More and more folks are looking to combine their living room with a home office nook or corner, creating a multi-functional space that offers the comfort of a living room along with the productivity of an office.
As someone who often works from home myself, I completely understand the appeal.
There’s nothing worse than being cooped up in a small, windowless home office all day – it can quickly make you feel isolated from the rest of your home and family.
That’s why I’m loving these office-living room combos – they allow you to get work done during the day while still being connected to the rest of your home.
The creative layouts blend seamlessly so you don’t lose the cozy feel of your living room.
If you’re looking to open up your living room while also carving out space for a home office, keep scrolling:
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Built-In Desk Nook
One of my favorite office-living room combo ideas is to build a desk nook right into the living room.
This is perfect for small living rooms where you may not have an entirely separate space to dedicate as a home office.
The built-in desk nook provides just enough space for your office essentials without fully disrupting the living room flow.
I recently helped a client execute this look perfectly in their cottage-style living room.
We built a wooden desk nook with open shelving into the corner, keeping the materials and finishes cohesive with the rest of the room.
It maintained the cozy living room feel while allowing space for a computer, desk accessories and storage.
My client loves having their desk tucked away in the corner – it blends right into the living room design!
If utilizing a full corner of your living room, I recommend extending the desk surface to create an L-shape for the most workspace.
The open shelving above is also key – it provides storage for office supplies while not fully closing the space off.
For a similar built-in look that’s a bit more budget friendly, you can also use pre-assembled cabinetry pieces from IKEA or stock cabinetry.
Just be sure to customize them to your space by adding trim detailing, crown molding or paint to match your home’s style.
Floating Wall Desk
Another living room office combo idea I love is incorporating a floating wall desk.
This maintains the openness of the living room since it doesn’t disrupt floorspace.
It also keeps your work items neatly tucked away when not in use.
I recently designed a living room for a client using a floating wall desk and absolutely loved the final look.
We mounted the desk onto the wall, anchoring into wall studs for plenty of support.
The desk floats about 30 inches from the ground – high enough to allow room for baskets, storage and decor items underneath.
I edged the desk with decorative trim and painted it white to match the wall paint color.
My client styled the desk minimally with just a lamp, laptop and notepad – keeping it clutter-free.
The minimal floating design maintains the spacious, airy feeling in her open concept living room.
When designing a floating wall desk, I recommend sticking to 30-36 inches above the ground for the desk height.
Measure the height of your chair to allow enough room for your legs.
And keep the size of the desk proportional to your space – a surface of about 60 inches wide by 20 inches deep is usually plenty.
I love to add built-in outlets into the wall as well to keep wires nice and hidden.
Floating wall desks help maintain that open living room feel since they don’t take up any floorspace!
Multi-Purpose Console Table
For those who don’t need a full desk setup, a slim console table can also double as office space in a living room.
The key is choosing a console table that’s deep enough to work comfortably – at least 24 inches deep.
I like to look for console tables with drawers, cabinets or shelves to store office supplies and keyboards when not in use.
I recently used a versatile console table in black metal and wood to create an office space in a tropical boho chic living room.
The console table had open shelving and cabinet storage, so my client could store her laptop and supplies out of sight when relaxing.
I placed two comfy rattan chairs in front of the console table to create a designated work zone.
But when she wasn’t working from home, the setup looked just like a standard console table behind the couch.
The multifunctional piece worked perfectly for the vibe of the space.
When using a console table this way, make sure you have adequate lighting.
A trendy metal desk lamp or mounted sconce lights the space perfectly for getting work done.
And choose chairs that are comfortable enough to spend a few hours working from.
This console table idea is great for smaller spaces that need office pieces that can be multifunctional.
It can switch seamlessly between office space and chic living room console!
Corner Desk
For a space-saving office setup, I love designing corner desks into living rooms.
Tucking a desk into the corner utilizes empty space while opening up floor area.
And it prevents the office area from disrupting the flow of the living room.
I recently designed an interior for clients with a cozy living room that flowed right into the dining space.
They needed room for a home office but didn’t want it to encroach on the open layout.
We decided on a corner desk placed diagonally in the back living room corner.
It faced into the room rather than flat against the walls.
This helped it feel more integrated rather than closed off.
I selected a simple Parsons style corner desk with shelves above to hold books and decor.
The clean lines blended effortlessly with their living room’s industrial farmhouse style.
And it left plenty of floor space for traffic flow.
With corner desks, you want to ensure enough room on either side to pull the chair out fully.
Place items above like books, plants and art to soften the angle visually.
And try angling the desk slightly rather than flat against both walls.
This helps the corner office feel more part of the living room.
