Whether you work from home part-time or full-time, having a dedicated WFH setup is essential. And if you don’t have the luxury of a private area for your office, you’ll need to create a multi-purpose workspace in the living room or other shared space.
There are several factors to consider when planning a home office living room, chief among them location, as well as how to maximize floor space, and organization systems to prevent clutter. Here, top interior designers and decorators share their tips for styling a functional home office in the living room.
1. Nook It Out
Does your living room have a small nook you’ve never known what to do with? Now you do, because it’s an ideal tucked-away office spot that doesn’t take up other usable space. “When I organize a multi-functional office area, I like to ensure that all items are stored away. One of the simplest layouts is creating a corner nook,” says Elizabeth Vergara, founder and lead designer at Vergara Homes.
Install shelves to house books and supplies, and include a piece of artwork or photography to punch it up with color and personality.
2. Make a Room Under the Stairs
Just like in real estate, location is everything when considering home office placement in a shared living space. Many nooks under the stairs have enough room for a small desk and chair, though you may need to sort out lighting if there’s not already an electrical outlet
“For your chair, if space is tight, use a dining room chair for the desk if you can, and it will play double duty when not in use at the desk area,” says Tyson Ness, founder of Studio Ness. To make the space your own, a wall treatment will give the office spatial autonomy from the rest of the living room, but consider a color or pattern that plays well with the existing surroundings.
3. Enjoy the View
Exposure to the outdoors and access to natural light is linked to improvements in well-being and productivity. Marzia Dainelli, CEO of Dainelli Studio, says an office in proximity to natural light is essential. “Choose a well-lit location, ideally by natural light near a window.”
Placing a desk near a window allows you to take in views of the outdoors and gives your eyes a place to rest between work sessions. As a bonus, facing a desk in front of a window is ideal for virtual meetings. The wash of sunlight casts a natural and even glow over the face and minimizes facial shadows on screen.
4. Go Vertical
By all appearances, a ladder desk was created for multi-functional living. Rather than a traditional desk design that typically occupies a lot of floor space, a ladder desk’s vertical design keeps things open and airy. “The minimalist design complements a multi-functional living room since it avoids having a bulky desk right in the living space,” says Vivianne Chow, interior decorator and owner at Viv & Tim Home.
A ladder desk also provides storage and personalization opportunities. “I love that you can display decor and books on the two shelves above and have a functional work surface area below for your computer.”
5. Create Design Cohesion
Stacking shelves vertically is a space-saving in a living room home office, but what to put on them? Aside from the functional things like lighting and supplies, styling your space can tie it into the living room’s existing decor.
“Make sure your home office matches the style of the rest of the living room so the space feels cohesive and balanced. Use complementing textures, materials and patterns to blend the two spaces together,” says Laura Price, founder of The Home Organisation. To connect the office and living room, match the colors and finishes and add similar objects and sentimental items, placing them together at different heights to create visual interest.
6. Use the Space Under the Desk
Every inch of space counts in a home office in the living room. “Make sure you have a system in place for putting away work clutter at the end of the workday,” says Ksenya Malina, founder of Time and Place Interiors. Smart storage is your friend here and will keep your space neat and tidy.
“A dedicated drawer, or a paper tray, can corral workday hodgepodge so you can transition to an evening or weekend spent relaxing or entertaining in your living room.” One of the best storage spots is right at your feet. To max out your space, opt for under-desk storage equipped with caster wheels you can roll out as another work surface.
7. Be Smart With Storage
It can’t be overstated how important good storage is to a living room home office. “Opt for smart, space-saving storage that climbs your walls with elegance, keeping essentials within reach yet tucked away,” says Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight.
It’s easy for storage containers to look drab and overwhelming. Material choice, size and color are all important factors to consider in a multi-purpose space. Choose containers in a single color for a put-together look. Woven baskets lend a warm feel, and plastic baskets in a brighter hue add a playful touch.
8. Balance the Design with Built-Ins
There’s nothing like millwork to elevate the look and feel of a room. “If it’s in your budget, custom millwork lends bespoke flexibility to any home office space, especially one in a communal area such as a living room,” says Anna Karp, CEO and founder of design-build firm Bolster.
A built-in offers a seamless way to work with a living room’s exact dimensions and color scheme. Karp appreciates its integrated storage capabilities that balance functionality and aesthetics. “Custom millwork can also help with integrated cord management, which can be used to keep cables and cords organized and hidden.”
9. Go Vintage
Desk design has come a long way, but if you’re having trouble finding a style you like, consider a vintage piece for a bespoke look. A secretary desk is a living room office idea for its ability to hide clutter. “Its various compartments and drawers offer a clean storage solution, keeping work essentials tucked away yet accessible,” says Isfira Jensen, CEO and principal designer at Nufacet Interiors.
A secretary desk suits a living room because it looks like furniture. “When not in use, it can be folded away, making it ideal for entertaining, without giving away its functional purpose.” For other vintage-inspired desk ideas, consider an antique hutch or small refurbished armoire.
10. Bring It to Life with Greenery
Indoor plants are linked to an improvement in people’s mental health and physical health. They are a key feature of biophilia, a type of design that integrates natural features to make people feel content and comfortable. “Incorporate elements of nature to keep your workspace as serene as your sanctuary, with touches of greenery or the soothing sounds of water,” says Kropovinsky.
Potted plants and trees are great additions to a multi-functional home office. If you enjoy color psychology, green is energetic and full of life. It can evoke a sense of tranquility and calm, two feelings that are helpful for getting through a busy workday.