As an IT specialist who has been working in home office ever since the first lockdown, I'm really happy that none of your suggestions violate the most important rule for desk ergonomics: Never sit directly facing the window. Having the window to the side is ideal. I was really curious and on the fense about whether you (/Feng Shui) would respect that rule and I'm pleasantly surprised that it is compatible! 👍
There are a couple other desk/office videos from the past, Cliff goes over each direction and supports what you are talking about for the window stuff!
@@ellengrace4609 okay, so I searched the web. Apparently it creates too much of a contrast with the PC screen, so your eyes get tired quickly. I still think it's weird though.
every time you talk about having your back to the door and having things and people attack you from behind, i always took it metaphorically. But i just realized that I currently sit with my back to the door and my girlfriend constantly will tiptoe into the room to try and scare me while im working
It is magic I think. I put my desk in the command position in January, and since then my life has come more and more together one thing at a time. This has been the coolest year of my life so far. :)
This video came in handy! I’ve been trying to re-arrange my sewing room for ages and nothing felt like it was working. I decided to try command position for my machine table and IT WORKS. From a purely practical perspective, I now get light from the window directly on my work instead of my face but on a feeling perspective, it makes the room feel more anchored despite a large table being in the middle of the room. Here’s to hoping it will up my creativity and production!
can we also appreciate how the lighting is exactly like it should be from the windows? amazing. will definitely keep these concepts in mind when doing my new home office soon
I just re-did my office this weekend and it works this way. It is SO much better. I now have a view of the window and of the door. I feel safer. We will do a guest murphy bed in bottom right corner and desk is in comand position over by window
man, I had no idea that having my desk facing the window (with me looking out of it) was such a bad choice! Might have to rearrange my room a little... Update: rearranged my room so it's not in front of the window anymore and a few other things, and the energy of the room feels more comfortable and concentrated!! Thank you for the advice!
It's a terrible choice that any workspace ergonomics training program will warn you about! Because the background (the outside) will be much brighter on sunny days than your screen, this causes a lot more eyestrain. Looking at dark things in front of a bright background is not good. And then of course, the scenery outside could be distracting and you could get hit by direct sunlight, blinding you. It's best to have the window to your side, so you can turn your head and look outside from time time and if direct sunlight shines into your room, you neither get blinded, nor does it overpower or cause reflections on your monitor screen. having the window behind you is also serviceable as a plan B, but then direct sunlight could cause problems on the monitor.
@@LRM12o8 thank you for the informative comment! I had no idea about the eye strain thing--that might explain why I've had it so bad (that turned into headaches) so often the past few months 😅
For the mid size room, I think there is one even better option: keep the desk in the command position but move it up against the window wall, so that the chair is in the corner opposite the door. This creates a bit of a nook, but it's still freely accessible from one side and it gives you a great view of both the door and the window. You also have a solid wall in the back.
Thank you! I'm about to build a complete living space in a 6 foot x 8 foot trailer (with two medium/large dogs!) and all your tips for small spaces have really helped me figure out how I want to make things work! (A tip for anyone else doing something like this -- if you want a bed that doesn't take much space, but which doesn't take a bunch of steps to set up either, try a hammock! I'm too ADHD and have low willpower at night so if my bed isn't available I'll have trouble going to bed at all because I'll be too tired to set it up, but with a hammock I can just tie the middle of it up to the rafters during the day, and then to go to bed I just undo one tie and bam I have a bed!)
@@JRskatrPvP Hammocks are perfectly safe ergonomically for most people, and I've had good experiences with them before. I was a medical massage therapist for several years and have worked in other healthcare fields for longer than that, so I'm pretty comfortable with my ability to assess and adjust the setup :) Thanks for your concern!
It is very helpful, thank you! Actually, there are ridiculous valiants of the desk position in "open offices". I'm glad to hear that this trend is coming to an end, but still in countries where trends come in slowly, there is still that idiotic placing of furniture that only one or two workers are actually in a command position and the rest are completely not capable of working because of distractions and feeling vulnerable. Also about the windows. Yes, historically windows in China had no glass and anything agile could potentially came in. But now the biggest concern is the feeling of security and privacy. If you sit back to window, you just don't know who is watching or filming the stuff you do in your browser) I would much appreciate if you make a video about cafes and coworkings, how to place chairs and tables (in one big room with door and big windows on the facade, and the barista's table on the side), so as many people as possible could feel themselves comfortable and secure. I know it seems impossible, but somehow people love work in the cafes.
Thank you for this video! My sons are 12 and 9 and both want to rearrange their rooms. I am happy to help them do it, as it will mean we have to tidy up, too. I am trying to find the best spots for their desks and seeing all the options really helps!
love this! super needed this! I've been struggling to place my desk in a 10x10ft room for the last couple of years, it has the same layout as the room that you showed so this is super helpful. The other challenge I have is placing other things in the room (a sleeper sofa and a 6ft wide bookshelf) while also having 4ft wide closet doors on the south wall to the right, which I ideally still need to access I'll be looking out if you ever do a similar video but with a closet in the room 😉
Yes! That! My room also has a built-in closet to the right of the balcony doors and I was waiting for Cliff to show that but he didn't 😢 Hope he will 😃
Just move things around. If it seems you have found a configuration that is pleasant, try it for two weeks. Note down the pros and cons at the start and at the end. Rinse, repeat! You are the captain of your own vessel~
I really like this video! I was rearranging my small office and have had the desk in multiple places, it is really true what you say about what ‘feels wrong’ in placement. In the end i arranged it just like you advise here so now its no longer just a feeling what is better but I know why it feels better as well :) Thank you so much for all these kind of weird but super helpfull videos!
Thank you for validating my everpresent urge to place the desk facing the room instead of a wall or window! I've hated this standard since I can remember. :D
I've been watching these like a hawk because I'll be moving from a very large master suite into a small studio apartment. Right now I have my work and living spaces very well separated out with a corner desk which, instead of putting both corners against a wall, one separates the desk space from the rest of the room. But who can take up that much space in a small studio! So I'm constantly on the hunt for how to make my work space, well... work... in such a tiny living space.
