The following field filters products as you type; matching results appear below.

The following field filters products as you type; matching results appear below.

The perfect workspace – five interior design ideas

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

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.

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.

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'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.

See also:

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

Text: Anna Aromaa Photos: Manufacturers

Published on 16 Aug, 2019

Related stories

  • Two skateboarders race down the steep Sinebrychoff Park hill as a summer crowd lines the slope at the Vauhtikisat 2026 event in Helsinki.

    Vauhtikisat 2026: Welcome to the joy of speed

    Skateboards flew, crowds cheered, and the July sun turned Sinebrychoff Park into a glowing arena for one of Europe’s most thrilling downhill races. Our photo report from Vauhtikisat 2026 takes you right to the edge of the track – from the first daring runs to the nail-biting final and the moment the custom Vauhtikisat Chair One found its champion.

    Read story
  • Architectural rendering of Paimio Sanatorium's facade

    Snøhetta plans a hotel and spa for the Aaltos’ Paimio Sanatorium

    Paimio Sanatorium, one of the most iconic buildings in modern architecture, is set for a new future. Renowned Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta has developed a Masterplan for the sanatorium, completed in 1933 and located in Paimio, southwestern Finland – and the vision is as ambitious as the building itself.

    Read story
  • Jordan Bunker and Matthew Spade smiling at the camera during the 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen in 2026

    Jordan and Matthew’s guide to 3 Days of Design 2026

    Three days are never quite enough. Content creators Jordan Bunker and Matthew Spade explored Copenhagen's 3 Days of Design as Finnish Design Shop's eyes and ears. Here are the highlights from the festival that made the cut.

    Read story

Most popular

Seasonal

Design Stories is the online magazine of Finnish Design Shop, created to inspire and delight design lovers everywhere. We hope you enjoy exploring with us! Have a story tip or thoughts on our content? We’d love to hear from you.