If you're looking to create a dedicated workspace in a small space or small home, you might consider creating an office in your bedroom. The key to creating an office in your bedroom is to balance practicality with style so as not to encroach on your sleeping space.
As more people work from home in a post-pandemic world, having a dedicated office space in your bedroom is becoming increasingly important to maintain a stable work-life balance.
But even if you don't have the space for a dedicated room, there are plenty of ways to incorporate a workspace into your bedroom. To help you get started on your bedroom renovation, we've rounded up lots of practical and beautiful home office ideas, as well as some expert tips on how to beautifully blend these two spaces.
bedroom office ideas
Featuring practical home office storage solutions, handpicked home office paint colors, and enviable interior design schemes, these bedroom office ideas are sure to inspire your next bedroom remodel.
1. Integrate your office area into the space
(Image courtesy of Cullifords)
As more people work from home, home office design is becoming more important. It's important that the space not only suits your personal style, but also helps you be productive.
“If you're creating a home office space in your bedroom, make sure it's a discreet space that blends seamlessly with the room's décor,” says Olivier Webb, director at Califors. “Choose finishes and colours that complement the space, and make sure the desk can double as a dressing table.”
2. Consider dual-purpose pieces
(Images courtesy of Jessica Lagrange Interiors/Werner Straube)
To make the most of the space and its changing functions, choosing multifunctional bedroom furniture ideas will ensure that your bedroom office is practical and not cramped.
“We like to choose pieces that are bold, yet functional. The desk serves as a bedside table, a mini vanity, and a place to send off last-minute emails before bed,” says Jessica LaGrange, founder and principal designer of Jessica LaGrange Interiors. “The ottoman makes the most of the space by easily tucking it away when not in use.”
3. Retreat to a quiet office in your bedroom.
(Image courtesy of Natalia Miyar)
“As a designer, I'm programmed to think laterally. Our challenge is to address both the functionality and aesthetic beauty of the home,” says Natalia Miyar, architect, designer, and founder of Natalia Miyar. “A home workspace needs to inspire creativity and productivity, while also making practical use of the space.”
“This is your chance to transform a space that feels underused into one that's comfortable and productive. Ideally, a corner of a drawing room or bedroom should be located near a window, allowing plenty of light into the work area. Bedroom spaces are often quieter than general areas of the home, making them a peaceful oasis.”
4. Turn underused space into an office
(Image courtesy of Carpetright)
Bedroom corners and alcoves are brimming with decorating ideas, and while it's tempting to leave those empty corners empty, it's surprisingly easy to decorate these underused spaces in an elegant and functional way.
“You don't need a huge amount of space to create an office in your bedroom; a small corner will do,” says Melanie Griffith, editor of Period Living. “Choose a home office desk and chair that blends with your existing plan — in this case, midcentury modern — and keep your accessories simple.”
5. Invest in premium materials
(Image courtesy of Arteriors)
Level up with these luxury bedroom ideas and create a luxurious hotel-inspired bedroom office in your home.
“Sleek lines combined with leather and gold create the perfect idea for a luxurious bedroom office,” says Lucy Searle, global editor-in-chief of Homes & Gardens. “Curved shapes soften the look. A bedroom is a place to relax, not a place for hard lines and structure. Mirrors reflect light and add a touch of glamour.”
6. Match your desk to your bed
(Image courtesy of Neptune)
“Unless you're lucky enough to have an L-shaped bedroom or a handy nook, it can be hard to find a way to create a small home office area,” says Simon Temprel, interior design manager at Neptune. “Luckily, there are plenty of small desks that can double as vanity stations, especially if you combine the desk with a wall-mounted mirror.”
“Our Larson dressing table and chair are beautiful enough to complement any bedroom and can be coordinated with other pieces in the collection. It's important that your home office doesn't get in the way of the bedroom's main purpose: relaxing and sleeping, so being able to close up your desk every night and put everything away in neat storage baskets is essential.”
“Consider using folding screens or curtains to partially conceal your office when not in use, or invest in one of our great workstation cabinets, which allow you to hide your computers and equipment behind panel doors.”
7. Opt for custom joints for a clean look
(Image courtesy of Ward & Co/Jon Bond)
Unlike a shared office, a bedroom office is a space where you can really express your personality when it comes to your decor choices – after all, a bedroom is a private, personal space and the design should reflect that, which is why it’s worth investing in custom or built-in cabinetry.
“In this bedroom office, we designed a streamlined, bespoke joinery unit that includes a desk, open storage and wall-to-wall wardrobes, allowing space for a double bed,” says Rosie Ward, co-founder of Ward & Co. “A midnight blue wallpaper by Philip Jeffries behind the desk adds a unifying touch.”
8. Don't forget about comfort
(Image courtesy of Joshua Smith Inc/Lisa Romerin)
“When integrating an office space into a bedroom, it's important to ensure it feels calm and comfortable,” says Joshua Smith, principal designer and founder of Joshua Smith Inc. “Work can be stressful, but we don't want to bring those negativity into the place that's meant to be our sanctuary. Adding a variety of throws and pillows can make the area feel more inviting and connected to the comfort of the space.”
9. Ensure good lighting
(Image credit: Original BTC)
Good lighting in your home office will make working on a screen, or close-up if necessary, more comfortable and prevent eye strain – a key element of any home work area.
“Eaves-top bedrooms have a little nook for desk space. Choose a slimline desk that fits neatly into the nook. Don't forget lighting; lighting is key to any desk setup and a small, stylish lamp can make a big difference,” says Melanie Griffiths, editor of Period Living.
10. Make the most of every inch of wall space
(Image courtesy of Natalia Miyar)
“When thinking about how to incorporate a home office into your bedroom, it's worth considering any unused space – the space between two windows, for example,” says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor at Homes & Gardens. “This makes an ideal spot for a desk and acts as a natural frame. Hang a picture in the middle, choose a desk that fits neatly into the space, and use furniture that fits with the rest of your bedroom scheme to create a unified look.”
How can you create an office in your bedroom?
Turning your bedroom into a home office or study space isn't easy, but if done right, it can be a great way to make the most of a limited amount of square footage.
We recommend scaling back or using the right bedroom colours and prioritising which areas of the room you want to focus on.
This is a great opportunity to show off your knowledge of logistics and decor and prove to everyone that with imagination and motivation, you can transform your bedroom into a space for working and relaxing.