If you’re creating an office, whether it’s at home or in an office building, you want it to be functional and beautiful! Sometimes it can be hard to accomplish both of these things, especially if you’re working within a budget. An office wall unit is a great way to make use of the space you have and ensure you have storage that’s functional. When done right it can also look beautiful and can even help make your office a place you love to be in.
Whether you’re running a side business, or simply working from home, it’s likely you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your office. So, why not make it a place you love? We’re here to help you navigate the world of choosing and installing the perfect office wall unit.
Factors to Consider when Choosing an Office Wall Unit
To start, there are some things you should consider when it comes to choosing an office wall unit. Be sure to give some thought to each of these before you make any decisions.
- The requirements of your office
The best place to start is by thinking about what’s going to be required in terms of storage in your office. You might only need to store some paper documents, which means a simple yet functional file storage unit is going to be your best bet. If you need to store other office related items or even bigger items in the office wall unit then you will want to make your choices accordingly.
Sometimes it’s even a good idea to try out a furniture design that will integrate both desk space and storage. You might need extra shelving and compartments or drawers, or even lockable storage to ensure your things stay secure.
- Your budget
You can’t start a home project without first determining what your budget will be. Think about a specific number that you would like to work within. This will help to narrow down your options and help you see what may or may not be possible when it comes to your office space.
It may be the case that you need to focus on needs over wants when it comes to your office wall unit or create something that’s going to be super versatile. There are plenty of office wall unit options out there to suit any budget! Sometimes it just takes a bit of flexibility and creativity.
- Security
It’s possible that you’ll be wanting to store confidential paperwork or other items that you need to keep secure. In this case, you’ll want to think about including lockable cabinets, cupboards, or drawers so you can ensure these items stay safe.
You may also be interested in getting cupboards that specifically prevent fire and water damage or even ones that keep the dust out. In this case, lockable metal filing cupboards are a great choice.
- Durability
Consider if durability is something that’s important to you when it comes to your office wall unit. If it is, then you’ll need to take that into account when it comes to choosing your cupboards, storage, and finishing. Focus on material types specifically. Whether it’s plastic, steel, or wood, you will want to ensure your unit will stand the test of time.
You might opt for steel cupboards in order to store your things. This is a great durable storage solution along with wood which is known for being medium strength.
- Adaptability and design
You will want to measure out your space with a tape measure ahead of time to confirm the dimensions and amount of space you have to use. If you’re someone with lots of bulky files and other storage items, then you’ll want to be sure you have a design laid out to accommodate them. Even small spaces can be transformed into incredible storage solutions.
Think about what design is going to best suit your space as well. It should match the theme of the rest of your office space and leave you wanting to work there each and every day.
Top Office Wall Unit Ideas
Once you’ve considered each of the things we listed above, it’ll be time to gather a little bit of inspiration to help you map out the perfect office wall unit. Here are some of our favorite ideas to help get you started.
Built-in cabinetry
This might seem like a bit of a no-brainer, but cabinetry is going to be your best friend when it comes to your office wall unit. It’s relatively easy to blend your desk and cabinetry so that it essentially disappears when it comes to everyday living. When done right, your cabinetry will be functional, but also beautiful.
Try keeping the desktop in line with the rest of the cabinets so it doesn’t extend past them. This will help to create a seamless look.
Added lighting
Don’t skimp out on lighting for your office wall unit! This will help to make your desk area usable and will also help when it comes to finding the things you need. Put a bright light in the area that you plan to work in and consider additional lighting as well, whether it’s under your cabinets or shelving.
Built-in desk nook
If you have a smaller space that you’re not sure what to do with, you might consider a built-in desk nook! This will help to make the most of the space and provide you with a nice place to work and store your office things. This might be on the landing at the top of your stairs or in a larger hallway where space could be utilized.
Children’s office wall unit
Your kids might need somewhere to do their homework! If so, an office wall unit just for the kids is a great idea. This can be the place where they get work done, but can also be used to store things like craft supplies.
You might consider adding a chalkboard or whiteboard and adding some super fun, kid-friendly designs throughout.
