The spacious melamine wood table top provides a smooth surface on which to work. However, what really separates this drafting table from others is the copious amount of storage space for art, design and craft materials. Two side trays, on either side of the table top, allow for art materials to be continuously in easy reach of the artist’s hands when creativity is flowing. Three molded slide-out drawers give even more storage solutions whilst metal frame holders and trays beneath allow for the simple placement of glue guns and those ever important cups of coffee.

The art and craft table is very simple to assemble and will delight any artist whether experienced or just a beginner. It will suit professionals and hobbyists alike. Casters mean the table can be manoeuvred into different places with ease, even over carpeted surfaces. Whether you are an illustrator, interior designer, water-colourist, collagist, sketcher, crafter, calligraphist, embroiderer or even a writer, you will soon find this drafting table to be indispensable. It’s strong and sturdy design means it will hold up to all the wear and tear associated with the creativity process and its simple appearance will merge into most existing décor schemes.

You can buy it from here: Studio Designs Deluxe Drawing Drafting Art and Craft Table

Main Work Surface: 36″W x 24″D

The computer desk features a strengthened clear glass top upon a metal steel frame. It provides enough surface space for all types of computers together with their various accessories such as mouse pads and speakers. An elevated glass printer shelf allows for the safe and secure placement of a printer away from the floor. A pull-out keyboard shelf is perfect for PCs and comes with a safety stop. A shelf to one side of the desk surface space gives room for a printer or other electronic item such as a lamp.

A nice looking metal panel at the front of the desk allows for a certain sense of privacy and is ideal for hiding cables and wires if the desk faces into a room. Overall, together with the stylish legs, this modern steel and glass computer desk is perfect for an interior space where function and form are a requirement and an ambiance of industrial yet creative productivity is desired. As shown in the image above, such a desk will suit a contemporary interior space and will definitely add to the attractiveness of the décor scheme. The glass surface also makes the desk appear smaller than it really is and allows light to reach where it otherwise would not.

You can buy this desk from here: Modern Steel and Glass Computer Desk.

Also included is a mobile CPU caddy.

The desk bookholder is also a space-saver. In this regard it clears the book from the table’s surface thereby allowing more space for writing materials, laptops, stationary and other books. For people whose professions require a lot of reading and research, such as freelance editors, teachers, novelists and journalists, the LEVO bookholder will act like an extra pair of arms. What’s more the holder can be adjusted to suit different height and angle preferences.

Spring action page holders with soft rubber ends make sure your pages won’t accidently turn themselves from a gust of wind or a draft. The ergonomically designed bookholder also insures you sit with a correct posture which can reduce neck and back strain as well as muscle tension. It can also be fitted to a desk or table and will be particularly suitable for table surfaces which are smaller than desired. An elderly person can sit in a comfortable armchair with the bookholder fitted to a small manoeuvrable table. This will allow for extended reading periods without the problem of arm ache.

LEVO Desk Bookholder – $79.95
Retail Price: $89.95
You Save: $10.00
from: The Wright Stuff Home Health Care Products

The office desk which converts into a bed is designed for city workers and/or for people who work from home and wish to spend a little nap time during the working day. At first the desk looks like a regular item of furniture you’d find in any contemporary office setting but on closer inspection, the fold-out properties reveal the bed within the body of the desk. A 2 meter-long mattress is hidden within panelling, which can be folded down, thus allowing access to the bed. A flat screen television is also included inside for watching movies, listening to music or gaining inspiration from documentary shows.

The office desk-cum-bed is also suitable for domestic settings and can be utilized by those of us who like to work from home. There’s something to be said for keeping out of the bedroom during the day when you are self-employed, so as to avoid mixing the work environment with the home environment. This can increase work productivity and focus even if a nap is taken in the afternoon within a desk bed like the one pictured above.

You can see a video of the desk-bed here: ’1.6 sm of Life’.

Read an interview with the designer here: Interview with Athanasia Leivaditou.

Don’t be mistaken however, just because the home office desk seems to merge into the surroundings doesn’t mean that the design is boring. The steel legs of the desk curve upwards, forming a strong foundation for the polished and beveled tempered safety glass, which acts as the desk top surface. The glass is very strong and can take heavy weights ranging from computers to leaning arms. Chrome mounts attach the glass to the main steel framework.

The stylish contemporary home office desk also comes with a sliding keyboard tray which can be attached to either of the two table tops which make up the L-shaped computer desk. There’s plenty of room underneath for legs, wires and further electronic equipment. Owing to the shape of the desk, the Alexa can be situated in a corner of a home office or alternatively, just about anywhere else. It will keep the interior looking bright, light and no too heavily burdened as can be the case with more prominent and robust wooden and metal furniture pieces.

You can buy this desk here: Home Loft Concept Alexa L Shaped Computer Desk.

Stylish modern design.

Prints

Wall art can influence the ambiance and décor of any room. This is particularly so in the home study or library where existing décor might seem a little boring. Prints make a wonderful addition to these types of room and can echo the type of work or reading material present in the room. For example, maybe you work online from home in a travel related business. If so, you can have prints (framed or otherwise) of famous tourist destinations and cultural scenes from around the world. Perhaps you have lots of books related to dogs, which you own as well, thus making prints showing dogs and related canine scenes, the ideal accessory.

