When it comes to where to put your desk in your home, there are a few things to consider. Do you want easy access to the living room or bedroom? What type of work do you do that would require a designated workspace? Will other family members be using the same space for activities or sleeping? Here is a look at the pros and cons of having a desk in the living room or bedroom.
Having a Desk in the Living Room
The living room is usually the most centrally located room in the house, if you’re considering having a desk your desk in the living room here are some pros and cons to take into account:
Pros:
1. Convenient location
Having a desk in the living room means that you can easily access it when you need to use it. This is especially beneficial if you work from home or do a lot of online research and writing. Your office space can be close to the action, so you can take breaks and watch TV or visit with family members in between tasks.
2. More social interaction
If your dedicated home office is in the living room, you’ll likely have more social interaction than if it were in the bedroom. This can be good or bad, depending on your personality and work style. If you’re someone who thrives on human interaction, this can be a big plus. If you prefer to work in solitude, it may be a distraction.
3. More work space
The living room is usually the largest room in the house, so there is more space to put a desk. This can be beneficial if you need a lot of space to spread out your work.
4. Access to natural light
If your living room has windows, you will have access to natural light while you work. This can help to improve your mood and concentration. It makes your home office space feel more open and airy.
Cons
1. Less privacy
If you work from home or do a lot of online research and writing, having a desk in the living room can mean less privacy. Family members and guests can see and hear you while you work.
2. Distractions
There are usually more distractions in the living room than there are in the bedroom. This can make it more challenging to concentrate on your work.
3. It can be disruptive
If you have young children, having a desk in the living room can be disruptive to their playtime or nap time.
Having a Desk in the Bedroom
Our bedroom is our sanctuary, a place to relax and unwind after a long day. But for some of us, it can also double as an office space. If you’re considering having a desk in your bedroom, here are some pros and cons to take into account:
Pros:
1. Quieter location
The bedroom is usually a quieter place in the house, so you can focus on your work without distractions.
2. More privacy
Having a desk in the bedroom means that you can have more privacy while you work. This can be beneficial if you need to make phone calls or concentrate on sensitive tasks.
3. Access to bed
If you need to take a break from working, you can easily access the bed for a nap or to relax. This can help you to stay refreshed and focused on your work.
Cons
1. Limited office space
The bedroom is usually smaller than the living room, so there may be less space to put a desk.
2. Fewer windows
If your bedroom does not have many windows, you may not have access to natural light while you work.
3. Distractions
The bedroom is often associated with relaxation and sleep, so it can be easy to get distracted when you are trying to work.
Spare room for a home office:
1. You can have a separate room for your desk which means you can close the door at the end of the day and leave work behind you.
2. A spare room gives you more space to spread out your work.
3. You can decorate the room to suit your needs and create a space that is conducive to concentration and productivity.
4. A spare room can be used as a guest room when you have visitors, which means you won’t have to give up your home office space.
5. Having a spare room for a home office can increase the value of your home.
Ideas to make a more productive home office space
- Choose a room divider to have a separate space for your desk.
- Place your computer desk near a window to get natural light.
- If you have a small desk, try a floating shelf to save space.
- For maximum use of vertical space, install a bulletin board or whiteboard on the wall.
- Use baskets or bins to organize your desk supplies and paperwork.
- Invest in a comfortable office chair that supports your back.
- Add some plants to your home office space to boost your mood and purify the air.
- If you have paperwork to do, try sitting at a counter instead of a desk.
- During office or business hours, turn off your television and refrain from other distractions.
- Consider a white desk to reflect light and make your space feel more open.
- If your workspace is in the family room, use a screen to create a more private space.
- For large desk tops, choose a desk with drawers for storage.
Take Away
It’s a great idea to have a desk in your home office, but there are a few things you should consider before making the decision. Think about what kind of work you’ll be doing, how much space you have, and what kind of distractions you’re likely to face.