The perfect workspace – five interior design ideas

Work and school assignments are a piece of cake in a pleasant working environment. See our five tips on how to create a well-functioning workspace for schoolchildren, students or remote workers.

Gubi bestlite table lamp
Gubi’s Bestlite table lamp is a design classic, created by Robert Dudley Best in 1930, which also Winston Churchill had at his desk.

1. Invest in lighting

Lighting is the number-one accessory for a desk, regardless of interior design trends. With a flexible table lamp, you can direct the light as you wish, while avoiding glare. A wall lamp is handy when you want to leave more space on the desk. Curved, flexible and round shapes are in vogue in both furniture and lamps.

String System shelving collection
The String System folding table neatly connects to the collection's floor panels.

2. Combine storage with a workspace

A desk-and-shelf combination is just the solution for a narrow or long space, if you need room for storage but a separate desk would be too bulky. Small surfaces are fine when working with laptops. Modular shelves can be expanded and adjusted to meet changing needs or uses of space.

Muuto Stacked shelving collection
Muuto's Stacked shelf modules are easy to assemble into a system suitable for your own needs. The Loft chair was designed by Thomas Bentzen.

3. Create a fully fitted out home office

A spacious home office has room for a large desk with chairs, and a range of storage furniture. Two or more people can work alongside each other at a long desk. A modular shelf can always be extended, or given a new look by re-positioning its doors. Pegboard, which is available from hardware stores, makes an excellent noticeboard.

Hay CPH90 desk and Matin table lamp
The CPH90 desk is part of Hay's minimalist furniture collection designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for the University of Copenhagen's new buildings. The table lamp is Matin by Inga Sempé.

4. Choose a narrow desk for laptops

For small spaces, the answer is a desk whose width is optimized for laptops. If you prefer to avoid technical office lighting, try a classic table lamp with downward-directed light. To see what's going on behind you, install a small mirror behind the desk.

Skagerak Dania letter tray
The handy Dania letter tray by Skagerak has three removable oak tiers.

5. Add office supplies as the finishing touch

Classic and stylish office supplies, tape dispensers, staplers, wooden rulers and letter trays are never out of date. You never know when you might need them, and they are a cozy counterbalance to the digital age. Invoices and important papers can be stored safely in letter trays.

Home office inspiration

Hay
Perforated Bin
Hay
CPH90 desk
Hay
Matin table lamp
Muuto
Loft chair
Skagerak
Dania letter tray
&Tradition
JH28 Elefy chair
Artek
Kaari wall console
String Furniture
String System cabinet
Gubi
Bestlite table lamp
Vitra
Toolbox
String Furniture
Folding table
Muuto
Stacked shelf module

See also:

• All desks >
• All office chairs >
• All desk lamps >

Text: Anna Aromaa Photos: Manufacturers

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