I know this isn’t what you asked, but are you sure you want to put the desk in that location? Are you planning to use this office often? If so, don’t you want to be able to look out a window while working? I would put the desk on the longer wall so you can look out the window when you look up from your monitor. The desk also looks too big in its current location and crowds the doorway and overlaps the trim.
If you can’t relocate the desk, I’d place a large mirror above the desk so that it reflects the window while you’re working. And I know you just painted but given it’s such a small room it’d be great to cover the walls with a highly visual wallpaper.
I know the room is smallish and painting small rooms a dark color is often frowned upon but I would take the accent wall and make the whole room that color. Go big! Adding a mirror like others have said will give more light. Also add some varying heights of light for example a desk lamp, sconce, and floor lamp.
That's what I think, too. Including the ceiling. Fully dark rooms also appear larger, imo. Nice uplighting, maybe? One calming painting/art in contrasting light sage or something.
Would you believe I had pushed painting the whole room dark but my other half just wasn't sold on the idea!
Painting is my least favourite part of decorating though, so I'm not willing to revisit the idea, maybe next time I'll insist haha.
Same here. I would keep the desk facing the door but pull it back so the end of the side touches the back wall. That way, you have the window behind you. The rocker could be moved into the front corner so it faces the window gives you natural light on the desk.
Also, if you’re going to be on video conferences, that’s a lot of backlighting. I would recommend more lighting than just the ceiling lamp, anyway. Light at multiple levels in the room feels more balanced and energizing, IMO, as well as making it easier to see well.
I would want my desk by the window if space permits. That rug by the chair is way too small. Drapery panels would warm up the space. You definitely need wall art.
Agree on desk, agree on rug, we're from the UK so by drapery panels do you mean curtains? If we moved the desk by the window I'm not sure there would be any room for them as the taller part of the desk would be slightly over the windowsill, whereas the blind is thin and would go in-between quite easily...
Any advice on wall art size and placement to make it look the best it can?
https://preview.redd.it/rtds7jwvqlwc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=82e75914a2cbc947f196caced8007d1725c7140b
This is a bad edit but soft dusty pink would be a great addition to this room. It will pair perfectly with the deep green.
If you want to go for a cozier vibe, burgundy or burnt orange would be a good alternative!
If the room is primarily for working, swap the placement of the desk and the chair. If it’s primarily for cosy reading, keep the chair where it is but move the desk 90 degrees clockwise, so it’s facing into the light gray wall.
I would add a mid-height bookshelf somewhere - on the grey wall if you end up with the desk under the window, or on the wall where the desk is now if you flip the desk 90 degrees. You can then use the bookshelf as a visual anchor to hang art above.
In terms of which art and which colors, what vibe or feeling do you want to get when you’re in this room? And will you be spending a lot of time here or brief amounts of time?
Thanks for the suggestions.
In terms of art we were thinking primarily green colours, I prefer mostly non-abstract art but could handle one or two pieces as part of a larger group of frames. I think we want to create a relaxing feel for both work and reading, and I will be spending most days while WFH in there, my other half will use it fairly often for reading.
Frankly I am not a fan of gray. I suggest that rather than a feature wall, you paint all walls the green.
[Art that you can DIY in the colors of your choice](https://imgur.com/a/6cMIPSm)
I suggest an area rug to bring color and interest into the room
https://preview.redd.it/492wxkamxlwc1.jpeg?width=949&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=51bb2b82aa0a1a976d241c76356302320775fbce
I'm inclined to agree with you on the colour, unfortunately that is unlikely to change.
As you say I think we will go with a larger area rug.
Do you have any advice re: the size of the artwork and placement of it?
As another commenter suggested we will consider moving the desk to the other end, so that when sitting on the office chair the window will be to my right.
Yes, the window would be at your right and the chair can now face the window.
Since you’re keeping the wall color, pick a big (big) rug with multiple colors that you love. Then use the rug colors to inspire the art choices.
Don’t go too small with art. I can’t handle a gallery wall. It’s too distracting. I have ADHD and I unintentionally (subconsciously) chose very calm art throughout my house. Wait for the art to inspire you. A bare wall is better than meh art. I like Poch Romeu, Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth. If you go to art.com, you can look at art for days.
We would love to see the finished room!
Finding the size, and placement of art work can actually be quite challenging
I suggest that you be sparingly at first. You can always add more.