Your videos have been so helpful for me! When I moved into my new studio apartment I couldn't decide where to place my desk and skeptically placed it in the command position like how you suggest. I've always had my desk up against a wall so it felt unintuitive but it is such a better setup!! I love having my back to the wall and being able to look around my apartment and out the windows :))
I like your theory... one question is that: if I put the desk in the middle of the room (i.e. not touching the wall) how do people usually deal with the power cords etc. for their monitors/computers?
Unfortunately yeah this generally means a cable will have to run to a wall, but you can make sure it's just one cable and use a powerstrip under/built into the desk :)
I was wondering this too. I feel like my personal desk where it's just a single laptop that can charge elsewhere is fine not against the wall. My work desk with two big monitors not so much.
In offices we use rubber cable protectors/hiders that are heavy rubber and protect the cables& you from tripping. You can also put down a rug. Use both for extra protection.
My current solution involves cable covers and a surge protecting power strip which runs along an adjoining piece of furniture to the wall outlet. The cable covers bundle and same-ify all the different cords so they have less visual impact when entering the room. If I didn't have the adjoining piece of furniture, I'd run the power strip cable under a rug, and I'd probably use a rubber protector between the two just to smooth out the hump it causes, like @madtabby66 mentioned.
My home office is like this but in addition to the window on the back wall, I also have one on the right wall. And then I also have a large closet on the left wall. So I end up having my desk on the same wall as the door because it's the only place I feel comfortable with my back not facing the door, and my back not facing the window on the right which is the one that faces my neighbor's house. End up having my back to the window that faces the backyard and it's the best I can figure out 😅
Have you thought of trying the privacy cling film on the neighbor-facing window? They have so many neat options now, which would make it more of a decorated wall and less of a vulnerability window.
@@kate-ne Yeah, was just going to suggest, if a window has to be behind, curtains or other window coverings will help a lot. Semi-sheer options if you still want light but with privacy will still help it feel less "wrong", so privacy cling film is a great (and pretty affordable iirc, not to mention renter-friendly) option, though I'd personally go for curtains for the adjustability factor.
Wow. thank you. this video was the exact shape of my office when you sized down. This is the 3rd place I have put my desk and it FEELs right. thanks for all you do !
In the smallest room, I'd place the desk to the west wall (assume window north) and place low shelves along the window wall. Place a guest chair in the s/e corner (near the door) with a tiny table in front of it on the east wall. This allow the desk person to slide away from the desk to speak with a guest. The tiny table breaks up the 'stare zone' created when two chairs face each other directly, making the guest feel more at ease. I wud also install a lowered valence with curtains along the window wall, creating the appearance of clearstory windows. This wud allow for ambient light versus direct glaring light.
01:58 Ah yes, everyone knows that snipers can only shoot you when you're not looking in their direction. And monkey and sniper attacks are super common here in Europe as well, so it's best to stay safe!
Ok, now I know my current setup is quite bad. But we are moving! I thought this command position would be impossible in my future room but I played with the plans and it actually looks good! I never considered this arrangement and the one I've decided on before was again quite bad: facing the wall away from the window and almost facing my back to the door.
I always use the area rug trick. I've moved 17 times in 20yrs. I have the same rugs I take with me everywhere because they are SO helpful in situations like this. And pictures and curtains. I bet the gypsies knew some about feng shui 😉
Oh my gosh, this really inspires me to move my desk when I get back to work. The only available options in both rooms were with my back directly to the door facing busy hallways, and I always felt so tense and distracted. I think I will move some equipment and make my own space in a less stressful part of the room! It's not just me! 😂
Ha! My home office is in the exact configuration of your list example (narrow, long room, with two openings, one on the corridor of the apartment, the other to the balcony door from which I can have natural light and air when in summer). I have more space on the left side so I pushed a long desk to the wall and put as much stuff I could on high tablets or wall units. From the corridor, you can barely see the desk, just wide space…. An artist friend came to do a soft mural. I love this space now!
My office is like the bed situation that he shared. But I've chosen to have my back to the door and my desk facing the window because I really like looking outside while I work! Not the best but I really like the view.
I wirk from home in an efficiency apt. My desk is like example #3 with a window to the left of door. To my left is my couch and behind me is my coffee table and then kitchen area. I made my arrangement work by placing flowers on my porch and bird feeders. I can easily open the door, see the hummingbirds and red cardinals and watch my flowers bloom.
Architecture digest actially has a vidoe of 3 people doing up closet offices and seeing this makes me feel glad about which one was my favorite design 😁
Just what I needed! ^_^ Yup, I have the last layout, but with a 45° door. I'll put the desk on the wall closest to the door, so I can see when the cat enter and exit the room, with bookcases on the opposite wall.
When I designed my office 1 year ago, I did the last scenario, with the two desks! I also had space for a bookshelf behind and it's the perfect office. I'm glad it's the best design for the space. I hope it makes the 💸💸 flow 😂
Although I agree with this, and I did follow that logic when I lived with my parents, now I do completely the oposite. As I live alone with my partner there is nobody looking or entering from behind, so I actually have the main door behind me. I also do this because I can concentrate better like this. Even if someone is doing something behind me (like my cat xD) y just throw in some headphones and have a nice calm and static view in front of me. Much easier to work like that than if I could see all movement behind my screen. It's true that it's a pain for videocall backdrops, but I use a filter and thats it.
I'm struggling with re-arranging my home office right now and trying to apply principals of Feng shui. I used to have my back to the door and moving my desk helped my productivity but now I'm in a spot where I have a weird walk around to my desk, bookshelves cutting into the window space, and staring at my office door which is at the top of the stairs. The awkward middle of the room desk is exactly what I'm fighting due to an awkward tiny closet that I don't even use. I made a mock up of my floor space and furniture and am moving them around to see what works, here's hoping I figure out something better soon.
