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Small home office space


55 Small Home Office Ideas

The Spruce / Marty Baldwin

Working at home is increasingly routine for office workers everywhere. But not everyone has a spare room or finished basement to convert into a home office. The good news is that a home office workstation can be anything from a cloffice to a corner of the bedroom or dining room. Even better, working from home means that you can decorate your home workstation any way you like to suit your personality and cater to what makes you feel productive and focused, be it bright wallpaper, a bunch of plants, ambient lighting, or soft and cozy textures that you wouldn't normally find in an office setting.

Click Play for Small Home Office Ideas That Are Surprisingly Stylish

Check out these small home offices for inspiration on how to make your at-home workstation into a functional, energizing space that is as stylish and personal as the rest of your home.

How to Set up a Workable Home Office

22 small home office ideas – ways to work in a tiny space

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Looking for small home office ideas? For many people working from home, the rough and ready remote setup is far from ideal. Particularly if you only have a tiny box room or – worse – a corner of a room to work with. 

But just because space is short, that doesn't mean you can't create a fab home office idea that's suited to your needs. Set up correctly, anywhere can become a centre of professional excellence and achievement. Whether that's an alcove in a living room, a dressing table that doubles as a desk in a bedroom, or even a flip up table in a hallway. Or, creating a properly set up office is one of the best spare room ideas around.

Allowing you to be more productive, without poor posture or eye strain, be inspired by these stylish and space-efficient solutions.

Small home office ideas to squeeze into tight spaces

1. Create a flip-down office space in the hallway

(Image credit: Carpetright)

Not just an entry-point into the home, hallways are a great location for small home office ideas. This design by Carpetright uses a flip-down wall desk design and is painted in line with the half and half wall decor idea.

When not in use, the desk can be packed away and used as a shelving idea for displaying books, plants and other homewares.

The spotty carpet in this scheme creates interest and a soft texture underfoot for comfortable working. 

2. Sneak a small office idea into a cupboard

(Image credit: IKEA)

Most of us had spent a lot of time in our homes recently. Because of this, we've looked at ways to de-clutter our spaces and get rid of things we don't need - including clothes that don't fit (thanks UberEats!).

So if you have spare small closet ideas that were considering taking to your recycling center, turn them into a small home office idea instead.

Create this look using an IKEA MICKE desk which fits just about anywhere in the home.

3. Create a bright space in a period living room

(Image credit: Homesense)

Carve out a spot in a period living room for work by zoning the space with a panel of color – in this case a stimulating blue. A bureau is a desk idea that suits an older property, with the added benefit that your work surface folds up to hide any reminders of work life after office hours. 

This design mixes up old and new with a fun twist by bringing together a gallery wall idea, painted light fixtures, colorful busts and bright upholstery. 

4. Hide your office in a wardrobe

(Image credit: IKEA)

Who would've thought that small home office ideas and shoe storage ideas could go hand in hand (or should that be foot in foot?).

In this idea by IKEA , a tiny floating desk sits above a footwear rack, utilizing every inch of space. The small black lamp with a flexible cable design works to provide ample task lighting when you need a bright boost.

When showing off your apartment or house to guests, simply draw the curtain to hide away this remote working space. Carrie Bradshaw would love it...

5. Color coordinate your furniture in a mixed-use space

(Image credit: IKEA)

In today's modern world with fixed office locations and cheap co-working spaces, it's rare that anyone has a dedicated home office space.

So if you're suddenly having to shoehorn a small home office idea into your living room, don't let it stick out like a sore thumb.

Inspired by the living room colors, this office uses three single unit drawer ideas in teal, white and black to create cohesion. It also uses the same leafy living room wallpaper idea to create a seamless space.

Let's not forget that plants also play a huge role in making this office space feel homely and healthy. Distributed across the lounge and working area, they help to create an organic atmosphere which promotes well-being.

