Put something like this on the tv wall -

Put toys in a toy box/bench under the window

Get file cabinets/drawers that fit under each end of the desk. Remove that white piece centered under the desk.

Add something like this over the entire top of the desk.

Move the family pics to the wall with the wire hanger, and move the wire hanger to the window wall if it is still needed.

Could you take a photo of the space opposite the window? What are those railings?

--I think the easiest fix, especially since you have a spouse who's handy is to build low bookshelves across from the desk, with cubbies for baskets. Put the TV on top; use space below for your little one's toys.

Lakewood----Dallas, Tx · More Info

--Move your photos to TV wall and add shelves, bulletin board, etc. over the desk for work-related items.

Office side:

Home Office · More Info

--If this is going to remain a TV watching space, then get two slim comfy armchair/recliners.

66 in. Earth Tone Recliner in Beige · More Info

Opposite of the window

Railings is a baby gate that leads to the staircase

Thanks. Advice is the same: office wall with desk and office-only related shelves above it. TV wall = cubby-style bookshelves that fill the wall with family photos surrounding TV screen. Baskets for toys below. Two slim TV watching recliner chairs if that's your main TV watching space. If not, two low, small proportioned armchairs that don't recline.

This is perfect. Thank you all for your advice!!

Good luck!

I showed my husband and he agrees, but his feedback for the tv wall is that it looks like a 10 foot ceiling and we have only 8’ ceilings. If you look at how wide my tv is, there would be no room for family pictures around the mounted tv. I love the cabinet though with open shelves beside it. I love everything about that photo.

Those shelves look like ikea Hemes peices and they are only 76” tall i think? you should be fine even with 8 ft ceilings. the series also offers a “bridge“ that i have above my desk in our loft area. Sorry i thought i had a pic but apparantly dont.

This is the picture I liked for the tv wall. So is what you’re saying the first picture which is for sure IKEA’s Hermes better fit for my space because of the ceiling height?

In a small space, have the storage opportunities go vertical -- tall units -- so you get more storage for less floor space used. Except for where the desk chair is to set, try to make the entire wall floor to ceiling and wall to wall (mostly shallow) storage -- perhaps hanging art/pictures on overhead cabinet doors.

Like the idea of a window seat toy box -- but do make it a forward facing cabinet instead so there is no lid to slam down on tiny fingers and later on it could even be a place for shoe storage.

It would probably be a good idea to reserve one (desk) side for adult (work) items and activities and the other (tv) side for the child to play and store age appropriate items. That will make it easier to teach a small child what cabinets contain items that are and are not for the child's use -- and, importantly, what is out of bounds for small hands. .

Keep the desk side for what needs to be out of reach and out of bounds for a small child. Overhead kitchen cabinets could hold a lot of work/study related items.

Creating a second "desk" opposite the current one that a child can grow into as the child starts school would be a good idea and, until then, the wall area above the "desk" can still hold the tv and a modern child sized bean bag chair could be stored where a suitably desk chair will eventually be put.

Do you have any pictures to help me visualize this? I’m collecting idea boards

Before buying or building new furniture, write down the functions you want this room to have. Is this your only TV? desk? playroom? craft space? It helps to define the activities so you choose furniture best suited to that.

Will you grade papers here? Read? Will it be a quiet or active space? Be sure to consider the lighting needed for the various activities.

Found this one: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/356910339219265630/

I had some of the same issue. Back in the day, I visited the IKEA showroom to get ideas. Now you can peruse online, many sources. Apartment therapy good for small spaces, also pinterest, Houzz and IKEA web site, etc. I learned to think up, and also to think closed storage in categories and all storage boxes the same, easier on the eyes and brain visually. Less diversity so pick a storage system that comes in a variety of sizes. They even have stores that specialize in storage items like the Container Store.