Just this small corner was enough to create a designated office zone without disruption.
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Built-In Cabinet Desk
For a living room office combo with plenty of storage, a built-in cabinet desk is a great go-to.
Built-in cabinetry around the desk hides away all of your office clutter.
And it gives your space a gorgeous custom look for that true designer feel.
I recently completed a living room makeover centered around a built-in cabinet desk, and the completed project exceeded the homeowners’ expectations!
We constructed floor-to-ceiling white cabinetry along one wall, with a floating desk attached in the center.
The desk area featured drawers, cabinets and open shelving for ample office storage.
The surrounding cabinets offer enclosed space to conceal printers, files, supplies and more.
I added decorative crown molding along the top to integrate the built-ins with the home’s traditional architecture.
My clients now have a beautiful office space that looks like it was original to the home!
Built-in cabinet desks are a pricier option due to the custom cabinetry work.
But they allow you to perfectly tailor the space to your storage needs.
And you can customize the style of the built-ins to match your home.
For a budget option, stock cabinets painted the wall color also achieve a built-in look seamlessly.
Just be sure to anchor and attach the cabinetry properly for safety.
Wall-Mounted Drop-Down Desk
For the ultimate space-saving option, consider a wall-mounted drop-down desk.
These genius designs mount right onto the wall, folding up and down as needed.
It creates an office space that essentially disappears when not in use!
Recently while browsing at a client’s home, they mentioned needing a spot to work from occasionally for their side business.
But they had minimal space to dedicate as an actual home office.
That’s when I suggested a drop-down wall desk to create a workspace that tucks away completely.
We mounted the metal desk mechanism securely onto the living room’s back wall.
My client can simply pull the front support legs down when needed for work.
When done, the desk folds right up vertically against the wall looking like a decorative piece of wall art!
The key to successfully implementing a drop-down desk is to anchor it securely into wall studs.
Make sure no electrical wiring or plumbing runs interference behind the wall.
I also suggest a desk size of at least 48 inches wide by 24 inches deep for adequate workspace.
And install it at a comfortable height for computer use when seated.
This innovative design is perfect for tiny homes or apartments needing a workspace without eating up square footage!
Cozy Corner Nook
For a super cozy option, design a comfy corner workspace right into your living room seating arrangement.
Use a small accent chair or loveseat positioned near the corner.
Place a small side table next to it for drink coasters and office supplies.
You can even add a floor lamp behind for the perfect lighting.
I helped a client optimize unused living room space in this way, and they couldn’t be happier with it.
They had a large empty corner next to their seating arrangement up against the bay window.
We tucked a blue linen armchair into the corner facing into the room.
I added a woven side table to hold office supplies and a charming retro floor lamp for illumination during afternoon work hours.
The setup feels so inviting and cozy – like your favorite coffee shop corner.
But it’s actually a perfectly functional little home office space!
This corner nook idea is wonderful if you occasionally need a spot to plop with your laptop but don’t require a full designated office.
Keep the side table small so it doesn’t disrupt flow around the seating area.
And pick an accent chair or loveseat that melds with your current living room furniture style and color scheme.
Who said working from home can’t be as cozy as your living room?!
Secretary Desk
For a home office with vintage farmhouse flair, I adore incorporating secretary desks into living room spaces.
The slanted writing surface and hidden storage of secretary desks provide functional work space while blending seamlessly into cottage style decor.
I recently worked with a client to design her living room workspace with a secretary desk, and it instantly became my favorite part of the room!
We chose an antique-style secretary in a washed wood tone that complimented the living room’s rustic farmhouse style beautifully.
She uses the slanted desktop as a perfect laptop workstation.
And all of her office supplies tuck nicely into the desk’s interior storage.
The secretary desk feels so fitting for the overall vibe and provides just the right home office solution.
When using secretary desks in a home office, pay close attention to measurements.
Make sure you have adequate clearance for your legs under the slanted desktop.
Browse antique shops for true vintage finds or Pottery Barn for new reproductions.
Place a classic desk lamp on top along with decor items, like framed photos and florals, to complete the look.
The secretary desk infuses so much cozy cottage character into any living room.
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Modern Glass Desk
For contemporary styled living rooms, I love the sleek look of glass office desks.
Their transparent design lightens up the visual weight of the office furniture.
This allows it blend in seamlessly with your modern decor.
I worked with a client recently to design a living room featuring a modern glass desk, and it balanced so beautifully with the light airy interior.
We chose a desk with a clear tempered glass top and slim stainless steel frame.
The see-through quality makes the desk seem to almost disappear into the room.
It maintains that open, uncluttered aesthetic of the modern design style.
