practical and stylish home office ideas for small spaces

So many more of us are now working from home. Some of us do a mix of office and home while others are purely working from home. I’ve been working from home ever since I started this blog so even though it’s not a new thing for me, I know it is for others. And sometimes it can be tricky to find the perfect home office spot especially in a small home.

Of course it would be amazing to have an extra 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 part of a small room, 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 recommend a desk in front of a window where there’s lots happening as that can get distracting but go for anywhere near a window. If there isn’t anything distracting to see, then go for it – even better if all you see is greenery.

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.

use wall lights

In a small space, it’s always a good idea 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.

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 piece of storage. Or the desk could be a shelf that’s part of a book shelf or shelving system you already use. 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, use a shelf or two above your desk. This will not only help keep your desktop clutter-free but also 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. White, beiges, blacks, greys, nudes and light wood tones will all work to make the space feel calm and clutter-free.