Desk Nook Ideas For Home Offices In Small Spaces
Need WFH space? Add a desk nook to any kitchen or studio apartment, as these homeowners did.
Hybrid work drives the rise of the desk nook
Almost two years after the global shutdown, it seems likely the workplace will never look like it did before COVID-19. More companies and employees are exploring the hybrid model of work (part work-from-home, part in-the-office) or full remote on a permanent basis.
Makeshift “lap offices” are upgrading to become permanent home features. And limited square footage is no longer a hindrance. The creativity of carving out a nook desk is growing. Whether a built-in nook desk or a desk area for a studio apartment, see how these Sweeten homeowners have reinvented their workspace.
Sweeten matches residential renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering know-how, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free.
Built-in kitchen office nook for ultimate convenience
When Laura and Randy first saw their Upper East Side co-op, they weren’t impressed. It felt cramped and not their style. Working with their contractor, they decided to open the space between the kitchen and dining room, adding a large island.
A built-in computer desk nook would be accessible for when they worked from home. It would also serve as a homework station for their daughter, Morgan, as well. The result is a stylish and convenient small nook that holds court in the kitchen. Sweeten brings homeowners an exceptional renovation experience by personally matching trusted general contractors to your project, while offering expert guidance and support—at no cost to you. Renovate expertly with Sweeten
A kitchen office nook with maximum organization
Erin and Chris’ 1950s co-op left a lot to be desired. It was on the smaller side, so they got creative with the layout to ensure they could get all the “extras” they wanted. They worked a built-in desk and cabinet system into their plans.
This allowed the couple to organize their work as well as have a neat and tidy place for the kids’ schoolwork and art supplies. Even with a full kitchen and bathroom renovation, the new kitchen office nook is still Chris’ favorite part of the home.
A former closet turns into a desk in a studio apartment
After relocating her clothing storage to a larger space, Lauren’s Sweeten contractor added a custom desk nook to the spot where her old closet stood. Three simple slabs—two deep shelves above and a desk surface—do the job.
A modular desk in a living room adds functionality to a wall
A Vitsoe modular unit was the perfect way for Tom and Alex to create an organized desk nook in a sunlit corner of their living area. Its clean lines and silhouette blend seamlessly with the home’s mid-century style.
Creative nook desk in a studio apartment
Emily’s new office nook desk replaced two small, unusable closets. The desk in the studio apartment, which provides storage for papers and books, is an ideal workspace in her small home since it’s down the hallway from her sleeping area.
Barbra and Sean lived in their apartment for a while before deciding what to renovate. Their kitchen would be completely updated. In the existing kitchen, there was a desk area already so it just felt natural to carve out a similar area specifically for this use.
Luckily, they were able to find a new desk that fit the opening perfectly. They spruced it up even more with leftover wallpaper from their foyer refresh. Now, they have an inviting place to work.
We can help plan your renovation
Find endless home renovation inspiration, detailed guides, and practical cost breakdowns from our blogs. You can also post your project on Sweeten today and get matched with our vetted general contractors and get estimates for free!
Frequently asked questions
A desk nook is a compact workspace carved into an existing area of the home, such as a kitchen, living room corner, hallway, or a former closet. It can be built in with shelves or cabinetry, or set up with a simple desk surface that fits the available space.
A great place to add a desk nook in a small home is along an unused wall or in a spot already framed by cabinetry, like an opening near the kitchen or dining area. Another option is repurposing a closet or nook so the desk surface and shelving fit neatly without taking over the room.
A good storage option to pair with a desk nook is a combination of upper shelves and closed cabinets or drawers to keep papers, supplies, and daily items organized. This can be planned as part of a built-in system or added as a simple shelving setup above the desk surface.
