Hygge my Basement Home Office
October 9, 2020 12:54 PM Subscribe
Looking for ideas and suggestions for how to make my basement home office, which is below ground and has only two small basement windows, much more cozy for the upcoming winter.
Here's a rough 2-D rendering of the room's layout.
The office is one of several rooms in the basement. Due to the layout of the room, I'm somewhat limited in where I can place furniture because I cannot block access to the sliding closet door, the water heater closet, or the flow of traffic along the side of the room that goes from the main entry door to the other end where there are doors to a bathroom and a cold storage room. I also cannot remove the daybed because reasons, so please don't suggest that, however suggestions for repositioning the daybed are OK. There is a floor lamp, a desk task lamp, and recessed overhead lights (on a dimmer switch) in the room, as far as current lighting goes. The floor is laminate, not carpeted.
The info I've provided about the room's layout is really just for reference so folks know what I am working with. I'm primarily seeking ideas for ways to make the room cozier or more "hygge" - decor details that I can add, not major renovations. (I also want to avoid cluttering the room up with too much furniture, as it's already a somewhat small space and it just feels better when it's open and clean.) Some ideas I already have in mind are things like putting several battery-operated candles in the windows, hanging up warm fairy lights, DIY canvas wall art for the walls, fluffy new bedding and pillows for the daybed, small rugs, etc but I'd love to hear ideas from others. Feel free to link to photos of examples.
Here's a rough 2-D rendering of the room's layout.
The office is one of several rooms in the basement. Due to the layout of the room, I'm somewhat limited in where I can place furniture because I cannot block access to the sliding closet door, the water heater closet, or the flow of traffic along the side of the room that goes from the main entry door to the other end where there are doors to a bathroom and a cold storage room. I also cannot remove the daybed because reasons, so please don't suggest that, however suggestions for repositioning the daybed are OK. There is a floor lamp, a desk task lamp, and recessed overhead lights (on a dimmer switch) in the room, as far as current lighting goes. The floor is laminate, not carpeted.
The info I've provided about the room's layout is really just for reference so folks know what I am working with. I'm primarily seeking ideas for ways to make the room cozier or more "hygge" - decor details that I can add, not major renovations. (I also want to avoid cluttering the room up with too much furniture, as it's already a somewhat small space and it just feels better when it's open and clean.) Some ideas I already have in mind are things like putting several battery-operated candles in the windows, hanging up warm fairy lights, DIY canvas wall art for the walls, fluffy new bedding and pillows for the daybed, small rugs, etc but I'd love to hear ideas from others. Feel free to link to photos of examples.
I am always creeped out by those mirrored closets, though I know they bounce light and that can help. I would suggest covering them in a cozy way that still lets them bounce light - you could use a stencil and paint or just do a paint wash (most paints will scrape off with a razor scraper when you want to get rid of it), you could cut stencils from vinyl (or print them if you have a cricut or similar), use privacy film (I love the ones that look like stained glass), or use a combo of methods to make the idea of windows.
I'm a renter, so I do a lot of hygge with lamplight - torchieres and Hue lights (either the white-range ones which are much cheaper but still quite configurable in color temperature, or the colored ones, of which we have one on the floor behind the TV to make an "accent wall" of warm amber light) to wash the ceiling and upper walls in light, LED candles and decor. We have a year-round selection of seasonal luminary-type lanterns we usually find at craft stores (also Everything's .99, they have really good ones). I also love IKEA GRÖNÖ lamps (they have a ton of other warm-light LED lamps, including the ones with the light brown paper shades or wicker shades).
Rugs should be used as much as possible, and don't be afraid to layer a more basic cheap one (Big Lots is my source for 3x5 and 6x8 under-rugs) with some smaller fluffier ones in front of the daybed and closet where they won't interfere with your work chair.
posted by Lyn Never at 1:19 PM on October 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
I'm a renter, so I do a lot of hygge with lamplight - torchieres and Hue lights (either the white-range ones which are much cheaper but still quite configurable in color temperature, or the colored ones, of which we have one on the floor behind the TV to make an "accent wall" of warm amber light) to wash the ceiling and upper walls in light, LED candles and decor. We have a year-round selection of seasonal luminary-type lanterns we usually find at craft stores (also Everything's .99, they have really good ones). I also love IKEA GRÖNÖ lamps (they have a ton of other warm-light LED lamps, including the ones with the light brown paper shades or wicker shades).
