the dimensions of your room and choose a desk that is proportional to the space. You can also opt for a wall-mounted desk to save floor space.

Create a Seamless Look

Choose a desk that blends seamlessly with your bedroom's design scheme. Opt for a desk that complements the colour palette and aesthetic of the room. You can match the desk to your existing furniture or select a style that adds a subtle touch of character to the space.

Utilise Natural Light

Position your minimal desk near a window to take advantage of natural light. Maximising natural light can create a peaceful and inspiring work environment. Consider the layout of your bedroom and place your desk where it can receive ample illumination throughout the day.

Create Separation

To maintain a sense of separation between your work and sleep areas, consider placing your minimal desk in a corner or along one wall. This helps to define distinct zones within your bedroom, allowing you to create a functional workspace without overwhelming the space.

Add Storage

Incorporate storage solutions into your minimal desk setup. Opt for a desk with built-in storage compartments or shelves above to keep your workspace organised and clutter-free. This can help you maintain a sense of calm and order in your bedroom office.

Enhance with Accessories

Style your minimal desk with thoughtful accessories. Add a desk lamp, stationery holders, or a small plant to enhance the functionality and aesthetic of your workspace. These accessories can make your desk more inviting and efficient without taking up too much space.

Utilize a secretary to camouflage your desk

A secretary desk is a great way to camouflage your workspace in your bedroom. With its narrow width, upper and lower cabinets, and fold-up writing ledge, it is a compact and versatile piece of furniture that can be tucked into almost any space. Here are some tips to utilize a secretary desk to create a functional and stylish office space in your bedroom:

• Choose a secretary desk with a hutch or upper cabinet: Look for a secretary desk that includes a hutch or upper cabinet. This adds height and creates an elegant focal point in your bedroom. You can use the extra storage space to display artful collectibles, books, or plants, blending it seamlessly into your bedroom decor.
• Treat your secretary desk as a display cabinet: The more you style and accessorize your secretary desk, the more it will feel like an integral part of your bedroom. Treat it as a display cabinet by arranging collectibles, plants, or artwork on the shelves. This will not only make it a decorative piece but also help to camouflage your workspace.
• Opt for a fold-up writing ledge: One of the unique features of a secretary desk is the fold-up writing ledge. When not in use, you can simply fold it up to conceal your laptop or work materials, giving your bedroom a more relaxed and clutter-free feel.
• Place it in a corner or nook: Secretary desks can be easily tucked into a corner or unused nook in your bedroom. This helps to preserve space while creating a functional workspace. You can also angle a standard secretary desk into a corner to create a similar effect.
• Choose a style that complements your bedroom: Secretary desks come in various styles, from antique to modern. Choose a style that complements your bedroom decor. For example, if you have a mid-century modern-themed bedroom, opt for a secretary desk in a similar style.
• Use it as a nightstand: In a small bedroom, consider swapping out your nightstand for a secretary desk. This dual-purpose solution saves space while providing a functional workspace. You can use the desk for your bedtime essentials and easily fold up the writing ledge when you need a larger work surface.
• Create a separate work zone: Try to position your secretary desk away from your bed to create a separate work zone. This will help you mentally distinguish between sleep and work, improving your productivity and overall well-being.

By incorporating a secretary desk into your bedroom, you can seamlessly blend your office space into your bedroom decor. With its camouflage capabilities and functional design, you can create a stylish and efficient workspace that can be easily concealed when it's time to relax.

Frequently asked questions