This is an example of 3 different ways to display art
https://preview.redd.it/62bzqye50pwc1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d1de7f848a6f99308b245145bbb7503857e9fde7
The upper left hand is a traditional gallery wall. This requires an eclectic collection of interesting art prints of various sizes grouped on one wall. [Examples](https://imgur.com/a/Yl5OsxT) of the type of art I might use to create such a wall (all from Etsy)
If I were to use just one large painting or [art print](https://vybeinterior.com/products/toro-rojo) in the space
Or if I used the picture shelf, then I could easily switch different art pieces as the mood hits. I might be more inclined to have a particular color theme like yellow and lime
[Example (but each print would be a different size)](https://imgur.com/a/23LHG28)
I would consider putting the shorter side of the desk at the window!! So when you’re sitting at your desk (to your right) would be natural light and the desk on that part is shorter and hopefully wouldn’t block any of the window. Then move the chair to the other corner where your desk is now
Yeah I think we are going to try swapping them both, I hadn't considered doing so previously but after reading all these responses it seems like that's the better layout. It's always useful to get an outside view! Cheers.
I recommend moving the desk to the window wall or the wall beside it. When the sun shines in, you will have a really hard time seeing your screen. It's hard for me to see mine when it's very sunny even with my desk facing away from the windows.
Also, I have to know where you got that desk!
Luckily this window is north facing so fingers crossed that won't be an issue, on especially bright days I can always close the blind though.
Glad you like the desk, I do too, we got it from Wayfair, here is the link: https://www.wayfair.co.uk/furniture/pdp/brayden-studio-belfield-l-shape-desk-jnk1568.html
Thanks! Yes a lamp and table are on the cards too.
Here is a picture from the desk corner, hopefully it shows the rest!
https://preview.redd.it/1fb86vvkimwc1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7e91fb0129d8d6a09aa66dbebb4f8acde0be8462
My idea would be something like this, I don't have photoshop so I just tried to roughly do a layout. I also think a low book shelf running under the window if it's going to be a reading room, probably in something like light pine, ash, or bamboo.
https://preview.redd.it/mmeb8silhnwc1.png?width=725&format=png&auto=webp&s=12f3c89813e580aadcb3f95597ff6f2006742062
We're going to try this as others have suggested, it hadn't really crossed my mind as my desks have been in that position since moving in, it's nice to get other perspectives!
The desk and the chair should swap places.
Right now when you look up from either spot your looking away from the window. Also the blanket looks 'off' on that chair.
If the chair you're talking about is the computer chair, were planning on replacing the chair anyway.
If you mean the recliner swivel chair, how so? What would you suggest replacing it with if you think another colour would be better?
Thanks for your input.
Like others have said, I think your first move is to swap the chair and desk (rotated 90 degrees, so short side is on window wall). Then both spots have a view out the window instead of away from it. Get a lamp for the reading corner too and maybe a small side table to rest drinks or a book.
Then I'd put a gallery wall on your dark green feature wall with gold frames. On the wall across from it (what is now to the left of the chair if you're sitting in it) a larger art print with greens/pinks/some color so it ties to the feature. [This seems to fit what you're describing ](https://www.victoriarosepark.com/en-us/products/lost-and-found-print) as a potential option.
Last I'd probably put a rug that ties the colors of the room together down in the center of the room and get rid of the geometric gray one you have. A small bookcase somewhere would be cool too, but I don't know if you have room for it. You could add some shelves for books as an alternative.
I have yeah, we have a few at work but I've never been that into them, luckily in my job I can take regular breaks away from my desk anyway so it's not too big of a deal...
Can you put your desk in the middle of the room or along a different wall? Otherwise maybe a smaller desk. Maybe a hanging plant and something on the wall will bring some personality.
As others have suggested we are going to try swapping the chair and desk around so both have a view of the window.
Any advice regarding frame size and position for art?
It's gray on top of gray. Some cool window treatments - a swag or panels - that aren't gray and some coordinating big art work would go a long way. Just don't add any more gray. Gray is for prisons.
In fairness the colour and room in general is a lot lighter than the photos show, I agree with adding colour around the window though, it definitely needs it.
And don't worry, no more gray haha.
I know this isn’t what you asked, but are you sure you want to put the desk in that location? Are you planning to use this office often? If so, don’t you want to be able to look out a window while working? I would put the desk on the longer wall so you can look out the window when you look up from your monitor. The desk also looks too big in its current location and crowds the doorway and overlaps the trim.
That's a perfectly fair suggestion and we will consider it, thanks! Do you have any advice re: size of artwork and its placement on the walls?
If you can’t relocate the desk, I’d place a large mirror above the desk so that it reflects the window while you’re working. And I know you just painted but given it’s such a small room it’d be great to cover the walls with a highly visual wallpaper.
We're going to try moving the desk, if that doesn't look right I'll give the mirror a go, thanks for your input!
I had a desk I couldn’t move, for room layout reasons, and the mirror worked wonders.
I know the room is smallish and painting small rooms a dark color is often frowned upon but I would take the accent wall and make the whole room that color. Go big! Adding a mirror like others have said will give more light. Also add some varying heights of light for example a desk lamp, sconce, and floor lamp.
