How to Create a Home Office in a Small Space

By Sam Iontton02/05/2023
How to Create a Home Office in a Small Space

By Liam Sumner - 07/03/2022

With working from home now the norm for many of us, creating a home office space has become a necessity. While some people are lucky enough to have a dedicated room for an office, many have had to be resourceful and create a working space in existing rooms, where space can be limited.

Looking for simple small home office ideas to make the most of the room you have? Read on for our easy tips on how to create a home office in a small space that feels productive and organised.

 

Utilise awkward spaces

under stairs storage

 

If you don’t have a dedicated room for an office, you can be clever with the space you have around your house. Several unutilised areas may be perfect for setting up a small home office. For example, under the stairs is a great option – or the space under a slanted ceiling. Any alcove area works really well for a desk and will help you save on space.

A nice way to differentiate this area from the rest of your space is to paint it a different colour or use patterned wallpaper. This will help you feel like your home office is a separate working zone.

 

Repurpose cupboard space

Repurposing a walk-in wardrobe or large cupboard space is one of the best ideas for small office space at home that we’ve seen. You may be able to fit a desk in the space if it’s big enough, but otherwise, floating shelves cut to size are ideal to use as a desk and other storage instead.

As well as making the most of your space, the added benefit of using a cupboard with doors is that you can close them at the end of the working day and keep your office hidden away.

 

Use multi-purpose furniture

In a small space, try to make every item of furniture multifunctional. For example, as well as serving as surface space to work on, a desk can provide excellent storage space too. Opt for a desk with drawers and/or shelving to maximise space efficiency. This will give you extra storage for your stationery, books and documents without taking up any more room in your office.

To keep things tidy, use a drawer organiser for your office stationery.

foldable office desk

Get a folding desk

If you need to fit a desk into an existing space to create an office, a folding desk is another great space-saving option. A desk or table with foldable leaves will provide you with all the desk space you need while you’re working, but you can fold it down and out of the way when it’s not in use.

Maximise space with wall shelves

One of the best tricks for making a home office in a small space is utilising your walls. When you don’t have a lot of floor space, your vertical space is vital. Wall shelves are therefore a great option – you can stack your books and folders on them and even some plants and accessories to decorate your office space.

wall mounted shelving

Use tall shelves

Another great way to maximise space is using a tall shelving unit. A ladder shelf is a stylish option that offers plenty of space for books, belongings and storage boxes.

Shelves can also be a great way to divide a room. If you want to keep your office space separate from your living space or bedroom, a tall shelving unit is a great way to do it.

Hang a noticeboard

noticeboards and grid wall boards

 

If you need somewhere to pin reminders and important documents, hanging a noticeboard above your desk is a fantastic way to save space and keep clutter off your desk. Mess can make a space feel smaller, so in a small office, keeping things neat and organised is important for maximising a sense of spaciousness.

 

Store paperwork in a filing cabinet

Got lots of paperwork to store away? A small filing cabinet is the best way to keep things organised and stop clutter from taking up your space. A small filing cabinet can fit by the side of your desk or even slot underneath.

Setting up a home office in a small space can be challenging, but you can maximise your space efficiency and create a stylish home office area with these simple tips.

For more inspiration on how to set up a small home office, check out our related articles:

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