One thing I found most interesting here - almost all of the points you talk about here from a Feng Shui perspective are also what I naturally gravitate towards/strongly feel like I need from my own neurodivergent perspective (ADHD and autism)! I wonder if there’s a common underlying root to all of this… maybe neurodivergent people somehow have an inherent sense of something like the flow of qi in FS… or maybe it’s the other way around, and what we now refer to as “neurodivergent” brains were present right back at the early developmental stages of FS and were instrumental to how it developed?! That’s ore of an idle thought than anything else though 😊 When I used to go into the office, my first desk was in the exact wrong position and a lot like your first bad examples - directly inside the office room and close to the (open) door, which was either directly to my right or behind me, depending on which way I positioned myself on the L-shaped desk in the corner. And both ways were terrible! One way, I was so frequently disturbed and distracted by the hectic goings-on in the adjoining office (busy IT helpdesk team always on the phone and having drop-in visitors with their IT probs), plus I could see and hear every single thing that went on in both that main open area of the office, and all the people going to and from the other connecting smaller offices… and the other way people would literally sneak up behind me (just by walking quietly, especially if I had headphones on or was really concentrating hard!) and nearly give me a heart attack. Things got moved around and I was then in the diagonal opposite corner - nobody behind me and just a desk opposite mine, with the others way over to the right separated by a walkway, and since the office itself was slightly L shaped, my desk was tucked away a little bit from the open doorway, which was amazing for sound insulation! Plus I could see anyone who came in to our little office room (so no sneaking up), without it being a constant visual/auditory distraction, and with me being far enough from the door with other desks in the way that it never ended up being my “job” to deal with people who came in looking for someone, unless there was literally no one else there, so I could mentally switch off that bit of being on “high alert”. It was so amazing and like a huge weight had been lifted, and I was immediately so much more productive and less stressed! 😍 It all went downhill a couple of years later though, because Management(tm) were convinced we needed to switch rooms in order to get a bit more space for our growing team, and it was like being transported into literal hell for my brain and wellbeing, and also for Feng Shui reasons too, it turns out! I was then in a room with a fully glass wall (and almost permanently open door 😫) that connected on to that busy IT helpdesk area, with a decent sized window on the opposite side where the noise distractions came from tourists and other people walking/boating down the canal right outside, an incredibly annoying very bad busker with a guitar and no musical talents, and some of the loudest and most annoying birds in the world (geese that would walk up and down right outside or swim along honking, flocks of these green parakeets we have in London (which have also followed me to my home now, and they come and squawk at me from the tree outside my window! 😂😆), shrill screeching swifts, etc!). I drew out a floorplan to try and illustrate the problem to my manager because I was struggling to find the words (after I did say in advance it was going to be a nightmare and we shouldn’t do it!), with lots of hectic arrows and annotations like “NOISE!” and “VISUAL COMMOTION!” with sad 😢😭 and worried 😫😩😣 faces drawn in… and I’m just struck by how similar it all is from both neurodivergent and Feng Shui perspectives 😊 (that manager was nice and got it, and shuffled us around in the nightmare room a bit so it was less awful… and we eventually moved back to our proper room, and my proper desk location! Turns out we could absolutely fit all the people in with just a bit of planning, so we could have saved that entire period of trauma 😤😒) I’m coming up on 4 years totally WFH in early Mar 24 (apart from occasional all-hands meetings/events back in the office) and currently fighting like hell not to be forced to go back in to the office one day a week, because that way is madness and stacked against any actual sanity or productivity! I’d definitely rather be at home and struggling with my greenhouse-effect west facing windows (I just went on about this in another comment 😅) than go back to all the commute drama and mental-energy-sapping office environment challenges… and what I should actually be doing is brushing up my CV and finding another job with less rubbish (the office is actually the least of it, but that’s definitely another story!)… but this has been cathartic, thank you 😆😌
My office has built-in cabinets on two sides, windows on the third, and the only wall is to the right of the door. Consequently, I can pretty much only have my desk sideways to the door, backing the door (facing the window), or backing the window (facing the door). I chose the first because I need to be able to look out both the door and the window to do reception. Alas! Hardly perfect from a feng shui perspective, but as good as I can do, given the cirumstances.
What is your opinion on putting the desk at a 45 degree angle, facing into the room and maybe slightly off the walls so you can get in? Would that make you feel "trapped" at your desk? Or would you just have to increase the amount of space away from one of the walls to remove that feeling?
This is a great question! In other videos, he talks about chi being energy that you feel. How does the desk make you feel in the corner? Do you feel trapped (bad chi) or do you feel in command (good chi)?
Cliff, I have a work space for my soap and fabric dying in the laundry room. I was looking at your desk command position videos today so this is right on time. I get started easily when I'm in deep focus on my work.
I work in a room which is very similar to the second-smallest room you show, but the door is in the middle of the wall and a two person bed, which makes placement even more weird. After trying a lot of things, I've found that sitting with my back to the door, window in front, bed in the middle of the room is the best position for me. However, had we had 20cm of extra space the desk would definitely be flipped so it's facing the right wall!
I always thought of feng shui as some old people bullshit. But with your explanation, now I understand that there is also fact and logical way to explain things. It all makes so much sense!
I used to have the absolute PERFECT desk placement, door on the same wall the door is (my dresser blocked my desk from the door), and my window to the side so I had a nice view only for me to move due to the house being renovated and for almost *_TWO YEARS_* have had my back face the door, which I hate and from it I feel like I have felt more agitated and less likely to get productive work done but since the house is renovated, due to were my door, window, and closet placement is, there is no normal way I can have my desk where I want it, and I'm somewhat forced to have my back to the door while still having room for my bed and nightstand without obstructing any of the three things above and yet the person who seemed to get the most out of everything is my father if I rotated my desk to the wall, it would be cutting off my closet door by a few inches, but my back will be to the window
This totally helped me with the positoning for my desk. I have a room, like the mid sized room. Door and window has the exact same Position. And i have to say, i kind of have a naturally feng shui😂 i make so much things right🎉
"You have to leave the door open so your cat can come in" ... Didnt have to call me out like that. Seriously though, this is really helpful! With the amount of wited electronics I need on my desk and the size of the room, it's difficult to have the desk in the middle and I've been struggling to figure out the best spot otherwise, balancing the window and door.
