Where and how to place your desk in a room?

Ever wondered if there is a logic behind where you should place your desk or study table? Why do interior designers make certain decisions? Why do many successful people have something in common - a sensible, functional working area? Here is a clear visual explanation of how you should place your desk in any room, be it a dedicated study area, or in the bedroom.
While this follows feng shui principals, there is no magic behind it, it is very much common sense, and I will explain why:)
I try to make it as short as possible, so please stay till the end!
This is slightly more complicated than beds and sofas, as tables do come in all shapes and sizes, and people would have different things that come with desks, such as bookshelves or secondary desks. For example, a desk with screens would feel very different to a desk for writing, or even a surface for painting, but I try to be as generic as possible.
Therefore, please feel free to ask me any questions in the comments section!
Please comment on what else you'd like to see, most of my videos are on Tiktok, but here is where I do not need to rush! :)

[@HelLo-gd4ni]

I used to work in an office as a graphics person with (ironically) interior designers and my back was facing the door, I hated it and moved desks first chance once became available. 😭 Love the video

[@DearModern]

Oh I am so happy you can feel it too!

[@colenolan6253]

I know it’s hard starting a Channel but I absolutely love these videos. I fine them super interesting and calming. I hope you keep making them and I’ll support everyone of them friend! Maybe you should try showing some of your subscribers the best way to model their rooms! I’d love to know what I can do with my small attic bedroom.

[@DearModern]

Thank you so much! I'd love to help, just that there are too many requests and so I'm trying to help in a more general way until I find a way to improve efficiency!

[@TheCloverAffiliate12]

I've been a subscriber for about a year but hadn't come back to the older videos-seeing this comment and how well things have aged makes my day 🥰

[@softfriedegg]

This was super helpful when rearranging my roommate's layout! We share a one bedroom apt, but my roommate's bed is in the living space so essentially mimicking a studio apt. The space feels a lot better now after moving their desk into a more ideal position

[@danieldantur2719]

I like this videos but, the work spaces is always a small desk with a laptop. What about the people that work with beefy desktops computers, three monitors, audio systems, may be a tablet and of course a laptop? I can only think of it being against a wall so you can hide the hundred cables hanging behind. I'd like to know the exception for the rule for that scenario.

[@BernardoPatino]

perpendicular to the door if possible, just my guess

[@lauraflorian9996]

Thank you for your video. This really helped me understand where to put my desk in a more comfortable way. I like your point about Feng Shui and how it's about making sense and not superstition. Thank you!

[@rachell783]

Hello, so helpful! I imagine this won’t be that popular, but I would really appreciate a video on how to place a piano. For me, the piano is like work, so I imagine placing it in my room similar to how a work desk would work, however, I use both my work desk and piano for work. On top of that, my “living room” functions as the room for eating, watching tv/socializing, and working (desk + piano) Tricky room! I’ve been considering seeking professional advice on ways to arrange the furniture. I use a digital piano. A grand piano would be way too big! Thanks for your videos! Subscribed. :):)

[@rachell783]

Hi! I’ve come back to say I just happened to find your piano video on TikTok 😍 As I suspected, upright piano should ideally have a position similar to how a work desk is placed. Thank you! 🎹

[@dollyandsandy]

​@@rachell783 Thank you for the info! I'm in the position of needing to place a harpsichord, so this info will be useful

[@metallickandy]

After discovering your chanel, this is the exact video I was looking for! I've changed my bedroom from the second floor with a small window, to a first floor room with wider windows on two walls. I admittedly have been more paranoid, as I care about both my sleep and work. This affirms that my bed/desk placement is decent, so the solution would be to maybe get privacy tint for my windows.

[@lsdeguise]

Would love to see your explanation of Feng shui in a classroom with the teachers desk and the students. What would you recommend? I look forward in saying: « Now I know! »

[@Nic1700]

I have two desks in my place, a work desk in a common area and a personal desk in the master bedroom. A lot of the principles make sense to me for the work desk. Low traffic behind you, face the highest traffic approach to the area, a neutral background, mindful how windows could cause glare or distract you. I feel like being up against a corner or wall is preferable for my personal for my personal desk. I'm already in the bedroom so it's low traffic and private, the only person likely to peak over my shoulder is my partner, I don't need a professional background for video calls.