6. Create an office in a guest bedroom

(Image credit: IKEA)

Let's face it, our guest room ideas are not going to be used to host 365 days a year. Most of the time, they are used as a place to hang laundry on a clothes horse, or as a walk-in closet or – realistically – a dumping ground for miscellaneous bits and bobs.

So turning this room into a small home office should be a breeze. Using a sofa bed, you can chop and change the function of this room.

The 2-in-1 furniture means you can either use it as a casual seating area for working or a comfy sleep spot for friends and family.

7. Incorporate a floating desk and shelf scheme

(Image credit: IKEA)

If you've only got a cozy nook, corner or awkward alcove, floating desks and shelving ideas can provide you with a sufficient setup to work from home.

Shop for the best office chairs and create this workspace near a windowsill to take advantage of natural lighting. This location will also prove handy as another space to pop books, notepads or a cup of coffee on.

8. Create an office in the hallway 

(Image credit: IKEA)

We've covered flip-down hallway office ideas, but how about something a little more permanent?

This small home office idea takes utilizes the length of a hallway wall to maximize the horizontal space you have.

This is a great setup for couples or siblings who don't mind working in close proximity. However, carefully considered hallway lighting ideas will be all important, particularly if the space doesn't get good natural light.  

'Always have at least two sources of light,' says Danetti stylist, Jess Contomichalos. 'A main light and a desk or floor lamp. Task lighting is very important if you're going to be at your desk for long periods.' 

Amy Cutmore, tech expert at Real Homes, adds: 'make sure you include a mix of overhead lights in the form of spots or a run of pendants, and task lighting by way of adjustable wall sconces or lamps.'

9. Unleash your inner Potter with an under stairs office

(Image credit: Future)

Fancy yourself a bit of a wizard when it comes to magicking up small home office ideas? Thankfully, this under the stairs design is a lot more relaxing than the Dudley's dorm for Harry Potter!

Making use of the under stair and adjacent wall, you'll have lots of room to be creative. A faux fur rug helps to break up and soften an engineered, laminate or real wood flooring design, zoning the office space to give it its own identity.

10. No office, no problem: create an office 'zone'

(Image credit: Ikea)

Turn an area of your living room, guest bedroom or hallway into a small office using simple home office storage and an attractive office desk.

You can get desks in every size and style, so it is not hard to find unobtrusive office furniture that will match your room and your existing furnishings.

'Put your desk in front of a window to stimulate you as you work, as a view is always better than a blank wall,' recommends Danetti's Jess Contomichalos. 'If you don't have a window, never face a blank wall. Instead put up shelves so that you can introduce some accessories and plants to give that wall interest at depth.'

11. Try a desk that's also a dressing table

(Image credit: Made.com)

When space is at a premium, it’s difficult (if not impossible) to be able to dedicate a whole room to a home office, so it’s worth thinking about how you can create multiple uses for your space. Here, it's achieved with a Mid-century style desk in a vintage-feel bedroom – the perfect homework.

Guest room ideas are great place to start as they are frequented less often. You could add a small desk and sleek chair that won’t be obtrusive should you have guests come to stay.

Add shelves above the desk area, and invest in some matching storage files to keep your work materials organised and avoid any embarrassment should you have any surprise visitors.

When it comes to multi-purpose furniture, a desk could easily double as a dressing table in a master suite with the addition of a freestanding mirror.

12. Pick a space-saving all-in-one desk and storage

(Image credit: John Lewis)

This is another great option for multifunctional spaces. Fill a wall with modular shelving including a desk.

To make the space feel less utilitarian, keep office supplies in pretty storage boxes, and use the shelves to display your favorite possessions too.

(Image credit: Ikea)

Space is often tight in a children's bedroom. To save floor space in a kids' bedroom idea, using the area under a bunk bed for a desk.

It is the perfect place for a homework station too!

14. Make the most of underused spaces

(Image credit: -)

No one said that home offices had to be self-contained spaces. So thinking outside of the four walls concept is a great small home office idea!