Him saying about the kids coming in when you’re on a meeting reminded me of that video of the guy who’s kids walked in while he was doing a news interview and his wife came in and pulled them out. It did make him quite famous though and he even went on a Korean tv show about celebrity dads (and sometimes mums) looking after their kids.
I've watched your tips enough to already know, and that is the exact setup of my office since last October! By July, I'd earned a promotion. 😎🤑 Thanks for sharing!
This is so helpful! I need to check if there's a video for "student" room general tips as in: bed, desk and closet combo, maybe with an extra little shelf
I want to send a video or picture of my living room for your advice! I'm in an apartment and limited on options because of the design layout. I'm pretty sure I arranged everything in the best (and somewhat only) way, but seeing your videos now has me questioning! 😂
I have a slightly silly smaller office room, but I'm still in the command position because I have closets along the wall with the door :) Never been happier!!
This is exactly what I’m dealing with for my desk in a guest room. I had the addition of a closet on the same wall as the door. So I can’t use that wall at all. And my solution was to put the bed in the command position. It’s a sofa bed. And my desk, which is more of a printer than a desk along the left wall
I have really been enjoying your videos. Thank you very much! I'm soon to be moving from the UK to Canada and our new house has a rather unusual feature that we were looking to turn into an office. Its like a mezzanine landing area that is largely awkward and unusable otherwise as it serves as the hall way for the guest bedroom and bathroom. but we thought we could turn into a shared office space which overlooks the kitchen/dining/living space below. But after watching this im wondering if our plan may actually work :S The threat from flying monkeys and snipers is real!
As it's a guest room, I would think that it wouldn't be much used, so as long as you have the desk perpendicular to the hallway, you won't have too much energy and distraction from it - so you can use it!
I moved my desk around after watching this. My back was initially to the door and I was facing a window. I could not articulate why it did not feel right. Now I am facing the door, with a wall at my back, and window to the side, and it feels much more “protected” as you said. The room feels much more conducive to focusing
Would really love to see what options there are for two desks in a small office room! My partner and I both wfh and it feels very cramped, and one of us is always with our back to either the door or the window at the moment 🥴
Thaaanks!!! I bought an antique desk for my homw office which looks just like your last example and I have been thinking about this and what you would recommend. This is perfect timing!
apart from the monkeys and the bird, feng shui seems to be a great tool to organise a room to be comfortable. But my home office is organised a bit different. Having the desk in the middle of the room seems to be a waste of space. My desk is onthe right side direct by the window. Facing the wall. Behind me on the side of the window is a cabinet. The preferred space of the dog :) On the side of the desk is a screen wall. Then a bookshelf hanging on the wall. Below that to the door is a small cabinet.
Thanks for this video! I am currently planning my office and my room is similar to the first option. Since I already watched a lot of your videos, my guess for the command position was right. But it's nice to get confirmation
![🎤 จับฉลากร้องเพลง x P’ #XXSIVK [EP.1] (2/2) เพื่อนจับได้คำไหน..ต้องร้องคำนั้น เริ่ม! 💓🎶 #MXFRUIT](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1bJvMJXmeS4/mqdefault.jpg)
I was watching this video at my desk but I got attacked by birds, a monkey stole my laptop and I got shot by a sniper. I’m definitely moving my desk!
😂
Oh my god!😅
It will happen!
Well, at least they didn't steal your desk too!
@@psychedelikchameleonMurphy's Law
"Snipers, very famous" is an all time line 😂
That has to be my favorite line from Cliff so far! 😂
😅👍💯
My favorite part was about the snipers 😂
As an IT specialist who has been working in home office ever since the first lockdown, I'm really happy that none of your suggestions violate the most important rule for desk ergonomics: Never sit directly facing the window. Having the window to the side is ideal.
I was really curious and on the fense about whether you (/Feng Shui) would respect that rule and I'm pleasantly surprised that it is compatible! 👍
There are a couple other desk/office videos from the past, Cliff goes over each direction and supports what you are talking about for the window stuff!
Why not in front of the window?
I always have PC facing the window.
@@schattenprinzRight, why not facing the window?
@@ellengrace4609 okay, so I searched the web.
Apparently it creates too much of a contrast with the PC screen, so your eyes get tired quickly.
I still think it's weird though.
every time you talk about having your back to the door and having things and people attack you from behind, i always took it metaphorically. But i just realized that I currently sit with my back to the door and my girlfriend constantly will tiptoe into the room to try and scare me while im working
Put a small mirror in front facing behind you. You will see her approach lol
It is magic I think. I put my desk in the command position in January, and since then my life has come more and more together one thing at a time. This has been the coolest year of my life so far. :)
I had a lot of trouble with snipers before, so this video comes in handy. And now you know!
I thought of snipers at that window too. Maybe flying monkey snipers!
Love the different size room options you provided ! Let's see a bedroom version of this! And living room!
I was so happy when he demonstrated an even smaller room organization at 4:45! My room is like that
This video came in handy! I’ve been trying to re-arrange my sewing room for ages and nothing felt like it was working. I decided to try command position for my machine table and IT WORKS. From a purely practical perspective, I now get light from the window directly on my work instead of my face but on a feeling perspective, it makes the room feel more anchored despite a large table being in the middle of the room. Here’s to hoping it will up my creativity and production!
can we also appreciate how the lighting is exactly like it should be from the windows? amazing. will definitely keep these concepts in mind when doing my new home office soon
I like to see beautiful nature and rolling hills behind my monitor.
I just re-did my office this weekend and it works this way. It is SO much better. I now have a view of the window and of the door. I feel safer. We will do a guest murphy bed in bottom right corner and desk is in comand position over by window
man, I had no idea that having my desk facing the window (with me looking out of it) was such a bad choice! Might have to rearrange my room a little...