[@b3naqua]

Thank you for the simple and effective guidance! I also appreciate your subtle sense of humor lol. Nice video!

[@SimpleAmadeus]

Diagonal desk! :O I kept trying to figure out how to place my desk with the back to the wall without having to crawl underneath the desk to get there. I never even considered that diagonals exist.

[@brandyp92]

Do you have any tips for hiding computer cables and chords with a desk that is off the wall?

[@marty.l]

You can get hanging baskets or baskets that clip to your desk and bundle them there with those straps or bendable wires.

[@LethalLuggage]

Go full wireless!

[@michuyu]

i'd love to see how to place L shaped desks. especially maybe in small or tight spaces. Maybe I should have stuck to a regular shaped desk haha

[@shyyou93]

Short answer is L shaped desks are bad Feng Shui. Its the worst shape

[@barrymantelli8011]

Did you 3D Print all your furniture models? I have admittedly become addicted to this channel. I love Fung Shue and you bring it about in a fun and entertaining way. Great stuff, keep it up!

[@EerybodyIsAnnoying]

Wooooww how did you get that emoji? I have never seen an emoji like that before. What type of device did you write this comment from?

[@samharward843]

Thank you so much this is very helpful! The only thing is I like having a solid surface behind my desk because it helps me concentrate on whatever work Im doing, as well as it makes me feel more comfortable because having no wall behind any of my expensive computer equipment makes me feel like it will fall (even though it wont) is it okay to have a desk witht the wall behind it but in a position to see the door? it makes me feel comfortable so i think its good. thank you!

[@syasyaishavingfun]

If you are living alone, sure! Put the computer anywhere no one can see your prn.

[@KYjchan]

I love these videos, thanks for making them, learning a lot!

[@Edd030427]

Love your work! Adding an extension to the house, kitchen/diner on the back, living room in the front, and a small office area in between. Mostly open plan. Office desk, it will have to be in a travel route, and it can't be in the middle (back to the wall). Is the best option to align the desk facing face the front of back of the house? I think facing the back, allowing the main business and high energy activities to be in view from the desk, whilst low energy activities in the living room are behind? I am more than happy to send layout plans!

[@whatisiswhatable]

How do you deal with the conmand position when you have a big screen or lots of wires? It’s not always aesthetic if that’s the case

[@ragnkja]

Bundle the cables and lead them down to the floor as one “rope”.

[@Anisky123]

Yah and 15 foot long extension cords for the dog to trip over? It’s worse..

[@nilaish2978]

Is there a way I can ask for you to help with my room?

[@DearModern]

Not yet, at some point I am sure I can help!

[@terrystaxi4253]

I have a L shaped desk so it gets quite confusing especially if there is only one best place for my bed the desk isn’t in a great spot

[@bnsgbonenshigan8565]

what if you have to squeeze your dining table, sofa, AND work table that has lots of cables all in the living room? what would be the best setup position?

[@whatisiswhatable]

Also, do you have any examples of a more rectangular space? My layout is: You enter the door and the kitchen is directly to the left with no real hallway. The living room is in front of the door the and is a rectangle the long way with a large window. The bed room is to the right of the entrance. Trying to figure out how best to layout a dining table, tv console, coffee table, couch, and desk. Right now the desk is in the corner of the bed room

[@sareger4948]

really interesting! I am trying to fit a couch, desk, and small dining area in one long rectangular room - struggling to create 'sections'

[@klaudiar7347]

Yes to work from home, I am a person who doesnt like to be distracted during mind tasks; working in open space was a nightmare🙄

[@apfyang]

Loved this video!