If you have any wasted space (under stairs, large landings, hallways, kitchens or dining rooms), this could be the ideal place for your home office.

You could even consider using a wall paint idea, flooring or rugs to zone the different elements of the space so it feels more intentional than makeshift.

15. Build an alcove office

Alcoves are another commonly underused space.

Sometimes too small for a wardrobe, TV stand or chest of drawers, if you can't squeeze in a small desk, you can easily use the walls to support a work surface and create an alcove office.

16. Consider hideaway options

(Image credit: Elfa)

If you don’t want your small home office area to be visible 24/7, then consider what you can create behind closed doors.

This hideaway approach will be a bespoke option, but it would be perfect for those who hate clutter, or those who only occasionally need a home office set-up, and will help maintain the clean lines of contemporary spaces.

It'll look particular good as a small apartment decorating idea where you don't want your workspace to dominate the floorplan.

17. Create an 'invisible' office in an open-plan room

(Image credit: Jeremy Phillips)

If you want your small home office space to be unobtrusive, a glass desk is a great option that will seemingly disappear when not in use. You could paint your desk or use coloured or patterned contact paper (there are some great marble-effect contact papers available) to give your desk an individual look that complements your existing decor. Spray paint is also a great way to ensure any new home office elements work with your existing space.

18. Go for a slimline desk

(Image credit: Ikea)

Plenty of desks incorporate storage, but in a small space you will want to find a slimline one which doesn't dominate the space.

Go for a console desk with shallow desks right under the table top, or pillar storage in place of legs.  You should also look for cable channels to hide unsightly wires away.

And, to create the illusion of space, don't stick anything to the walls. Instead, a chalkboard wall idea is a great resource to ensure you don't waste paper or post-it notes.

19. Or choose a bureau for an all-in-one office

(Image credit: Cotswold Co.)

Stick a small bureau in the corner of your bedroom, in the hallway or under the stairs and voila, you've got yourself an instant, traditional home office design idea.

This one from Cotswold Co . has plenty of desk space for a laptop, pigeon holes for storing the essentials, plus a really spacious cupboard underneath. The best part is once you are done working you can fold the desk away to save on even more space. 

20. Use dead space to create a small home office

(Image credit: Carpetright )

Those strange ‘dead’ spaces we all have in our homes – next to the wardrobe, under the stairs, alcoves beside the fire – are all potential temporary (or maybe permanent) office spaces.

When looking at how to create an alcove office - it couldn't be easier! This spot next to this window is perfect, you just need it to be wide enough to squeeze in a desk! 

Add in a stool, desk lamp and some cozy carpet (this one is called Twickenham ), and you are good to go! 

21. Get creative with your storage 

(Image credit: Ikea)

Yes that is an ottoman being used as home office storage!

 If your home office is just your kitchen table but you still need space to keep your papers, stationery and tech, using bedroom storage ideas that can just sit at the end of your bed is an easy solution.

Just fill it with desk organizers and use the lid to pop your notes and calendar. 

22. Add a warm glow with metallic paint 

(Image credit: Crown)

Metallic paint will help a small space feel larger because it bounces light around. it has come on leaps and bounds and this Striking shade from Crown has great coverage.

Use it to zone a wall that you can pop your desk against and create a pinboard for inspirational images and quotes. 

The calming blush colour works really well with metallic – accessorize with gold, silver and pink stationery to tie the two shades together.

What's the best color to paint a small home office?

"If you have a small, dark office, why not embrace it, and play to its strengths.', says Helen Shaw UK marketing director, Benjamin Moore .

'Incorporating a rich, bold paint color is a fool-proof way to create instant character, taking a small space from drab to stylish.'

'Dark colors cleverly absorb the light of a space, making the division between walls appear blurred.'

'This ‘blurred edges’ effect adds depth and dimension to a room, making the space appear larger, rather than more cramped as some may fear.'

