7 Tips to Maximise Your Small Home Office

 

Whether you need the space to run your business or use the room as an extra office when things get too cluttered at work, there's nothing quite like having an office of your own.

However, it's important to note that not all home offices are created equal. If you have very little space in your home, you may find yourself struggling to maintain an organised and efficient office that allows you to get work done effectively.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to maximise the use of small home offices by making smart decisions about layout and functionality.

We've outlined seven tips on how to maximise your small home office so that you'll have the perfect setup to get work done and not feel cramped in the process. 

    1. Choose an Efficient Layout

Create an efficient layout that will help you store everything you need while still accessing all of it with ease. Inefficient layouts often leave people digging through piles or frustrated because items get lost under other things.

The key is finding a way that keeps everything close by but neatly organised at the same time. Try using shelves and storage containers as a way to keep like items together and easier to find when you need them. Clear space on desks and work surfaces for big projects and clear out any unnecessary material.

Always be sure to check measurements first. Sometimes, what looks large in your head might be too large for your space. Too much clutter can make even small spaces feel cramped and overwhelming.

    1. Avoid Hiding you Desk behind Furniture

A common space-saving strategy, putting a sofa or table in front of your desk, makes it easy for people to walk around your office and feel comfortable stopping by, but you'll soon find that it creates a lot of visual clutter. Instead, arrange furniture always to have an open view of your desk. If you need extra seating:

  • Consider using ottomans instead of chairs.
  • If you like using a sofa as your main office furniture piece, make sure that it can be easily moved out of the way when needed.
  • Keep the lighting dim and use low-profile pieces to ensure that sightlines are never obscured. 

    1. Balance an Area Rug with Comfortable Seating

Sometimes when space is limited, all a person needs is a little encouragement to play with furniture arrangements and accents. Consider placing an area rug underneath your desk.  If you have nice wood floors, it will keep them from being too cold.

It also adds insulation that can help protect against hardwood floor squeaks. If you have enough space, opt for two smaller pieces—one in front of your desk and one in front of your chair.

Keep some pillows on hand so that when a guest stops by, they can kick their feet up on the ottoman and stay awhile. This arrangement not only gives off a casual vibe but makes guests feel welcome and at home while they're visiting your office. 

    1. Choose a Desk Lamp Instead of Wall Lighting

To save space, try using a lamp in place of wall lighting. This will allow you to move your desk around as needed without having to readjust your office lights constantly. A nice touch is to find lamps that match your existing decor. Also, lamps are easily moved around, giving you more flexibility than large, stationary fixtures.

    1. Add Colour with Accessories

Bright, vivid accessories like artwork, vases, and textiles can help tie together a room's overall look and feel. Adding colour in your home office doesn't mean you have to be limited to one or two bold statements.

Accessorising with colourful pieces throughout your space can bring it all together, no matter how big or small. Investing in expensive office furnishings isn't always ideal because it can take up valuable space.

Find other creative ways to optimise your space, such as adding a desk chair next to the desk or reading lamp for easier reading. For example, instead of investing in an entire set of matching office supplies and desk trinkets, add new elements over time by picking up smaller items that complement larger ones.

    1. Add a Bulletin Board

A bulletin board is an ideal way to keep information organised, and it's an easy addition to any room. You can use it as an actual bulletin board or simply as wall art.

Consider using one with a cork backing if you want to hang multiple pieces of paper. Either way, buying or making one is cheap and easy; remember that sticky tack will damage walls if left on for too long.

    1. Keep it Simple, Clean and Functional

A simple but professional style is more impressive and elegant than a room full of chandeliers and crystals. When it comes to creating your small home office, having a clean, minimalist design is a much better approach than filling up your space with ornate decorations.

However, if you like a more cluttered environment for some reason, there are ways to fill up your space with items that still complement an overall sleek, minimalistic look.

For example, try placing interesting artwork on one wall instead of covering every wall in framed pictures or pictures of nature scenes. Anything that doesn't have a specific use shouldn't be in your home office space.

Conclusion

The key to maximising your small home office is utilising every bit of space you have. When an area is full, it feels like its being used effectively. Look at your room or office and think about ways to use otherwise unoccupied spaces in creative ways.

For example, consider adding shelving, so everything has a place if your walls are bare and don't have storage built-in. And remember that under-desk items should be stored away but remain visible. Boxes, file folders, and supplies all help give off that work-hard vibe even when you're not working.

Finally, be careful not to crowd things together. Keep spaces free of objects that may hinder someone from comfortably getting around your des. You'll feel motivated and accomplished with a clean workspace that doesn't leave any clutter unsightly.