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How to decorate top of stairs office area

2 months ago

I have this area at the top of our stairs, but I need help decorating. We used to have a long desk under the windows that faced the wall, but have moved it to a different room. It is the room you see as soon as you get to the top of the stairs, so I think something big and bold would be fun, but I’m not sure how to decorate it. It will not be used very much and the small desk in the corner, where the printer is being moved to a different room I tried to get a eye to help me decorate, but I feel it is a little boring, any ideas? I thought we probably should pick a death first and go from there.

Comments (13)

  • 2 months ago

    If it were me, I’d remove everything that’s in the corner so I could get a feel for the space empty -


    do you need closed storage upstairs? You could have a long piece the runs under the window


    doesn’t sound like there will be a desk in here but the mock up shows one?

  • 2 months ago
    last modified: 2 months ago

    So everything that’s there now stays? Including the piles on the floor? And you’re getting a new desk or not?

    More info please. Explaining what used to be there isn’t very helpful. We need to know what IS going to be there.

  • 2 months ago

    "I thought we probably should pick a death first and go from there." I'm sorry, what? Who are you planning to kill first?


    I agree with la_la Girl. Empty the room completely. What do you need, or could you enjoy, in that space—now that your office is elsewhere?

  • PRO
    2 months ago

    After you remove all that is in there why not a couple of nice chairs , a good lamp and table between the chairs and a nice place to relax with a book, maybe some nice art on the wall

  • 2 months ago
    last modified: 2 months ago

    Are you looking to design around a new desk…is it needed? How will room be used occasionally? A reading spot?

    Decor wise, you mention bold and fun so suggest wallpaper and interesting pieces. These examples aren’t bold but you get the idea.












  • 2 months ago

    Thanks so much for the help! I REALLY should have proofed the post first. 😂
    Yes. We will need a simple desk in this room that will be used for homework. The room is small so I think under the window is still the best place for it. No need for closed storage. I think we will keep a bookcase in this room but possibly paint the one we already have in there and clean it out a bit. I’m assuming this set up is best for this space.
    I’m really looking for help with how to decorate in a bold way. I like Maureen’s idea of wallpaper. Maybe something fun like that on the wall with the desk/window. Thanks everyone!

  • 2 months ago

    This is from my living room so you can see my style

  • 2 months ago

    wallpaper would fun - an easy update


    I love a simple chunky Parson’s desk (cb2 has a great one called Runway) - a nice lamp for good task lighting would be good too


    I’d remove the bookshelf if it were me


    Fwiw I like a fabulous desk chair that looks good and is comfy (herman miller Sayl chair is my go to, spendy but will last forever)

  • 2 months ago

    A painted bookcase on opposite wall vs adjacent and a bench seat might be a nice addition.


  • 2 months ago

    Good to know you're not feeling homicidal!


    I love wallpaper. I also like accent walls (some people really, really don't!), but oddly enough, prefer an accent wall to be painted, and wallpaper to be used throughout a room. Just my personal taste, of course. Your mileage may vary.


    That said, here are some practical considerations—just in case you haven't already addressed them for yourself. Might the new desk be easier for your kids to use if it had a keyboard tray? How much room might the kids need for anything else that commonly lives on a desk top? Is there a better place to keep those things readily available but not taking up space on the desk surface? Do you also need a writing surface? Paper storage? Will you use the bookcase for textbooks? And do you have an adjustable, sturdy desk chair that everyone who needs a desk chair can use comfortably?


    Oh, and also: Have you tested your wireless connection to the printer? I work in a different room from the one where my printer is stored, but I hardly ever need to print things these days. If I were still as dependent on paper as I was even 15 years ago, I'd find that arrangement inconvenient.


    Why do you have three globes? If they're treasured mementos or part of a collection, of course they're worth keeping. Likewise if you appreciate them as works of art. Otherwise, maybe it's time to say goodbye, especially if none of them is up to date. Less to dust!

  • 2 months ago
    last modified: 2 months ago

    I like the idea of an additional sitting spot, maybe for a parent to assist with or look over homework. When my boys were small, to make sure they stayed on task!

    Will you need extra lighting like a desk lamp or floor lamp?

  • 2 months ago

    I like the idea of a tall captains bed with curtains that close it off under the window, then a matching desk along one of the walls. Think historical ship captain's room or train caboose.

  • 2 months ago

    Thanks everyone! I think I’m going to explore some wallpaper options!