The Home Office Edit

There are brands who understand the home and then there are brands and designers that really understand the home office. George Nelson and Charles and Ray Eames contributed some of the most iconic pieces to the Mid-Century Modern movement, taking your office from a simple area of work to a haven of productivity.

The George Nelson Office

George Nelson was an American modernist designer who spearheaded the Herman Miller company as lead designer. Considered the founder of American modernist design, Nelson’s pieces epitomize the style and combine it with a sense of playfulness. One of the most recognizable pieces is the Nelson® Swag Leg Desk with its metal legs and multi-color cubbies. The sleek silhouette is simple and has that mid-century charm we know you’ll love. Pair this desk with any of the Herman Miller® office chairs and the enchanting Nelson® Bubble Pendant.

Eames Office Essentials

Ray and Charles Eames have one of the most recognizable names in Mid-Century Modern furniture. Immediately, we think of the iconic lounge chair found in homes across the globe (and in TV shows, too). Their office essentials include the Eames® Soft Pad Management Chair with its ergonomically shaped cushions and form, practical casters, and sophisticated presence. Pull the chair up to the Industrial Eames® Desk Unit so the two can work in harmony to create a beautiful modern office.

Three Office Areas

We can show as much love for designers and their work as we want, but when it comes to designing a home office, where do you start? Like any room, measurements are key to designing from a place of knowledge. Measure walls, windows, doors, and any other architectural details that might dictate how furniture is arranged. Then, plan your office around three key office areas.

1. Desk/work area. This is, obviously, where your desk, drafting table, and any other tools of your daily work will live. Find a desk that leaves plenty of space for movement around it and build in other furniture.
2. Conversation corner. This can be just a comfy chair, side table, and lamp where you take a break. Or it can be a space arranged with multiple lounge chairs, coffee table, task lighting, and décor where good conversations and your best thinking happen.
3. Storage/inspiration. Those storage and inspiration may not make up a full section of the room, they definitely need to be considered. Your storage is most likely going to be some bookshelves, maybe a cart or credenza. But then you might need a corkboard, plants, pendant lights, art, and rugs.

How We’d Furnish Small Offices

Once you’ve fallen in love with some of the most renowned designers of our time and from history, and once you’ve established your space and decided what you need, then it’s time to actually furnish. Though everyone will have a different approach and goals, there are some principal pieces you’ll need and maybe even some arrangements you can use as a starting point. This is how we’d furnish small offices at home.

Office Shelving

There are different options for office shelving. The days of paper have passed, but that does not mean you can avoid shelving altogether. If you need a lot of reference books for your job, want extensive décor to brighten your day and create an intriguing space to be in, or just need a few flat surfaces to store necessities and knickknacks, there’s quality shelving for your office that meets your needs.

• Bookshelves. These are best in larger spaces and for those of us with lots of books, papers, and files. It’s also a great option when your office is part of another space in your home. Your living room bookshelves, for example, can double for your work area in the corner.
• Floating wall shelves. This type of shelf is perfect for any space. You can make them work well in both large and small areas, and they are a great option if your desk is nestled in a bump-out of the room where it has walls on three sides. We love the Sector Shelf and the Taper Shelf Line.
• Locker storage. A bit unusual, but definitely a mood setter, the locker storage from Mustard Made has a fun, nostalgic, retro feel to it and is available in a variety of sizes and color options that intend to bring joy to your space. For an office, we love the idea of The Standard Low Cabinet as a credenza of sorts that can hide away some things and offers a large tabletop for décor.
• Credenzas. These are better suited to larger offices and spaces where you intend to have meetings. The cabinets can be used for essential storage, while the top can work for organizers, art, a drinks area, and more.

A Note on Office Lighting

Offices can utilize the layers of light just like any other room of the house. However, we recommend prioritizing task lighting and ceilings lights. Floor lights will work in conversation areas and sometimes work as task lighting next to a desk. However, it’s best to work more with pendants and use lights like the Jielde Loft Desk Lamp. Very few offices need sconces, though a wall light with an arm like the LAK Wall Light - L4401R can adjust and fulfill the task lighting brief perfectly.

In the end, deeply consider the use of the space and where you need light the most.

Three Office Furniture Combinations

Plug and play with these three office furniture combinations that just work no matter what size your space is.

Office Arrangement #1

We’ve chosen the Plec Desk Table because of its architectural presence. The accordion legs and smooth stone or steel tabletop create a light and refreshing work space. Pair it with the Herit Armchair, Blossie Table Lamp, and then bring in smaller items like the Sandstone Desk Organizer and Nivo Shelf F.

Office Arrangement #2

For this second set we are starting with the natural curves and organic shapes of the Feve Table. This more  nature-inspired desk pairs really well with the swivel Rico Chair and contrasts perfectly with the strict lines of the Riscio Table Lamp. Add the Nium Bowl to store pends, paperclips, and sticky notes (and to reintroduce some organic movement) and then finish off the area with the TS Console for storage.

Office Arrangement #3

Our final plug-and-play office arrangement starts with the Daystak Table or Daystack Desk. Both have clear warm, but simple Scandinavian influences and embrace an architectural presence. Of course, they pair well with the Daystak Side Chair which copies the form and joinery. Add in the Arum Portable Lamp and then make sure you have space for all your necessities with the 2x2 Organizer.

Build Your Modern Home Office with HORNE

Your work, your skills, your dreams are all yours. Which means the space where you create and get your best work done needs to cater to your personality and needs. This modern concept of the home office is a fantastic excuse to find furniture and décor you love and build a modern home office you’ll never want to leave. Integrate this space into existing rooms or carve out a whole separate space, either way find exactly what you need to furnish your office at HORNE. Shop the full office furniture collection today.