[@pranky777]

I have a 10*10 room with a big window on the right side of the entry way.. where should I place a big bed and a study table.. my current setup is too distracting.. my table is just beside the door..😢😢😢

[@4zealous]

Hi! I love your tips! I'm struggling with how to place my desk. I have a walk in closet and my work area in the same space. My closet is setup like your example there. The window in that spot, my clothes are on the entire left side (the L shape from the window to the door). My radiator is in the right corner of the closet so the only free wall is the one on the right side and in front of the windows. Which do you suggest?

[@jakewilliams2776]

Great video

[@andrewfarrell4624]

I'm curious, I have great difficulty with creating this style of feng shui given the very peculiar shape of my room, also given that this room is used for multiple purposes. Could I request a brief consultation if I send you measurements? I'm sure I'm not the only one who would appreciate a service like this.

[@harinishtaylor4414]

Hi I have my desk facing the window in my bedroom. I'm looking out into my garden. I made sure that I have circulation space between my desk and bed. Is that good feung shui? Keep in mind, my bedroom is quite small and I like to study in my bedroom.

[@jungletheme2094]

I love these!!

[@StolenPw]

The only correct answer is in a position so nobody can see what you're doing when they walk in the room. Edit: After watching the video I stand corrected.

[@TroyUlysses]

I don't like looking at cables and the back of monitors. It also uses up extra space being away from a wall. Is there any option that doesn't require a "command position"?

[@haidafella8651]

I’m building a place... almost this exact layout... in fact the differences between what I am working with now and what you have puts your drawing closer to my original layout..(I increased the size of the bathroom, so there is no hall, and got rid of the wall between the two larger rooms.. your kitchen is my bedroom... it is live work space and will have three work benches, and a drafting table, in addition to a kitchen table.. somewhere a sitting area... I’m thinking two of my workbenches (read desks functionally, and scale wise) back to back with window to one side.. is that bad? Question for the artist who makes these videos, or anybody if they’ve tackled this kind of situation before?

[@NyctalopeDiurne]

Ok I'm turning my desk 180° this day! My back will now be against a strong stone wall, I'll be facing the door on the left of my vision, a window on the right and a sofa almost in front of me. Probably not perfet but it already makes more sense.

[@pinkroses135]

What about desks at the foot of a bed? Bed on east wall, door on north.

[@Maria-ok7oe]

i really like to have my back to the door since that way, the door can be open so that the cat can walk in and out while im not distracted by constantly seeing housemates from the corner of my eye.

[@cezandrakoby3717]

I love your videos, very informative and interesting. What can I do if my work desk at the corner is facing the wall with the window and door at the adjacent walls plus with an unfortunate pillar placement covering 1/3 of the desk and roughly 1 ft away which also blocks the light from the window. Please help. The desk is fixed to the wall.

[@nicolelim.md15]

Hi, hope you can help me decide where to put my bed and study desk in my small studio unit. I want them both on command position but the layout can't. The door is on the left side the at the end of the unit comes a big window, at the right is a CR. In this scenario where should I place my bed and desk? I'm left with command position but head resting on a CR wall.

[@wickandwax]

Is the bed or the desk more important? There's your answer.

[@nicolelim.md15]

@@wickandwax Thanks so much

[@rdsim8589]

how do you deal with glares on the window? if you put the next to the window?

[@MaxGDesign]

If the window is opposite the door, can you go 90° to both?? Can you have your back to a cupboard?

[@yvettegunn1324]

What do I do in this situation where do I place my desk. Can I send a picture?

[@Quezecotl2012]

Good info

[@kayelle8005]

What material did you use to make your model furniture?

[@wemdoto4201]

My desk is against the window, but if I turn it the mirror on my door is facing me… and would possibly make me uncomfortable. Is it then ok to have my desk turned around?

[@SorbusAucubaria]

While I understand the concept of placing the desk in a way that you can see the door, I think with many small rooms it is impractical and there really isn't any other place to put desk than beside the wall.

[@biernico]

Unfortunately I have to put my desk against the wall otherwise to pass to the chair I would need either to jump over the desk or crawl below it. Since the desk occupies all width

[@FernandoLopez-mp6bs]

Hi! I know this is an old video, but i have an interesting dilemma: I want to use my work monitor as my living room TV. it's a huge monitor and it can double as both, so I was thinking of putting the couch behind my desk chair, but that seems to be against everything in this video! jaja im a student so I can't buy a dedicated tv.