Update: rearranged my room so it's not in front of the window anymore and a few other things, and the energy of the room feels more comfortable and concentrated!! Thank you for the advice!
It's a terrible choice that any workspace ergonomics training program will warn you about! Because the background (the outside) will be much brighter on sunny days than your screen, this causes a lot more eyestrain. Looking at dark things in front of a bright background is not good.
And then of course, the scenery outside could be distracting and you could get hit by direct sunlight, blinding you.
It's best to have the window to your side, so you can turn your head and look outside from time time and if direct sunlight shines into your room, you neither get blinded, nor does it overpower or cause reflections on your monitor screen.
having the window behind you is also serviceable as a plan B, but then direct sunlight could cause problems on the monitor.
You can just buy curtains.
@@LRM12o8 thank you for the informative comment! I had no idea about the eye strain thing--that might explain why I've had it so bad (that turned into headaches) so often the past few months 😅
For the mid size room, I think there is one even better option: keep the desk in the command position but move it up against the window wall, so that the chair is in the corner opposite the door. This creates a bit of a nook, but it's still freely accessible from one side and it gives you a great view of both the door and the window. You also have a solid wall in the back.
That was my thought too
And if you are right handed, the light will then enter from the left. Wich is good.
upper right corner of the room, shelves on the opposite lower rightside. that's what I was thinking
This is exactly what I did with my current home office!
My desk is in a great place, but I spend all my time watching videos like this on TH-cam, so I'm broke
Thank you! I'm about to build a complete living space in a 6 foot x 8 foot trailer (with two medium/large dogs!) and all your tips for small spaces have really helped me figure out how I want to make things work! (A tip for anyone else doing something like this -- if you want a bed that doesn't take much space, but which doesn't take a bunch of steps to set up either, try a hammock! I'm too ADHD and have low willpower at night so if my bed isn't available I'll have trouble going to bed at all because I'll be too tired to set it up, but with a hammock I can just tie the middle of it up to the rafters during the day, and then to go to bed I just undo one tie and bam I have a bed!)
Hopefully you don’t f up your spine!
@@JRskatrPvP Hammocks are perfectly safe ergonomically for most people, and I've had good experiences with them before. I was a medical massage therapist for several years and have worked in other healthcare fields for longer than that, so I'm pretty comfortable with my ability to assess and adjust the setup :) Thanks for your concern!
It is very helpful, thank you!
Actually, there are ridiculous valiants of the desk position in "open offices". I'm glad to hear that this trend is coming to an end, but still in countries where trends come in slowly, there is still that idiotic placing of furniture that only one or two workers are actually in a command position and the rest are completely not capable of working because of distractions and feeling vulnerable.
Also about the windows. Yes, historically windows in China had no glass and anything agile could potentially came in. But now the biggest concern is the feeling of security and privacy. If you sit back to window, you just don't know who is watching or filming the stuff you do in your browser)
I would much appreciate if you make a video about cafes and coworkings, how to place chairs and tables (in one big room with door and big windows on the facade, and the barista's table on the side), so as many people as possible could feel themselves comfortable and secure.
I know it seems impossible, but somehow people love work in the cafes.
Thank you for this video! My sons are 12 and 9 and both want to rearrange their rooms. I am happy to help them do it, as it will mean we have to tidy up, too. I am trying to find the best spots for their desks and seeing all the options really helps!
love this! super needed this! I've been struggling to place my desk in a 10x10ft room for the last couple of years, it has the same layout as the room that you showed so this is super helpful. The other challenge I have is placing other things in the room (a sleeper sofa and a 6ft wide bookshelf) while also having 4ft wide closet doors on the south wall to the right, which I ideally still need to access
I'll be looking out if you ever do a similar video but with a closet in the room 😉
Yes! That! My room also has a built-in closet to the right of the balcony doors and I was waiting for Cliff to show that but he didn't 😢 Hope he will 😃
Just move things around. If it seems you have found a configuration that is pleasant, try it for two weeks.
Note down the pros and cons at the start and at the end.
Rinse, repeat!
You are the captain of your own vessel~
I really like this video! I was rearranging my small office and have had the desk in multiple places, it is really true what you say about what ‘feels wrong’ in placement. In the end i arranged it just like you advise here so now its no longer just a feeling what is better but I know why it feels better as well :)
Thank you so much for all these kind of weird but super helpfull videos!
Thank you for validating my everpresent urge to place the desk facing the room instead of a wall or window! I've hated this standard since I can remember. :D
You have a great sense of humor! Your videos are not only informative, but very enjoyable!
It doesn't matter how I arrange my home office because I just bring my laptop to the kitchen island and work close to the fridge. 😂😂😂
There's a reason. Kitchen islands are in the command position.
Snack commander
@@mobius4897 "I require refreshments!"
I've been watching these like a hawk because I'll be moving from a very large master suite into a small studio apartment. Right now I have my work and living spaces very well separated out with a corner desk which, instead of putting both corners against a wall, one separates the desk space from the rest of the room. But who can take up that much space in a small studio! So I'm constantly on the hunt for how to make my work space, well... work... in such a tiny living space.
Your videos have been so helpful for me! When I moved into my new studio apartment I couldn't decide where to place my desk and skeptically placed it in the command position like how you suggest. I've always had my desk up against a wall so it felt unintuitive but it is such a better setup!! I love having my back to the wall and being able to look around my apartment and out the windows :))
I like your theory... one question is that: if I put the desk in the middle of the room (i.e. not touching the wall) how do people usually deal with the power cords etc. for their monitors/computers?
Unfortunately yeah this generally means a cable will have to run to a wall, but you can make sure it's just one cable and use a powerstrip under/built into the desk :)
I was wondering this too. I feel like my personal desk where it's just a single laptop that can charge elsewhere is fine not against the wall. My work desk with two big monitors not so much.
In offices we use rubber cable protectors/hiders that are heavy rubber and protect the cables& you from tripping. You can also put down a rug. Use both for extra protection.
