At the beginning of the pandemic, many people were forced into working from home whether they wanted to or not. That also meant many people did not have adequate space to create a roomy home office. Or at least, they couldn’t see the ways they can make the most out of a small space. A little creativity and the right kind of furniture can go a long way on how to make a home office in a small space.
Create and Standing Workstation
Sitting all day is not the best for our health, so using a standing desk is a great option. Not only are standing desks beneficial to our health, but they can take up less room than a sitting desk. If your kitchen has a breakfast bar area that is a good height for standing, you could transform it into a workstation. Chances are that once everyone in the house is finished eating breakfast, the area doesn’t get used again until the evening when the kids are having a snack or doing homework. So, from 9 to 5 it can be your office. If you don’t have a space already suited for standing to work, putting a standing desk in another room will still take up less room than a sitting desk with a chair.
Turn a Closet Into An Office
Some homes or apartments have more closets than needed, so why not turn one into a small home office? To make the most of the space, you can select a narrow, low profile desk or table and a chair that will fit under it. You can even add shelving above the desk for office supplies, a printer, a lamp, and other necessary work items. Best of all, when you aren’t using space for work, you can close the door to keep it out of sight and out of mind.
Divide a Room
Carve out a nook of your home to use an office by utilizing dividers. If you have a studio apartment or a bedroom that is large enough, using a screen or partition to separate the office from the home is a great way to maximize the space you have available. Steelcase has some great options such as the Pivot Screen, the Flex Acoustic Boundary, or Campfire Screen. You can configure them in whatever way works best for your space. You could also do this in a living room, dining room area, or any other room that has a little extra space.
Find a Recessed Area to Take Over
Not every living space will have a recessed area, but if you do, its time to take it over! If there is an area that is wide enough for you to stand in, it might be just enough space to work in. It would most likely be ideal for a standing desk situation and if you want a break to sit down, add a tall, slim chair or stool that can be tucked away at the end of the workday. Adding storage above the desk will allow you to stay organized and clutter-free.
Home Office in the Hallway
This one might seem odd, but it could work! If you have very limited space but a hallway that is wide enough, you could consider getting a slim desk that is easy to move. If the desk is lightweight or has wheels, you can easily move the desk into the hallway at the beginning of the day and then stow it away in a closet when not in use. In this situation, a standing desk might work best if the hallway doesn’t allow enough room for a chair.
Storage is Everything
Regardless of where you end up finding space for a home office in a small space, having clever and functional storage is a must. By making use of every precious inch of space, you can maximize what you have available to you. Without proper storage, a small workspace can feel claustrophobic, chaotic, and distracting.
Get the Office Furniture You Need
If you are ready to design a home office in a small space, or even a modern gaming room, you will need the right kind of office furniture. Marathon Building Environments has solutions for you that will be functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. If you need assistance in creating a home office space, our Solutioneers have ample experience in designing offices of all sizes. Contact us today for a consultation!
