Which way should a desk face in a home office?

Most people prefer to have their desk facing the entryway. That way, they can easily see who comes into their office and don’t have people walking up behind them. However, if this isn’t a concern, then it can be nice to have the desk facing a window. Be careful to not let the scenery outside be distracting.

How can I make my home office feel cozy?

The easiest method for making a home office feel cozy is with the lighting. Change the bulbs out for ones that emit a warm yellow glow. You don’t want them too warm where they look obviously yellow. Aim for just slightly warmer than daylight light. This makes the space feel more welcoming and less like an office. Add home touches to the decor, also. This could include a plant, candle, throw pillow, or plush rug.

How do you make a small office look good?

It all starts with the furniture arrangement. Get it right, and the space feels comfortable and welcoming. Get it wrong, and the space feels cramped and crowded. Utilize the vertical space in the office to have more storage and functionality without cluttering up the floor. Give the office a bright color scheme to add some style and visual interest.

12 Home Office Desk Ideas for a Home Workstation

“People think that I must be a very strange person. This is not correct. I have the heart of a small boy. It is in a glass jar on my desk.” – Stephen King

Working from home has become more normal, and this means more people are looking for ways to make their home office space more functional. The first step is finding the perfect desk. It needs to be big enough to have enough space to work and also fit the available space you have in your home. Its style needs to feel comfortable to you and make sense for the type of work you do.

These home office desk ideas will help you find the perfect desk for your home office desk.

1. Sleek Modern Desk for Chic Workspaces

Choosing a desk chic design is in the eye of the beholder. Look for a desk with design elements that embody modern design trends. This could be a brushed gold metal frame for the supports. They could have geometric shapes and lots of sleek lines. The body of the desk could feature a bold color like hunter green, deep blue, or crisp white.

Stylish home office with wooden desk, books, plants, laptop, and modern lighting; blue paneled wall and shelving enhance decor — Source: @athome_withchelsea via Instagram

Home office in an attic with a white desk, pink office chair, laptop, monitor, fan, and wall shelves decorated with plants and artwork — Source: @carla__parry via Instagram

Modern office with a gold-accented desk, colorful abstract art, clear chair with plush cushion, plants, and decorative items — Source: @lillianaugust via Instagram

Modern desk with a gold lamp, decorative bird sculptures, a black chair with a leopard print seat, and a fur rug on the floor — Source: @onmadison via Instagram

Home office setup with a white desk, pink chair, computer, and framed photos — Source: @onthecorneroffalcon via Instagram

To complete the look, match your office supplies, desk lamp, and the rest of the decor to your desk. This completes the chic look. Add home decor to your desk that you would typically find in other areas of the home and not in an office. A vase with fresh blooms keeps your desk feeling fresh and welcoming.

2. Upgrade to an Ergonomic Computer Desk for Comfort

Technology is a part of our lives, and a computer desk is a modern solution. Look for a desk that can accommodate your laptop, keyboard, and other peripherals. It should also have a way to keep your papers and other non-electronic supplies organized.

Cozy workspace with wooden desk, computer, notebook, and a plant; walls adorned with decor and soft lighting from a small lamp — Source: @alphabravofoxtrot via Instagram

Minimalist desk setup featuring a computer, books, a small speaker, and a potted plant with a wall photo of a mountain displayed on-screen — Source: @homekokousa via Instagram

Home office desk with computer, keyboard, and mouse; photo and stationery on the desk; window view of water and hills in the background — Source: @interiorsstorageanddeclutter via Instagram

Modern home office setup with a laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and desk accessories; plants and a window add a cozy touch — Source: @london_flat_to_essex_house via Instagram

A modern home office setup with a large monitor, vertical display, keyboard, speakers, guitar, and decorative wall lights — Source: @mrisad via Instagram

Modern home office nook with desk, computer, printer, and decorative shelves under a staircase; chair and greenery add a cozy touch — Source: @myinteriorstylist_official via Instagram

What’s nice about computer desks is that they don’t have to be modern or minimalist in design. You could have one that looks vintage, rustic, retro, or even Victorian. Make sure the desktop is at the right height to create the ideal ergonomic setup for maximum body comfort for all-day work.