My current solution involves cable covers and a surge protecting power strip which runs along an adjoining piece of furniture to the wall outlet. The cable covers bundle and same-ify all the different cords so they have less visual impact when entering the room. If I didn't have the adjoining piece of furniture, I'd run the power strip cable under a rug, and I'd probably use a rubber protector between the two just to smooth out the hump it causes, like @madtabby66 mentioned.
You can also run an extension cord up the wall and onto the ceiling, but yeah middle placement can be hard when it comes to cable management
Your videos helped me design my first apartment (living room and work area is a joint space). I still don't get work done cos im just lazy
🤣
My home office is like this but in addition to the window on the back wall, I also have one on the right wall. And then I also have a large closet on the left wall. So I end up having my desk on the same wall as the door because it's the only place I feel comfortable with my back not facing the door, and my back not facing the window on the right which is the one that faces my neighbor's house. End up having my back to the window that faces the backyard and it's the best I can figure out 😅
Have you thought of trying the privacy cling film on the neighbor-facing window? They have so many neat options now, which would make it more of a decorated wall and less of a vulnerability window.
@@sissinoklahoma2057 ohh that's actually a good idea
@@kate-ne Yeah, was just going to suggest, if a window has to be behind, curtains or other window coverings will help a lot. Semi-sheer options if you still want light but with privacy will still help it feel less "wrong", so privacy cling film is a great (and pretty affordable iirc, not to mention renter-friendly) option, though I'd personally go for curtains for the adjustability factor.
@@sissinoklahoma2057 or a folding screen, though that would take up a bit more room.
Wow. thank you. this video was the exact shape of my office when you sized down. This is the 3rd place I have put my desk and it FEELs right. thanks for all you do !
What if you live alone and you can keep the door closed so no one will come and distract you?
In the smallest room, I'd place the desk to the west wall (assume window north) and place low shelves along the window wall. Place a guest chair in the s/e corner (near the door) with a tiny table in front of it on the east wall. This allow the desk person to slide away from the desk to speak with a guest. The tiny table breaks up the 'stare zone' created when two chairs face each other directly, making the guest feel more at ease.
I wud also install a lowered valence with curtains along the window wall, creating the appearance of clearstory windows. This wud allow for ambient light versus direct glaring light.
01:58 Ah yes, everyone knows that snipers can only shoot you when you're not looking in their direction. And monkey and sniper attacks are super common here in Europe as well, so it's best to stay safe!
My office is like the last one. I was meaning to ask about a situation like this so I'm glad I got my answer 😊
Ok, now I know my current setup is quite bad. But we are moving! I thought this command position would be impossible in my future room but I played with the plans and it actually looks good! I never considered this arrangement and the one I've decided on before was again quite bad: facing the wall away from the window and almost facing my back to the door.
You simply answered the question to my headache…. Having a small office and at the same time a TH-cam studio 😅
Thank you!!!! ❤
Now I know😊
I always use the area rug trick. I've moved 17 times in 20yrs. I have the same rugs I take with me everywhere because they are SO helpful in situations like this. And pictures and curtains. I bet the gypsies knew some about feng shui 😉
Oh my gosh, this really inspires me to move my desk when I get back to work. The only available options in both rooms were with my back directly to the door facing busy hallways, and I always felt so tense and distracted. I think I will move some equipment and make my own space in a less stressful part of the room! It's not just me! 😂
Ha! My home office is in the exact configuration of your list example (narrow, long room, with two openings, one on the corridor of the apartment, the other to the balcony door from which I can have natural light and air when in summer). I have more space on the left side so I pushed a long desk to the wall and put as much stuff I could on high tablets or wall units. From the corridor, you can barely see the desk, just wide space…. An artist friend came to do a soft mural. I love this space now!
My office is like the bed situation that he shared. But I've chosen to have my back to the door and my desk facing the window because I really like looking outside while I work! Not the best but I really like the view.
I wirk from home in an efficiency apt. My desk is like example #3 with a window to the left of door. To my left is my couch and behind me is my coffee table and then kitchen area. I made my arrangement work by placing flowers on my porch and bird feeders. I can easily open the door, see the hummingbirds and red cardinals and watch my flowers bloom.
Architecture digest actially has a vidoe of 3 people doing up closet offices and seeing this makes me feel glad about which one was my favorite design 😁
Lately I am helping a friend rearrange and declutter her apartment to improve her mental health and these videos have been super helpful!
Just what I needed! ^_^
Yup, I have the last layout, but with a 45° door. I'll put the desk on the wall closest to the door, so I can see when the cat enter and exit the room, with bookcases on the opposite wall.
When I designed my office 1 year ago, I did the last scenario, with the two desks! I also had space for a bookshelf behind and it's the perfect office. I'm glad it's the best design for the space. I hope it makes the 💸💸 flow 😂
You really know your stuff, Cliff, aces. These simple explanations bring me a sense of calm
Although I agree with this, and I did follow that logic when I lived with my parents, now I do completely the oposite. As I live alone with my partner there is nobody looking or entering from behind, so I actually have the main door behind me.
I also do this because I can concentrate better like this. Even if someone is doing something behind me (like my cat xD) y just throw in some headphones and have a nice calm and static view in front of me. Much easier to work like that than if I could see all movement behind my screen.
It's true that it's a pain for videocall backdrops, but I use a filter and thats it.
The bookshelves are safe
They will never attack you
(Great video, love it!)
I'm struggling with re-arranging my home office right now and trying to apply principals of Feng shui. I used to have my back to the door and moving my desk helped my productivity but now I'm in a spot where I have a weird walk around to my desk, bookshelves cutting into the window space, and staring at my office door which is at the top of the stairs. The awkward middle of the room desk is exactly what I'm fighting due to an awkward tiny closet that I don't even use. I made a mock up of my floor space and furniture and am moving them around to see what works, here's hoping I figure out something better soon.
Suggestion: take the door off the little storage closet to make it a built-in bookcase. Then you could have that wall behind you?
