Thank God we’ve left behind our collective “Annus Horribilis.” Yes, I’m talking about the COVID years, when everyone had to carve out home office nooks in living room, even in tiny apartments in cities like New York. If you were lucky enough, you had your own dedicated workspace.
Even though those days are behind us, some of the dramatic changes they brought are here to stay—like working from home becoming a permanent option for many. It’s now common for people to expect a few work-from-home days each week.
I’m one of those fortunate enough to work from anywhere in the world since I’m a contractor, and my job can be done entirely online. So, creating cute, functional office spaces in any corner of a room has become an art form for me.
Today, I want to highlight two key spaces: the small living room office corner and the small bedroom office corner. It’s especially important to consider these options if you’re in the middle of revamping your apartment decor. After all, these workspaces need to blend seamlessly with your overall design.
54 Home Office Nooks in Living Room
1. Choose a Stylish Work From Home Desk
The centerpiece of any home office nook is the desk. Since we’re focusing on small living room office combos and bedroom office corners, opt for a stylish work-from-home desk that doesn’t overwhelm your space. A minimal study desk is perfect for this. Look for sleek lines, lightweight materials, and designs that can double as a console table or a decorative piece when not in use.
small living room office corner
Floating desks, for example, are a great solution for small spaces because they attach to the wall and can be folded away when you’re done. This is especially helpful for those living room spaces where you need to maintain a certain flow or aesthetic. If you prefer something more grounded, go for a desk with slim legs or clear materials like glass to keep the space feeling light and open.
2. Maximize Vertical Space for Storage
One of the biggest challenges of working from home is finding enough storage space for all your work essentials. In a small living room or bedroom office nook, this is even trickier. The key is to think vertically. Use wall-mounted shelvesor floating cabinets to keep your desk clutter-free. This not only maximizes storage but also leaves the floor space open, making the room feel larger.
Consider adding stylish wall hooks or pegboards to hang items like headphones, notebooks, or small office supplies. Vertical storage keeps things organized and within arm’s reach without taking up precious square footage.
3. Divide the Space with Decor
If your home office nook is in the living room, you might want to visually separate the workspace from the rest of the area. This can be done through decor rather than heavy, space-consuming dividers. Think about using a stylish area rugthat defines the office nook, or consider hanging curtains or lightweight screens that can be pulled back when you’re off the clock.
Another idea is to use open shelving units as room dividers. They provide a clear boundary without closing off the space entirely and offer additional storage for books, plants, or decorative items. These clever dividers can make your small living room office combo look more intentional and organized.
small bedroom office corner
4. Use Multi-Functional Furniture
Multi-functional furniture is your best friend when trying to create an office nook in a small space. Look for pieces that can serve more than one purpose. For instance, a desk with built-in drawers can act as a workspace during the day and a storage area for books and documents when you’re not working.
This desk could be easily used as a make-up vanity desk as well.
If you’re incorporating a small bedroom office corner, a foldable desk or a desk that converts into a vanity table can be a chic and practical solution. This way, the area feels less like a dedicated work zone, which can be helpful for maintaining the room’s calm and restful atmosphere.
5. Keep the Color Scheme Cohesive
To make your home office nook feel like a natural part of your living room or bedroom, stick to the existing color scheme. Keeping the colors cohesive ensures that the space feels integrated rather than like an afterthought. If your living room has neutral tones, look for desks and chairs in complementary shades of beige, white, or light wood.
In a small bedroom, soft pastel hues or muted tones can make the office nook feel more inviting and relaxing. You don’t want your workspace to clash with the calming vibe of the room, so keep things minimal and harmonious.
6. Prioritize Lighting for Productivity
Lighting is a crucial element in any workspace, but it’s even more important in a home office nook where natural light might be limited. Make sure you have adequate task lighting—like a sleek desk lamp or wall-mounted lights—that brightens up your workspace without taking up too much room.
If you’re working in a small bedroom office corner, position your desk near a window to take advantage of natural light during the day. For living room office nooks, add a combination of overhead lighting and task lights to ensure you have enough illumination for late-night work sessions.
7. Add Personal Touches Without Overcrowding
Just because it’s a small office nook doesn’t mean it has to be bland. Adding a few personal touches can make your workspace feel more inspiring. Consider adding a small piece of art, a framed photo, or a couple of plants to breathe life into the area.
However, avoid overcrowding the space. The goal is to strike a balance between personal flair and functionality. A few well-chosen decor items will make the space feel inviting without making it feel cramped.
