Small Office Ideas for Every Kind of Work-from-Home Setup

Creating a space you love to be in can take the chore out of even the most mundane tasks. Even if your workstation is more nook than corner office, maximizing its potential with efficiency and storage that suits your needs will set you up for success, day after day. We've gathered the most inspiring small office ideas to help you create the multifunctioning space of your work dreams. Now, the only question is, whose turn is it to get the coffee?

Not all home office requirements are the same, so before you begin decorating, consider exactly how your space needs to function, what you'll need readily accessible at your workstation, and what kind of workspace you need.

Take the Office Outside

rustic home office inside gray modern shed wood detail steps — John Merkl

If a small office idea doesn't fit your home's current layout, consider taking your office outside. A converted shed, small guest house, or even the garage (if you live in a more temperate climate) can become an office while being removed from the hustle and bustle of the house. Peace and quiet? It's not to be underestimated. This outdoor office features French doors that create an indoor-outdoor feel when opened wide and allow for plenty of natural light even when closed.

Inside, the decor and storage stay in step with the surroundings, calling on natural wood finishes and rustic open shelves to provide the space with the functionality it needs without sacrificing style. It also keeps the office from feeling cramped while acting as an extension of the great outdoors.

Keep It Hidden

small-space hideaway desk bench mood board shelves cabinets — Nicole LaMotte

Tuck a workspace away into a built-in pantry wall. Here, this small office idea is hidden by doors that open and slide back into their pockets so that even when the desk is in use, it doesn't obstruct access to the storage on either side of the office nook. Everything you need fits into the hidden area, including a built-in desk, open upper storage, and a stool that neatly fits under the desk. A narrow, under-cabinet light below the lowest shelf illuminates the desk when needed but quickly hides away when not in use.

Divide a Small Office

modern midcentury rustic office two desks room divider snake plant — Paul Costello

For a small office idea that works for two, consider creating separate spaces by utilizing two desks divided by a bookshelf-turned makeshift wall. The result is more storage, more privacy, and fewer distractions from your office mate. Using the same style of desks and chairs keeps the space cohesive but allows the owner of each area to make it their own with small accessories.

Make Space for Coworkers

office long two-person desk blue walls gallery wall art prints — Jay Wilde

In this small office idea, the desk is narrow (which means it doesn't monopolize too much square footage) and runs the length of the room, allowing for plenty of space for two to work comfortably. But the real draw is what's hidden underneath. A filing cabinet at one end provides ample storage for paperwork, while Fido's crate is neatly tucked away in the middle.

Finding a place to store pet supplies can be tricky, but thinking creatively about how you live, work, and play will ensure everything has its place. If your pet is always underfoot in the office, but you don't want to be tripping over a dog bed every time you get up, consider working it into your design.

Carve Out an Unexpected Nook

small office nook flanking red brick fireplace blue velvet chair — Brian McWeeney

If you need office space and aren't lucky enough to have a bonus room ready to convert into the study of your dreams, there's hope. Even the smallest nook can become a functioning workstation—without being an eyesore. Wallpapering the back wall provides a bit of interest, which is especially important when creating a small office idea in the main living space. This desk and storage shelves have a polished wood finish, elevating the space to fit in with the surroundings more easily. Instead of a more utilitarian desk chair, choose one with elegant details that complement the rest of the room's aesthetic.

Work with White

white minimalist built-in office shelves midcentury chair ikea rolling units — Edmund Barr

Good news for those with a home with white walls, doors, and ceilings: Your small office idea can nearly disappear if you employ the same palette. When the desk, storage shelves, filing cabinets, chair, and even accessories are the same color, they all fade into the wall effortlessly. What's left is a clean, crisp look that creates the feeling of more space. Hang floating shelves with white brackets for additional storage. Consider starting the shelves midway between the ceiling and the top of your desk to avoid making the space feel cluttered.

Use Adjustable Storage

blue-gray office hexagonal wall cork board tiles shelves mint green desk — Marty Baldwin

When you're planning a small office idea, flexibility is key. Track shelving makes it easy to adjust for the ideal height. Your needs will change the more time you spend in your home office, so being able to adapt what you have rather than finding another solution that will likely involve a trip to the store and an additional swipe of your credit card is almost always preferred.

Customize Small Office Storage

closet-turned-craft storage organization wrapping paper roll ribbon string — John Granen

Not all home office requirements are the same, so before you begin decorating, think about exactly how your office needs to function, what you'll need readily accessible at your workstation, and what kind of workspace you need.

Storage is key in this tucked-away closet, which features dedicated space for ribbons, tape dispensers, wrapping paper, and more. Labels on the outside of each container keep things organized and efficient, so there's no hunting for what you're after.

One thing to keep in mind, no matter how you'll be using your small office, is lighting. Here, a simple task light is a perfectly adequate choice, though it requires an outlet. If you're converting a closet into an office, remember that you'll likely need an electrician to add an outlet. However, this is usually a relatively simple (for the pros) and inexpensive (for you) project.

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