Whether you work from home, have a hybrid job, or simply enjoy taking on creative endeavors at home, it’s important to have a well-designed, functional workspace. If you’re thinking of updating your current work area or you’re adding a brand new one, the possibilities are endless.

Doing a few simple tweaks to your home can instantly improve things like organization and functionality. If you need some inspiration, check out these creative DIY desk ideas designed to make upgrading your workspace easy.

Design a Built-In Work Nook

This cutaway is conveniently located next to a window, making it a perfect space for lots of natural light to bathe the built-in desk and some simple shelving. You can easily tuck a chair underneath this little curved desk for a cozy spot to study, write, work, and more.

The two wall shelves add a place for books, framed pictures, and other items so that everything is within easy reach. Notice how everything is painted in the same color blue, adding a charming, monochromatic touch.

Styled by Grey Deco, photographed by  for Frederik J Karlsson for Alvhem

Install Wall Cubbies for Extra Storage

From books and file folders to photographs, this workspace features wall cubbies in various shapes and sizes. It’s a smart way to get organization in the same space without making it look cluttered. Store papers and other items in decorative boxes to give your DIY desk area a neat aesthetic.

A small orange table lamp is just what this floating desk needed to add the right amount of light and a playful pop of color that integrates nicely with the artwork.

via Alvhem

Convert a Closet Into a Workspace

If you have a spare closet or wall nook, it’s a perfect spot to design an easy DIY desk. In this example, wall shelves provide a great place for books, office supplies, and other items, while the end of the closet serves as the desk area.

Wainscotting protects the wall and gives this spot another touch of texture. Not only is this a perfect place to work, but it’s also a great homework space for kids to have their own desk that can easily be added to a child’s room, too.

Styled by Thomas Lingsell, photographed by Larsson for Historiska Hem

Install Wall Shelves to Make an Instant Desk

Wall shelving makes for an easy DIY desk in a closet or any other space of your home. Whether you need a computer desk or a simple desk to write, this is a great way to add an instant workspace virtually anywhere you choose.

Adding more shelves above the desk area gives you additional storage and organization. If you’re planning to use a laptop or PC, make sure you create your workspace near an existing electrical outlet. For extremely small spaces, consider installing a fold-down desk so you can tuck everything away when you’re not working.

via Alvhem

Bring a Stylish Desk Into the Bedroom

Some of the most creative desk ideas can be added anywhere. Even if you don’t have an extra closet or another room to work from, this stylish homework station fits nicely in the bedroom. The thick, long piece of butcher block wood is attractive, and it can easily work both as a desk area and as a nice shelf for a lamp and decorative objects.

The homeowner in this example installed a wall shelf to one side for books and other items, and a rolling file cabinet under the desk provides perfect storage for important paperwork to keep the actual work area clean and clutter-free.

Styled by Petra Yngfalk, photographed by Therese Jahnson for Historiska Hem

Use a Tiny spot next to a Wardrobe for a Floating Desk

The tiny area next to this bedroom wardrobe is used to attach a floating desk, paired with wall shelving for a clasp lamp and a few decor pieces. You can use the wardrobe and the two walls to securely attach the desk and the floating design gives you lots of leg room.

Styled by Lindholm Design, photographed by Frederic Boukari for Historiska Hem

Mount Wood to An Angular Wall for an Instant DIY Desk

Although this area seems oddly shaped, the homeowner took advantage of it by making an angled DIY desk. You could easily recreate this by taking a piece of plywood, cutting it to match the angle, and attaching it to the wall.

Again, the design here features the plywood desk painted in the same color as the wall to give it a nice, seamless look. A small stool serves as the chair, and a large piece of wall art hangs above it so that it almost appears to blend into the room undetected.

via Stadshem

Place a Small Desk Right By the Window

Enjoy a home office with a view by adding a simple DIY desk right near a window. Not only will you get to look outside, but you’ll get the added benefit of using natural light while you work.

This desk works great in a small space because of the cubbies added to either side, giving the homeowner a storage place, and it fits perfectly in the room without taking up a large footprint.

via Entrance Makleri

Install Built-Ins Near Your Workspace

For this DIY desk idea, the designer added a built-in cabinet to one side with lots of shelving and a stylish glass door to protect items from dust. Another set of open shelves was added next to the chair so the homeowner could have easy access to important items, office supplies, or paperwork.

Even more shelving was installed above the desk to create the perfect spot for books, decorative items, and whatever else the homeowner wants to display or store here.

Styled by Lindholm Design, photographed by Therese Jahnson for Historiska Hem

Keep Colors Soft and Neutral

The powder pink wall color and natural wood shelves make this a charming, beginner-friendly DIY workspace design. It also proves that your DIY workspace can be simple and easy while still maintaining functionality.

Note that the furniture in this space features a beautiful chair with velvet upholstery rather than a traditional office chair to keep the whimsical theme cohesive. A small, simple shelf like this is the perfect desk for performing quick tasks without a computer.

Styled by Lindholm Design, photographed by Therese Jahnson for Historiska Hem

Take Advantage of a Corner

The wood desk in this workspace is nothing more than a simple shelf, but it gets the job done. If you have a small space but need a place to work, simply add some wall shelving and a stool and you’ll have an instant desk for work.

Note how each shelf here has sturdy brackets that not only add more support but also give this charming work area an extra touch of style, and a couple of pieces of wall art help to give it a splash of personality.

Styled by Asa Copparstad, photographed by Therese Jahnson for Historiska Hem

Take Advantage of a Corner

Whether you add a classic curved or l-shaped desk, taking advantage of a corner like this is a smart way to upgrade a home workspace without having to dedicate an entire room as an office.

This DIY computer desk has a slight curve, creating the perfect place for a comfortable chair to rest. Since this large desk is located next to a sunny window, a luscious houseplant that adds color and texture will easily thrive here.

Styled by Emma Fisher and Annica Clarmell, photographed by Peter Pousard for Alvhem

Make Your Desk Blend In with the Room

If you don’t have tons of room for extra furniture, simply adding a small piece of wood to create a DIY desk is a great idea. This room features a wall of open shelving, and the handmade desk is painted to match so that it seamlessly blends with the rest of the space.

Simply adding the corner built-in desk, a chair, and a lamp brings new life to this corner and gives you a place to study or work from home. All you need is a piece of wood and some power tools to recreate this in your own home.

Styled by Thomas Lingsell, photographed by Dana Ozollapa for Historiska Hem

Design a Special Place for Crafts and Hobbies

For this project, the designer chose to install a large wooden desk top, plenty of shelving, and lots of drawers. The work area is located right near a large window that allows tons of natural light to come in while the homeowner works or focuses on their next project.

You could also substitute wood for a concrete top if you need a work surface that’s more durable and can handle plenty of abuse. The angled hairpin legs on the chair add a unique, modern touch to the room.

via Historiska Hem