practical and stylish home office ideas for small spaces

Whether you work from home full time or part time, having a home office space that’s both organised and stylish is a necessity, no matter how small it is. I’ve been working from home ever since I started this blog and over the years I’ve learned just how much my work environment affects my productivity, creativity and mood.

In an ideal world it would be amazing to have a spare room that can be turned in to a home office but for most of us that’s not the reality. The good news is that no matter how small a space you can spare, with a little thought and creativity, you can create a stylish and practical workspace in your home.

Whether the only space you have for a home office is a tiny nook in a room, a narrow corridor or a corner of a small bedroom, you can totally make it work for you. These tips will help you do just that.

home office ideas for small spaces

think about the most appropriate spot

Before you pick a spot for your home office, think about how you’ll use it and how much or how little space and storage you can manage with. This will be dictated to some extent by the space available in your home but think creatively because the most obvious spot may not be the best one for your needs.

keep it clutter free

This is probably the most important tip to keep in mind especially for small work spaces. No matter how small a space you have, keeping it clutter-free will promote productivity and make the space more conducive to working and being creative.

opt for a space with natural light

We all know the benefits of natural light so it makes sense to have your desk in a space where there is natural light. I don’t always recommend a desk in front of a window because if there’s lots happening outside that can quickly get distracting (at least for me). So if not right in front of a window, anywhere near a window or any space with natural light will work well.

make it inspiring

No matter how small, a home office space can be inspiring. Things like a favourite artwork or a pin board with inspiring images or quotes are some of my favourite things to have around me. Alternatively a sculpture, an interesting lamp or a favourite scented candle could all work depending on what inspires you.

consider the lighting

In a small space, one space-saving option is to use wall lights as they don’t take up floor or desk space. If your home office is part of another room then a swing wall light is a great idea as one light can light up different areas. For. e.g. if your desk is by your bed, a swing wall light will double up as a bedside light and your desk light. Alternatively, if your space isn’t near a wall socket, use a portable light. They’re so handy and it means you can have your workspace wherever you want, regardless of electrics!

choose multitasking furniture

Whenever space is limited, opting for furniture with more than one use is both practical and space-saving. You could opt for a desk which doubles up as a storage. Or the desk could be part of a wall mounted shelving system. You could use a dining chair or stool you already have as your desk chair.

make use of vertical space

If you need space to store some things (and who doesn’t), use a shelf or two or three above your desk. This will not only help keep your desktop clutter-free but making using of vertical space is ideal when floor space is limited.

opt for neutral tones

Neutral colours are always a winner in my book but in small spaces, they are even more important. Neutrals aren’t restricted to just white, beige and grey, but any paint shade that creates a calm home office like blush and muted greens and blues. Introducing light wood tones will also work to make the space feel calm and clutter-free.