How to create a home office in a small space

How to create a home office in a small space

Since the start of the pandemic, remote working has become the new normal – 83% of businesses now stipulate hybrid working models within employee contracts.

What was once thought to be a temporary measure has become a permanent part of life, so make-shift workspaces within our homes simply don’t cut it anymore. But creating the perfect home office with little space can be tricky.

If you’re looking for inspiration, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog, we share a few tips and tricks on how to create a home office in a small space.

Fold-out furniture

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a spare room that can be converted into a home office. If you’re living in a small flat or house with limited space, fold-out furniture could be the perfect solution for you.

These innovative designs have been cleverly manufactured to be functional only when you need them. Simply pop up your desk and chair to create an adequate working space. As soon as you log off for the day, you can put your furniture back into its original flattened state.

It's a great solution for those struggling with space, as you can store your items in a wardrobe or under your sofa or bed when it isn’t in use.

Convert an unused area of your home 

Though you may not have a large living area within your home, it’s always a good idea to double-check every nook and cranny around the house for a potential office set-up. You may be surprised to find you’ve been harbouring dead space that never occurred to you as an area that could double up as an office! Hallways and lofts are often overlooked as precious spaces we can utilise.

Once you’ve decided on a location for your new workspace, it’s time to organise your set-up. This will play a key role in your day-to-day productivity during work time, so try to find somewhere that leaves minimal room for distraction. Ensure you have a comfortable chair and adequate desk space for all of your equipment too. Dual monitors can be a great addition for those who like to multitask!

Add built-in storage 

Deciding how to create a home office in a small space is notoriously difficult, but one of the best solutions for working around this is opting for fitted furniture. A built-in office unit can provide ample storage for you to organise all of your work equipment, neatly packing it away and out of sight.

At Hammonds, we have plenty of options for built-in home offices that we can tailor to your home’s specific requirements. Choose from an array of exclusive colours and materials to create an entirely bespoke design that complements your home perfectly.

Worried about awkward spaces? Don’t be! We can create a made-to-measure desk unit that fits seamlessly within your chosen workspace area!

Declutter your desk

Small spaces and clutter are a recipe for disaster. Having a chaotic workspace can lead to a lack of organisation and leave you open to making mistakes. A tidy workspace equals a tidy mind.

Remember, despite being in the comfort of your own home, this is now your new workplace, so maintaining fresh, clean surroundings is vital if you wish to appear professional on video calls. The best tip for keeping on top of your workspace is to organise your equipment efficiently and store everything you could need nearby but out of sight.

Choose a spot with good lighting

When it comes to remote working, adequate lighting is vital to feeling alert and motivated. If possible, try to position your desk near a window so you can benefit from lots of natural light.

If you don’t have a window nearby, investing in a good-quality desk lamp can be just as helpful. This can allow you to clearly see what you’re doing without having to strain your eyes.

Alongside bright lighting, we also recommend opening your window slightly to keep fresh air circulating. This can help you to feel refreshed and revitalised when sitting at your desk all day. Alternatively, why not go one step better and enjoy an afternoon walk during your lunch hour? Stepping away from your desk – even if only for 15 minutes – can have a hugely positive impact on afternoon productivity.

Allow us to help you build your dream home office

For further inspiration, help and advice about how to create a home office in a small space, simply book a free Hammonds design visit. 

Our expert designers will be more than happy to discuss specific storage requirements with you and help you find the perfect solution to your dream home office.