Ideabook 911: Desks in the Bedroom — Yea or Nay?

Does a Desk Belong in Your Sleeping Quarters? 14 Reasons to Say Yes

Becky Harris March 24, 2011

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected." I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More

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Houzz member Deborahkeir recently posted the following question: "I have loads of extra space in my new bedroom and I have no idea what I should do with it! I would love a reading area or maybe a work space but it's quite an awkward space...any ideas or advice?"

As the Houzz Community chimed in, Houzz member Lauretta said, "Keep any desk out of the bedroom, this is to be a sanctuary, not a workspace." So what do you think about a desk in the bedroom — yea or no way? I'm on the fence, but here are some bedroom desks I give a big thumbs up. Take a look, and tell us what you think:

Tara Seawright Interior Design

I have this same exact desk in my bedroom (it's a Parsons Desk from West Elm). The drawers hold a notepad, a few books, pens, a screwdriver, a hammer, a few nails and a few thumb tacks. This is because if the urge to hang artwork around moves me, I don't want to go downstairs to get the hammer and nails. I never do any real work at that particular desk.

User

As an insomniac, I'm with Lauretta – I say nay to a full-on workspace in the bedroom if you have the luxury of putting it somewhere else (i.e. no filing cabinet, printer, computer, etc.). I do envision having a good spot to jot down notes and ideas, or perhaps some good old snail mail correspondence in the bedroom. Maybe even a love letter you'll spritz with perfume and seal with a wax stamp...okay, now I'm really getting carried away!

This uncluttered mid-century modern desk with its small table lamp and larger vase of flowers is an excellent choice.

Nicholas Moriarty Interiors (NMI, LLC.)

If you love to read in bed, a built-in desk area with a bookshelf like this one is a great place to neatly stash your novels. Perhaps you can jot down a few notes for book group at your bedroom desk.

John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA

Tuck the workspace away. A bay or a nook is a great spot to place a desk, especially a small stylish table like one, this paired with a Kartell Eros Chair.

User

Similarly, a simple shelf tucked under a window can serve as a nice light bedroom desk.

David Churchill - Architectural Photographer

Here's another example where a work surface is tucked into a bay window.

Amoroso Design

A shallow lucite console/desk like this one is not only physically unobtrusive but also visually unobtrusive. So much so that you may decide to place a luxurious tufted chaise next to it and share the light from a floor lamp between the two.

Lucid Interior Design Inc.

A bedroom desk can double as a dressing table – it's a great way to feel glamorous when you're getting ready to go out, and if you happen to share a bathroom with someone, they'll appreciate it.

Also, how did I not know that Manolo Mary Janes came in green?!?!?

Tracy Murdock Allied ASID

A mirrored desk in the bedroom is just begging for a bottle of Chanel Number 5 and a strand of pearls.

Love Your Room LLC

If a bedroom workspace is a must, keep it beautiful and neat like this one. The white desk and cabinet, the lovely inspiration board and prints keep this area from feeling like an office.

Vahallan Papers

Use a stool instead of a chair. This will ensure you don't get bogged down at the desk and again, keep it from looking office-y.

A desk/side table can provide a writing surface when needed and double as a spacious nightstand.

Applique Artistry

Lose the laptop and replace it with a vase of tulips. Again, the desk has an ottoman in lieu of any sort of task chair.

User

Don't use a typical desk lamp. Here a unique floor lamp does the job, and if you move the chair elsewhere, the desk becomes a console table. Try a nice upholstered chair, a bamboo armchair with a cushion or a Ghost Chair. Think of the kind of chair you'd like as an occasional chair in the bedroom whether there is a desk or not.

What's the verdict? Yea or nay to desks in the bedroom? Let us know in the comments section! Also, if you'd like to see more of Deborah's bedroom and chime in, check in over here.

More: How to Turn Your Closet Into an Office