<P> The modern Oval Office was built at the West Wing 's southeast corner , offering FDR , who was physically disabled and used a wheelchair , more privacy and easier access to the Residence . He and Gugler devised a room architecturally grander than the previous two rooms , with more robust Georgian details : doors topped with substantial pediments , bookcases set into niches , a deep bracketed cornice , and a ceiling medallion of the Presidential Seal . Rather than a chandelier or ceiling fixture , the room is illuminated by light bulbs hidden within the cornice that `` wash '' the ceiling in light . In small ways , hints of Art Moderne can be seen , in the sconces flanking the windows and the representation of the eagle in the ceiling medallion . FDR and Gugler worked closely together , often over breakfast , with Gugler sketching the president 's ideas . One notion resulting from these sketches that has become fixed in the layout of the room 's furniture , is that of two high back chairs in front of the fireplace . The public sees this most often with the president seated on the left , and a visiting head of state on the right . This allowed FDR to be seated , with his guests at the same level , de-emphasizing his inability to stand . Construction of the modern Oval Office was completed in 1934 . </P>
where is the oval office in the white house
at the West Wing 's southeast corner