Skylight

Have you ever been attracted to those old and musty book stores seen in movies? I certainly have and one way to do this is to paint your home library walls a dark color such as black, grey, dark brown or deep purple. However, if the windows in the room are too small, this will backfire and create a rather miserable and hard-to-read-in interior. The answer lies in either having big windows, or installing a skylight. This is an expensive choice but can transform a library type room tremendously. Natural daylight will stream into the room and create a delightful ambiance in the resulting cosy and snug reading space.

Old Furniture

New furniture for a home study or office can be very expensive. An alternative is to seek out second-hand furniture shops or garage sales. It’s impossible to count the number of times I’ve found outstanding bargains from these sorts of places and you will too. For a home study, an old wooden dining table will make a perfect rustic working desk which will provide ample space for computers, printers and writing space. You can give the table or whatever you find a lick of paint to breathe new life into it and to help it merge with the existing décor scheme.

Desk with Hutch

One furniture piece that I’ve found can completely transform a room on its own is a home office desk with hutch. These are basically a regular desk with in-built drawers, cabinets and shelving that reach up close to the ceiling. They look attractive and can be found in a range of woods, colors and styles. Their practicality makes them a popular choice and any number of items and accessories can adorn the shelves and surfaces to make the furniture piece even more visually pleasing. They are not all that expensive either.

Check some out here: Top 10 Black Desks with Hutch.

Shelving

The number of books you own will contribute to the amount of shelving and space you need to allocate for in your home library. If you have a reasonably small collection of books then a single corner shelf might well be enough. On the other hand, if you are a bookworm like me and cannot stop purchasing novels, encyclopaedias, design catalogues, history books and a whole lot more, then it might be a case of building wall to wall shelving. Simple square latticework style shelving will suit a modern interior and these can be complimented with unique and original shelving designs which stand alone.

Desk Lamps

When working late at night, as I often do, I like to keep the main lights down low and work from the light given off by a strong and attractive desk lamp. I find it helps concentrate the mind and makes the atmosphere more conducive to work. Of course, not everyone will enjoy working this way in their home office, study or studio. Desk lamps are vital items of equipment when it comes to computer work, writing letters, completing homework and sorting through those ghastly bills. Luckily, there are thousands of different desk lamp designs and selecting one that suits you can really add character and decorative splendour to a home office.

If you’re a bit of a traditionalist and have a fondness for old American crime thrillers, then the classic green banker’s desk lamps might make a perfect addition to a sturdy oak wood office desk. In the same way, if you want a more contemporary feel then there are lamps which look like they have come straight from NASA or a passing UFO. These will have excellent quality light effects and come with many various features the older lamps just don’t have.

It all sounds good, but for anyone who has given the stay at home workload a try; they quickly realize that even though you may be working from home, you are still working. In many instances, you are actually working harder to stay on task at home given so many distractions, that the hours seem longer. Here are a few tips to remain productive and allow working at home to be everything you dreamed it would when you were stuck in the office.

Stick to a Routine

Once you determine a routine that allows you to maximize your productivity, stick to it. In an office, you have to be at work at a certain time. Working from home should be no different. Also, and this is especially important if you have children who also stay home, once they reach an age of understanding, they need to understand when it is your work time and when you are available. This will curb the interruptions that are not life threatening to a minimum and allow you to do your best work.

Set Up An Office

Sitting on your couch with a laptop maybe very comfortable, but if you sink too far into your comfort zone, your productivity will inevitably suffer as well. By having a home office, or a space in a room dedicated to work, you will know when you are there, it is time to get things done. This will allow you to mentally prepare for the work at hand and come prepared to do it every day.

Make Your Office Welcoming

This is not to say you should sit upright on uncomfortable furniture. Invest in a comfortable, ergonomically correct chair, and set up your office area in a manner that will foster good work techniques. Use warm colors to allow you to relax, and set up your desk in a manner where you have easy access to everything you may need at your fingertips. Do what works best for you to make it personal.

Set Break Times

Because you are working from home, you will be your own boss when it comes to taking breaks and lunches. This flexibility is great, so long as you remember not to take advantage of it, and do not let it take advantage of you. Make sure you take breaks as you need them, but just like within an office, do not take longer breaks than you normally would in that environment. A good rule to follow when striving for optimum productivity is to take a five-minute break every hour. When you do, get up from your office area and leave. This will allow you to solidify psychologically that you are indeed breaking from the work you are doing.

These are simply four things one can do to ensure both success and work/life balance are maintained when working from home. A quick search of the Internet will show you others as well. Remember, working from home can be as rewarding as it sounds so long as you maintain good discipline in your approach to it. By following some of the steps above and turning them into good habits, you will find instilling that discipline will become easier and easier.

Emma Martin is an avid garage sales fan, regularly scouring her city for unique finds and great deals. Weirdest thing she ever bought at a yard sale: a dinner plate with George W. Bush’s picture covering it. She is a content contributor for Yard Sale Search.

