In this era of remote work and side hustles, the concept of the home office has become a staple in small apartments and houses around the world. Gone are the days when ‘working from home’ meant sitting at the kitchen table or balancing a laptop on your knees from the comfort of your couch. Today’s professionals crave a dedicated space that can spur productivity and ignite creativity, without taking up valuable living space. 

In this blog, we will explore how to maximise every square inch of your space without sacrificing style. After all, your home office isn’t just a place where work gets done – it’s a compact sanctuary designed for ambition, efficiency, and maybe just a little daydreaming between emails. 

7 Design Ideas for Small Home Offices 

1. Measure Before You Buy 

• Space Optimisation: Plan for corner desks, vertical shelving, or under-desk storage with precision – and avoid the pitfall of purchasing items that are too large & make the space feel cramped. 
• Functional Workflow: You need enough room to move your chair, open drawers, and stretch occasionally without bumping into things. Accurate measurements help maintain clear pathways and ensure ergonomic comfort – vital for long work sessions. 
• Proportion and Scale: In a compact space, a disproportionately large desk or chair can dominate the room, making it feel smaller. By knowing the dimensions, you can select pieces that are the right scale for the space. 
• Avoiding Returns and Exchanges: Nothing is more frustrating than buying furniture online, only to discover it’s too big or too small once it arrives. Measuring saves you the hassle & expense of returning or exchanging items that don’t fit. 
• Intentional Design Choices: With accurate measurements, you can make intentional design choices. Instead of guessing what might work, you can plan your office layout with confidence – ensuring that each piece of furniture serves a purpose. 
• Cost Efficiency: By measuring, you avoid buying items you don’t have room for, thus saving money that could be better spent on quality pieces that are functional and fit the space appropriately. 

2. Select the Right Desk & Chair 

Consider a corner desk to maximise space or a floating desk that can be folded up when not in use. If you rarely need a large work surface, a compact laptop desk might suffice. Choose an office chair that’s comfortable and ergonomic, but not too bulky. Chairs with no arms can save space and easily slide under the desk when not in use. Make it a habit to declutter your desk & workspace regularly to maintain a clear mind and an efficient area. 

3. Think Dual-Purpose 

• A bookshelf with a fold-down desk is an ingenious space-saving solution. During work hours, the fold-down panel serves as your desk. Once the workday ends, the panel can be lifted, and the desk disappears into the bookshelf. 
• Slim console tables are traditionally placed against a wall in hallways or behind sofas. However, they can be repurposed as desks due to their narrow footprint. 
• Storage cubes or ottomans with internal space are a practical addition. They offer a place to tuck away office supplies, cords, or paperwork while providing a seat for guests or a spot to rest your feet during a break. 
• A storage bench can fit under a window or along a wall, offering not just seating but ample space for files, office equipment, or reference materials. 
• Murphy beds are the epitome of multifunctionality in furniture design. Models with integrated desks can transform a guest bedroom into an office space in seconds. 
• Wall-mounted, drop-leaf tables are fixed to the wall with a hinged section (leaf) that can be dropped down or extended out as needed. 

4. Embrace natural light & smart light solutions 

• Place your desk to face the window or to sit perpendicular to it. This maximises natural light and can provide a more enjoyable view during work hours. Use light, translucent window treatments that allow light to filter through. Avoid heavy curtains that can block light even when the windows are open. 
• Position mirrors across from windows to reflect natural light around the room, making the space feel larger and brighter. Mirrors also serve as a design element and can match the decor of your office space. 
• Incorporate materials such as glass or high-gloss furniture that reflect light and enhance the brightness of the space. A glass tabletop or acrylic chair adds to the room’s visual lightness. 
• Installing skylights or solar tubes can bring in natural light from above, which is especially beneficial in spaces without traditional windows. 
• Install smart LED bulbs that can be controlled via a smartphone app or voice commands. These allow for adjusting brightness and even colour temperature throughout the day to match natural circadian rhythms or the task at hand. 
• Use automated window shades to control the natural light entering the room. They can be programmed to open during the brightest parts of the day and to close when the sun is too intense or when privacy is needed. 
• Include task lighting such as desk lamps or under-cabinet lights to provide focused illumination where it is needed, without flooding the entire space with light. 
• Use motion sensors and timers to ensure lights are on only when the space is in use, saving energy and reducing your electric bill. 

5. Colour Matters 

Strategic application of colour can also define different areas within the office. For example, a soothing shade in a reading nook looks great next to a motivating shade in the office. Additionally, the psychological impact of colour should not be underestimated – blues can induce productivity and calmness, while greens are refreshing and help reduce eye strain. 

Ultimately, the thoughtful use of colour in a small home office can transform the physical dimensions, and also significantly enhance functional efficiency & personal comfort. 

6. Use Wall Space Wisely 

• Vertical Storage Solutions: Install floating shelves to keep books, office supplies, and decorative items off your desk but within reach. Wall-mounted cabinets can provide a home for less frequently used items, keeping them hidden and the office tidy. 
• Pegboards and Bulletin Boards: Pegboards offer a versatile way to organise tools & supplies with hooks & shelves that can be reconfigured. Bulletin boards or magnetic dry-erase boards can keep important notes & deadlines in sight, without cluttering your workspace. 
• Wall Desks and Fold-Out Stations: A wall-mounted desk that folds out when needed and tucks away neatly, can be a game-changer in saving space. Fold-out stations can serve multiple purposes, like a craft area that can be concealed when not in use. 
• Corner Shelves: These are perfect for storing various office essentials, and can be installed in corner spaces that are often overlooked 
• Cable Management: Use wall-mounted cable organisers to keep cords off the floor and neatly tucked away, reducing clutter and potential tripping hazards. 
• Wall Art and Decor: Choose art and decor that inspires you, but avoid overcrowding the walls – too much visual stimulation can be distracting. A single, larger piece of art can make the space feel more expansive than several smaller pieces. 
• Modular Wall Systems: These can include a mix of shelves, bins, and boards, and they can be customised to meet the specific needs of your small home office.

7. Go Digital 

In the confines of limited square footage, bulky filing cabinets and physical document storage are replaced with the sleek minimalism of digital storage solutions. Not only does this mean more room to breathe and move, but it also ushers in an era of unprecedented accessibility. Important files are now at your fingertips – whether at your desk or on the go – facilitated by cloud storage and various digital management platforms. 

Moreover, the organisational expertise of digital tools means you can locate, share, and edit documents with just a few clicks – eliminating the all-too-familiar heaps of paper. In the small home office, going digital isn’t just a savvy move; it’s a commitment to a clutter-free, highly efficient, and future-ready working environment. 

Conclusion 

Designing a small home office does not mean sacrificing style or productivity. By focusing on minimalism, smart use of space, light colours, multi-functional furniture, and personal touches, you can create a workspace that is efficient and inviting. 

Remember that the key to smartly designing a small home office is to keep it simple, organised, and clutter-free. With these ideas, even the smallest space can become a powerhouse of productivity.