One thing I found most interesting here - almost all of the points you talk about here from a Feng Shui perspective are also what I naturally gravitate towards/strongly feel like I need from my own neurodivergent perspective (ADHD and autism)! I wonder if there’s a common underlying root to all of this… maybe neurodivergent people somehow have an inherent sense of something like the flow of qi in FS… or maybe it’s the other way around, and what we now refer to as “neurodivergent” brains were present right back at the early developmental stages of FS and were instrumental to how it developed?! That’s ore of an idle thought than anything else though 😊
When I used to go into the office, my first desk was in the exact wrong position and a lot like your first bad examples - directly inside the office room and close to the (open) door, which was either directly to my right or behind me, depending on which way I positioned myself on the L-shaped desk in the corner. And both ways were terrible! One way, I was so frequently disturbed and distracted by the hectic goings-on in the adjoining office (busy IT helpdesk team always on the phone and having drop-in visitors with their IT probs), plus I could see and hear every single thing that went on in both that main open area of the office, and all the people going to and from the other connecting smaller offices… and the other way people would literally sneak up behind me (just by walking quietly, especially if I had headphones on or was really concentrating hard!) and nearly give me a heart attack.
Things got moved around and I was then in the diagonal opposite corner - nobody behind me and just a desk opposite mine, with the others way over to the right separated by a walkway, and since the office itself was slightly L shaped, my desk was tucked away a little bit from the open doorway, which was amazing for sound insulation! Plus I could see anyone who came in to our little office room (so no sneaking up), without it being a constant visual/auditory distraction, and with me being far enough from the door with other desks in the way that it never ended up being my “job” to deal with people who came in looking for someone, unless there was literally no one else there, so I could mentally switch off that bit of being on “high alert”. It was so amazing and like a huge weight had been lifted, and I was immediately so much more productive and less stressed! 😍
It all went downhill a couple of years later though, because Management(tm) were convinced we needed to switch rooms in order to get a bit more space for our growing team, and it was like being transported into literal hell for my brain and wellbeing, and also for Feng Shui reasons too, it turns out! I was then in a room with a fully glass wall (and almost permanently open door 😫) that connected on to that busy IT helpdesk area, with a decent sized window on the opposite side where the noise distractions came from tourists and other people walking/boating down the canal right outside, an incredibly annoying very bad busker with a guitar and no musical talents, and some of the loudest and most annoying birds in the world (geese that would walk up and down right outside or swim along honking, flocks of these green parakeets we have in London (which have also followed me to my home now, and they come and squawk at me from the tree outside my window! 😂😆), shrill screeching swifts, etc!).
I drew out a floorplan to try and illustrate the problem to my manager because I was struggling to find the words (after I did say in advance it was going to be a nightmare and we shouldn’t do it!), with lots of hectic arrows and annotations like “NOISE!” and “VISUAL COMMOTION!” with sad 😢😭 and worried 😫😩😣 faces drawn in… and I’m just struck by how similar it all is from both neurodivergent and Feng Shui perspectives 😊 (that manager was nice and got it, and shuffled us around in the nightmare room a bit so it was less awful… and we eventually moved back to our proper room, and my proper desk location! Turns out we could absolutely fit all the people in with just a bit of planning, so we could have saved that entire period of trauma 😤😒)
I’m coming up on 4 years totally WFH in early Mar 24 (apart from occasional all-hands meetings/events back in the office) and currently fighting like hell not to be forced to go back in to the office one day a week, because that way is madness and stacked against any actual sanity or productivity! I’d definitely rather be at home and struggling with my greenhouse-effect west facing windows (I just went on about this in another comment 😅) than go back to all the commute drama and mental-energy-sapping office environment challenges… and what I should actually be doing is brushing up my CV and finding another job with less rubbish (the office is actually the least of it, but that’s definitely another story!)… but this has been cathartic, thank you 😆😌
My office has built-in cabinets on two sides, windows on the third, and the only wall is to the right of the door. Consequently, I can pretty much only have my desk sideways to the door, backing the door (facing the window), or backing the window (facing the door). I chose the first because I need to be able to look out both the door and the window to do reception. Alas! Hardly perfect from a feng shui perspective, but as good as I can do, given the cirumstances.
What is your opinion on putting the desk at a 45 degree angle, facing into the room and maybe slightly off the walls so you can get in? Would that make you feel "trapped" at your desk? Or would you just have to increase the amount of space away from one of the walls to remove that feeling?
This is a great question! In other videos, he talks about chi being energy that you feel. How does the desk make you feel in the corner? Do you feel trapped (bad chi) or do you feel in command (good chi)?
I like your videos. ❤
Thank you so much for walking us thru all the different scenarios! Now I know how to position my work desk that has to be placed in our guest bedroom.
"snipers, very dangerous" 😂😂😂 I feel like if snipers is a concern, your room's feng shui is the last of your worries haha
Love this. I work, exercise, and watch tv in my room. Your ideas help.
I hate all the furniture in my room and how it fits so I'm only going to leave the bed and desk... So in a way this is perfect advice
It doesn't really matter how you name system, which you are using for design. Main thing is - common sense in its basic.
Great video, thank you!
Cliff, I have a work space for my soap and fabric dying in the laundry room. I was looking at your desk command position videos today so this is right on time. I get started easily when I'm in deep focus on my work.
I work in a room which is very similar to the second-smallest room you show, but the door is in the middle of the wall and a two person bed, which makes placement even more weird. After trying a lot of things, I've found that sitting with my back to the door, window in front, bed in the middle of the room is the best position for me. However, had we had 20cm of extra space the desk would definitely be flipped so it's facing the right wall!
I always thought of feng shui as some old people bullshit. But with your explanation, now I understand that there is also fact and logical way to explain things. It all makes so much sense!
Lol! These videos have me thinking I need to do something with my combination Bedroom, remote work from home office, art studio and personal office.