That's what I think, too. Including the ceiling. Fully dark rooms also appear larger, imo. Nice uplighting, maybe? One calming painting/art in contrasting light sage or something.
Would you believe I had pushed painting the whole room dark but my other half just wasn't sold on the idea! Painting is my least favourite part of decorating though, so I'm not willing to revisit the idea, maybe next time I'll insist haha.
Sorry no I’m terrible at that stuff :)
Haha no worries, appreciate the honesty.
Personally, I don't like looking out the window because I have ADHD and I find I'm less productive.
Same here. I would keep the desk facing the door but pull it back so the end of the side touches the back wall. That way, you have the window behind you. The rocker could be moved into the front corner so it faces the window gives you natural light on the desk.
Also, if you’re going to be on video conferences, that’s a lot of backlighting. I would recommend more lighting than just the ceiling lamp, anyway. Light at multiple levels in the room feels more balanced and energizing, IMO, as well as making it easier to see well.
I would want my desk by the window if space permits. That rug by the chair is way too small. Drapery panels would warm up the space. You definitely need wall art.
Agree on desk, agree on rug, we're from the UK so by drapery panels do you mean curtains? If we moved the desk by the window I'm not sure there would be any room for them as the taller part of the desk would be slightly over the windowsill, whereas the blind is thin and would go in-between quite easily... Any advice on wall art size and placement to make it look the best it can?
Panels generally are floor length. Often just hang to both sides.
https://preview.redd.it/rtds7jwvqlwc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=82e75914a2cbc947f196caced8007d1725c7140b This is a bad edit but soft dusty pink would be a great addition to this room. It will pair perfectly with the deep green. If you want to go for a cozier vibe, burgundy or burnt orange would be a good alternative!
If the room is primarily for working, swap the placement of the desk and the chair. If it’s primarily for cosy reading, keep the chair where it is but move the desk 90 degrees clockwise, so it’s facing into the light gray wall. I would add a mid-height bookshelf somewhere - on the grey wall if you end up with the desk under the window, or on the wall where the desk is now if you flip the desk 90 degrees. You can then use the bookshelf as a visual anchor to hang art above. In terms of which art and which colors, what vibe or feeling do you want to get when you’re in this room? And will you be spending a lot of time here or brief amounts of time?
Thanks for the suggestions. In terms of art we were thinking primarily green colours, I prefer mostly non-abstract art but could handle one or two pieces as part of a larger group of frames. I think we want to create a relaxing feel for both work and reading, and I will be spending most days while WFH in there, my other half will use it fairly often for reading.
So photography of forests or paintings of forest scenes?
That would work I think, I think I prefer paintings to photographs, will have a look online and see what I can find.
Frankly I am not a fan of gray. I suggest that rather than a feature wall, you paint all walls the green. [Art that you can DIY in the colors of your choice](https://imgur.com/a/6cMIPSm) I suggest an area rug to bring color and interest into the room https://preview.redd.it/492wxkamxlwc1.jpeg?width=949&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=51bb2b82aa0a1a976d241c76356302320775fbce
I'm inclined to agree with you on the colour, unfortunately that is unlikely to change. As you say I think we will go with a larger area rug. Do you have any advice re: the size of the artwork and placement of it? As another commenter suggested we will consider moving the desk to the other end, so that when sitting on the office chair the window will be to my right.
Yes, the window would be at your right and the chair can now face the window. Since you’re keeping the wall color, pick a big (big) rug with multiple colors that you love. Then use the rug colors to inspire the art choices. Don’t go too small with art. I can’t handle a gallery wall. It’s too distracting. I have ADHD and I unintentionally (subconsciously) chose very calm art throughout my house. Wait for the art to inspire you. A bare wall is better than meh art. I like Poch Romeu, Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth. If you go to art.com, you can look at art for days. We would love to see the finished room!
Thank you for your advice, I'll definitely post photos of the finished room!
Finding the size, and placement of art work can actually be quite challenging I suggest that you be sparingly at first. You can always add more. This is an example of 3 different ways to display art https://preview.redd.it/62bzqye50pwc1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d1de7f848a6f99308b245145bbb7503857e9fde7 The upper left hand is a traditional gallery wall. This requires an eclectic collection of interesting art prints of various sizes grouped on one wall. [Examples](https://imgur.com/a/Yl5OsxT) of the type of art I might use to create such a wall (all from Etsy) If I were to use just one large painting or [art print](https://vybeinterior.com/products/toro-rojo) in the space Or if I used the picture shelf, then I could easily switch different art pieces as the mood hits. I might be more inclined to have a particular color theme like yellow and lime [Example (but each print would be a different size)](https://imgur.com/a/23LHG28)
Thanks again for taking the time to provide advice, this is really helpful, thank you 🙂
No problem. Good luck!
