So Much Desk, So Little Room

Today’s post was inspired by fellow blogger Lacy Surber’s recent lament about the lack of space in her shared condo. Lacy + Hubby are forced to use their only table as both dining room table and workspace. Of course, Lacy isn’t alone. Most of you probably feel that you don’t have as much space as you would like. So how to reconcile the need for a distinct work area with the limitations of a confined space? Here a few space-saving solutions:

Fold-out Desk

Take a cue from all those people in white coats. Fold out desks are a common staple in hospitals because they allow doctors immediate access to a desktop on which to make notes in charts, and then fold it away for a clear and gurney-friendly hallway once again. They can function similarly in your home; open the desk when you need a surface at which to work, and fold it back up when you’re through. This gives you all the benefits of having an actual desk without permanently sacrificing the space.

You can easily find fold-outs for purchase at many different retailers. If you’re the handy type or trying to pinch pennies, then the fold-out desk is also a do-able DIY project. Apartment Therapy offers a guide on how to build a bookshelf fold-out desk, and Ana White shares the flip down wall art desk she built for her daughter, which could easily be adapted to grown-up use.

Bitty Desk

If you’re not digging the Murphy-desk vibe, then the next best solution is simply a very small desk.

The Bitty Desk is also fairly easily to erect yourself. A certain medialite named “Almost Bunnies” created this look, located in the corner of her dining room, using only a panel of wood and some legs from IKEA.

Nook and Cranny Desk

When you’re dealing with a small space, its important to make the most of any and all free areas. Many companies make desk units that fit snugly into corners, allowing you to utilize otherwise under-valued spots.

Look out for other nooks where a desk might be able to just squeeze its way in.

Boxed-up Desk

If all else fails, and your quarters are really so cramped that adding just one more surface would cause the place to burst at its’ seams, then I suggest using storage bins.

Make it a habit to keep your work related items in containers which can be easily stowed away after use. These will help you keep your work things organized, and allow for easy transition from desk to dining room table, and back again.

Image Credits: HomeKlondike.com, WorldMarket.com, Apartment Therapy, Domino, The Inside Source, World Market, Almostbunnies Flikr, IKEA, Kate Collins Interiors, The Elegant Abode, Sara Menuck via Sunset, HGTV, Mini Manor Blog, House Beautiful,  West Elm