DIY Small Home Office Nook

The Basics

• An office nook can consist of a small desk or open-base table nestled up to a room's corner with good lighting and a comfortable chair. Ensure that a minimum chair clearance of 24 inches is available in the space. Include a small filing cabinet or shelving to increase productivity and organization. If the office space requires Internet access, consider a Wi-Fi connection to minimize the need for special wiring. Wireless routers are available for both laptop and desktop computers.

Scale, Style and Cost Factors

• If your office nook is in a room that contains existing furnishings, work with the room's scale, style and color scheme to project a sense of continuity and importance to your nook. Avoid using oversized office furniture when space is limited; instead opt for creative organizational features such as wall-mounted office components that include storage and can be expanded and modified. When square footage comes at a premium, a small office nook often needs to share common space. The importance and usage of the office will be your guideline for scale and cost.

Purpose and Function

• A new office nook can become a hub of multitasking projects. In a utility room, place a small desk up to a series of overhead cubbyholes and shelves to double as a hobby and sewing center. Kitchen office nooks can include a magnetic dry-erase board to post messages, organize busy family schedules and plan weekly menus. In a family room, an office nook can provide up-to-date Web access for homework and networking by placing a desk-height open-based table and chair behind a sofa or in a seldom-used corner.

Office Asset

• A home-based business can benefit from an organized and well-placed office nook. Utilize a forgotten corner or room within your home to minimize interruptions. A room divider or privacy screen will block glare or nearby visual distractions. Place a large framed combination corkboard and blackboard close to your desk to track goals, appointments and business expenses. Line a narrow wall space with efficient, stackable, wall-mounted file slots in a vertical row of three or more.