But that doesn’t mean they can’t also have unique and creative designs all their own.Ĭustom built-in desk designs range widely from home to home and aesthetic to aesthetic. In most spaces, you’ll want to create your built-in desk, shelves, and cabinetry from similar materials as in the rest of your home. But that doesn’t mean they can’t also have unique and creative designs all their own. Plenty of natural light along with some softer and optional lamp-like wall sconces can be perfect solutions. You’ll want to ensure the best possible lighting for both flat desk work and a computer screen where glare or poor lighting could quickly become your office foe.

Lighting is another important element in any working space. You’ll also want to consider other office furniture like bookshelves, display cases, rolling carts, artwork, and sconces or lamps. For instance, do you want a rolling office chair? Or does a large, leather wingback fit your aesthetic better? Have you made sure to allow space in your office design for the furniture you dream of? Likewise, make sure you have space for the upholstered sofa you’ve had in mind for visitors and family members. Once you have a good idea what your built-in desk will look (and measure) like, you’ll want to pick out office furniture that compliments your office’s style, functions well in the space, and works within your budget. They also provide a warmer working surface. They are classically good-looking and can be refinished if necessary. On the other hand, a solid wood desktop is a good alternative. However, it is expensive and colder than other materials. For instance, having a stone desktop is considered quite durable and can be beautiful.

It should be one that accommodates a computer, books, and pen and paper without difficulty. If you plan to have a desk in the middle of a space, be sure to plan for wiring in the flooring so you don’t have to have cords stretch across the floor.Īnother thing to consider is the surface material for your built-in desktop. You may also want to consider outlet access for lamps in a larger office that might need a reading corner lit up, for example. I recommend ensuring space just below the desk’s surface for plugins, so you can neatly tuck most wiring away through a grommet in the desktop without them getting tangled near your feet. If you’re building new, It’s wise to have a rough idea of your built-in desk layout before getting to the electrical phase.

Designing a home office mudroom