Rugs should be used as much as possible, and don't be afraid to layer a more basic cheap one (Big Lots is my source for 3x5 and 6x8 under-rugs) with some smaller fluffier ones in front of the daybed and closet where they won't interfere with your work chair.
posted by Lyn Never at 1:19 PM on October 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
As someone whose home office is in the same room as a bed, I actually think the daybed could be helpful. Do you use the daybed, or is it just there for future hypothetical guests? As long as someone else isn't actively using it, put some comfy blankets on it with a sitting-up pillow, get a lap desk, and you'll have yourself a cozy secondary spot where you can still be productive but also be comfortable.
What direction do the windows face? Do they receive any natural light? If so, I'm thinking you might switch the positions of the daybed and desk so that you're looking out the windows (as much as possible) . If that's too much light in your eyes, some white sheer would cut it down without killing the effect.
Do you have carpet? If not, get a rug. Textiles in general are the best way to give a cozy feel, and a rug has a usefulness as well.
Seconding plants - they really do make a difference. I bought a big snake plant at the beginning of lockdown and it has made a noticeable difference in the feel of my office.
I also agree about lights, but my office gets a ton of natural light, so I haven't really had to worry about this. It's something you should think about.
posted by kevinbelt at 1:23 PM on October 9, 2020
What direction do the windows face? Do they receive any natural light? If so, I'm thinking you might switch the positions of the daybed and desk so that you're looking out the windows (as much as possible) . If that's too much light in your eyes, some white sheer would cut it down without killing the effect.
Do you have carpet? If not, get a rug. Textiles in general are the best way to give a cozy feel, and a rug has a usefulness as well.
Seconding plants - they really do make a difference. I bought a big snake plant at the beginning of lockdown and it has made a noticeable difference in the feel of my office.
I also agree about lights, but my office gets a ton of natural light, so I haven't really had to worry about this. It's something you should think about.
posted by kevinbelt at 1:23 PM on October 9, 2020
I also have a home office set-up in a basement with limited natural light. Things that have helped:
- Moving my desk as close to the window as possible
- Getting plants (they sit on the windowsill)
- Regularly cleaning/dusting so that the space stays clean/welcoming
- I have a floor lamp, desk lamp, and overhead lights on while working - all the lighting! Maybe also invest in one of those light therapy or SAD lamps that mimics sunlight (I was skeptical but have grown to like mine).
- My actual desk is very small (it's a folding table only slightly bigger than my laptop), so I re-purposed a shelf next to me as my "extended desk space" (where I keep my headset, some nice pictures in frames, sticky notes/to do lists, my coffee/tea mug, etc.)
- Good snacks nearby
- Regular stretch breaks (I'm not good at sticking to this, but walking around for a few minutes every once in a while helps break up the screen time).
With your layout, I wonder if you could switch the desk and the daybed so that you are facing the window and have that built-in shelf closer at hand...
posted by sleepingwithcats at 1:25 PM on October 9, 2020
- Moving my desk as close to the window as possible
- Getting plants (they sit on the windowsill)
- Regularly cleaning/dusting so that the space stays clean/welcoming
- I have a floor lamp, desk lamp, and overhead lights on while working - all the lighting! Maybe also invest in one of those light therapy or SAD lamps that mimics sunlight (I was skeptical but have grown to like mine).
- My actual desk is very small (it's a folding table only slightly bigger than my laptop), so I re-purposed a shelf next to me as my "extended desk space" (where I keep my headset, some nice pictures in frames, sticky notes/to do lists, my coffee/tea mug, etc.)
- Good snacks nearby
- Regular stretch breaks (I'm not good at sticking to this, but walking around for a few minutes every once in a while helps break up the screen time).