Small office wall unit
If you’re limited on space then you might need to go for a small office wall unit. This is totally doable with a bit of planning and creativity! Find a smaller nook in your home that won’t take a ton of space and measure accordingly. You’ll want to use every inch of space available to you in order to make your office wall unit functional.
L-shaped office wall unit
It might be the case that you need to play around with the shape of your office wall unit in order to make it work. A smaller sized, L-shaped desk is great for allowing you to turn and pivot as your work. An L-shaped desk on the larger size could be created into two separate working spaces so you get even more out of your space.
Kitchen unit
Sometimes you’ll have extra room in your kitchen area which can be used for an office wall unit. This type of space is super convenient for when it comes to things like having the kids do homework while you make dinner, or paying the bills and other quick tasks.
Keep in mind that this type of office wall unit isn’t super ideal for those who work from home as it’s a common space that is sure to have lots of traffic.
Contemporary approach
You might switch up your style when it comes to this unique office space with a contemporary approach. Try incorporating cabinetry and paneling that’s super minimalist. It can still be functional but will provide you with a clean look that is sure to feel less cluttered.
Wall paneling specifically is a great way to add a modern twist while still providing you with all the storage you need.
Cubby holes
Cubby holes are another stylish, yet functional storage option. This type of wall storage is great for adding character. It will also provide you with a space to store books, paperwork, and whatever else needs to be put away in your office space.
Pro tip: Books are a great way to style your cubbies as they bring color to the space.
Bright and bold colors for contrast
Speaking of style, try adding bright and bold colors to your office wall unit to help provide contrast. Strong colors in the workplace are known to inspire creativity and help you feel motivated to work.
You also might go the opposite this and choose more neutral colors that help the space to feel calm. Whatever will help you get your work done is up to you.
Wallpaper
Another interesting way to add character to your office wall unit is with wallpaper. This is a great way to keep the space interesting without having to include too much art or décor. Wallpaper is also known to help make the space feel bigger as it distorts the measurements of the area.
Choose one you love and it’s sure to enhance the space in a big way!
Tips for Organizing Your Office Wall Unit
Once you’ve chosen your office wall unit and it’s ready to go, you’re going to want to ensure it stays as organized as possible. Sometimes that’s a little bit harder to do than a regular office which is why we put together this list of tips to help!
Keep your desk clean and simple
Your desk is not the area you want to overcomplicate when it comes to your office wall unit. Find ways to keep clutter off the surface of the desk. This might be by utilizing drawer organizers or putting out a cup for all your pens. If the surface of the desk is messy then it’s a lot more likely the space will begin to feel messy as a whole.
Add a wall calendar
If you’re a visual person who needs to see your schedule, then a wall calendar is a great addition to your office wall unit! This will help you to keep an eye on upcoming meetings and activities. It will also help you to feel a lot more in control of your time.
Consider a wall calendar when mapping out the design of your office wall unit. This will help you to be sure there’s a spot for it when the time comes.
Utilize bins
It’s likely that you’ll incorporate a lot of shelving in your office wall unit. Bins are a great way to help keep these shelves organized so it’s easy to grab what you need as soon as you need it.
You can even take this a step further by adding labels to the bins so you know where everything is. Be sure the bins you choose match the design of the office space. You should also stay on top of organizing them to save yourself trouble down the road.
Use a paper holder
There’s nothing that makes an office feel cluttered more than a bunch of papers. Get ahead of the potential mess by adding a paper holder to the space. This will help you to keep your papers sorted and will always ensure that your important documents have a place to go.
Display your inspiration
One of the easiest ways to help your office wall unit feel like home is to put up the papers, images, or whatever else it is that inspires you up on the wall.
You may frame some artwork to help yourself feel motivated or include a corkboard so you have a place to put up the things you love most.
An Office Wall Unit of Your Own
We hope you’ve learned what you need to know when it comes to choosing an office wall unit. We also hope you got some tips and inspiration to help you get the space of your dreams.
As you begin planning out your office wall unit, it’s understandable that the process can become somewhat overwhelming. If you find yourself unsure about what to do when it comes to your office wall unit or are looking for help when it comes to designing and building it, the team at Coastal Closets and Showers is here to help! Get in touch to get started.