3. Maximize Space with a Corner Desk

A corner desk gives you plenty of space to the left and right and in front of you. The corner is deeper, giving you more space to push the computer screen further away, reducing the stress on your eyes. Pay attention to the supports under the desk, as these could restrict your movements while working.

Minimalist home office with a wooden desk, computer, chair, plants, and storage drawers against a light green wall — Source: @delamereintheblossom via Instagram

Corner desk setup with a laptop, two monitors, keyboard, mouse, and two small plants. A notepad and pen are on the left — Source: @fbf.furniture via Instagram

A home office setup with two monitors, a pink chair, ring light, and desk on carpeted floor by a window — Source: @lynaelegance via Instagram

Corner desk setup with a laptop, monitor, keyboard, and mouse on a wooden desk; notepad and pill bottle on the side — Source: @metal_nikki via Instagram

L-shaped desk setup with a computer, colorful backlit keyboard, speakers, and a glowing PC tower under the desk — Source: @robertrosecarpentry via Instagram

Home office setup with wooden desk, computer, keyboard, mouse, office chair, plant, and framed photos on a wooden floor — Source: @upcyclingwithemma via Instagram

The drawback of a corner desk is that you are stuck staring at the corner of your office. This could put your back to the door, which can be uncomfortable. It could also restrict your ability to look out the window.

4. Build Your Perfect Desk: Easy DIY Office Desk Ideas

Sometimes the only option is to build your own desk. The easiest way to do this is by setting up two sawhorses and placing a piece of wood on top. If you are looking for something more stable and permanent, then you could still build your DIY desk out of wood. Start with the legs and base and then add desktop.

Minimalist desk setup with a leather chair, potted plants, a lamp, and a clock on a table by a window with bamboo shades — Source: @casadavis.decor via Instagram

Minimalist home office setup with a computer on a wooden desk, white chair, storage drawers, and studio lights on both sides — Source: @diy_by_jv via Instagram

Compact desk with a globe and lamp, set against a white wall with a black world map, white chair and minimal decor complete the setup — Source: @greendoorhomestaging via Instagram

Minimalist home office with a green accent wall, desk, monitor, pink chair, plants, and a window featuring light wood floor and patterned rug — Source: @prettylittleterrace via Instagram

For a rustic touch, you could use pallet wood. Take the pallets apart and use the planks to build your customized desk. Sand down the wood so it’s smooth and won’t give you splinters. Be careful to only use steam-treated pallets that don’t have harmful chemicals.

5. Choose a Desk Design to Match Your Home Office Vibe

The design of your desk can help create an energy and mood in your home office space. A large traditional desk will give your home office a formal feel that is perfect for financial, legal, and executive-level professionals. A stand-up desk or one with a modern design work well for creative types and freelancers.

Minimalist desk setup with monitor, lamp, keyboard, and mouse on a white desk; potted plant and framed art decorate the space — Source: @_zsetup via Instagram

Bright home office with inspirational wall art, white desk, flowers, globe, books, and a computer. Neat and organized workspace — Source: @bridgetmariestudios via Instagram

Home office setup with a laptop, monitor, pen holder, plants, and storage baskets on a wooden desk and shelves — Source: @selahsfinds via Instagram

Home office setup with a vertical monitor, iMac, tablet, and desk lamp on a wooden desk, with plants and stationery placed nearby — Source: @yutatsukaoka via Instagram

Consider the size and shape of your office space when choosing your desk. Scale the desk to the size of the room so that you have enough space to work while also not overpowering the room.

6. Double Your Efficiency with Spacious U-Shaped Desk

When you live with someone who also works from home, you need to have more than one workspace. A U-shaped desk is a perfect solution. There are two separate workspaces that give each person their own desk to work at without interfering with the other person.