With your layout, I wonder if you could switch the desk and the daybed so that you are facing the window and have that built-in shelf closer at hand...
posted by sleepingwithcats at 1:25 PM on October 9, 2020
you want to make the room more "hyggelige". What we do here in DK is more around how the room makes you feel, not exactly about what it has in it - so it will be different for each of us. So for me and maybe for you: a nice comfy rug, or a place within reach full of woolly socks. Picture books/photo albums you can leaf through. if it does not get a lot of natural light, then maybe a SAD light.
posted by alchemist at 1:36 PM on October 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by alchemist at 1:36 PM on October 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
Add some homemade and/or personal things. I have some origami ornaments I made last year hanging in my office, and some little gifts friends and family have given me over the years, and cards/postcards hanging on a wall with washi tape. Prints from artists you like (etsy is fun to browse). If there are particular stationery items you like, get those.
+1 keeping up on cleaning and getting a rug
posted by momus_window at 2:49 PM on October 9, 2020
+1 keeping up on cleaning and getting a rug
posted by momus_window at 2:49 PM on October 9, 2020
Beyond just plants - I really love layering in hanging plants. You might be able to hang a bar above the day bed (or your desk) to cluster a grouping of plants that you can rearrange. I also have had great luck growing plants a basement by supplementing with a grow light. Full spectrum grow lights can look more like natural light and not purple which is hard on the eyes. Clamp on fixtures could attach to the suggested plant bar.
I would 2nd the suggestion to modify the closet door -- possibly with a film or hang a curtain in front of the doors.
posted by countrymod at 3:49 PM on October 9, 2020
I would 2nd the suggestion to modify the closet door -- possibly with a film or hang a curtain in front of the doors.
posted by countrymod at 3:49 PM on October 9, 2020
I would move the daybed to sit in front of the mirrors and then I would pile it high with gray and cream pillows and plush blankets of various textures. Then, in front of the windows, I'd place various levels of open shelves and start collecting plants and decorative items that I love. You may need to add grow lights for the winter, but grow lights that are more warm white and not pink are really pleasant. I'd also add a lot of warm white string lights to the room - they create a really pleasant glow. Several stand/table lamps also create a much nicer light than an over head light. Also, paint the walls white. Get a large area rug or carpet tiles. Hang art.
I recently did a makeover of my garage level home office and did all of the things listed above and it's become an absolute sanctuary that I look forward to being in. It's worth it to go the extra mile.
posted by quince at 4:19 PM on October 9, 2020
I recently did a makeover of my garage level home office and did all of the things listed above and it's become an absolute sanctuary that I look forward to being in. It's worth it to go the extra mile.
posted by quince at 4:19 PM on October 9, 2020
Halogen pot lights with a dimmer option plus multiple lamps at eye level (incandescent bulbs or maybe a few would have Edison-type bulbs).
Not necessarily the hygge effect but if you go to Air BnB and set it to Toronto, and search for “lower level” apartments (“lower level” often indicates a renovated place, vs “basement”), you’ll find lots of examples of people making basements less depressing (in case that is the net effect you’re after). Usually with the opposite of hygge - white walls and lots of pot lights and lamps, with the odd bright pillow, blanket or painting. I guess I’d do that. Would also have a range of natural materials/textures (wood, some kind of shiny metal plant pots [gold, copper, or brass], brightly coloured wool blankets, pillows, and rugs... cheery or funny prints
If not white walls then maybe I’d go for one of the last three colours on this list with tomato-orangey-red, gold, cream, and black accent colours.
posted by cotton dress sock at 6:57 PM on October 9, 2020
Not necessarily the hygge effect but if you go to Air BnB and set it to Toronto, and search for “lower level” apartments (“lower level” often indicates a renovated place, vs “basement”), you’ll find lots of examples of people making basements less depressing (in case that is the net effect you’re after). Usually with the opposite of hygge - white walls and lots of pot lights and lamps, with the odd bright pillow, blanket or painting. I guess I’d do that. Would also have a range of natural materials/textures (wood, some kind of shiny metal plant pots [gold, copper, or brass], brightly coloured wool blankets, pillows, and rugs... cheery or funny prints
If not white walls then maybe I’d go for one of the last three colours on this list with tomato-orangey-red, gold, cream, and black accent colours.
