10 Clever Office Nook Ideas for Small Spaces: Small space, big productivity: My favorite office nook tricks from 10+ years of interior design

Years ago, I had a client who insisted on having a "library, art studio, and office in one corner of her bedroom"—in a 9m² apartment. I almost laughed, but honestly, that project taught me that small spaces force you to think smarter, not bigger. Since then, I've loved creating multifunctional little work corners where productivity and coziness live together. Today, I’m sharing my 10 favorite office nook ideas that have worked wonders for me and my clients.

1. Built-in Desk Between Shelves

I once squeezed a custom desk between two floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in a client’s loft. It became a seamless piece of furniture where storage and workspace blended perfectly. Using a room planner first can help you get proportions right before calling the carpenter.

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2. Floating Desk Under a Window

This one’s my personal favorite. A slim floating desk under a window gives you natural light and saves floor space. The only challenge? Hiding the cords—cable management boxes are your best friend here.

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3. Closet-to-Office Conversion

Also known as the “cloffice.” Remove the doors, add a desk surface, some shelves, and soft task lighting. When you’re done working, just close it up and the mess disappears.

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4. Fold-Down Wall Desk

Perfect for tiny apartments. It’s a desk when you need it, and folds flat against the wall when you don’t. Just make sure the hinges are high quality, because cheap ones wear out quickly.

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5. Use the Dead Space Under Stairs

One of my most satisfying projects involved turning an awkward staircase void into a cozy work nook. Planning it with a free floor plan creator before demolition saved us from expensive mistakes.

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6. Corner Floating Shelves as a Workspace

Two or three floating shelves in an L-shape can double as a writing surface and display area. Add a comfy chair and you’ve got a functional yet minimal work spot.

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7. Movable Work Cart

I designed this for a freelance illustrator who loved working in different spots. A work cart with closed storage can roll between rooms, so your “office” follows you around.

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8. Loft-Bed Office Below

When ceiling height allows, raising the bed creates a private office underneath. It’s surprisingly cozy, just watch out for those low beams.

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9. Glass Partition Nook

If you need visual separation but don’t want to lose light, a glass partition around your desk does wonders. I used a office layout planner in a recent project to test traffic flow before committing.

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10. Hidden Desk in a Cabinet

I love this for minimalists—your whole workspace fits inside a cabinet. Open the doors to work, close them when company comes over. The one downside: limited monitor size.

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FAQ

1. What is an office nook?

It’s a small, dedicated workspace often carved out from underused areas—like corners, closets, or under stairs.

2. How much space do I need for an office nook?

Even 1 to 1.5 meters of wall space can be enough, as long as you plan storage vertically.

3. Can an office nook be ergonomic?

Yes, make sure your desk height and chair are adjusted to your body to avoid strain.

4. What’s the cheapest way to create an office nook?

Repurpose existing furniture, like a kitchen console, and add a chair with good back support.

5. How do I make an office nook in my bedroom?

Pick a quiet corner, use soft lighting, and if possible add a screen or partition for separation.

6. Can I fit dual monitors in an office nook?

Yes, if you have at least 120cm of horizontal space; wall-mounted arms save more room.

7. Do I need a designer to plan it?

Not necessarily, but using online layout tools can help avoid awkward sizing—one study by ASID found proper planning boosts satisfaction by 60%.

8. What’s the trendiest office nook style in 2024?

Natural wood tones with built-in lighting and concealed storage, often paired with biophilic elements like plants.