8. Invest in a Comfortable Chair
A stylish desk is important, but nothing beats the value of a comfortable chair. When choosing a chair for your home office nook, look for something that blends both comfort and style. You want a chair that supports your posture while fitting seamlessly into your living room or bedroom decor.
If space is tight, consider an armless chair that can easily slide under the desk when not in use. For a more cohesive look, match the chair’s fabric or material with other elements in the room, like your sofa or bed linens.
9. Small Living Room Office Corner: Desk in Front of the Window
Positioning your desk in front of a window can make a small living room office corner feel more spacious and energizing. Natural light is not only great for productivity but also enhances the mood and aesthetics of your workspace. If you’re fortunate enough to have a window in your living room, make the most of it by placing your desk right in front of it.
A minimal study desk is ideal here, as it won’t overpower the space or block too much of the window view. Opt for a sleek design with thin legs, which creates an airy feel and doesn’t clutter the area. Pair it with a small, stylish chair that can easily be tucked away when not in use.
Additionally, adding a few window plants or placing decorative items like a small vase of fresh flowers can make the corner feel vibrant and alive. The natural light will also help these plants thrive, further softening the office nook and blending it harmoniously with the rest of your living room decor.
If you’re concerned about privacy or glare, consider installing sheer curtains or blinds. They’ll allow light to filter through without making the space too harsh or distracting. This small living room office corner setup ensures you have a functional yet beautiful workspace that doesn’t take up too much room while keeping the area bright and inviting.
10. Minimal Study Desk Area
When space is limited, a mini desk can be the perfect solution for a small living room office corner. These compact desks are designed to provide all the functionality of a full-sized workspace without overwhelming the room. They’re especially great if your living room is on the smaller side or if you’re working with a tight layout.
Look for desks with slim profiles, like ladder desks that lean against the wall or floating desks that can be mounted to save valuable floor space. A foldable mini desk can also be a fantastic option, especially if you need to free up space when you’re not working. These desks are not only practical but can also add a chic, modern touch to your decor.
Pairing a mini desk with a small, ergonomic chair will ensure that even the tiniest office corner is comfortable and stylish. When choosing a mini desk, consider one with built-in storage or small drawers to keep your essentials within reach without adding clutter.
11. Traditional Antique Desks: Adding Character to Your Living Room Office Nook
If you’re looking to make your home office nook not only functional but also a standout decor element in your living room, consider incorporating a traditional antique desk. These desks bring a sense of timeless elegance and craftsmanship, adding another layer of sophistication to your space.
Antique-style desks, whether they are vintage finds or modern reproductions, can serve as both a workspace and a statement piece. Their intricate designs, rich wood tones, and ornate details instantly elevate the decor, making the desk a focal point in the room. Even in a small living room office corner, a well-chosen antique desk can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
You can pair it with a classic upholstered chair to complement the vintage look, or mix it up by adding a modern chair for a more eclectic, balanced style. This approach blends old-world charm with contemporary aesthetics, ensuring the space feels cohesive with the rest of your living room decor.
A traditional desk also allows for some additional styling opportunities. Think about decorating the surface with vintage accessories, like a brass lamp or a stack of leather-bound books, which can enhance the overall theme. Even though it’s a working space, the antique desk will give your office nook a lived-in, stylish feel.
12. Bookshelf and Desk Corner: The Ultimate Space-Saving Combo
Combining a bookshelf and desk corner is an excellent way to maximize space in a small living room while creating a stylish, organized office nook. This setup not only provides a practical workspace but also offers extra storage for books, decor, and office essentials, helping to keep your living room tidy and visually appealing.
Consider choosing a desk that is either attached to a bookshelf or one that fits neatly next to a tall shelving unit. A ladder desk with built-in shelves is a smart option for smaller spaces, as it utilizes vertical space without taking up much room. This multi-functional piece of furniture allows you to store books, plants, and decorative items while keeping your workspace clutter-free.
For a more modular approach, you could also place a small desk in the corner and flank it with tall bookshelves on either side. This arrangement creates a cozy, library-like feel while giving you plenty of room for storage and organization. You can display books, framed photos, or even work-related items like planners and journals on the shelves, making the corner both functional and personal.
To keep the design cohesive, try matching the materials of your desk and bookshelf to the existing furniture in your living room. For example, if your living room has mid-century modern vibes, go for wood tones and clean lines. If you’re leaning towards a minimalist look, stick to white or neutral-toned shelves paired with a minimal study desk.
Main image is from Behance Pinterest.
