If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that our workspaces are now on display more than ever.
Whether you’re logging in for a quick team check-in or presenting to clients, your setup quietly says a lot about you.
With the right study furniture, you can create a space that feels comfortable to work in while also looking polished on screen.
At La Joie Living, we believe a home office should strike that sweet spot between style and function. Here’s how to design a study that not only works perfectly for you day-to-day, but also looks effortlessly put together, even when you're in a Zoom meeting.
Start With The Desk As The Anchor Piece
Every well-designed workspace begins with a great study desk. It’s the focal point of the room and often the first thing that shapes your overall aesthetic.
When choosing your desk, think about proportion first. In Australian homes where space can vary widely, from compact apartments to larger open-plan areas, it’s important to pick a size that fits comfortably without overwhelming the room. A desk that’s too bulky can dominate your Zoom frame, while one that’s too small may end up looking cluttered.
Placement matters just as much. If possible, position your desk so that natural light falls onto your face rather than behind you. This not only improves how you appear on camera but also creates a more inviting workspace.
Styling your desk surface is where many people go wrong. It’s tempting to keep everything within reach, but on camera, clutter builds quickly. Instead, aim for a clean, curated look:
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Keep daily essentials minimal (laptop, notebook, a pen holder).
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Add one or two decorative elements like a small plant or a ceramic piece.
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Use trays or organisers to group smaller items neatly.
A thoughtfully styled desk from La Joie Living’s home office furniture range, such as the best selling Hamptons Halifax Side Cross Console Hall Table / Study Desk, satisfies all the points mentioned above, instantly elevating your workspace setup.
Choose a Chair That Balances Style and Support
Your study chair does more than support your posture, it also plays a key role in how your space looks on screen.
Comfort is non-negotiable, especially if you’re spending long hours at your desk. Look for chairs with proper back support, a comfortable seat cushion, and a height that aligns well with your desk.
But don’t stop at ergonomics. The chair is often visible in your Zoom frame, so its design should complement the rest of your home study furniture. Consider:
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Material: Upholstered fabric or leather can add warmth and texture.
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Colour: Neutral tones create a calm, professional look, while deeper hues can add a touch of personality.
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Shape: Clean lines tend to read better on camera than overly bulky or ornate designs.
A well-chosen chair from La Joie Living, such as the luxurious French Provincial Louis Havana Linen and Rattan Wingback Armchair, can act as both a functional piece and a subtle style statement, tying your entire study together.
Use Storage Furniture to Keep the Background Clean
Nothing distracts from a video call quite like visible clutter. That’s where smart study storage ideas come into play.
Incorporating storage pieces like bookcases, cabinets, or sideboards helps keep your workspace organised while also adding depth and interest to your background. Think of storage as both practical and decorative.
Here’s how to make it work:
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Bookcases: Mix books with decorative objects to create a balanced display. We recommend our very popular Solid Timber Hamptons Library Bookcase with Ladder — 3 Bay Grand Halifax.
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Cabinets: Use closed storage to hide paperwork, cables, and anything that doesn’t need to be seen. We recommend our conveniently compact Hamptons Coastal Tall Glass Door 2 Drawer Cabinet.
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Display shelves: Showcase a few curated items rather than overcrowding every surface. We recommend our generously spacious Hamptons Coastal Hutch Glass Display Cabinet Bookcase and Buffet Cupboard.
La Joie Living’s range of cabinets and bookcases is designed to blend seamlessly into your space while giving you the flexibility to keep things tidy. The goal is to create a backdrop that looks intentional, not over-styled.
Think About Your Zoom Background Like a Styled Room Scene
When planning your Zoom background ideas, imagine you’re styling a small vignette rather than an entire room. Ideally, you want to strike a balance that is visually interesting, but not distracting.
A few elements that work well behind your desk include:
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A bookcase or cabinet with a mix of books and décor.
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A piece of artwork or a framed print.
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A table or floor lamp for added warmth.
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A plant or greenery to bring life into the space.
Try to keep your colour palette consistent across your study room layout. Soft neutrals with a few accent tones tend to translate beautifully on camera.
Also, consider depth. A flat wall can feel a bit stark, while layered elements (like shelving and décor) create a more inviting and professional look.
Balance Beauty with Daily Function
While it’s tempting to focus purely on aesthetics, the best workspaces are the ones that support how you actually work.
Before choosing your home office furniture, think about your daily routine:
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Do you need extra storage for documents or tech?
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How much desk space do you realistically use?
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Are you working with a dedicated room or a shared area?
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What kind of lighting do you rely on throughout the day?
Your study room layout should reflect these needs. For example, if you’re working in a smaller space, multi-functional furniture like desks with built-in storage (see our Hamptons Halifax 180cm Timber Executive Desk) or other flexible storage options (like our charmingly practical French Provincial Provence Extendable Library Bookcase Natural Ash with Ladder), can make a big difference.
Lighting is another practical detail that often gets overlooked. A combination of natural light and a good desk lamp not only improves your productivity but also ensures you look your best on video calls.
At La Joie Living, our approach to study furniture is simple: pieces should be as practical as they are beautiful. That way, your workspace supports you throughout the day while still looking refined when the camera switches on.
Create Your Perfect Study with La Joie Living
Explore La Joie Living’s curated range of home study furniture, including desks, chairs, bookcases, sofas, armchairs, and cabinets designed for modern Australian homes.
Contact us today for any further enquiries or advice, whether you’re refreshing a corner nook or designing a full home office, our collection makes it easy to create a space that looks good both on and off camera.
