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Office
New York Loft Style Home Office
New York Loft Style Home Office
A New York loft style home office in the heart of Copenhagen? Not the most common find, but that didn’t stop us from bringing this dream to life! With some creativity, a bit of elbow grease, and plenty of inspiration, we transformed our loft area into a workspace with that iconic New York loft vibe. If you’re looking to create your own industrial-inspired office, follow along for all the details of how we did it!
The Area Before: A Blank Canvas
When we moved into the apartment, the loft area was essentially a blank canvas. The room has a ceiling height of over 4 meters, and the previous owners had built a loft to maximize the vertical space. Although the loft structure was useful, it lacked the character we were aiming for. Measuring around 2.2 meters from the wall to the handrail and 3.4 meters along its length, the area had plenty of potential for our New York loft style home office makeover.
The flooring was basic wood, which could have been great, but the type and color didn’t match the industrial loft vibe we were aiming for. We decided to start with the floor and work our way up to transform this space.
Step 1: Sandpaper the floor and add paint
The first step in creating our New York loft style home office was revamping the floor. Using a circular grinder, we sanded down the top layer of the wooden floor to smooth out imperfections and prepare it for a fresh coat of paint. Once the floor was ready, we applied three layers of white floor paint to achieve a clean, modern base that would complement the industrial elements we planned to add later.
Pro Tip: Using multiple coats of paint ensures a durable, long-lasting finish that can withstand the wear and tear of a busy home office.
Tools: Circular Grinder, Paintbrush, Paint Roller
Materials: Sandpaper, White Floor Paint
Step 2 - Build office table
With the floor looking fresh and modern, the next step was to build a statement office table. We had an older plank of wood stored from a previous home, and its rich color and grain pattern fit perfectly with the New York loft style home office theme we envisioned.
To give the table a unique, edgy look, we decided to extend the tabletop down to the floor, using it as a leg. We cut the plank with a circular saw at a 45-degree angle to create a seamless joint where the tabletop meets the floor. Small iron angles were used underneath for additional support.
To mount the table on the wall, we attached a square piece of wood to the wall, creating a sturdy base for the table to rest on. We then screwed the table into the wall-mounted support from underneath, achieving a clean, minimalist appearance.
Pro Tip: Using iron angles provides invisible support, maintaining the industrial aesthetic while ensuring the table remains stable and durable.
Tools: Circular Saw, Screwdriver, Level
Materials: Iron Angles, Screws, Wall-Mounted Support
Step 3: Tame the Chaos with Storage Solutions
While we loved the initial table design, the space was quickly turning into a chaotic mess with office supplies scattered everywhere. To maintain the sleek, organized look of our New York loft style home office, we added a small drawer unit to store essentials like paper, pens, and cables. This simple addition made a big difference in keeping the space tidy and functional.
Pro Tip: Incorporate storage solutions that complement your design. For an industrial loft look, consider metal or dark wood drawers with minimalist lines.
Tools: Screwdriver (for assembly)
Materials: Drawer Unit
Step 4: Add New York Loft Style to the home office
A true New York loft style home office isn’t complete without an exposed brick wall. We decided to strip away the outer layer of the wall to reveal the raw brick underneath. This step required some serious effort, but the results were well worth it!
We used a hammer drill with a flat head to remove the plaster and expose the beautiful brick. This method was much faster and more efficient than doing it manually. Once the brick was fully exposed, the room started to embody that classic loft aesthetic, instantly adding warmth and character to the space.
Pro Tip: If you want a cleaner, less dusty approach, consider using faux brick panels for a similar effect with less mess.
Tools: Hammer Drill, Flat Head Chisel
Materials: Dust Mask, Protective Sheets
Well now we were getting closer to get the right vibe!
Step 5: Build a New York glass wall
The next step was the most dramatic: replacing the existing handrail with an industrial glass wall. This addition was key to achieving the New York loft style home office look we were going for. We removed the old handrail and installed a DIY industrial glass wall, which you can read about in detail in our article: DIY Industrial Glass Wall.
The glass wall not only added an authentic industrial feel but also allowed light to flow freely between the loft and the rest of the room, making the space feel more open and airy.
Pro Tip: Industrial glass walls can be pricey, but using glass shower walls as a budget-friendly alternative gives you the same aesthetic at a fraction of the cost.
Tools: Multi-Cutter Tool, Measuring Tape, Drill
Materials: Glass Shower Panels, Support Frame, Screws
Step 6: Add some nice furniture and there we go!
Finally, it was time to add those finishing touches that would bring our New York loft style home office vision to life. We went shopping and found a few key pieces: a sleek, modern chair, a stylish carpet, and a lovely drawer unit that fit perfectly under the table. These elements added the comfort and functionality needed for a productive workspace.
The final step was adding a few industrial-style decor pieces to complete the look, such as metal lamps, exposed bulbs, and minimalistic office accessories. With these last touches, our dream of a New York loft-style office became a reality!
Pro Tip: Choose furniture and decor that emphasize clean lines and neutral colors with a touch of rustic or industrial elements, like metal frames or reclaimed wood, to maintain the loft aesthetic.
Tools: None (for final decor)
Materials: Chair, Carpet, Drawer Unit, Decor Items
Final Result: A New York Loft Style Home Office in Copenhagen
And there you have it! Our New York loft style home office turned out exactly as we had envisioned—a functional, stylish workspace that feels straight out of a Manhattan loft. The total cost came in at around $1,000, which is a small price to pay for such a dramatic transformation.
By following these steps, you too can create your own New York loft-inspired office, even if you’re miles away from the Big Apple. With the right design elements, a bit of DIY effort, and some creative thinking, you’ll be well on your way to achieving this iconic style in your own home.
Ready to start your New York loft-style makeover? Grab your tools and get building!
