Have you got used to working from home but still missing a designated work space? This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re trying to focus on a project. One solution is to set up a work area in the living room. Having a designated work area boosts productivity, helping you to stay on track with your schedule better. In this blog post, we will give you some tips on how to do it right. So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your capacities, read on!
Set Up a Work Area in the Living Room
Assuming you don’t have an extra room to dedicate, the bedroom, guest room, or living area can offer you a convenient spot to double as a home office. Ideally, it would be a location filled with natural light, also away from distractions induced by TV or family members.
There are a few other things to consider before setting up a work area in the living room. First, decide what kind of work you’ll be doing. If you’re going to be working on your laptop, you probably won’t need ample space, but it should still be comfortable and accessible. However, if you’re going to be painting or crafting, you’ll need a place that’s large enough, with a bonus of good ventilation.
Once you know what kind of work you’ll be doing, you can start planning your home office in detail. If possible, try to set it up near a window so you can take advantage of natural light. If that is not an option, find a spot where you can establish a well-lit work area. While even one single task lamp can suffice, the addition of ambient background lighting will prevent your eyes from getting tired fast.
Also, ensure there’s plenty of space around your work area so you can move freely and not feel cramped.
Another vital detail is to choose the suitable desk that fits your needs. If you don’t have a lot of space, look for alternatives and creative solutions. Think multipurpose tables, floating or foldable desks, and similar. Whatever you choose, your workspace should be comfortable, set at a proper height, offering enough horizontal surface to accommodate your laptop, paperwork, and accessories.
8 Crucial Steps to Set Up a Home Office in Your Living Room
- Find a spot in your living room that’s out of the way but still has good lighting
- Determine how much space you will need and what furniture you can repurpose
- Choose a comfortable chair with good back support
- Set up a desk at a correct height
- Make sure there is enough lighting
- Consider storage options and create a filing system for your paperwork
- Secure enough outlets to plug in all your devices
- Decorate your office with things that inspire you – plants, pictures, or favorite quotes
Alternatives to Using a Conventional Desk in a Living Room
If you’re looking for creative alternatives to setting up a work area in your living room, the options are broader than you may think. One idea, for example, is to create a desk nook by cornering off a section of the living room with a floating desk and chair. In other words, simply choose an unused corner and install a horizontal surface there.
Next, rearrange other furniture in the room to make it better; e.g., use bookshelves to frame or even visually isolate the desk.
There are also many convertible, multifunctional options in the market that you could consider. Use a side table or coffee table as an alternative working surface, or employ a mobile laptop stand as a makeshift desk. And if you prefer to hide your workspace completely when not in use, explore desk cabinets, closets integrated with a desk, and other foldable designs.
Those who need more than one work area in the living room might be best with bespoke configurations. For instance, imagine a six-legged dining table that could be split into two desk triangles or adjoined per need.
In addition, consider employing room screens as a stylish and attractive way to separate the desk(s) from the rest of the living room.
Whatever option you choose, ensure that your setup is adequate enough to allow you to stay focused on your work without compromising comfort and health.
Storage Solutions for Setting up a Work Area in a Living Room
How can you create a functional work corner in a room that is also meant for relaxation? The key is to find the right storage solutions. Keeping a home office tidy and clutter-free will help you focus on your tasks better. Moreover, you will also be able to create a mental distance once the work hours are over.
A desk with built-in shelves and drawers will provide ample space to keep all of your office supplies within reach. You can also grow a shelving system around and above the desk surface. Even if you don’t need all that space for work accessories, shelves can host books and decorative items to make the whole area more visually appealing.
A filing cabinet will help you keep all paperwork organized. There are many wooden designs that can fit your living room interior without screaming “office” or “utility” at a glance. You could even reuse and redecorate an old dresser for the purpose.
Similarly, a set of decorative baskets in various sizes is an excellent solution for storing magazines. The same applies to other small items that need to be kept out of sight. With a little bit of creativity, any practical box can also become a stylish decorative addition.
Best Colors for a Working Corner In a Living Room
When it comes to choosing the best colors for a work area in a living room, there are a few things to keep in mind. Above all, it’s important to consider the amount of natural light the space receives.
If the corner is particularly dark, it would be best to add some lighter colors to mood up the space. An apparent solution is to paint some parts of the area or, even better, create an accent wall. However, if you are not ready to commit, several curated vibrant accents could also make some magic. Use anything you like, from peel-and-stick wallpapers to artwork.
Conversely, if the corner is very sunny, you may want to choose darker colors in order to prevent the space from feeling too hot or overwhelming.
A vibrant environment will help you stay motivated and inspired for longer. Bright colors like yellow or green will energize you and boost your creativity while adding some life to the whole room. Red will stimulate your senses and keep you agile. Blue, on the other hand, has a soothing effect and the power to promote concentration.
Additionally, it’s important to think about the overall color scheme of the living room before making your selection. If you want the working corner to blend in with the rest of the room, you’ll choose a palette that coordinates well with the other furnishings and decor. However, if you want the corner to stand out as a unique space, feel free to go with bold or contrasting shades.
10 Tips for Setting Up a Home Office in a Small Living Room
- Maximize space by using vertical storage solutions
- Build a shelving system to store books, pictures, or plants
- Choose a light color palette to make the room feel larger
- Use a desk with a hidden depository to keep your work area clean and organized
- Place the desk against a wall to save space and create an open feel in the room
- Get creative with storage – use baskets, boxes, and shelves to store your supplies
- Hang curtains or screens around the desk to create a sense of privacy
- Consider a background for Zoom calls and conferences – a screen, wallpaper, or curtains can serve the purpose
- Hang mirrors on the walls to make the room feel bigger
- Get rid of unused furniture and accessories to free up space
Finally, if you want your work area to be genuinely inviting and comfortable, don’t forget to add some personal touches. Photos, plants, or even a cozy blanket will do. You can also use your home office to express your personality with decorative items, art, or perhaps fun desk accessories. The goal is to make the time you spend there not only productive but also enjoyable.
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