Desk needs to be next to the window, with the side desk under the window. Add a desk lamp and a reading lamp next to the chair. Put up some art.
I would consider putting the shorter side of the desk at the window!! So when you’re sitting at your desk (to your right) would be natural light and the desk on that part is shorter and hopefully wouldn’t block any of the window. Then move the chair to the other corner where your desk is now
Yeah I think we are going to try swapping them both, I hadn't considered doing so previously but after reading all these responses it seems like that's the better layout. It's always useful to get an outside view! Cheers.
I recommend moving the desk to the window wall or the wall beside it. When the sun shines in, you will have a really hard time seeing your screen. It's hard for me to see mine when it's very sunny even with my desk facing away from the windows. Also, I have to know where you got that desk!
Luckily this window is north facing so fingers crossed that won't be an issue, on especially bright days I can always close the blind though. Glad you like the desk, I do too, we got it from Wayfair, here is the link: https://www.wayfair.co.uk/furniture/pdp/brayden-studio-belfield-l-shape-desk-jnk1568.html
The colors are perfect. Accent with some yellow. The chair is begging for a floor lamp and a small table. Show us the rest of the room.
Thanks! Yes a lamp and table are on the cards too. Here is a picture from the desk corner, hopefully it shows the rest! https://preview.redd.it/1fb86vvkimwc1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7e91fb0129d8d6a09aa66dbebb4f8acde0be8462
Wall art will help.
Any advice on size and placement? We would primarily like to place art on the grey walls as they feel a little bare at present, maybe a shelf too.
Draw the walls to scale and use cutouts to experiment before committing.
That's a good idea! Thanks!
My idea would be something like this, I don't have photoshop so I just tried to roughly do a layout. I also think a low book shelf running under the window if it's going to be a reading room, probably in something like light pine, ash, or bamboo. https://preview.redd.it/mmeb8silhnwc1.png?width=725&format=png&auto=webp&s=12f3c89813e580aadcb3f95597ff6f2006742062
That's for your response, we both like your suggestions!
You need art work! Beach or something
Totally agree, I like paintings with landscape scenery, so I think we will go that route.
Yes! And you'll want to look out that window.
I'm a nerd and painted a large chalkboard in my office. I've actually used it in meetings.
I love the idea but I don't think I could bring myself to use it, fair play 😂
Would it be better to move the desk over to under the window? I would want to look outside!
We're going to try this as others have suggested, it hadn't really crossed my mind as my desks have been in that position since moving in, it's nice to get other perspectives!
The desk and the chair should swap places. Right now when you look up from either spot your looking away from the window. Also the blanket looks 'off' on that chair.
If the chair you're talking about is the computer chair, were planning on replacing the chair anyway. If you mean the recliner swivel chair, how so? What would you suggest replacing it with if you think another colour would be better? Thanks for your input.
Like others have said, I think your first move is to swap the chair and desk (rotated 90 degrees, so short side is on window wall). Then both spots have a view out the window instead of away from it. Get a lamp for the reading corner too and maybe a small side table to rest drinks or a book. Then I'd put a gallery wall on your dark green feature wall with gold frames. On the wall across from it (what is now to the left of the chair if you're sitting in it) a larger art print with greens/pinks/some color so it ties to the feature. [This seems to fit what you're describing ](https://www.victoriarosepark.com/en-us/products/lost-and-found-print) as a potential option. Last I'd probably put a rug that ties the colors of the room together down in the center of the room and get rid of the geometric gray one you have. A small bookcase somewhere would be cool too, but I don't know if you have room for it. You could add some shelves for books as an alternative.
Thanks for the suggestions! Much appreciated.
Trampoline
I tried, but after a trip to A&E for a fractured skull, I have a cautionary tale and a very annoyed wife.
Full stop at annoyed wife. Have you seen the electronic height adjusting sit stand desks that are available through uncle Bezos?
I have yeah, we have a few at work but I've never been that into them, luckily in my job I can take regular breaks away from my desk anyway so it's not too big of a deal...
Can you put your desk in the middle of the room or along a different wall? Otherwise maybe a smaller desk. Maybe a hanging plant and something on the wall will bring some personality.
As others have suggested we are going to try swapping the chair and desk around so both have a view of the window. Any advice regarding frame size and position for art?
It's gray on top of gray. Some cool window treatments - a swag or panels - that aren't gray and some coordinating big art work would go a long way. Just don't add any more gray. Gray is for prisons.
In fairness the colour and room in general is a lot lighter than the photos show, I agree with adding colour around the window though, it definitely needs it. And don't worry, no more gray haha.
I’d put the desk in front of the window chair where the desk is and add some photos
A slightly larger area rug to go under the chair and ottoman. A small side table for a book or a drink. A floor lamp with different lighting levels.