[@OwayneKhoo93]

Place your work chair on one side of the table, and your sofa on the other. When it's movie time, flip the monitor around to face the sofa.

[@cantsay]

2:25 🤣🤣🤣 so honest

[@philongbui1235]

How about a L-shape desk?

[@SignalRaptor_]

Unfortunately, pc desks usually have to be placed against a wall within 1 meter of an outlet for obvious reasons being short power cables.

[@Dark_Charm]

2:05 Can I just point out that the size of what your looking for in a room kinda matters.

[@iheartsnape]

what if you just really want a desk against the wall?

[@koraiamaya]

What if I prefer to have my desk to face the wall? Is it possible? Im afraid my kids would tip over my laptop 🥲

[@lucasgonzalez7982]

What about an L shaped desk?

[@Manojpawara]

What if I have two of those

[@DearModern]

Side by side, across each other, or Face each other!:D

[@glemymorett704]

Hi! Where can I send you a drawing of my bedroom for your ideas to organize ? Thanks

[@DearModern]

Not yet, I'm working on a system:)

[@iceiceisaac]

Where do I put my cat’s liter box!! PLEASE HELP

[@conwaylai8562]

Hmmm... Close and lock the door....

[@drnsdevi]

But for Study its better to face the wall then get distracted.

[@luce2498]

ohhh i used to be concerned that my bed or table wasnt in the best position

[@FrogeniusW.G.]

See, and that's the weird thing for me about american living rooms. There it's not "obviously" to put the sofa on the wall. And feels uncozy/not calming (unprotected) to me..

[@c0mbat15]

Does the command position really matter if you're at home? Your boss isn't going to walk in.

[@VanessaLoveCounselor]

Oh no, I encourage bad Feng shui. I tell people not to position their desk to their bed because it'll make the bed too tempting and it'll make them feel they have to be busy/do work even while relaxing in bed.

[@videoeventjakarta]

Tie that to the person's zodiac, that would be messy 🤣. Where each zodiac has auspicious work directions.

[@triple999fruitful]

This channel is addictive.

[@ivyhu1684]

Hi Cliff, I have a question/dilemma. Our work desk involve two big monitors and bunch of wires that come with it that are visible if looking from behind the monitors. I also agree having a back wall would feel more comfortable but at the same time the back of monitors and wires will be seen and might look messy. What’re some best way to solve this?

[@Marispider]

Not Cliff ofc, I'm curious what his answer is, but would it be possible to cover it at all? You could place a piece of furniture that's roughly desk-height in front of the wires (probably the best bet), take a piece of plywood or something and attach it in a way that lets the wires go between the back of the desk and the board, or even drill a hole into the desk to snake the wires into if possible. You'd still see the wires a little but it'd be better. Probably just organizing the wires and tying them in bunches would keep it from looking too messy though

[@nosferadu]

Tie cables together with cable ties and run them through under-desk cages and cord covers.

[@williamxu2402]

Am I the only one whose study table has a big computer monitor on it?

[@rickyquanjr.8923]

Thanks for explaining the trade offs depending on what is more important

[@VanessaLoveCounselor]

I don't have my desk in the command position. It's facing the windows and my back is to the door. But I like this because I can see the view. Also, I usually have the chair I sit in and the loveseat for clients next to the door. It creates conversation and I think/hope good flow.

[@TheresaTV1]

Same here. My office is in the basement, so my desk faces the window so that I can have a view outside. I have a “knock before entering” sign on the door so people don’t barge in and startle me 🤣

[@jacquibrown4271]

I have my home desk in my dining room, desk in bay window looking out of the widow. Gives me a great view and I have a bird table outside. My back is to the room but facing into the room is not an option space wise.

[@MicahCwen]

Thank you so much! I’m trying to rearrange my room and your vids are so helpful 💕

[@unmeshshakya4375]

I like you videos ... Can you please design for my room?😊😊

[@DearModern]

Not yet, I might provide an online service in the future!

