We compiled a list of hacks on what you need to know about creating an efficient yet cozy bedroom office. You can also have your very own amazing hygge office in your basement or living room.
Even before COVID, WFH (work from home) has increasingly become a norm. It is imperative we protect our sanctity of mind and spirit through the spaces we live in. The challenge is to marry a space where daily grind and relaxation can both thrive.
A hygge inspired bedroom office can be the perfect solution to keep your life balanced. It creates a space for you to get ready in the morning and complete important tasks, without having to sacrifice comfort or contentment. It is also a great way to make use of an underused room or yield more space in your home.
Keep reading for 11 hacks to hygge-LIT your bedroom office:
- Go with the flow
- Create a cloffice
- Combine the guest or study
- Combine the bed and desk
- Visual distinction
- Stay lit
- Personable organization
- Sanctify with plants and natural accents
- The correct desk and chair
- Experiment with furniture
- Flat beds and low rise furniture
1. Go with the flow
Do: Use natural lines and features of the room to maximize the function of existing spaces. It also streamlines the design of a workstation. For example, turn the bay window or entry way into a long table.
Bonus Tip: Take advantage of angles and awkward corners. Use built in cabinetry to craft out a work space or wrap cabinets around walls to maximize real estate.
2. Create a ‘cloffice’
Do: Hide a desk behind wardrobe doors or drapery. This means you can shut them without a visual impact on the rest of the room. Even if left open, it occupies negligible space, a plus point for precious square foot. Think sliding or folding doors.
Bonus Tip: The space could look cramped or disorganized. As such, focus on expanding upwards instead of outwards. Consider smart storage solutions like floating shelves or built in cabinetry to assimilate the space (see #6).
3. Combine the guest or study
Do: By adding a desk and chair into the guest room, it becomes a dual purpose room. Vice versa, turn the study into a guest room by adding in a fold down/murphy bed.
Bonus Tip: Use a loft bed. Not only does it open up the room, it turns the room into a hyygelig alcove. Functional, flexible and cozy…perfect.
4. Combine the bed and desk
Do: Instead of placing the bed (or sofa) against the wall, consider placing a desk behind the headboard.
Bonus tip: Another option would be to employ a peninsula desk. Not only does it complement existing features, it doubles the working space by allowing for another person on the opposite end. Great if there is a partner WFH (working from home) as well!
5. Visual distinction
Do: It’s important to keep a distinction between work and relaxation areas. However, there shouldn’t be a disjoint. If there is space to use an adjoining room, consider fitting a pony wall, translucent doors or portable dividers to separate the areas.
Do: If space is a premium, consider floating the furniture as a simple solution. For example, center the big furniture like the sofa or bed, and leave a small gap between it and the desk.
Bonus tip: Face the desk outwards or place it perpendicular to the window to direct mental focus. It’s tough getting in the zone when looking in our beds or TVs. Using two to three tones also helps bring style and dimension to the room.
6. Personable organization
Do: Hygge is all about feeling comfortable, content and centered. Invest in smart storage solutions which help to avoid a messy and sterile cell. Floating shelves, cabinets or bins are excellent for compartmentalization and liberation of space.
Bonus tip: Galvanize the bedroom office by using a feature wall. Use a corkboard wall or hanging peg board to pin memos or personal memorabilia. Not only does it focus the attention, it stimulates the spirit.
7. Sanctify with plants and natural accents
Do: There are many benefits of introducing greenery to an indoor space. Not only do plants help clean the air and reduce stress levels, they lighten an otherwise serious space. Also, infuse essential oils or scented candles to invigorate the senses.
Bonus tip: Consider a brick feature wall or wooden accents in the choice of furnishings. Wood is symbolic of nature and generates a warm and calming atmosphere. It is also sustainable!
8. Stay lit
Do: The importance of appropriate lighting cannot be overemphasized. It aids to reduce eye fatigue and headaches, and impacts productivity and energy. Ideally, place the desk near a window to tap on natural light. If there is no window, go for warm lights overhead or desk lamp.
Bonus tip: Use a blue light filter on your computer screen or glasses to reduce glare and digital eye strain.
9. The correct desk and chair
Do: Choose your desk and chair mindfully. It will be the visual magnet of a bedroom office. Opt for a desk/chair combination that coordinates with the rest of the room. For example, choose similar colors, texture, and styles that match the look of the room.
Bonus Tip: Go for narrow low profile desks to simplify the layout. For chairs, go for curves or subtle features that would otherwise be NSFW (Not Suitable for Work). A little flair is welcome to keep the atmosphere relaxed and unique, but it should not stand out from the room.
10. Experiment with furniture
Do: Consider multipurpose furniture, especially for smaller apartments. Make your furniture work harder. For example, replace the bedside night stand with a minimalist desk or larger vanity. (I got you ladies!)
Bonus Tip: Try clear furniture as they give the illusion of more visible space. Layer with a throw to soften a clinical look.
11. For those with flat beds or low rise furniture
Do: You might be wondering, the 10 ideas so far have to do with raised furniture. What if mine is a flat bed or my furnishings are height resistant? That’s even better. It means you have more options to play with whilst using the same principles as above.
Consider modular or foldable furniture, ie foldable tables and tatami mats. You will find the space opening up and becoming much more flexible. Another plus is that it is more affordable than bulkier fixed furnishings.
Bonus tip: Trust the Japanese to come up with furniture that is compact, flexible and cute! Enter the kotatsu . A low, wooden table frame covered by a futon that converts into a bed or sofa. Imagine tucking in during the winter months. Absolutely hygge approved!
Wrap Up
We all know the benefits of working from home, but it’s not always easy to find a space that complements your work and personal life. With these bedroom hacks you can create a hygge office in any room in the house! Get creative and see what works best for you by implementing one or more of these ideas into your own space. Which hack was most interesting to you? Did we miss anything important? Let us know here.