Decorating
12 Intimate and Inspiring Writing Nooks
Still haven’t finished that novel? Be inspired by these beautiful, cosy and creative writing nooks designed to get the muse flowing
In an extended essay published in 1929, Virginia Woolf wrote, “A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.”
Finding or creating a space in which to work, write and be creative is just as crucial today, regardless of your gender. So if you’ve always longed to pen your memoirs, write the next best-seller, or simply hope to finish a letter or essay, a suitable space is important. It doesn’t need to be a whole office, it can just be a desk in a corner, but a truly effective writing nook must have the correct atmosphere, just the right amount of distractions and, of course, a desk.
Finding or creating a space in which to work, write and be creative is just as crucial today, regardless of your gender. So if you’ve always longed to pen your memoirs, write the next best-seller, or simply hope to finish a letter or essay, a suitable space is important. It doesn’t need to be a whole office, it can just be a desk in a corner, but a truly effective writing nook must have the correct atmosphere, just the right amount of distractions and, of course, a desk.
Converted railway carriage
Writers often find ideas flowing when travelling on trains. Here, that idea is expanded by creating an office inside a converted railway carriage. A simple, timber-clad interior keeps the space feeling warm and welcoming.
Writers often find ideas flowing when travelling on trains. Here, that idea is expanded by creating an office inside a converted railway carriage. A simple, timber-clad interior keeps the space feeling warm and welcoming.
Romantic retreat
Another garden getaway, this time nestled among trees and lush meadow planting. This pretty summerhouse is detached enough to provide headspace for writing without it feeling austere or remote. Perfect!
Learn how to make cut flowers last longer
Another garden getaway, this time nestled among trees and lush meadow planting. This pretty summerhouse is detached enough to provide headspace for writing without it feeling austere or remote. Perfect!
Learn how to make cut flowers last longer
Window spot
Just the right level of distraction is needed in a writing nook. An austere cell with no windows can hamper productivity and feel oppressive, but, then again, a huge picture window with long views can tempt the writer from his or her endeavours. Perhaps this simple desk by a window has the right balance. The natural light flooding in is certainly mood-enhancing and creates good illumination for working.
Just the right level of distraction is needed in a writing nook. An austere cell with no windows can hamper productivity and feel oppressive, but, then again, a huge picture window with long views can tempt the writer from his or her endeavours. Perhaps this simple desk by a window has the right balance. The natural light flooding in is certainly mood-enhancing and creates good illumination for working.
Classic writer’s garret
Some writers like to position themselves slightly above the world in order to view it better. So head to the loft and tuck a desk into its eaves, then simply wait for inspiration to strike.
Some writers like to position themselves slightly above the world in order to view it better. So head to the loft and tuck a desk into its eaves, then simply wait for inspiration to strike.
Light-filled garden room
Leaving the house and going to another space to work, whether it’s a café, public library or a shed in the garden, can help a writer focus. Here, a beautiful garden room is simply furnished to aid concentration, but the wall of glass ensures it’s a light, welcoming and creative space (and not a cell!).
Leaving the house and going to another space to work, whether it’s a café, public library or a shed in the garden, can help a writer focus. Here, a beautiful garden room is simply furnished to aid concentration, but the wall of glass ensures it’s a light, welcoming and creative space (and not a cell!).
Cosy corner
Creating a bespoke writing nook makes great use of space. Here, a desk has been built across a corner, with additional shelves for books and personal treasures incorporated, to create a snug, personal place to write.
Creating a bespoke writing nook makes great use of space. Here, a desk has been built across a corner, with additional shelves for books and personal treasures incorporated, to create a snug, personal place to write.
Cut-off cabin
A thick covering of snow outside is the kind of helpful physical boundary that prevents a writer from ducking away from his or her desk. Holed up inside thanks to the winter weather, a writer could get page after page written in this Swedish home. The expansive glazing lets in plenty of light and allows for a little creative daydreaming, while the elegant String system desk is perfectly fuss-free.
A thick covering of snow outside is the kind of helpful physical boundary that prevents a writer from ducking away from his or her desk. Holed up inside thanks to the winter weather, a writer could get page after page written in this Swedish home. The expansive glazing lets in plenty of light and allows for a little creative daydreaming, while the elegant String system desk is perfectly fuss-free.
Shelf-lined shed
Writers need books around them, to consult and be inspired by, and this simple garden office provides space for them with shelves on three walls. Locating the windows in the roof frees-up the walls for this design and handily prevents the writer from gazing out over a distracting view.
Writers need books around them, to consult and be inspired by, and this simple garden office provides space for them with shelves on three walls. Locating the windows in the roof frees-up the walls for this design and handily prevents the writer from gazing out over a distracting view.
Inviting mezzanine
A large, spacious office can be the enemy of productivity, feeling intimidating or unwelcoming, but a cosy mezzanine is often ideal. Here, a writer is neither swamped by space nor cramped. This mezzanine overlooks communal space, creating a sense of connection with the life of the home, while still remaining private.
A large, spacious office can be the enemy of productivity, feeling intimidating or unwelcoming, but a cosy mezzanine is often ideal. Here, a writer is neither swamped by space nor cramped. This mezzanine overlooks communal space, creating a sense of connection with the life of the home, while still remaining private.
Antique desk
The furniture and fittings of a writing nook can greatly influence the atmosphere of the space, and so affect how the writer works in it. Here, a delicate antique table on spindly legs creates an elegant, timeless feel and helps this nook feel less about functionality and productivity and more about creativity.
Follow these 10 easy steps to find your own unique design style
The furniture and fittings of a writing nook can greatly influence the atmosphere of the space, and so affect how the writer works in it. Here, a delicate antique table on spindly legs creates an elegant, timeless feel and helps this nook feel less about functionality and productivity and more about creativity.
Follow these 10 easy steps to find your own unique design style
Slim table in a rustic villa
Many writers dream of escaping the British winter to find the sun and romance that will inspire their pen. This simple table in a beautiful Italian villa could be just the place to finish those final chapters.
What would be your ideal writing space? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
Many writers dream of escaping the British winter to find the sun and romance that will inspire their pen. This simple table in a beautiful Italian villa could be just the place to finish those final chapters.
What would be your ideal writing space? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
A homely desk tucked into a simple corner is the perfect place to pen a few hundred words. Good wall lighting helps, so the desk space is uncluttered and well lit for those late-night writing sessions.