The chair is perfect for home-based architects, illustrators and interior decorators as well as for designers who frequently need to make detailed drawings of plans and sketches. It’s highly functional as well as capturing a sense of 21st Century style. The framework is made from steel whilst strengthened plastic provides comfortable and contoured seating and back rest sections. Wheels allow for complete manoeuvrability.

The beautifully ergonomic design of the seat is moulded into the shape of the human form and thus provides outstanding comfort and a snug fit. A strong back rest is vital for security and for the ability to rest and survey work from a slightly removed angle. The red Lloyd designer’s chair also comes with an under-seat lever which can be used to adjust the height of the chair in relation to the angle and height of the drafting board.

Lloyd Drafters Chair – Red – $198.00
Retail Price: $208.00
You Save: $10.00
from: Chiasso

It’s a chair with a perfect marriage of comfort and contemporary style which will fit in with all types of décor schemes and interior environments.

Making your room as attractive to you as you can, is a key focus in enabling you to work productively and efficiently. Besides, who wants to walk past your office and see you pulling out your hair and chewing on a pencil?

How to Make Your Home Office Attractive

We don’t mean that you have to spend a bundle of money or live in a fancy London hotel-like space, but you can do many small things to make your work area nice. Number one is that you shouldn’t be working out of boxes. Get your storage organized. Put the reams of paper and other things away neatly. Perhaps you can check out a corner computer desk, that will make a nice surface to work off. Your computer will be kept off the floor and stay a lot cleaner. Here are a few quick tips to make your office more attractive to you, and the rest of the family:

• Make sure the floor is clean and whole.
• Keep the space tidy and bright.
• Dust and vacuum a lot. If you are an allergic person, then this is important.
• If you have a window, get a live plant because this adds considerably to your “ambience”.
• Check your office chair for any uncomfortable bits. You don’t want to wake up in the morning looking like The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
• Add a few favourite pictures or photos. Not too many because you don’t want to overtax your brain.
• A colourful carpet is nice and it can add warmth in Winter.
• Check the temperature in your office. If you can’t uncurl your fingers you know the thermostat is off.
• Just make sure that the new office is comfortable for you.
• Put storage either in a closet, up on the walls, or in storage baskets. Do anything with your supplies, but don’t leave them lying around where you will trip up on them.

How Do I Get Work I Can Do At Home?

If you’ve gone to the trouble of setting up your home office, then getting work established and maintaining it takes a little more than a casual effort. Are you good at networking or tech things on the computer? Set-up a website and advertise yourself, and learn how to advance your rankings. This is called search engine optimization, or SEO. You can use your home office as a hub and still work outside of the home at freelancing. Make a list of activities you can put on or promote or talents you have, and start to advertise.

If you have writing or graphics talent then this lends itself perfectly to a home office. With computers, and if you have talent at these two things, you can work entirely from home and save on petrol. Check out a few freelance websites and study who is on there and what they are doing. Usually you register, list your profile and start bidding on jobs. Build a solid reputation and get good feedback and references and your business will soon be booming. On a freelance site, see what people are bidding on jobs (if you can) and then come in at an average or slightly lower price. As soon as your rep grows, you can charge more. Be diligent and watch for job/project listings frequently.

What Other Things Can I Use My Home Office For?

If you can do several crafts well, like sewing or quilting or building small things or taking digital photos or even scrapbooking, then using your home office for a combined office/crafts room is also a good idea. Use what you have in you, to the best of your abilities. Don’t hesitate to buy a larger desk or a table if crafts are for you. If you have no particular use in mind for your home office don’t worry you will find one, then you will be wondering however you managed without it.

If you are looking inspiration, jot down random ideas and something will gel, even if it takes a little while. Everyone is good at something. You’ve heard of that old expression “necessity is the mother of invention”? Unless they already have money, people need to earn their living and in these hard times, a home office is a fantastic idea and a real money saver. Get the right equipment, perhaps sub for some of that in the interim, and get the ideas flowing. Some basics needed to get started are a decent computer, a phone, creativity, persistence, just a bit of money (advertising and some supplies), a desk of some sort plus a chair, patience and a few deep breaths. While not jumping right in, you have to take the initiative.

Lloyd Burrell writes reviews on office desk furniture. Whether it be a modern l shaped office desk or a more traditional rectangular model, Lloyd has detailed reviews on all these desk styles and more so that you can make the right choice.

The black Buddha paper holders are made from modern flexible rubber which is stronger than one would at first image. One of the Buddhas is less firm than the other so as to allow extra documents to be placed in-between. Both are attached to a black wooden base. If you or anyone you know has a fondness for Buddhism or related spirituality, then a pair of these joyful black Buddha paper holders will make a marvellous gift.

When you’re taking a breather from your work for a few moments, you can swivel their heads in various directions, thereby adding a more dynamic and ever changing element to the fun Buddha home office accessories. They’ll also look good in a hallway or living room for recently arrived letters and notes one may need to keep in view and even for a couple of CDs or small books in a bedroom or dining room.

You can buy this pair from here: Good Fortune Organizer.

Price: $22