Danetti's Jess Contomichalos has a different take. 'Choose soothing colors for the walls,' she says. 'Pale warm neutrals or greys are the perfect backdrop for a working environment that doesn't jar with your home.  

How do I set up an office in a small space?

19 ways to create a small and stylish home office

by Alexey | Tips Decor Workshop Interior | Thursday, 29 November 2018

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Don't think you have extra space for your home office? We are here to say - yes is. Whether you're trying to squeeze into a small desk or have a fully loaded workspace, these 19 examples of will help you integrate a wonderfully stylish small home office into your interior.

Home office in the living room

Rearranging the furniture in this small living room created the space needed for a home office. To accomplish this task, Style by Emily placed the sofa against the longest wall and then positioned the table directly in front of the window. Thus, free square meters in the center visually increase the size of the room.

photography - stylebyemilyhenderson

Unused walls

Sitting on your bum all day is not good for your health, which is why we love this workspace built on unused walls. In a nutshell, their project uses inexpensive wooden shelves and iron brackets. You can work standing up or use a bar stool.

Photography - abeautifulmess

Home office in built-in wardrobe

In this example, a spare cabinet has become a home office. To make the most of the small space, the interior designer opted for a narrow, low-profile table. On the shelves above it there is space for books and a printer. Orange paint illuminated the corner with an invigorating color. When you're done, you just close the door and you can't see the office.

Photography - cpoppworkshop

Zone curtain

You can set aside a nook for your home office by using a curtain, as shown in this New York apartment. When closed, it separates the work area from the living area.

Photo - unknown

Smart Office Corner

In this example, several shelves turn a square meter into a tiny home office.

Photography - megangeorgopoulos

Floating console

The floating console, which is located on the left side of the apartment in New York, doubles as a desk with drawers.

Photography - homepolish

Office in the hallway

When a client needed a family office in their home, interior designer Carly Callahan decided to work on unused space in their entryway to design the L-shaped desk.

Photography - callahaninteriors

Furniture for small spaces

Too much furniture can make a tiny room look cluttered and cramped. By carving out space for a home office in this small space, the interior designer Alison Jennison used furniture without visual weight.

Photography - ajennison

Wall furniture

A floating desk and wall shelving unit turns an unused corner into a home office. A cute booze cart allows you to unwind after a hard day's work.

Photography - annacarindesign

Secret office

This transforming New York City micro-apartment is brimming with functional features for everyday living. At the back of the room are sliding doors that hide the home office.

Photography - mkca

Stylish wallpaper

Create a workspace that you love by including elements that showcase your unique style. This lovely office nook uses wallpaper to personalize a small space.

Photography - allisonlind

Small workplace

An ingenious storage unit hides all the essentials, including printer and modem. Creating a functional space was very important for the interior designer, so she used two-tier zoning.

Photography - vanessafrancis

Smart Desk

We just love stylish storage ideas. Here are chic tables in the Parisian living room of French interior designer Christophe Wendel . The wall above the workspace is saturated with a variety of posters. We are also attracted to chairs that contribute to playfulness.

Photography - christophevendel

Minimalism

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. This tiny studio apartment is Marion Alberge . The countertops along the wall creates a place to eat and work.

Photography - marionalberge

Corner workstation

In this traditional Roost Interiors home, a gorgeous wood and brass table between two windows creates a beautiful workspace with good views.

Photography - roost-interiors

Gentle pink shade

Delicate shades on the walls, a small bench and a golden office chair that is the perfect combination of functionality and looks.

Photography - alicelanehome

Position the work desk behind the sofa

The table behind the sofa in the living room is a great way to create a home office space. Cabinets and shelves have been added here to create a storage wall.

Photography - marionalberge

Wall monitor

The monitor takes up most of the desk space, leaving very little room for other important things. That's why we love this tiny home office Heavenly . A wall mounted monitor is an elegant solution that frees up space.

