Today’s guest post is by Hazel Bennett a freelance writer and blogger. She has a degree in communications and lives in Northeastern Ohio. Hazel loves writing about numerous topics and showcasing her expertise with words. You can see more of her work here.
We’re talking about creating a productive small home office space even when you have very little room.
On to Hazel…
Setting up a small home office in your tiny apartment or condo may seem impossible when in reality, all it takes is a little creativity. With a few tools and some imagination, you can establish a comfy and functional workspace that blends in seamlessly with your current layout. Here are some small home office tips to help get you started.
Creatively Rethink Your Space
Choosing the right location for your small home office is essential, particularly in homes with limited space. The place you pick should be well-lit, have adequate elbow room, and be as distraction-free as possible. Some common small office areas include empty bedroom corners, dining room corners, and spots against undecorated living room walls.
Even if all the typical small spaces in your home are full, there are several uncommon areas that you can turn into a functional office. In addition to providing natural light, a wide windowsill offers plenty of room for a tablet, wireless mouse, and writing utensils.
Kitchen islands and empty hall closets can also make suitable workstations. You could even create an outdoor set-up on a patio or enclosed porch.
Regardless of which room you choose for your small office, avoid disrupting the original purpose and flow of the space. Section off the work area using a small decorative rug to define the border between your office and the rest of the room.
If your set-up is in a corner, consider a collapsible room divider that can shut out distractions and provide privacy while you work.
More ideas for a divider:
- Bamboo blinds
- Curtains
- A bookcase
- Old doors
Here are some more ideas 20 Creative DIY Room Dividers That Will Redefine Your Living Space
Small-Scale But Full Functionality
Once you’ve decided on a spot for your small home office, it’s time to add the proper furnishings. When thinking of desk setup ideas, remember that your work table needs to fit into a tiny area while still providing plenty of room to work comfortably. Whether you choose a simple fold-out table or break out your tools to create a DIY floating shelf, your desk should suit you as well as your space.
Since the living room is often the hub for all activities in the home, it can be difficult to set up a work area that won’t interfere with the rest of the space. A slim option, such as a writing desk or narrow console table, is a smart choice for integrating your small home office in with your family hangout spot.
A corner desk allows you to use every inch of your tiny work area. Tower hutch desks fit snugly into a small bedroom corner, and offer additional shelving above and underneath the table. For corner offices with a little extra wiggle room, an L-shaped model offers ample space for printers, desktop monitors, and keyboards.
If you plan on working from a closet office, kitchen niche, or the spot under your staircase, a rectangular accent table or compact secretary desk with storage cubbies may be the right choice for you. You could also try using a bookcase with open shelves as a unique work station and display space in these areas.
Keep Everything in its Place
Keeping your small office organized is crucial to the functionality of the workspace. Decorative accents like desk trays and floor baskets are great for stowing work documents and extra notebooks. Avoid overstuffing your desk drawers by using a short file cabinet beneath the table. A storage ottoman can hold extra office supplies while doubling as a cushy seat.
To prevent your small office from becoming crowded, use vertical storage techniques that free up desk and floor space. Rather than using a table lamp to illuminate the office, try mounting wall sconces instead. Tall bookcases provide you with a multi-tiered set-up for placing your work materials out of the way, but within reach.
Add Your Personal Touch
Once all the pieces of your small office are in place, it’s time to make the space your own using chic decor. Stick to a lighter color scheme to keep a bright and open feel, and consider pieces that are both fashionable and functional. Interesting wall art like these limited edition prints add a refreshing pop of color while also promoting a creative atmosphere. Mirrors are a great way to maximize natural light in the room, while wall clocks help you avoid the distractions of your phone while checking the time and can be a great statement piece.
Make it Work
Tiny spaces can have huge potential. Taking a fresh look at your layout can help you discover unique ways to incorporate a small office space into your design. Get creative with the nooks and crannies of your home, and you’ll be surprised what you come up with.
On to you reader. Have a great small home office space tip? Share it in the comments!
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Rachel Frampton says
My father would like to redesign his home office, which is why he’s thinking of buying a wooden furniture set that will be placed in it. Well, I also appreciate your suggestion of investing in cute bamboo blinds. Thnak you for sharing here that a DIY floating shelf would be a great addition too.
lorihil says
Awesome Rachel, I hope your Father’s office turns out great. A good home office space can really change the mood for a great work day.
rachel frampton says
If I were to have a home office, I would make sure to look for the best internet provider since this will be needed in my job. Apart from this, I also agree with you that it would be smarter to add more wide windows to it. Thank you for sharing here as well that it will be best to have a decorative rug and other designs.