Home office with a wooden desk, two gray chairs, a computer, and a wall of framed photos and artwork — Source: @audrey_spear via Instagram

Minimalist home office with two white chairs, a wooden desk, and multiple monitors under a geometric light fixture — Source: @behindthedoor44 via Instagram

Minimalist computer setup with dual monitors, speakers, keyboard, mouse, headphones, and glasses on a sleek black desk and office chair — Source: @cf.jensen via Instagram

Modern home office with two black chairs, a desk, cabinets, wall art, and a window with striped blinds — Source: @designer.jufernandes via Instagram

Stylish home office with a wooden desk, black wall, calendar, computer, white chairs, and a chandelier; plants add greenery — Source: @geekvintique via Instagram

A cozy home office with a desk, two monitors, laptop, books, colorful art, skateboard, and a pink chair as sunlight streams through the window — Source: @hannahtheecreative via Instagram

Small home office with two brown chairs, wooden desk, monitors, and plants on white shelves, framed art on the walls, natural light — Source: @ourcheshiresemi via Instagram

Modern home office with two beige chairs, a desktop computer, laptop, and decor on a dark desk; patterned rug on wood floor — Source: @ourjarvishome via Instagram

The drawback of this double desk is that it takes up more room. Therefore, you will need to have a large room to accommodate two desks. Measure your floor space to ensure you can accommodate the desks and the required amount of space to move around them.

7. Vintage Charm: Secretary and Writing Desks for Small Spaces

Using a vintage secretary desk can give your home a classic farmhouse feel. Their small design makes them perfect for someone who doesn’t need a lot of space. A writing desk is small, with just enough room for a laptop or writing paper.

Minimalist desk setup with a laptop, picture frame, cup of pens, decorative "hello" sign, book, and a vase with flowers — Source: @backwoodsworkshop.yyc via Instagram

Wooden desk with a laptop, books, and a clock; a potted plant and motivational sign are in the background; metal chair in front — Source: @cr.woodworks via Instagram

Spacious home office with a large wooden desk, potted plants, a dollhouse, computer, white chair, and rustic decor — Source: @deck.to.farm.charm via Instagram

Wooden desk with shelves, holding books and a tablet; a teal water bottle and orange plant pot sit on the surface — Source: @modernwoodsmn via Instagram

Cozy home office with a white corner desk, computer, shelves, and family-themed decor on light-colored walls and hardwood floor — Source: @mycharmedhome via Instagram

Minimalist home office desk with a laptop, printer, monitor, ring light, and wall shelves holding various items against a white wall — Source: @whitrow via Instagram

These small desks are also good if you have a small space that you need to fit your desk into. Look for one that folds out or has a roll top. Then you can close the desk and hide your work.

8. Elegant Glass Desks for Bright Workspace

A glass desk is perfect for small spaces because you can see through them. This gives the illusion of the room feeling bigger than it really is. Glass can also elevate your home office design to feel more upscale.

Bright attic workspace with a glass desk, computer, plush orange chair, skylight, potted plant, and globe on wooden floor — Source: @cloudy_z via Instagram

Modern home office with a glass desk, leather chair, and an Apple computer. Shelves with books and decor are in the background — Source: @ironabode via Instagram

Home office with a glass desk, transparent chair, and potted plants. A lamp and window with a view complete the cozy setting — Source: @welshhome20 via Instagram

The drawback of a glass desk is that you will have to keep your desk and office clean. A messy desk looks even messier when you can easily see through it to the clutter underneath. What’s nice about glass desks is their surprising level of durability. The glass is thick and made to not break easily.

9. Boost Productivity with an L-Shaped Office Desk

An L-shaped desk has two legs that extend out at a 90-degree angle. This design gives you plenty of desk space for your computer and papers. It helps to choose a desk chair on wheels for this type of desk. That way, you can shift and move about from one side to the other without having to get up from your office chair.

