20 super ideas for working or studying at home

Remote work has become very relevant this year. An increasing number of people are tending to work from home rather than endure long commutes to the office. But how to organize your workspace and plan all the details in advance so you can focus on work and boost efficiency? Let's explore this in the article.

How to organize your workspace

Set aside a dedicated area in your apartment where you will only work and nothing else. Avoid common mistakes like working at the dining table or in bed. These places are intended for different purposes, so you will constantly get distracted during important tasks and think about work while resting.

• Perhaps there is a free corner or niche in your apartment where you can set up a workspace. For example, place a narrow table and chair or a stool.
• If your apartment has a bay window, it can become the perfect workspace with natural lighting. Simply place a table, chair, and a couple of drawers or shelves for storing documents in the center.
• If you temporarily have to set up a workspace at home and don't want to buy a desk, just use the windowsill. It will make a bright workspace with a view of the city.

Design: Ekaterina Bychkova
How to make a workspace on the windowsill
1. Leave the old windowsill as is

To work facing the window, you don't have to do anything with the windowsill and comfortably arrange everything on it. But if the windowsill is narrow, it's better to buy a regular or console table of the same color and height and push it up against the wall. This way, it will look like a continuation of the windowsill. During winter, this arrangement of workspace won't cause problems with fogging windows because there will still be free access to the window.

2. Make a countertop

You can make a sturdy countertop across the full width of the windowsill by placing wood or MDF on it. However, when buying, consider the height of the material to ensure there is enough space to open the window.

3. Increase the work surface

• You can increase the work surface with a countertop you plan to build. Just make sure the overhanging part isn't more than half the depth of the windowsill. Otherwise, glue and screws won't withstand pressure if you lean on the table while working.
• Choose a sturdy material for the countertop so it can support heavy items.
• If you need more workspace, create an extended overhang of the windowsill using console shelves. Attach them vertically to the wall next to the window or on both sides of the radiator. Alternatively, use floor supports instead of console shelves.
• If you plan to make the countertop wider than the window, you can choose a suspended mounting. In this case, the shelf material can be any that suits your interior: wood, MDF, plastic, artificial or natural stone.

Important: Remember to provide holes in the countertop for window heating to avoid fogging.

4. Replace the windowsill

If the countertop option doesn't look aesthetically pleasing to you, replace the windowsill. Consider additional supports or console shelves for the new overhang. Apply varnish, paint, or enamel to raw material.

5. If there's not enough space

To save space, look for fold-down windowsills. These can be bought at IKEA or custom-made. Installation is simple: attach hinges or a folding rib to the windowsill. When lifting the table, the console turns 90 degrees and holds it in place. Ensure the structure is securely fastened to the windowsill material.

Consider details

• To avoid distractions, consider using a screen or shelf to separate the workspace.

• Ensure there are enough power outlets near your desk. If not, you can incorporate visible cables into the design. Paint them in a contrasting color or decorate them creatively to make them part of your style. You can even create a composition from the cables and complement it with wall art.
• To avoid distractions from family members, always use headphones. Listen to white noise or neutral music if it doesn't distract you.

Plan storage

If you work from home, documents, contracts, and various important notes may accumulate. If a child is also using the desk, they need extra storage space for notebooks, textbooks, journals, and stationery. Organize not just the desk but also the surrounding area for order at your workspace.

What you'll need for this:

1. Drawers, boxes, or woven baskets if the space is in Scandinavian or countryside style.
2. Wall shelves. If you don't want to drill into the walls, hang them on the side of drawers.
3. Wall-mounted folders and narrow metal baskets. The more compartments, the easier it is to keep things organized. Label them with stickers for convenience.
4. Tablets with clips. When decorating, use leftover wallpaper or gift wrap. This way, your workspace will look stylish and neat.
5. A pocket envelope. Such a pocket can be placed on the side and themed. Attach it with a rail, which always comes in handy when space is limited.

Life hacks to avoid minor annoyances:

Design: Elena Markina

1. Loose items like buttons, stapler clips, erasers, paperclips, USB drives, etc., can be stored in ice cube trays, attractive pill bottles, cookie baking molds, or any metal tea tins. Anything you like that enhances the atmosphere of your interior.
2. For long items like pens, markers, and pencils, use food container dividers.
3. Magnetic tape helps prevent losing metal items: compasses, scissors, clips. Place it above the table or hang it on the back of a cabinet.
4. Optionally, place a metal mesh above the table and hang scissors, glasses, headphones along with photos and notes.
5. On a perforated metal panel, it's easy to pin lists. Make loops between two holes and hang items or place a compact shelf above it. The panel can be painted any color to blend well with the interior.
6. In minimalist and Scandinavian interiors, a wooden panel with pegs looks great. Items are mounted differently: pegs are inserted into holes that can serve as hooks or supports for shelves.
7. Don't forget about rails, on which you can hang shelves or individual items using hooks. The hooks on the rail are adjustable, creating a functional structure.
8. Light items can be attached to a rope stretched above the table using small decorative clips or clips. A fun way to create a relaxed atmosphere at your workspace, although not very functional.
9. A marker or chalkboard magnetic board is perfect for planning.
10. The well-known cork board is a cheap, practical, and eco-friendly option.

Create the atmosphere

Make your workspace inspiring and pleasant. Place favorite photos or souvenirs from vacation on the table. These small touches can lift your mood, but don't overdo it—your workspace should always remain tidy.

On the cover: Design by Ekaterina Ulanova