[@jie901]

It's very helpful to understand the command position. Thank you!

[@KintokiSensei]

Is it okay to place bed and desk side by side?

[@TheFizzingWhizbee]

Love the details of how the shadows match the angle of the windows!

[@verosdes]

Thanks so much for this video!! It’s incredibly useful to see the pieces move around the plan! I have a couple of questions: what if you have two desks in a guest bedroom functioning as home office (bye guest bed, hello inflatable mattress)? Should they be side to side? Facing each other? And what about having a corner at your back? I could position each desk diagonally so both would have a command position but is it taboo or negative to have a corner behind your back? Thank you!!

[@blaireshoe8738]

I'm by no means an expert, but I would guess that having something to fill in the negative space in the corner behind your back would be key. Something like corner shelving, or a tall plant and/or hanging plants. It gives the corner a purpose, and lets you know that space is filled and no one can be hiding there, basically, so primal brain feels safe. As far as the guest bedroom double desk situation, it really depends on the layout what can fit in there. If the desks and bed can coexist but with one or two in an unideal position (prioritizing the desks, since you considered completely getting rid of the bed, probably), would adding some sort of room divider (a shelving unit or literal curtain/divider) make it feel more ideal? Would different desk sizes feel more appropriate? Would one continuous desk make sense, or is that a breach of confidentiality (if these are being used for jobs where it matters)? Also, there are so many different sizes and styles of beds- a daybed, murphy bed, or literal futon that rolls up and out of the way are all solid possibilities, depending what size/budget you're looking for. Heck, if you have a wall big enough for it, you can literally tip the mattress up on its side when not in use, and maybe stick some oversized artwork against it, until you actually need it for guests. Just make sure the fitted sheet you've got on it are decent to look at, and remember to put a fresh one on for guests, haha

[@gisamunizreal]

When I think I finally got it, he changes the position and says “it’s up to you”. 😀 But I like and follow. 😂😂😂

[@Anisky123]

Problem is cords…they aren’t long enough to reach if it’s in the middle/away from a wall even enough to sit behind..what to do? I don’t want to string cords across the room..

[@thecinn06]

So I have a nook area where is my office to the side I have the main front door to the other side I have the garage door. And I’m facing a window but there is the hall where people can pass behind me and that hall has to be clear of obstruction because is the path of kitchen straight shot to bathroom. So my house essentially that part is like an I. What can I do?

[@JesusIsTheWay59]

What's the best type of desk to place in a kitty corner of the wall?

[@DearModern]

What's a kitty corner?

[@JesusIsTheWay59]

@@DearModern catty-corner. (The corner of the room.) I have my desk positioned with my back to the door since my bed is using the command position. I don't know if it's an acceptable compromise because I have more space this way. But I hate having my back to the door.

[@DearModern]

@@JesusIsTheWay59 it's fine, but if you hate having your back to the door maybe you can shift it somehow? Is your room very small?

[@theflorencesoffgridjourney2960]

I desperately need help with my teeny open floor plan living room/kitchen. I’m so frustrated I could cry

[@mikelroa8719]

I have to place everything in a big room. Desk, bed, couch... Help!

[@marty.l]

Do you have a video for an L shpaed desk in bedroom home office where the entrance and windows are opposite each other?

[@pinkroses135]

This really has me rethinking ever using corner desks in a layout

[@StatchanaReborn]

These are so useful! Thank you ❤

[@telekidd8559]

Can i send you a drawing of m'y flat ?

[@tonyfromhogwarts]

The dude was raised by killers, made him their designer to avoid "people being behind you" , "snipers shooting you trough a window".

[@nojena37]

It is actually important for the clients safety when designing certain rooms. And that's where the Feng Shui works. You won't know what might come at you.

[@katanauwu7200]

😂💀

[@albaruiz7225]

Hi! I really like your videos. Where could I buy that tiny furniture?

[@DearModern]

Aha I made them myself!!:)

[@linasan443]

If you live alone do you also have to be watching the door?