And the glass top contributes an elevated, upscale feel as well.
When selecting a glass top desk, make sure it has a sturdy solid base for structure and support.
Metal frames in stainless steel, chrome or black finishes pair best with the transparent top.
Avoid glass that shows a green tint – instead look for clear glass with a perfectly transparent finish.
The overall effect is a barely-there desk that embodies that sleek modern vibe.
It’s the perfect living room office pairing!
Built-In Bookcase Desk
For bibliophiles, an office built into a living room bookcase creates a dream workspace.
Surrounding yourself with books while you work feels so cozy and inspiring.
And the built-in setup makes use of every inch of space efficiently.
I worked with a book-loving client recently to construct the perfect built-in bookcase office wall.
We designed floor-to-ceiling wooden bookcases on either side of a centered floating desk.
The open shelves house collections of favorite books and decorative objects for a curated feel.
My client adores her new book nook office – she can pull any book right off the shelf as inspiration strikes while working on her novel from the desk.
When designing bookcase offices, be sure to anchor the bookcases and desk securely to the wall.
Space the shelves far enough apart vertically to accommodate books.
And don’t overlook task lighting – sconces or desk lamps prevent eye strain.
This bookcase office layout is my favorite way to multitask – getting work done while surrounded by everything you love!
Window Desk Nook
Frames views while you work by opting for a window desk nook in your living room.
Tucking a desk right into a living room window is super space-efficient.
And the sunshine and outside views provide beautiful scenery to brighten your workday.
I recently helped a client make better use of the big picture window in her living room by turning it into a sun-filled workspace.
We placed a 40 inch desk spanning the length of the window, with about 18 inches of clearance on either end.
This allows enough room to walk past and pull out the desk chair.
My client can gaze out at her property’s rolling hills and greenery while returning emails and preparing documents.
The royal blue desk adds a pop of color against the crisp white trim of the classic farmhouse space.
When designing window desk nooks, leverage drafty windows to your advantage!
Add insulation window film to prevent temperature fluctuations in the space.
Consider privacy film as well if your window faces a walkway or neighbors.
A little sunshine is wonderful, but avoid intense direct light that can cause glare on screens.
Definitely take advantage of the views, but position your screen perpendicular to the window to minimize glare.
This is an easy way to create an inspiring home office space!
Murphy Bed Desk Combo
If you’re extremely limited on space, get creative with a Murphy bed desk combination!
These hideaway wall beds with desk stations maximize every single inch.
When not in use, the bed folds vertically up against the wall completely out of sight.
The compact desk can still be used day-to-day for work.
I recently installed one of these inventive units while designing a micro-apartment living room, and the versatility blew me away!
My client couldn’t dedicate an entire room as a home office in her small apartment
With the Murphy bed combo, she now has a full-sized bed to pull down at night.
And during the day, she simply folds the bed into the wall to free up floor space.
The attached desk and shelves provide work space and storage within the hideaway unit.
We even integrated recessed lighting in the shelving for task lighting.
This hideaway design adds a bedroom, office, and storage area all in one without eating up square footage!
The key to successfully implementing one of these units is proper installation.
They are heavy and require extensive anchoring into wall studs for support and stability.
But the end result is a space-saving multifunctional marvel!
For micro-homes, tiny rentals or studios, this bed-desk invention is an interior designer’s dream.
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Freestanding Screens
Sometimes wide open living rooms need a bit of flexible dividing to carve out an office niche.
Freestanding privacy screens offer a movable room divider to subtly separate workspace.
I love Asian-inspired shoji screens or paneled walls on casters for easy rearranging as needed.
I recently helped a client delineate living room office space using collapsible screened room dividers.
Between two towering bookcases, we placed a pair of hinged handmade paper screens on wheels.
She can wheel them open to define her desk area when it’s time to work.
And when she’s done, the screens collapse and tuck compactly to the side, opening the living room back up.
The screens provide visual separation without obstructing light flow or views.
This flexible divider technique works especially well in large, open concept living rooms.
Opt for wheeled screens or panels lightweight enough to easily move as needed.
White framed panels with translucent fabric or rice paper maintain an open, airy feel.
Consider incorporating pegboards or pocket organization into the panels for extra storage!
Accordion-style divider screens deliver the versatility to reconfigure your space in seconds.
As you tackle your own living room-home office fusion, focus on finding ways to seamlessly blend desk space and storage into your existing decor.
Look for multifunctional furniture pieces and utilize corners, walls and windows creatively.
And don’t be afraid to get clever maximizing every inch – you can definitely achieve a workspace that flows beautifully alongside your living area.