Photography - havenly

Kitchen work table

The home office can even be in the kitchen, especially with the use of smart furniture such as a folding table.

Photo - unknown

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How to set up a small home office

Working within the walls of your own home is the dream of almost every office worker, as it offers many benefits and saves a lot of time and money on daily public transport.

When deciding to start a professional activity at home, it is necessary to think in time about where and how to organize a workplace, which, in turn, must meet certain requirements. This is what we intend to talk about in today's article on creating a small home office.

When creating a workplace, it is important to consider the following points:

  1. The workplace should not take up much space. In essence, it is always a table and an armchair, as well as shelves, drawers and lockers for storing papers, stationery and other things.
  2. In the area reserved exclusively for the home office, you should place only items related directly to your activities and not clutter it with extraneous things.
  3. The work area must be organized ergonomically, that is, in compliance with the rules for placing objects and equipment in space for the most convenient use.
  4. Be careful about choosing the right lighting, table height and seating, as they should not cause discomfort during work.
  5. To create a harmonious look for your home office space, try to stay within the existing interior by choosing office furniture in contrasting colors and styles.

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Where can I set up a home office

Now we are not talking about placing a full-fledged working area in a separate room, which, most often, is impossible to do in the space of a small apartment. But when the task is to economically manage the premises, it becomes necessary to look for alternative places to place a mini-office.

Hidden office

It is very tempting to organize a home office, for example, behind the doors of a built-in wardrobe or pantry, because inside each of them the space can be reorganized so that everything you need in a small office fits easily and very comfortably.

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Window sill and niche

Both options are great for decorating the workplace, the difference is only in the level of daylight intensity. The obvious advantage of a home office, equipped on a wide windowsill by the window, of course, is natural light throughout the day.

In the case of niches there is no sunlight, and the need for good artificial light comes to the fore. Despite this, a small office located in a wall recess, under stairs or between cabinets can be a great solution.

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Choose the right furniture

Everyone knows how important comfortable furniture is when it comes to important work, such as paperwork or a computer. Without paying due attention to the selection of a comfortable chair and desk, you can soon feel the consequences of an incorrect sitting position. Therefore, it is recommended not to save on buying a high-quality anatomical chair with a soft backrest slightly tilted back and the ability to adjust the seat height.

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If desired, you can place the items and equipment necessary for work in the body of the desk. Such furniture is quite compact and ergonomic for placement anywhere in the room, and a folding tabletop will allow you to start working at any time.

Remember, the simpler the forms of furniture, the easier it will be to work in a small home office, located, say, in a deep niche, since visually nothing will weigh on you. Instead of a heavy pencil case, install a small cabinet with drawers under the countertop, and above it - a pair of hanging shelves.

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Organize the space above the table

If you have a very modest space to organize your home office, you must use it wisely. Thus, it is rather unforgivable to leave the wall above the table completely empty, without using its surface in any way. After all, with the help of a competent design of this plane, you can free the desktop from a large accumulation of papers, books, drawing tools and other things.

So, how can you use the area above the table:

Hang a board for notes and reminders

You can attach appointment and call schedules, phone numbers and customer addresses to it, so you need to look for the right notes in a notebook for a long time will fall off by itself.

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Hang shelves

This idea is good when you need to conveniently arrange a large number of folders with papers, documents, and professional literature.

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Use open and closed sections

This is useful if small children live in the house with you, who strive to take care of the restricted areas of the mini-office. For greater security, locks can be built into the doors of hanging cabinets.

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Office as a part of the interior of the room

Very often, owners of small apartments are simply forced to equip their home office in a variety of and, in fact, not intended for this place. Kitchens, corridors, loggias and balconies are quite often used, so it would be better if you decorate the home office area using the same materials, textures and colors that are present in the rest of the environment. Then the workplace will organically look in the interior of any of the rooms.

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