Small Home Office Ideas

Small alcoves in your home that you aren’t sure what to do with make great places to set up your office. Whether it’s space between rooms or the unique area beneath a staircase, don’t let that square footage go to waste. Instead, transform it into a space where your to-do list gets done. Before choosing a desk (for any space in your home), take measurements of the space so you can find one in the right size

A vacant corner in your living room or bedroom can be the right spot to create an office area. Corner desks are perfect for tucking into these spaces, but you can also opt for a smaller desk that’ll fit just as nicely. Ladder desks are another great option for turning a corner into a workspace. They resemble bookshelves, making great use of vertical wall space. If you have a little more space to work with, an L-shaped desk fills out a corner nicely and gives you extra room to work.

In mixed-use spaces, a small office desk can pull double duty. If you’re adding office space to your bedroom, a writing desk can be both a space for productivity and where you display jewelry or other favorite trinkets. You can even look to unconventional pieces to act as your desk. In the living room, it could be a console or sofa table behind the couch that becomes the place where you meet deadlines. You don’t have to think of your office space as being separate. Let it be inclusive with the rest of the room but available to function as your workstation when you need it.

An entire room does make a great place to work, but you don’t need one. By using a small section of wall space, you’ll have just what you need for your work-from-home setup. Floating desks are a great option here, especially if you’re already limited on floor space and don’t want to take up more with another piece of furniture. Some feature hinged tops that fold down, making it easy to conceal the workspace when the day is done. Find a small desk chair that can act as an accent chair in the room — simply turn it around to face the room when you’re done working. To make it feel like a dedicated work area in the shared space, give it its own look by dressing up that part of the wall with some wallpaper or adding a divider.

When trying to incorporate a home office into limited space, consider some of the following desk designs and decorating options to keep it from overwhelming the room.

• Slim features, like thin legs, help keep a feeling of openness in the room
• Glass tops also offer an airier appearance over a solid surface
• Blend your desk into the room’s surroundings so it’s not the main focal point

Wherever your petite office is, you’ll want to add décor to make it a space that drives motivation, creativity and productivity. Since it’s in your home, there’s more freedom to decorate it exactly to your liking and style. From plants and artwork to lighting, you can easily create an office that is custom-made for you.

If space is at a premium, there are a few more ideas on how to give yourself a place to work without taking up too much valuable square footage.

• Folding trays – These are ideal for pulling out when you need them, and then fold up easily for stashing behind the couch or in a closet.
• Lap desks – Your office can be literally anywhere with a lap desk. Set up on the couch, outside on the patio or wherever you want to work. Plus, these small desks can be conveniently stored beside the sofa, in a closet or under the bed at the end of the day.
• Breakfast bar – If your kitchen features a counter with a breakfast bar, convert this built-in area into a workspace when you need it. It already has a surface to rest your laptop, so just slide onto a bar stool and get to work.