Whether you’re a remote worker, a freelancer, or someone who simply needs a designated area, carving out a small home office workspace can be a game-changer. Making even the tiniest nook, like we did, into a productive space is achievable.
Howard and I each need our own workspace. Even though he is retired, he’s busy planning our trips, handling bills, financial paperwork and reading the news on his computer. And when our kids are here, they like to have a space to work from remotely, too.
So recently we decided to swap workspaces as Howard needed more elbow room (his more public corner in the hallway was getting crowded with too much stuff–which was frankly getting on my nerves). But, I find I use my laptop all over the house so that I really just need a small corner that I could keep tidy.
Small Home Office Ideas For Your House Or Apartment
1. Location, Location, Location: First things first, identify the ideal spot in your home for your mini office. Look for underutilized spaces such as a corner of your living room, a niche under the stairs, or even a section of your bedroom or guest room. It should be placed in an area that does not block foot traffic and has natural light if possible.
We have this small corner alcove that the previous owner used as a reading nook. It makes a great spot for my small home office space near the windows with natural lighting and nearby bookshelves. Plus, like I said, I like to move around the house with my laptop, especially to the “Ladies Loft.” And Howard moved into the spare room, office/sometimes guest room.
Usually, it is not good feng shui to have an office in your bedroom, but if you are really limited on space, you can work at say the kitchen or dining table as long as you put things back on your desk space at the end of the day. Don’t let your work overtake the house.
2. Optimize Space with Small Profile Furniture: Invest in furniture pieces like a compact desk. We’ve had ours for years but there are lots of stylish writing desks on the market.
Our rattan desk is vintage but you can find something similar on Wayfair and there are over 20 different finished/colors to complement your decor. It’s nice to have drawers. The desk chair is also vintage.
Writing Desks For A Small Space
You may also like Writing Desks Create A Home Workspace.
3. Personalize Your Workstation: Make your home office corner a reflection of your personality and style.
I styled my desk area simply with some indoor plants and framed photographs and put other accessories on the nearby shelves. This frees up the work surface.
4. Declutter: Clutter is the enemy of productivity, especially in a small office nook. Keep your home office corner organized by implementing clever storage solutions.
We use a nearby walk-in closet for filing cabinets, office supplies and a wireless printer. It’s to the left of this bookcase where we are displaying some of Howard’s books and mementos.
5. Lighting: Good lighting is essential for reducing eye strain and maintaining focus. Maximize natural light by positioning your desk near a window, but also supplement with task lighting such as a desk lamp or table lamp for ambient lighting.
This is how Howard’s office is now (my former office)…it’s looks pretty good, right? (I told him I was featuring it on the blog, so… 🙂
Transforming a small corner of your home into a functional and stylish home office area is entirely achievable with some creativity and planning.
I’m happy with my small office workspace and Howard likes his, too (and I still use this day bed in “his” office with my gallery on the office wall).
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Leslie says
Mary Ann
Lovely post. And the balloons are fun. But even though they are natural latex they go into landfills and become garbage. And nothing to do with your post, most people buy helium filled balloons which are often released and sadly kill birds. And other animals. They are dangerous. Toxic. And the helium is needed for medical purposes. Helium is becoming harder to get. So I caution readers to think about using balloons. And that’s sad because they are so fun.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Leslies, you are right…I never thought about landfill. And I have been trying really hard to use less plastic.
Joanna says
Since we downsized upon retiring and needed two guest rooms, we had a Murphy bed built in the smaller of the two and turned the closet into an office (cloffice). When kids are sleeping there I close the doors and out of sight. It works fine for our needs. I just use an iPad so no need for a designated space. My air printer is tucked into the tv console, out of sight but easily accessed. Sometimes, we just need to get a little creative.
Love your compromise. Now Howard has his designated space and you don’t have to see any clutter. A win/win.
Mary Ann Pickett says
That’s sort of what we did too, Joanna, with a daybed in that office…and office supplies/printer on shelving in the closet.
Karen L says
Your spaces are an inspiration! I need to clean up my own desk before I deal with husband’s office (a source of conflict for sure). Thank you for finding good writing desk options, I’m shopping those now!
Lorrie Bredal says
I’m sorry Mary Ann for saying Hi Cindy. I’m really writing to you! I was looking at a post of Cindy’s also and got mixed up. . Please forgive me.
Mary Ann Pickett says
That’s ok, Lorrie…it has happened before. I have the wires tucked up higher behind the desk and then the basket trash can hides the cords and outlet. I don’t like to see them either. The wireless printer is in the closet around the corner.
Lorrie Bredal says
Thank you! That’s is exactly what I did. I just wish they would go away. Always an issue. I hope to finish this project today. Thank you for the inspiration!
Lorrie
Lorrie Bredal says
Hi Cindy. I’m trying this idea. I have a bay window that my husband built a top to go over two white file cabinets. I want a more furniture look. I have a lovely antique alter table with two drawers. It fits! So the file cabinets can be moved. My question I don’t see any wires in your pictures. How did you do that? And do you have a printer somewhere?
Deanna says
You worked out a good compromise that can suit both of your needs. Tho it must have been a bit hard to trade your lovely office. Good job finding a Wayfair dupe for your lovely writing desk.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Actually, Deanna, I feel happy when I walk past my desk in the hall now 🙂
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says
Both spaces are beautiful! Love your ideas and looks.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Elizabeth!
cindy says
This was such a good post. We are going to need to do the same thing somewhere when Steve gets rid of his behemoth computer. This gave me some great ideas!
Mary Ann Pickett says
We are happier, Cindy! Maybe Steve needs a laptop for Father’s Day!