Good Questions: Where Can I Find a Good Home Office Armoire?

Dear AT,

We have a small loft condo in the West Loop and we need to move our computer from the guest bedroom into the family room. Space is already pretty tight in the family room.

I'm looking for something compact, perhaps something that folds up-in/closes when not in use so that it looks more like a piece of furniture rather than a computer desk. Maybe like a mini armoire? I just hate clunky computer desks and I don t want all that equipment out in the open in the family room. In other words, I want to keep the aesthetic of my family room and not have it look like a home office.

The piece needs to accommodate a monitor, keyboard, hard drive, printer and scanner and the dimensions should be no more than 36 x24". I'm looking for a dark brown (almost black) stain.

Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Julie

Dear Julie,

It sounds like a secretary-style desk could work well for you, as it would conceal your office stuff when you're not using it. We have been seeing a ton of them on Craigslist lately, and surely eBay has countless choices, too. For some specific style ideas, try browsing in-person at Roy's Furniture on Sheffield Ave.

For a more armoire-style piece, like you suggested, we found this Niles Home Office from Crate & Barrel for $1,299 that looks like it might be the right color and simple design for your home (though it's a bit taller than your height requirement). A secretary will most likely be quite a bit shorter than an armoire, if that's a real concern for you, so it may make sense for you to explore both options.

Anyone else have some ideas for Julie?

This comment is not intended to be snarky.

But... Since when does having a "small loft condo" include having a guest room and a family room?

I do like the Crate and Barrel cabinet, and 60" isn't that high at all in a room with high ceilings. Looking at the pic, it would look nice in your space.

posted by Devyn on 2006-06-06 12:38:55

Devyn: Of course it was meant to be snarky.

posted by B on 2006-06-06 13:11:51

Room and Board also has a decent selection of secretary/armoire units. I'm a big fan of R&B, they're a little more expensive, but the quality is outstanding and the design is, for the most part, simple and elegant.

posted by OneMonkeysUncle on 2006-06-06 13:50:44

IS there enough space to put an office cabinet and a chair to sit on behind that big sofa? It would drive me crazy to be facing the wall and also have a tall sofa back behind me.

Also, just wondering why the drapes are hung at "half mast"? I think it kills the drama of the great big windows.

posted by bora on 2006-06-06 14:13:04

There is about 5ft between the wall and the back of the sofa, so yeah there's enough room (plus, I don't really have much of a choice).

Regarding the curtains... that's a work in progress. Those were actually left there from the previous owner. I think curtains that hang the full length of the windows might actually dwarf the room. I'd prefer having nothing there at all, but thought that like might look a little too "just moved in"... Like I said, a work in progress.

Thanks,
Julie

posted by Julie on 2006-06-06 15:27:52

Just a word of caution. I was in the same situation and wanted an amoire for my computer equipment. I bought one from holdeverything.com and it was exactly what I wanted. It held everything but I ended up not using it. It was uncomfortable to work in and not ergonomic. I ended up getting rid of my desktop and now only use my laptop. The cabinet is now just storage.

My suggestion would be spend the money on a new laptop, set up a wireless print server and network, and put the printer and scanner in a closet or cabinet.

Just a thought...

posted by Luke on 2006-06-06 22:48:10

Julie,
Full height curtains will definitely not dwarf the room, just the opposite... they will emphasize the high ceiling and give you the feeling of a larger space & add some drama. As they are, it makes it feel like you want 8' ceilings are are trying to create them by drawing a line at that height w/ the curtains. No drapery would be fine I think but have a more industrial feel which doesn't seem to mesh with the rest of your decor.

posted by Emily on 2006-06-07 09:13:04

I want to second what Luke said. It is an excellent idea and one that will give you great flexibility with your home computer!

posted by Dave H on 2006-06-07 10:50:50

I'm so glad someone else mentioned the curtains. I couldn't get past them to even think about an armoire. Definitely go with long, full height drapes. Sexy!

posted by tr on 2006-06-07 11:00:29

No B, I really wasn't trying to be snarky, I live in 500 square ft, and that is small. The idea of having a family room and a guest room would seem gigantic to me.

I agree about having a laptop instead of a space hogging desktop. Perhaps you could keep the desktop in a different location for occasional use, and set up a network for a laptop to be used anywhere you need.

I also agree about the curtains, full height would make the room feel bigger. I have the exact same issue, but finding full length curtains for 12' ceilings is a challenge. I plan to put a hospital track up, and make, or have made, simple panels to pull across.

posted by Devyn on 2006-06-07 12:41:11

You can find quality office armoires at Ballard Designs. I bought mine from them and i really happy with it. It looks perfect.

posted by gabbyyy on May 5th 2009 at 10:40pm
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