When we're looking for economical, space-saving ideas, the Shakers are always a good bet. Even today, their clean-lined furniture and smart approach to storage offer a good jumping off point if you're trying to streamline your home office.
- 1) Use the wall. The Shakers were famous for using space-saving, wall-mounted designs like the folding desk shown above. For a modern version, check out Apartment Therapy's list of the best wall-mounted office solutions.
- 2) Hang a spare chair. If you need an extra chair on hand, but don't have the space for it, consider hanging it up. We've seen this idea used in modern and traditional homes alike.
- 3) Embrace built-ins. Nestled inside walls and alcoves, built-ins provide significant storage space without a large footprint. If you haven't been blessed with built-ins in your home, you can fake the look by installing wall-mounted shelves in an alcove.
- 4) Add color. The Shakers often used bright yellow or blue to paint their windowsills and wood trim. It lifts the mood of a room and draws attention to the view outside the window.
- 5) Go vertical. If you're short on storage, use high shelves to add extra space, and keep a step-ladder on hand to reach your stuff.
RELATED POSTS
• Best Shaker Chair Sources 2009
• Shaker Organization in Hancock Village
• Shaker Peg Rails in Hancock Village
Photos of Hancock Village: Sarah Coffey
Tina Wilson's Striking Style 
30 DIY Projects for the 3-Day Weekend
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Hose Jockey Wall Mount
20 Scrumptious Brunch Recipes 
Magic One-Ingredient Ice Cream 5 Ways: Peanut Butter, Nutella, and More
Comments (11)
That desk is gorgeous, so simple! I wonder how it is hinged...
I love the desk too, I wonder if the little legs that rest against the wall flip up with the writing surface?
This would make an interesting "home hack" how-to. I would love to install this in my spare room and it looks (although perhaps deceivingly) like a fairly straightforward project.
Re: the folding table and/or "hacking", Ikea has a version found here: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30062572
The picture shows yet another possible way to hinge a wall-mounted table.
The Shaker table comes out of the notch on the wall, it does not hinge. To make room, take it out of the notch, fold up the legs, and hang on the wall. Up above the nitch there's probably a peg rack to hang the desk top.
Borrow - don't steal...
I love the honesty and simplicity of the materials and design really goes back to basics and keeping it simple. Ideally this style mixed with random treasures and all natural fibers would be one of my dream styles.
It's only borrowing if you give it back. Intellectual property cannot be borrowed.
I love my fold-away wall mounted desk (IKEA). It's near our dining area so it multitasks as a laptop station or a buffet area, then folds away flat.
I really love Shaker design. I don't understand how they can use so much bare wood and yet never have that "Twin Peaks" feel!
The desk and chair are stunning. Has anyone found a similar one for sale?
Shaker simplicity is always appealing. And yes, that desk is awesome.