How to Turn a Formal Dining Room Into a Craft Room or Home Office

Clear the room of any items or décor that you will not be using in your new work space. Consider the possible uses of any furniture in the room before moving the items. For instance, if you move the china from the cabinet to the kitchen, the cabinet could stay in the dining room as a makeshift bookcase.

Set your work desk or dining room table/craft table near an electrical outlet, leaving room on either side of the desk for additional storage space, if possible.

Place filing cabinets, bookshelves or tiered, plastic storage cubbies beside the desk, in whichever arrangement makes your files and supplies most easily accessible. Use end tables or other pieces of furniture from your home if needed to hold items such as the printer or fax machine.

Install shelves on the wall above your desk, following the directions provided by the shelving manufacturer. If you have no need for additional shelving in that space, attach a bulletin or dry-erase board to the wall for notes, sketches and photos.

Organize your files and supplies. Place similar items together, such as all of your oil paints in one cubby and watercolors in another. Use wicker baskets and decorative cups or bowls to store pens, paintbrushes, knitting needles and other small items for additional storage and easy accessibility.

Place a lamp on the desk or a floor lamp beside it to illuminate small tasks. If the current lighting from your ceiling is not sufficient for everyday tasks, install recessed lighting.

Set a comfortable, adjustable office chair at your desk, and set additional chairs in the room if you will have clients visiting your home office.

Decorate the room. Plants, pictures, rugs, blinds and curtains can create a more comfortable atmosphere. Set an accordion screen in front of your workspace if you wish to hide bulky electronics or mid-project clutter when the space is not in use.