Problem: Not sure where to fit a home office?
Solution: If your entryway has the space, try a desk there.
A desk can provide almost everything you need in an entryway: surface space to drop your keys and bag, hidden storage for things you don't want on display, and it can double as your home office. Even those with limited square footage can try this strategy.
Wall-mounted laptop desks (like the IKEA PS Workstation shown in photo #3) can solve the small footprint problem for people with narrow entryways.
For those who have more room to spread out, a desk can make an interesting design statement. Drawer knobs can double as hooks (photo #1), or a vintage secretary (photo #5) can hide messy mail in an instant. A pinboard (photo #4) displays reminders alongside inspirational clippings.
By combining workspace with a practical sorting station, the entryway desk offers a smart way to organize several things in one place.
SHOWN ABOVE
• Liz's Well-Edited Half of a Durham Duplex
• Teresa's Goldberg on the Gold Coast
• Kathryn's Tiny Home Office
• Jessica and Erik's Cozy Bungalow
Photos: Liz Fabry, StudioThomas, Kathryn, Jessica Engeman
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In my little 900 sq. ft. home, I have a huge entryway- 5'x13'. So I came up with the bright idea I would put my office in there. I had plenty of room for everything and it all fit in nicely. BIG mistake. Drafty for one thing because it is near the front door. Also if you have a lot of relatives or friends coming over it gets to be a nuisance with people walking by you when you are working. Not to mention it doesn't look very tidy when you have papers and other stuff out. Your entryway is the first impression and sometimes the only thing someone sees when they come to your home. I believe it should be inviting and tidy. So now I have moved my desk to a nice, warm, private corner of an unused area in my dining room.
I think it's perfectly appropriate for a place to write checks and pen thankyou notes & Christmas cards - but unless you live alone, I can't imagine that would be a suitable space for running a business or working from home.
i have an odd studio layout where there's a small room/foyer and off that is the kitchen, studio room, and bathroom. i use this foyer as my office and it's a great separation from the main room/bedroom. when company comes over, i clear off the desk and use it as a sideboard/console table for food and drinks. on regular days, i make it a point to keep the desk clear -- a tray for keys and that day's mail, a lamp, and a pencil holder. underneath is a filing cabinet neatly tucked away that can house the other messy things.
I love the red hanging desk. It would be much more efficient than trying to work on the coffee table and couch.
I currently have a desk in my entryway. Big mistake! It quickly becomes a dumping ground for mail, magazines, keys, and miscellaneous stuff. It's messy even when I take the time once a week to clear it off. We've tried using little dishes to hold things, but it's just not working well. I never end up using it as a desk. We're going to try moving it to another corner of the room and install a small shelf to act as our landing strip with a small bench beneath with storage for shoes and boots, which right now is just a mess of clutter.
I have both a landing strip and a desk in my entryway. The landing strip is immediately next to the door and takes care of shoes, keys, etc. The desk is on the opposite side of the door from the landing strip, placed so that the back of the desk faces the entry area, hiding things like the trash can, recycling bin, and paper shredder on the other side. An extra chair sitting with its back to the end of the desk is a good place to put shopping bags and backpack (temporarily!) when going in or out.