The line between your personal space and office is often blurred as working from home becomes the norm. Although it’s been advised to separate your workspace from your bedroom, sometimes it’s inevitable. Creating a workspace in your bedroom can be challenging when it comes to work-life balance, but not impossible. To help navigate this design dilemma, Daniel Ufland, co-founder of furniture marketplace Flitch, shares his expert insights on how to achieve the perfect balance between comfort and productivity.

Evaluate your bedroom’s layout.

When evaluating your bedroom’s layout, consider the areas where you can allocate space for your home office. To avoid clutter on the floor, optimize space by using wall-mounted storage or shelves.

Ufland suggests, “Consider the direction your desk faces to minimize glare on your computer screen and maximize natural light. Experiment with different layouts to find one that optimizes workflow and allows easy access to essential items and equipment.”

Establish boundaries.

When having a home office in your bedroom, it’s easy to lose work-life balance. However, setting boundaries ensures that there is a clear separation of work and relaxation. “By designating specific work hours and physically separating your workspace from your sleeping area with room dividers or curtains, you promote balance and prevent work from encroaching on your personal time,” says Ufland.

Manage lighting and noise.

Positioning your desk near a window can boost your mood and energy levels. “Minimize distractions and maintain focus by implementing soundproofing techniques or using noise-canceling headphones,” Ufland shares. He suggests using items like rugs, curtains, soft furnishings, or acoustic panels to absorb sounds and create a work environment that promotes focus and productivity.

Have an ergonomic setup.

Use an ergonomic chair and desk to avoid strain on your body and maintain good posture. Make sure that your computer screen is at eye level. It’s also essential to take regular breaks during the day to walk around, stretch, and get your body moving.

Consider privacy.

For those needing more privacy, frosted glass panels or room dividers are great for separating your workspace from the rest of your bedroom.

Personalize and add decor.

Decorate your workspace with items that inspire creativity. Ufland suggests choosing calming colors and decor pieces.

Implement storage solutions.

Storage is the key to a tidy workspace. Invest in furniture with built-in drawers or shelves for paperwork and office supplies. Wall-mounted shelves or floating cabinets maximize floor space.