Here's How to Carve Out Space for a Chic Bedroom Office (2024)

Here's How to Carve Out Space for a Chic Bedroom Office (1)

In an ideal world, we'd all have enough space to accommodate a home office — but that isn't always the case, especially if you're living in an apartment or small house. Whether it's the primary bedroom, guest bedroom or a spare room that has to pull double-duty, a bedroom design is a great place to carve out a distraction-free (but super stylish) work space. Here, we've rounded up beautiful bedroom office ideas that help improve productivity without sacrificing style.

Since your bedroom is where you sleep, relax and spend much-needed personal time, be wary of a desk that overwhelms the space or clashes with your aesthetic. Most of these ideas prioritize crafting a dedicated space for work — think desks tucked into corners, positioned near the window and stored in the closet (also called a cloffice). We've included plenty of ideas that turn desks into design statements, as well. For example, swap a nightstand for a vintage desk or fill a ladder desk with decor. To quickly convert your bedroom into a home office, opt for multi-functional solutions like folding surfaces and secretary desks.

It turns out you only need the essentials to design a stylish setup — a home office desk and desk chair (which in some cases, may actually be a dining chair). Of course, layer in other essentials like wall art, office supplies and tabletop decor to elevate your bedroom style. So, no matter your home aesthetic or preferred work style, you're sure to find an idea on this list that'll inspire.

1

Swap Out a Nightstand

Here's How to Carve Out Space for a Chic Bedroom Office (2)

Make your space multi-functional by trading your nightstand for a vintage-inspired desk. Take note from designer Sarah Stacey and add a bedside lamp and minimalist chair.

2

Tuck a Desk Into a Nook

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Rather than make your desk the center of attention, hide it in an alcove. Here, designer Kate Lester chooses a natural wood desk with open shelving. Don't forget to measure carefully before settling on a home office desk to ensure it won't stick out too much.

3

Create a Built-In

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Build a small setup between your wardrobes, including open shelving to break up the space (just as Hilary Matt Interiors does here). Whether drawing, working or applying makeup, this compact desktop provides enough space for a myriad of activities.

RELATED: Best Office Chairs You Can Buy on Amazon

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4

Make the Most of Natural Light

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Position your desk in front of a wall of windows, just as designer Nicole Hirsch does here. Feel the warmth of the sun and admire the view outside as you work.

5

Lean Your Desk

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Not only does a ladder desk take advantage of vertical space, it provides space for decorative items. Think books, houseplants, picture frames and vases to spruce up your workstation.

SHOP LEANING DESK

See more at Cherished Bliss »

6

Layer in Warm Woods

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Especially with an upholstered bed frame, a writing desk is a great way to bring a natural wood element into the bedroom. To complement the lush forest mural, Banner Day Interiors keeps it simple with a dark wood desk and light gray office chair.

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7

Make Use of a Tiny Alcove

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No matter the size, an awkward alcove can transform into a miniature home office. Take it one step further by wallpapering or painting the space, then add wall art.

See more at Style by Emily Henderson »

8

Keep It Versatile With a Secretary Desk

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If you only work at your desk part of the time, find an option that pulls double duty. When you fold up the top, this secretary desk blends seamlessly with bedroom decor and looks just like a dresser — there are even drawers for storage.

SHOP SECRETARY DESK

9

Don't Skimp on Style

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Your desk shouldn't disrupt your design aesthetic. This boho bedroom features a raw wood desk and bamboo desk chair that pairs well with the rest of the space. A large round mirror overtop completes the look.

SHOP BAMBOO CHAIR

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10

Face a Window

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Take note from Studio Munroe and position a warm wood desk toward the windows. Don't forget to hang a set of shades, so you can filter out light when needed.

RELATED: 20 Inspiring Bedroom Curtain Ideas to Recreate

11

Convert a Closet

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With a shallow desk, floating shelves and rolling desk chair, this closet becomes a practical cloffice. We're loving how designer Emily Henderson paints a unique design inside to make the tiny space stand out.

12

Position the Desk by the Door

Here's How to Carve Out Space for a Chic Bedroom Office (13)

If you've got the space, set up your desk opposite the bed — a great way to create a bit of separation between relaxation and work. For a sleek style, LH Designs builds the desk into the wall and layers shelving above.

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13

Define a Space With Pattern

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No matter how small your bedroom, establish zones for sleeping, reading, working, you name it. A striking wallpaper, paint color or decorative accent can make the smallest of spaces feel like a dedicated home office.

SHOP ACRYLIC CHAIR

14

Stick to Warm Neutrals

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With timeless neutrals, designer Lindye Galloway crafts a chic workstation. Under an elegant archway, a wood desktop provides space for essentials and the slim chair easily tucks under the desk when not in use.

15

Decorate With a Live Edge Desk

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Draw inspiration from this minimalist setup from JAM, which features a live edge desk that adds texture and character to an otherwise minimal space.

SHP LIVE EDGE DESK

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16

Maintain a Color Palette

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To curate a calming bedroom design, K Interiors incorporates natural woods, off-white shades and a dose of pink. Find a headboard, nightstand table, desk and floating shelves in a similar wood tone to stay on theme.

SHOP PINK CHAIR

17

Go Dark and Moody

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Turn an antique desk into a design statement, just as designer Sarah Stacey does here when she pairs the black style with a four-poster bed and moody wallpaper.

18

Introduce Curves

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From the curved back armchair to the oval desk, designer Glenna Stone brings in soft curves to elevate this studio apartment. Added bonus: It doubles as a small dining room table if you live solo.

