Being able to work from home – in your pajamas with your coffee in-hand at your own pace – is a dream come true for most people. If being able to make money in an environment that is comfortable and familiar sounds heavenly to you, then you may be asking yourself right now, ‘how do I go about setting up a home office in my bedroom?’
How do I setup a home office in a bedroom? A bedroom-office combo is a convenient way to work from home in the comfort of your own surroundings. Creating a dedicated work space in a bedroom requires some planning and strategic furniture placement, to make the area conducive to productivity while still feeling like home.
Now, that you know it is possible to create an at-home office in your bedroom, let’s take a closer look at this in more detail below. We will discuss how to properly set-up a bedroom-office and the best ways to do it on a budget. So, if you’re ready to learn more about creating the perfect bedroom-office, then let’s get started!
How Do I Setup a Home Office in a Bedroom?
Setting up a bedroom office at home is easier than you may think, it just requires a little know-how and some creativity. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Use an Outward Facing Desk
Placing your desk near a wall facing a window is a good idea. By keeping your back toward the bed, you’re less likely to be distracted by thoughts of sleep. A trestle table works well as a desk in bedroom, but it doesn’t provide the same storage capability as a standard desk. If most of your work is kept online rather than in folders, a trestle table is all you need!
Choose the Right Chair
Selecting a good desk chair is important, not only for esthetic reasons but for your comfort and overall health as well. Be sure to choose one that is ergonomic in design to properly support your lower back. The brackets on the chair should be adjustable and conform to the shape of your spine, your feet should rest flat on the floor comfortably and the arm rests should match the height of the desk.
Separate the Space
Be sure to separate the room into two areas, one for work and the other for sleep. If you have ample space, place the desk as far away from the bed as possible. Use a curtain or screen to divide the space and when you are not working (or getting ready to crawl into bed), close the curtain to signify the end of the day.
Use Multipurpose Furniture
If space is limited, multi-functional furniture is the ideal choice for a home-office. For example, your bedside table can double as a desk or you can purchase a space-saving model that can be rolled away (or broken down) and placed in a closet when not in use. This is a great way to mark the end of the workday while preventing the ‘office’ from visually impacting the rest of the bedroom.
Unify the Decor
Although the goal is to separate the office from the bedroom, the overall space should still flow together. The idea is to maintain aesthetic unity between the two areas. Choosing a desk, chair and artwork that compliment (rather than clash) with the rest room is the key to keeping the space inspiring (rather than distracting).
Ensure Ample Storage
If paperwork is unavoidable, be sure to have enough storage space in the room. A shelf placed neatly against the wall and next to the desk will help keep files in order so they are easy to locate. Avoid using file boxes as they can make a bedroom look cluttered and messy. A clean, tidy and organized environment is much more conducive to productivity.
Invest in a Murphy Bed
Murphy Beds are a great addition to any bedroom office. They work well in small spaces and are multifunctional. Putting the bed into the wall makes the space feel more like an office rather than a combined space. Storing it away will also help you avoid using your laptop on the bed instead of at the desk, where you should be working.
Use Proper Lighting
Trying to work in a poorly-lit space is difficult. Fluorescent lighting, commonly found in corporate offices, is cold, dark and hard on the eyes. If you have a window in your bedroom, put the desk near or in front of it, as natural light is not only good for productivity but boosts morale as well. If you don’t have a window, opt for warm, bright overhead lights or desk lamps that won’t cast a glare over your computer.
How Do I Setup a Bedroom Home Office on a Budget?
Setting up a working space at home can be done without breaking the bank! Here are 8 ways to create an efficient home office in your bedroom while one a budget:
Be Creative
Instead of renovating the bedroom to make space for a home office, simply separate the area using a folding shoji screen. These are tri-fold dividers that come in a variety of styles and colors, from classic window-pane designs to the more modern prints.
Purchase Supplies from Chain Stores
Paper, pens, filing cabinets, bulletin boards, even décor and wall art can be bought for a fraction of the price at chain or discount stores. Online retailers are also great places to purchase everything you need for your home office, with the added convenience of home delivery, often for free!
Check Out Thrift Stores and Flea Markets
If you need furniture for your bedroom office, why not visit a thrift store or flea market for used pieces, such as desks and computer chairs. Chances of finding antique décor items (that are both stylish and affordable) are good at second-hand retailers. These pieces will make your work space feel sophisticated yet comfortable.
Decorate Yourself
Save money by decorating your bedroom office yourself, instead of paying someone else to do it for you. This gives you more freedom to be creative, allowing your personal sense of style to shine through. Make the space feel warm and welcoming by hanging by family photos, framed inspirational quotes or even your kids’ artwork.
Go Green
Look at purchasing smaller computers or lap tops that save energy (and money). Electrical outlets, phone chargers, automatic turn-off lighting and recycled paper are just a few examples of ways to ‘go green’ with your bedroom office. You will be not only cut costs but also help the environment.
Use What You Have
Chances are, you already have some supplies at home that you can use for your bedroom office. Rummage through the basement or attic and look for lamps that could double as task-lighting on your desk. Who knows, you may even stumble upon some unused school supplies, such as notebook, loose-leaf paper, pens, marker, etc. that you will ultimately need as well.
Avoid Land Lines
Having a land line added to your bedroom office can be costly, and unnecessary, if you already have cellular coverage. Use your cell phone for all work correspondence. As well, purchase a printer with scanning capabilities instead of investing in a fax machine.
Trade or Barter with Your Neighbors
Posting ads on Craigslist or putting up bulletins in your local community centers can help you find office supplies (at reasonable prices) in your area. Check out garage sales to see if you can buy or trade items with your neighbors. While you’re at it, take the time to plug your business and perhaps gain some new clients or professional contacts.
Just as a side note, since we’re talking about setting up a bedroom office on a budget, there are tax write-offs available for people who work from home. It’s definitely something to look into, as it could save you money each year, which can then go toward expanding your business.
Related questions
How do I organize my office desk? Your monitor should be directly in front of you at eye-level approximately 17 inches away. Frequently used items such as the telephone, paper and pens should be placed at arm’s reach. Items used only used a few times as week such as paper clips, sticky notes and staplers should be placed in a drawer under or beside the desk.
How to set Up an Efficient Home Office? An efficient home office is a space ready to be utilized 100% of the time. It should only include the essentials such as a desk with a computer as well as other office supplies, including a phone, paper, pens. It should also have a space for filing cabinets and a meeting area for potential clients when necessary.