How to Create a Winning Home Office in a Small Space

The global pandemic has changed a lot about workplace culture. Working from home is now the norm. A recent Upwork study suggests that 22% of the American workforce will be remote by 2025. However, for many of us, our homes are not set up for remote work. This article looks at how to convert small spaces, like closets, cupboards, and even bookshelves, into home offices and say goodbye to the kitchen table! 

How to Win at WFH 

Working from home (WFH) also has its perks if you do it right. It allows greater flexibility in terms of hours, which can be great for those who can self-motivate to get the work done when it needs to be done, in their own time. 

Working from home also reduces travel time and positively impacts the environment, with much less commuting. The greater flexibility frees up more time for exercise, rest, or spending time with family and friends. You can also save costs on ordering food with your kitchen right there—there’s no excuse not to bring your lunch! 

A home office means you can separate work from home life while still having all the comforts and convenience at your fingertips. 

Why a Home Office is Important

In theory, the idea of working from your bed sounds pretty good, right? Unfortunately, the reality can be very different. Whether you have a busy household with kids, reside with roommates, or live alone, working from home can be a logistical nightmare if you don’t have a dedicated space to operate. Having a dedicated workspace and desk can also help keep you focused and productive.  

It Creates Boundaries 

When work and everyday life are both happening in the same space, it can be hard to create boundries and log off at the end of the day. Having set working hours and dedicated time to unwind is important. When you have a dedicated workspace, it's much easier to close the door, flip off the lightswitch and leave work behind when the day is done. 

5 Ideas to Create a Home Office in a Small Space

With working from home here to stay, it’s time to get creative. Here are some of our favorite home office ideas for small spaces:

1. The “cloffice”

Got a closet? Well, you also have an office! You can transform your built-in closet into a tactical, compact workspace. Just add in shelving and a desk, and you can create the ideal home office closet. 

2. The bookshelf desk

Turning a bookcase into a workspace is one of the most practical, ingenious ways to create a home office in a small space. By getting yourself a low-level bookcase, you can use the top as a workspace and the shelving as storage for your work folders as well as your books. You can even remove the chair at the end of the day, and the space will revert to just a regular bookshelf—voila!

3. The under stairs office 

Whether it’s the awkward space under the stairs or a tiny attic space in the roof, adding in some custom-made shelves, storage solutions, and a chair can make for a functional, stylish home office.  

4. The loft bed office 

Perfect for those living in a studio space or who are restricted to working from their bedroom, a loft bed means you can use the underneath space as your office. Simply fit it out with a desk, some shelving, and a chair, and you have a perfectly functional home office enclave that feels removed from the rest of your bedroom. 

5. The multi-purpose workspace

If you’re looking for small home office ideas that don't require too much effort, simply dividing a room with a bookshelf or curtain can be an easy way to create a home office when you’re short of space. This means you can convert a room into a multi-purpose area without making any permanent changes.

6 Tips for Creating a Home Office in a Small Space 

Tiny home-dwellers, apartment livers, or anyone lacking extra space in their home, these are our top 6 tips for creating your perfect home office. 

1. Use colors that help open up a space, such as whites and other light tones. We also suggest choosing just one or two colors; mixed schemes and patterns can create a feeling of chaos and a lack of cohesion. 
2. Choose a location that makes the best use of space. There are many different spaces in a home that could be an office, but choose the one with the greatest potential to be functional.
3. Ideally, choose a spot with plenty of natural light, as this is essential for productivity and can help boost mood. If natural light is hard to come by in your home, deck out your office space with a low-lit lamp with the illusion of natural light. 
4. Add some details to make it more comfortable, like incorporating plants, buying a comfortable desk chair, and installing effective and creative storage solutions. These will help create the most functional and welcoming workspace for your needs. 
5. Think outside the box. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ideas like dividing a room to have multiple uses or installing shelving that uses the entire height of the wall to allow ample desk space. The options are endless! 
6. When your home doubles as your office, it’s important for things to run smoothly. Invest in a home warranty plan so you can spend more time being productive and less time worrying about repairs. AHS home warranty plans provide coverage for parts of up 23 home systems and appliances to save you time and money when unexpected breakdowns occur. 

Get creative with your home office 

Working from home is now a part of life for many of us, so adapting our homes is one way to make it easy and enjoyable. Luckily, there are plenty of interesting ways to create home offices, even in very small spaces.  Find what works for you as we navigate this “new normal” and thrive in whatever space you choose to create! 

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.