I used to have the absolute PERFECT desk placement, door on the same wall the door is (my dresser blocked my desk from the door), and my window to the side so I had a nice view
only for me to move due to the house being renovated and for almost *_TWO YEARS_* have had my back face the door, which I hate and from it I feel like I have felt more agitated and less likely to get productive work done
but since the house is renovated, due to were my door, window, and closet placement is, there is no normal way I can have my desk where I want it, and I'm somewhat forced to have my back to the door while still having room for my bed and nightstand without obstructing any of the three things above
and yet the person who seemed to get the most out of everything is my father
if I rotated my desk to the wall, it would be cutting off my closet door by a few inches, but my back will be to the window
Those pesky snipers!
the first example is basically my room, thank you a lot.
This totally helped me with the positoning for my desk. I have a room, like the mid sized room. Door and window has the exact same Position. And i have to say, i kind of have a naturally feng shui😂 i make so much things right🎉
"You have to leave the door open so your cat can come in" ... Didnt have to call me out like that.
Seriously though, this is really helpful! With the amount of wited electronics I need on my desk and the size of the room, it's difficult to have the desk in the middle and I've been struggling to figure out the best spot otherwise, balancing the window and door.
Him saying about the kids coming in when you’re on a meeting reminded me of that video of the guy who’s kids walked in while he was doing a news interview and his wife came in and pulled them out. It did make him quite famous though and he even went on a Korean tv show about celebrity dads (and sometimes mums) looking after their kids.
I've watched your tips enough to already know, and that is the exact setup of my office since last October! By July, I'd earned a promotion. 😎🤑 Thanks for sharing!
This brought back memories of how I've had my desk in different rooms over the years.
Man I'd love to see your take on feng shui in a camper van, love the channel!
This is so helpful! I need to check if there's a video for "student" room general tips as in: bed, desk and closet combo, maybe with an extra little shelf
i need this soo bad omg my room next year will be minuscule
I want to send a video or picture of my living room for your advice! I'm in an apartment and limited on options because of the design layout. I'm pretty sure I arranged everything in the best (and somewhat only) way, but seeing your videos now has me questioning! 😂
I have a slightly silly smaller office room, but I'm still in the command position because I have closets along the wall with the door :) Never been happier!!
I have a space I'm gonna be using like an office and the room looks similar. Glad tue wall I picked to sit waa the right one.
The short content is very entertaining. This more in depth stuff satiates my brain tho 😊
thanks for the subtitles! i always have them on and just having it built into the video makes it easier for me to listen.
oh nice to know that my desk is actually in the right place! My office room is exactly like the middle size one that you showed ;D
This is the zaniest presentation on this topic that I've ever seen. Having said this, it is very informative so, thank you!
Last example is my exact situation and I’m happy I picked the best spot. Now I know!
I was hoping you'd make the room really small cos that's what I have and I'm happy to say I shall not be needing to change the room around. 😊
Hey Cliff,
love you videos. Can you do a full video on a room with bed and desk? And how to separate them
Yes I need this too
If you have enough room, a bookshelf could be a good way to separate them
Yes I hope he makes this video! It would be very popular I am sure it’s a common scenario nowadays
This is exactly what I’m dealing with for my desk in a guest room.
I had the addition of a closet on the same wall as the door. So I can’t use that wall at all.
And my solution was to put the bed in the command position. It’s a sofa bed.
And my desk, which is more of a printer than a desk along the left wall
Thank you for adding the variations...I have an office and guest room combo and this was the exact layout of the room
Just watching the room shrink over and over again gave me such chills. Can't explain why.
I just love the way you explain these concepts! I learn so much and could listen all day. 😊
0:49 mans attacked that paper with his spit lmao
These videos pair so well with your book.
i swear i'll never get over how funny ur vids r-
I have really been enjoying your videos. Thank you very much!
I'm soon to be moving from the UK to Canada and our new house has a rather unusual feature that we were looking to turn into an office. Its like a mezzanine landing area that is largely awkward and unusable otherwise as it serves as the hall way for the guest bedroom and bathroom. but we thought we could turn into a shared office space which overlooks the kitchen/dining/living space below. But after watching this im wondering if our plan may actually work :S
The threat from flying monkeys and snipers is real!
As it's a guest room, I would think that it wouldn't be much used, so as long as you have the desk perpendicular to the hallway, you won't have too much energy and distraction from it - so you can use it!
I moved my desk around after watching this. My back was initially to the door and I was facing a window. I could not articulate why it did not feel right. Now I am facing the door, with a wall at my back, and window to the side, and it feels much more “protected” as you said. The room feels much more conducive to focusing
Would really love to see what options there are for two desks in a small office room! My partner and I both wfh and it feels very cramped, and one of us is always with our back to either the door or the window at the moment 🥴
finally i know how to place my desk to avoid all the snipers! :D
but seriously though, i end up intuitively following a lot of feng shui principles.
1:58 those birds are gonna get me lol 😂
Thaaanks!!! I bought an antique desk for my homw office which looks just like your last example and I have been thinking about this and what you would recommend. This is perfect timing!
2:47 THERE ARE TWO SHEETS OF PAPER WHAT lololol
Thanks for the video, very helpful!
In mid sized, I would put the bed right of the door horizontally, and desk on the left wall, closet on the right wall
apart from the monkeys and the bird, feng shui seems to be a great tool to organise a room to be comfortable.
But my home office is organised a bit different. Having the desk in the middle of the room seems to be a waste of space. My desk is onthe right side direct by the window. Facing the wall. Behind me on the side of the window is a cabinet. The preferred space of the dog :)
On the side of the desk is a screen wall. Then a bookshelf hanging on the wall. Below that to the door is a small cabinet.
Thanks for this video! I am currently planning my office and my room is similar to the first option. Since I already watched a lot of your videos, my guess for the command position was right. But it's nice to get confirmation
Hi Mr. Modern, would you mind doing some videos to show us where are the best locations to add mirrors please? 😊
Another consideration might be to place the SIDE of the desk against the wall. I would like to have seen some with that variation.
Finally, the sniper returns but it brought new friends : monkey and birds!