posted by cotton dress sock at 6:57 PM on October 9, 2020
How warm is the room? If it's chilly they make panel space heaters designed to mount under and directly to desks. Makes a huge difference in how comfortable I feel in a space if I'm not cold.
posted by Mitheral at 7:16 PM on October 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Mitheral at 7:16 PM on October 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
For a spot of gezelligheid, I would second plants and a grow light. Pothos will live, but not necessarily grow much, in a dim room, but add a grow light - or even perhaps an LED string would be enough - and it might go a bit further, plus the light itself might make you less light deprived as you work.
There are other plants that don't care about light much. Rubber plants and Dracena seem not be that bothered (or at least mine aren't). Unfortunately, succulents - which just hate it when you actually give them attention and cry out for you to neglect them - are the one plant that doesn't like low light conditions much.
Use more plants, and you can always rotate them between dim room and upstairs so they all get a bit of light on occasion.
One other suggestion is a fabric wall hanging - a quilt or a tapestry, that sort of thing. But this is because my home office has echo problems and needs more soft furnishings to drown it out, so additionally to the cosiness it would also add some sound dampening.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 12:36 AM on October 10, 2020 [1 favorite]
There are other plants that don't care about light much. Rubber plants and Dracena seem not be that bothered (or at least mine aren't). Unfortunately, succulents - which just hate it when you actually give them attention and cry out for you to neglect them - are the one plant that doesn't like low light conditions much.
Use more plants, and you can always rotate them between dim room and upstairs so they all get a bit of light on occasion.
One other suggestion is a fabric wall hanging - a quilt or a tapestry, that sort of thing. But this is because my home office has echo problems and needs more soft furnishings to drown it out, so additionally to the cosiness it would also add some sound dampening.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 12:36 AM on October 10, 2020 [1 favorite]
I would add a big rug, cushions on the day bed and a blanket, plants and artwork. To make it more hygge I would focus on texture and a cohesive colour palette. Cable knit or fluffy cushions and blankets, maybe plaid for patterns. I find it cosier to use a mid-tone colour palette, I've seen cozy rooms in light neutrals but it feels to advanced for me. Warm-toned lighting can make a difference but you'll need to evaluate for your room - given that it's a basement adding eg fairy lights or sculptural lamps may be better than replacing.
posted by plonkee at 4:52 AM on October 10, 2020
posted by plonkee at 4:52 AM on October 10, 2020
I would move the day bed against the wall and the desk so it was facing the wall with the two windows, and I would get some kind of very small plug in electric fireplace and put it against the wall under the two windows. A hearth is the most cozy think I know. Add a small throw rug and candles on top.
posted by Jane the Brown at 11:45 AM on October 10, 2020
posted by Jane the Brown at 11:45 AM on October 10, 2020
I would...
-move the daybed to the empty wall and cover it with pillows and throws, maybe add some hanging plants and fairy lights on that side of room
-cover the mirrored doors with removable wall paper or grasscloth wallpaper
-put two low upholstered chairs next to the window, add pillows and throws
-set up a floating shelf and add plants, battery powered wax candles, and other natural elements
-add curtains and sheers
-find the right kind of light bulbs for a nice warm light
-set up a tea making/coffee making station
posted by jraz at 2:09 PM on October 13, 2020
-move the daybed to the empty wall and cover it with pillows and throws, maybe add some hanging plants and fairy lights on that side of room
-cover the mirrored doors with removable wall paper or grasscloth wallpaper
-put two low upholstered chairs next to the window, add pillows and throws
-set up a floating shelf and add plants, battery powered wax candles, and other natural elements
-add curtains and sheers
-find the right kind of light bulbs for a nice warm light
-set up a tea making/coffee making station
posted by jraz at 2:09 PM on October 13, 2020
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by aniola at 1:09 PM on October 9, 2020 [4 favorites]