Home office space...post lockdown project!

[FollowingAmirage]

Well, just after some ideas really (and trying to set myself a post lockdown goal; something to look forward too!). Both DH and I work from home now and want to convert the garage into an office space. Working from the dinning table is not ideal. I have been looking at Pinterest for inspiration and the dream is to have lots of build in shelves on one side and a nice long desk for the home working/home schooling...did anyone try the build in shelves using IKEA's flatpacks then boxing those in? I bet sth like the attached is quite expensive if made to measure?

I've seen stuff on line about IKEA hacks to Billy bookcases and they look good.

You could have a look at Jali - I’ve never used them but seen them recommended on here. Made to measure but much cheaper than getting a joiner in.

If you're on Facebook, there are a few Ikea hacks groups. You can search the group for inspiration, and people are generally very helpful with suggestions and tips.

Those pictures are the dream. I used jali for radiator covers and thought they were great quality.

Ah thank you for the replies. I guess my only worry is that we box sth from ikea but it won't be too solid (we have far too many books!). I shall have a look at Jali

I've had boxed in IKEA Billy bookcases in both current house and previous house. They are nice & solid and work well.

Before you box anything in, think about where you need electricity- laptop & lamp & printer etc can get though a lot of sockets. And you don't want to hid them behind the bookcase.

Ikea hemnes are solid wood & sturdy book cases, but more expensive vs billy. You can see how they look,as combos on ikea website & lots similar to your plans on Pinterest

Btw, you might consider getting a carpenter to fit this for you to fill in gaps etc but using the units from ikea: I’ve seen this in other people’s houses & looks great

You should think about insulating the walls before putting the shelving in.

Made to measure anything is always expensive. We converted our garage in a previous house for home office use. Things I would point out are:

1. it might be narrower than you think, so if you plan to do this lovely shelving down the long side. If you had a long desk opposite it might also be a bit corridor like.

2. where is the window going to be. It is really nice if you can get natural light near the workspace

3. allow space for heating. Even with insulation you will still need some form of heating in there. We also fitted in a small aircon unit as in full sun on those baking afternoons of summer at 32 degrees+ it was roasting.

In the end, we just used IKEA besta units and shelving built around the desk. The desk itself, we ripped off the idea in the IKEA display of using a Kitchen work surface for the desk - it has proved to be a fantastic work surface, running along the garage with shelves and cupboards above and cupboards below, downlights fitted under the bottom shelves to light the desk. We left space for two people to work side by side and have a waste bin there too.

I don't have them boxed in but we have lots of books and Billy book cases and no issues with how solid they are. We've had them coming up for 5 years and two house moves.

Thanks all for the replies. That sounds v doable. The plan is to have a buildin library along the short side of the garage so we don't compromise on the width of the room and we already have a big window to the side (overlooking the garden) where a longish desk. I can see it in my head, but trying to make sure it is all affordable.