If you have a small room or area within your home that you want to transform into a home office, don't feel frustrated by the limited amount of space. How can you create a home office when your space is limited? It's not as difficult as you may think.
Following a few tips can help you create a beautiful workspace that you'll enjoy using. Keep reading to learn more!
Start with a Desk
There are countless options for bringing a desk into your small home office without leaving your work area feeling congested. One idea is to secure a tabletop surface to a wall by using shelving brackets to hold the desk in place. You can add brackets beneath the desk for additional stability.
Another option is to use a folding table as your desk. This option gives you a larger work area and provides a more reliable surface for your computer, printer, and other electronic equipment. Why you ask? Because it's affixed to the wall! When the table isn’t in use, you can store it away. Alternatively, look for a corner desk that will help you eliminate negative space in an awkwardly shaped room.
Don’t Leave Corners Unused
If you are dealing with a lack of space, Ideal Home suggests taking advantage of the corners! For example, filing cabinets can be set flush in the corners to turn those areas into useful storage & work areas. If you don't have a lot of need for storage, use the corners to arrange one or two plants or an eye-pleasing sculpture.
Turn a Dividing Wall into a Workstation
If you have an open doorway or dividing wall, you can also make use of this area by adding a nightstand, small desk, or bookshelf. The unit you set in front of the dividing wall or open threshold can be used to store books and files, or it can be used to organize your incoming and/or completed tasks.
Attach a pegboard or corkboard to the wall over the nightstand or desk to create more storage space. You can hang notes, key rings, and other items that need to be stored conspicuously. This is also a good place for a second computer station if you're kids want to work next to you.
Make Better Use of The Closet
If your small home office includes a closet, use it to help keep clutter out of the way. Invest in a small cart with wheels to hold pens, staples, paper clips, & other office supplies. It can also provide a great place to store printer paper and envelopes. Roll the cart into your closet and keep it there until you need more supplies. You can also use the existing shelves and racks to store folders or books.
Get Creative with Décor
Once you have the basics covered, it’s time to make your home office a more welcoming and comfortable environment. Look for things that inspire you or help you feel invigorated. Keep an eye out for unique paintings and artwork to add to your workspace.
If you want to create a theme for your office, art from local creators can complement that vision perfectly! Turn to nature as well. Adding reclaimed driftwood, stones, seashells, or sand can help you bring more of a natural feel to your workspace.
Add Some Chairs
Seating is another important feature in your office, and you’ll want to ensure you feel comfortable. In shopping for a new office chair, be sure to look for one that offers firm lumbar support. You should also be able to sit upright with your feet still resting comfortably on the floor.
Add a small loveseat or futon if you have unoccupied space. This will provide comfortable seating for clients, should they visit you at home. Alternatively, a futon is a great place for your children to hang out and catch up on some homework.
Use The Door
The door(s) to your home office shouldn’t be discounted when it comes to storage. Real Homes suggests bringing in vertical storage options, such as hooks or a hanging rod. Use these tools to choral additional office supplies or spare jackets. Keep the essentials in this area to give you a convenient place to grab them and go.
Maximize Natural Light
If there’s a window in your home office, you’ll want to make sure you can maximize the sunlight you get from this opening. To begin, be sure you don’t block the window with any cabinets or shelves. It may even be better to set up your desk in front of the window or nearby.
Even if you only have one small window, you can increase the natural lighting by strategically placing a mirror or two throughout the room. The reflection from the mirrors will make your office seem bigger. As the sunlight is reflected, you’ll find that your office also feels brighter and warmer.
Go Low for More Storage
You can also add more storage by sliding boxes and plastic crates under your desk or beneath shelves, but not too many. Depending on the type of work you do, you may need more storage space than the average at-home employee. If that’s the case, look for creative ways to store your supplies. Make use of cubbies and nooks beneath staircases to keep things in order. Stackable crates make it easier to store more things in one confined area.
Conclusion
Feel free to be creative in designing your own small home office. This will be your work area, so you should feel free to use your imagination and create any look that appeals to you. Look for ideas as you stroll along the beach or visit your friends. You never know where or when inspiration will strike!
