Software
Houzz Logo Print
shadywillowfarm

Updated home office - need help with displaying diplomas

6 years ago

I work from home and my office also functions as a guest room a couple times a year. I just moved into this room from the basement and it is very functional set up the way it is. I want to hang our diplomas and want a few opinions on the layout. I am leaning towards having them flank a shelf that would be over my desk. I have some weathered 1x6 fenceboards I can cut to size for a shelf, and I am leaning towards having the shelf as wide as the desk at 44”. I have some small and medium sized vintage hardback books I will put on the shelf - simple, not cluttered. There is no overhead lighting, so I have a small desk lamp and will be replacing the floor lamp with something vintage. Any thoughts on the layout of the shelf and diplomas? The first photo is a mock up with painters tape and paper cut to the size of the framed diplomas. The frames are all traditional wood.

Comments (8)

  • 6 years ago

    The taped out grouping looks very lopsided to me. Is it the camera angle? Guests will sleep more securely and get better rest if the bed is situated where they can raise their head and look directly at the entry door. If everything can fit, I would move the bed where the ladder rack is, and put the desk where you now have the headboard. This will enable you to leave space for getting behind the bed to clean and to make it up. The longer length of wall between the door and the window wall will make it seem more roomy. You can then put your diplomas and shelf on that wall, with the shelf hung 5' above the floor. Place the ladder rack left of the window. Use inside mounted shades or blinds so your pretty window frame will show; your paint colors are great!

  • 6 years ago

    That layout won’t fit. I only have a guest in there a couple times a year, but I work there 5 days a week. The desk folds down, and I need to easily get to the printer and the filing cabinet. The furniture stays as is. I moved it around several times before finding the most functional layout.

  • 6 years ago

    Oh, I forgot, the printer and filing cabinet would go under the shelf. But you have it as you want and know the sizes. I think you can do better with the grouping on the wall. They don't seem to be aligned with the desk below.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    If the diplomas will be evenly hung (I'm assuming just a casual mock-up has them off center) then I think your arrangement idea is great. You could also do a much longer shelf a bit lower and stack them side by side, two on each end, with your books in the center. Or lower the longer shelf even more and add your lamp to it, too.

    Looking again, you could forget the shelf and put the diplomas closer to the corner, stacked, two on each wall of the corner, then add some nice art above your desk.

  • 6 years ago

    I did think of putting a floor lamp next to the desk. The light switch at the entry way is wired to an outlet at the foot of the bed, so I wanted a light plugged into that. I tried the diplomas flanking the window and thought they were a bit too large for the space. It made that wall look heavy compared to the other walls.

  • 6 years ago

    Tried to even out the diplomas and lowered the shelf, and retook the pic from a better angle, and opened up the desk. I really appreciate all the comments!

  • 6 years ago

    Better!