An Unplggd reader writes us with a common dilemma when sharing a smaller space with multiple computer setups:
Dear Unplggd,
I have a slight problem. I am about to have my girlfriend move into my one bedroom apartment and now I have to combine my furniture with hers. The problem right now is our computers. I have a laptop and a 22inch screen for it. She has one tower as well as a 19inch monitor, and both are flat screens...
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We need to find space for all this now. But I want to have it arranged where at least while I'm on my computer I can see the TV without having to turn around. A long one behind her 6ft couch would seem like the ideal solution. But I don't know if there is space for that as well as a desk for her somewhere.Any advice? -John
Hi John, looking at the photos and layout, it seems like you have plenty of room to create a dual desk, face-to-face setup like the one shown here in Blueprint. This layout would both maximize space, and if laid out properly in accordance to where your TV is placed, both of you could watch:
Readers, any good ideas for this newly moved in couple? A few more photos of their apartment and layout here.
we have our home office in the spare bedroom - one laptop, and one desk top. we have a futon in there, as well, to lay out when company comes. we use a corner desk (with a keyboard tray) for me and my desk top and 19 inch monitor - it takes up so much less space! on the right of my desk is the filing cabinet, and then next to that are the bookshelves. on the left side of my desk his his desk and laptop (much like you have pictured). it seems to work fine, except i don't have to worry about the tv. i guess my advice would be to look into corner desks? sorry i'm not much help - that's just how we've made it work.
view elizabeth in AL's profile
Hi John,
We have the same problem--fitting a futon, TV, and 2 computers into a 10' x 11' room. After many uncomfortable attempts, here is the setup that seems to work best: We each have a small desk for our computer, and my boyfriend (who has a monstrous CRT) has a long desk against the wall on his left for working. Then, perpendicular to the short computer tables, and parallel to the work tables, there is a long table for additional work space that separates the two areas. Under this center table we plan to put rolling file units.
The setup looks like this: _|_| where the underscore characters are the 2 computer desks.
Because this setup affords so much work space, the tables don't have to be very long or large, so it works well for a small or narrow room. I think you could do this setup either having your computer tables facing the long wall (opposite where it is now) or turn them toward the couch to face the TV. Hope this helps and isn't too confusing.
view demitassedream's profile
you could use two thin sofa tables as desks. for a nice option you could look at a pair of parson's console tables from crate and barrel
or a cheaper alternative,
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80056936
should be long enough to fit two people
or you could get a pair of Ikea Pragel or Promen countertops (Promen goes down to 15" deep, Pragel only goes to 25" but I like the walnut finish of Pragels better...) and some table legs.
view ayz's profile
We have a one-bedroom apartment and we both work from home. Using a pair of IKEA countertops, we built a desk into the bay window in our bedroom ... it lets us enjoy plenty of workspace and good company while we're plugging away.
Here are some pics:
http://www.flickr.com/gp/23252559@N05/x8KR9u
view freedesign's profile