Using a master bedroom as both a bedroom and an office presents several challenges: physical separation of the space, avoiding overcrowding, and ensuring ample space for sleeping and working. With appropriate planning and effective use of furniture, however, a master bedroom can be used as both an office and a sleeping area without sacrificing the functionality of either.
Instructions
1. Determine the space needed for sleeping and working. Using graph paper, draw your bedroom using the blocks as scale for feet; this will allow you to allot space and try different configurations. As you plan, consider what you will use both the office and the bedroom for. Do you need space for yoga or a treadmill in the bedroom? Will your office require bookshelves and a large desk? With limited space, you may find that you will need to move some existing elements--a television might need to be relocated to a living room, for example, or the office could have shelves above the desk instead of resting on the floor, in order to maximize space.
2. Choose necessary furniture. What items are crucial for your office and bedroom? Consider the space you have allotted for both areas and choose furniture accordingly. Take a tape measure to the office-supply store and be sure to use it; returning a desk that is too long will be much more inconvenient when it has been put together. If your current bedroom furniture is large, consider downsizing to allow more space or moving pieces to other rooms in the house. Avoid overcrowding, which can have a significant impact on your mental state.
3. Use furniture to divide the space. When using the master bedroom as an office, you should make an effort to create visual and physical space between the two. This will prevent the problem of work flowing over to the sleeping area, which can cause disruption in normal sleep patterns and blur the line between work and relaxation time. Consider tall bookcases, portable screens, or a desk with a tall back. When organizing the furniture, make an effort to hide your office computer from view of the bed; this will allow a mental and visual distance from work during the evening hours.
4. Manage traffic flow. If you share your master bedroom with a spouse or partner, ensure that your office space will not be in the way of his or her normal activities. Arrange your office furniture so that it does not block access to the bedroom's closet, master bathroom, window, or door. Before you add books and computers, experiment with several different configurations to find the best fit.
5. Keep each purpose separate. When you share work and living spaces, it can be easy to let one encroach upon the other. Set specific work hours and avoid taking care of household chores during that time. Likewise, avoid the temptation to miss out on sleep by finishing work projects late at night. Treat your office space like a traditional office and stick to regular business hours in order to manage work-life balance.
Tags: your office, master bedroom, your office space, bedroom office, both office, different configurations