A modern home office setup featuring a monitor, a laptop, a tablet, and a white ergonomic chair on a beige carpet — Source: @daviddifranco via Instagram

Chic home office with dual desks, brown leather chairs, plants, a wall hanging, and a window with shutters; neutral tones and cozy decor — Source: @humble_t_abode via Instagram

Home office with an L-shaped wooden desk, two chairs, a laptop, printer, wall maps, and organized shelves; natural light from a window — Source: @megthegreatnunc via Instagram

Home office setup with two desks, computer, calendar, shelves with books, and motivational wall decor, geometric rug on the floor — Source: @nicoleshavawn via Instagram

Minimalist home office with a corner desk, monitor, keyboard, desk lamp, chair, plants on shelves, and a small terrarium — Source: @ourvictoriantownhousebythesea via Instagram

Home office with wooden desk and shelves, computer, blue chair, and modern lamp; artwork and decor items on display; cozy atmosphere — Source: @woventable via Instagram

With this style of home office setup, you have twice the desk space for displaying home office decor. Tie the room together with artwork on the walls or a large area rug on the floor.

10. Modern Desks: Style and Function in Compact Spaces

People often confuse a minimalist and modern desk. Modern desks have the same simple and sleek design with minimal ornamentation. However, this is where the similarities end. A modern desk will have more styling and bulk to the body of the desk. They are more likely to have cabinets and storage underneath. You can also find a few designs that come in a standing desk design.

Modern home office with a white desk, wicker chair, bookshelf, and a colorful rug, plant on the floor and pendant light overhead — Source: @kellyvonweber via Instagram

Modern office with a black desk, white chair, lamp, and pink flowers, star decor on wall, large window, and black rug on the floor — Source: @mod_ernpretty via Instagram

Minimalist home office with a long desk, two laptops, shelves with frames and decor. A chair is beside the desk, with a blanket draped over it — Source: @myessexnewbuild via Instagram

A modern desk is perfect for a living room. You can then decorate your desk with non-traditional office decor to help it blend into the rest of your living room. This office idea is perfect for homes that are small and don’t have enough space to dedicate a whole room to your office.

11. Creating a Cozy Office with a Rustic Desk

Give your small home office ideas a rustic touch to help it feel more homey and welcoming. What’s nice about a rustic desk is that it already looks lived in, so you don’t have to worry about protecting it or taking extra care with it. This makes it ideal for busy or active homes where there are pets, children, and many people.

A wooden desk with a closed laptop, pen, and smartphone, accompanied by a lamp with an exposed bulb on one corner — Source: @rusticworkspace via Instagram

Home office with a wooden desk, chair, map on the wall, lamp, plants, and a laptop; blue curtains and a patterned rug complete the decor — Source: @spacejoyapp via Instagram

Home office setup with a wooden desk, laptop, candle, and lamp; gray chair on wheels and abstract wall art decorate the space — Source: @wgr_furniture via Instagram

A rustic computer desk can have an aged finish, but it should still have a smooth top. This helps it to still be a functional work space. While your rustic desk could be made entirely out of wood, a better option is for it to have a metal frame and wood top. This helps to keep the desk looking modern and light while also rustic.

12. Add Warmth to Your Office with a Natural Wood Desk

Having a desk made of wood can add natural beauty and warmth to your office. The rich colors of the wood will add a touch of nature that you simply can’t replicate with other materials. Choose a desk that matches the rest of the furniture in the office. You could have cabinet doors on the front of a built-in unit on the wall behind the desk that is a similar style. A modern desk would be a simple slab of wood with sleek metal legs. Then have slab cabinet doors for storage.

Modern home office with a wooden desk, computer, gray chair, and a wall-mounted screen showing clouds; shelves hold decor items above — Source: @huxtonhome via Instagram

Home office with wooden desk, swivel chair, computer, desk lamp, plants, and stationery on a light wood floor — Source: @stagecraftcnc via Instagram

A cozy home office nook with a small desk, shelves with books, decorative plants, a chair, and a lit fireplace on the side — Source: @thehousethatjenbuilt_ via Instagram

Minimalist home office with a wooden desk, laptop, chair, plants, and decor against a white wall — Source: @wood_create via Instagram

Dark wood is typically associated with traditional desks that are large and heavy with ornate detailing. Light-colored wood is generally used for modern and Scandinavian designs that are simple with menial ornamentation.