How to create the perfect writer’s room

Whether you write for work, as a hobby or are an aspiring novelist or screenwriter, the right space can make all the difference. Having a designated writer’s room can help keep you inspired and productive - as well as limit any distractions that keep your word count from increasing. 

Although writing in a coffee shop, your bedroom or on the sofa might be suitable for short bursts, they are hardly ideal locations if you really want to concentrate. You may not be able to control when inspiration strikes, but you can create a space that is inviting so you can get that inspiration down on paper. 

So exactly what do you need to think about when it comes to putting your writing room together? We’ve got a few tips that may help you create a space you love:

Where is your space?

The most important thing you need to consider when creating a place to write is exactly where you want the space to be. Ideally, you want to have a good-sized space that enables you to set up a desk, have room for a comfortable chair and make use of storage. On top of this, you want an office that is out of the way, quiet and suitable for you to work in. 

If you happen to have a spare room in your home, the decision may already be made for you. After all, it is probably a good idea to pop your desk in there than it is to try and create a space to write in a busy living room. 

Unfortunately, we can’t all be so lucky as to have a spare room to transform into an office, so you may need to have a look at other options. Is there a room that gets little use that you could add a desk to? Are you able to rearrange your bedroom in order to make better use of the space?

Whatever option you choose, ensure you have enough room, can get some quiet and can create a separate space. It may be that you use a room divider or that you split the room in half so both sections have a very clear purpose.

Ensure you’re comfortable

Being uncomfortable isn’t going to get you very far when you’re writing. Having to continuously move around, getting an aching back or having to sit in a position that doesn’t suit how you work will all stop you from being productive - not to mention possibly causing permanent damage. 

Find a suitable desk

To start with, you need to make sure you have a desk that not only fits in your space but also suits how you like to work. If you have a small desk but require a couple of screens, room to handwrite notes and a place to stack some books, you’re soon going to end up cramped. Think about how you’re going to use your desk, what equipment you need space for and then measure your writing room to see what area you’re working with. You can also check out our guide to see how big your desk should be. 

Choose a supportive chair

As well as a desk, you need to ensure you have a decent chair that supports your back, stops you from slouching and is comfortable for extended use. Too often, people creating workspaces at home focus on the desk but make do with any available chair, which can mean discomfort. 

Avoid using a dining room chair, an old office chair that needs recycling or seating that isn’t suitable for long-term use. Instead, ensure you invest in an ergonomic office chair that is comfortable and will last. Ideally, you want a chair that can be fully adjusted so you can ensure it meets your needs.

Other equipment to make you comfortable

You should also consider if there is any other equipment that can help make your workspace more comfortable and usable. Whether it’s a laptop stand, mouse mat wrist rest or something else, kit out your writing room with it so you’re ready to start working straight away.

Look at your lighting

Whether you’re using a computer or prefer old fashioned pen and paper, you need to be able to see what you’re writing. The right lighting ensures you don’t strain your eyes and that you are always able to see what you are working on. 

Ideally, you want to position your desk somewhere that gets a good supply of natural light, without causing reflections on your computer monitor. However, we all know that you can’t always rely on the sun, so you should also ensure you have a suitable light source. 

Your standard room light may not be the best option on its own, especially if it is set away from your desk or you use low-wattage bulbs. This is why you should ensure you also have a desk light that provides extra visibility. Getting an adjustable desk lamp is even better, as you can make sure it provides the right amount of light in the right area. 

Reduce distractions

It can be tempting to decorate your desk and the surrounding space with things you love, but these decorations can be incredibly distracting. To help ensure you can focus and get your writing done, keep distractions to a minimum. This means adding suitable office storage to your workspace to keep everything tidy and having regular de-clutters. 

Adding a storage pedestal or cupboard to your writing room will ensure you have everything you need close to hand while keeping your desk nice and tidy. On top of this, you’ll want to keep any decoration around your desk to a minimum so it is easier to avoid things getting cluttered.

Get writing

Now that you have your space set up and ready to go, all that needs to be done is for you to start writing! As you make use of your writing room, adjust what you need to and see what works. While it may look perfect at first, everyone is different so you may need to move things around or make changes in order to get the most out of your workspace.