SHOP OVAL DESK

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19

Find Double-Duty Furniture

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Here's proof that your bedroom office doesn't have to be a permanent fixture of your layout. This secretary desk features a fold-down desktop, which can be quickly concealed once you clock out.

20

Try a Space-Saving Solution

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Not only does designer Kate Lester install a marble worktop, she builds in three drawers (ideal for storing office essentials) and a cabinet overhead (great for files, notebooks or narrow bins).

SHOP MARBLE DESK

Here's How to Carve Out Space for a Chic Bedroom Office (22)

Alyssa Gautieri

Associate Lifestyle Editor

Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.

Here's How to Carve Out Space for a Chic Bedroom Office (2024)

FAQs

How to design a bedroom office space? ›

5 great ideas for creating a workspace in a bedroom
  1. Create boundaries between the workspace and the rest of the bedroom. ...
  2. Use a small desk to avoid filling the entire space. ...
  3. Your desk can act as a new storage space in your bedroom. ...
  4. Decorate your workspace without too much clutter.

How to make a spare bedroom into an office? ›

Turn a Spare Bedroom Into Your Dream Home Office
  1. Step 1: Find a space.
  2. Step 2: Design around your needs.
  3. Step 3: Pick a theme.
  4. Step 4: Select a desk.
  5. Step 5: Add accent chair.
  6. Step 6: Find light fixtures.
  7. Step 7: Incorporate storage.
  8. Step 8: Style with personality.
Mar 16, 2021

How to hide an office in a bedroom? ›

Use a small alcove in a bedroom to set up a desk and create a home office. If you have plenty of closet space, you can also achieve this look by removing bifold closet doors, and placing a desk in the empty space.

How to arrange furniture in bedroom office? ›

Bedroom layout ideas with a desk: 6 options to try
  1. Take over corners with a fitted desk. ...
  2. Make it a statement piece. ...
  3. Transform an alcove into home office heaven. ...
  4. Cloffices: ultimate space-saving option. ...
  5. Take advantage of sloping ceilings. ...
  6. Free up the floor with a floating desk.
Apr 23, 2024

How do you layout office space? ›

Factors to consider when choosing a layout: office size, number of employees, work type, privacy requirements, and budget. Tips for designing an efficient office layout: plan space strategically, create a practical floor plan, maximize natural light, use modular furniture, and include ergonomic elements.

How to decorate a small office at work? ›

10 Simple Ideas to Decorate the Office at Work with Items from...
  1. Light With Lamps from Home. ...
  2. Add Energy With Area Rugs. ...
  3. Swap Dull Notepads for Books & Journals. ...
  4. Hang Paper Prints. ...
  5. Repurpose Kitchen Glassware. ...
  6. Use Fun Frames. ...
  7. Pack Snacks in Jars from Home. ...
  8. Add Easy-Care Greenery.

How do I create a minimalist office space? ›

In conclusion, creating a minimalist office space requires a few simple steps, including starting with a clean slate, decluttering, choosing a minimalist desk and storage solutions, keeping your desk clear, using neutral colors, and letting in natural light.

How to arrange furniture in a small office? ›

To make better use of the space and give the room more fluidity, place your desk in the middle of the room. If you must place your desk against a wall, put your guest chairs out in the open instead. The right amount of open wall space will make the room seem larger than an overly cluttered space.

How to create an office space when you don t actually have room? ›

Look for a quiet corner or a less used space in your house, like a spare bedroom or a nook, and convert it into your office.
  1. Use furniture that serves multiple purposes.
  2. Use floating shelves, wall-mounted storage, or tall bookcases.
  3. Use overhead lighting.
  4. Use organizers, trays, and drawers to keep you organized.
Apr 4, 2023

How do I separate my office and bedroom? ›

A Room Divider Creates a Sense of Separation

Adding a simple room divider helps you differentiate between your sleeping area and dedicated workspace. The slats on this divider create a sense of airiness and openness, offering visual separation without making the double-duty bedroom feel dark or cluttered.

How to create a workspace in your bedroom? ›

Here are some things to keep in mind when planning or setting up your bedroom office.
  1. Have an outward-facing desk. ...
  2. Get the chair right. ...
  3. Separate the areas. ...
  4. Consider multipurpose furniture. ...
  5. Hide it in a closet. ...
  6. Tie in the decor. ...
  7. Use a Murphy bed. ...
  8. Ensure you have enough storage.
Mar 18, 2017

How to create a hidden office space? ›

How to design a compact hidden home office
  1. Hide a desk behind the sofa. If the layout of your living room allows you to create a natural divide, you could have a hidden computer desk behind your sofa. ...
  2. Build a desk under the stairs. ...
  3. Fill an empty alcove. ...
  4. Divide the space. ...
  5. Design your hidden home office with Hammonds.
Oct 24, 2023

How to separate office and bedroom? ›

A Room Divider Creates a Sense of Separation

Adding a simple room divider helps you differentiate between your sleeping area and dedicated workspace. The slats on this divider create a sense of airiness and openness, offering visual separation without making the double-duty bedroom feel dark or cluttered.

How do you layout a bedroom for maximum space? ›

When designing your bedroom layout, keep in mind the rule of thumb of having a minimum of two feet to walk around your bed. Keep your bed accessible from both sides, especially if sharing the space with your partner. Also, make sure not to block natural pathways through your bedroom, especially to the bathroom.

How to make a home office in a one bedroom? ›

For more desk space, choose a corner desk to wrap around your bed's side to the adjacent wall. Hang parallel corner shelves up to the ceiling. To save even more space, use these shelves as your bookshelf. If you're willing to spend the extra money, a more niche alternative is to buy an overbed rolling desk.

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