14 Creative Design Ideas to Transform Your Small Home Office
A small home office doesn’t take long to get cluttered, which impacts your efficiency and productivity. A makeover may allow you more space to work. With your home having limited square footage, you may not think you have many options. For many people, dedicating an entire room to a home office is impossible.
With some planning and creativity, almost any space can be turned into a small home office including a spare closet or under your stairs.
Read on for creative ideas to maximize space and transform your small home office into an inspiring spot.
Eliminate Cord Clutter
Don’t let your cords become a tangled mess. Every device has a cable, including your laptop, printer, phone charger, and desk lamp. To reduce the number of cords, go wireless by purchasing a wireless mouse, a wireless keyboard, and also a Bluetooth-enabled printer. They even sell cordless desk lamps. You can buy furniture with a built-in cord management system.
Get Organized and Declutter
One of the easiest ways to transform your small home office is to organize it. Clutter can bring your productivity to a grinding halt. Start organizing your office files, papers, and supplies. Instead of letting office supplies clutter your desktop, use a drawer organizer for smaller office supplies like paper clips, rubber bands, staples, etc.
Reduce the Use of Paper
As much as possible, try to digitalize everything and go paperless. Less paper means less clutter. You can request paperless bills and bank statements. Keep files on your computer and only print when necessary. Continue to declutter regularly and put things back in their proper places.
Brighten Your Space
Lighting makes small spaces look roomy. Natural light is stimulating, so take advantage of it and situate your desk facing a window. Switch out floor and desk lamps for wall sconces or overhead lighting to save space and allow more light.
Convert a Closet
To limit your distractions when working, convert a spare closet into a home office. Install shelves that attach to your closet and put a filing cabinet underneath for extra storage.
Take Advantage of the Area Under Your Desk
Put a filing cabinet, small bookcase, or storage cubes underneath your desk for added storage. Get a filing cabinet with wheels so you can roll it out when you need something.
Go Under the Stairs
It might seem strange, but the open space beneath your stairs can be an excellent spot for a home office. A small desk and a few shelves are all you need.
Maximize Vertical Space
When you’re short on space, build up. To save space, install shelves, built-in cabinets, or a custom organizer above your desk for extra storage. Memphis Garage & Closets goes into further detail about how to better utilize vertical space in Five Tips to Makeover Your Home Office.
Create an Office Zone
If you feel like you are running out of places for your home office, consider maximizing the space in your living room or hallway. All you need is a simple storage system and a compact desk.
Be a Minimalist
Simple is best. Only keep essentials on your desk. Do not put any personal items, photo frames, or other unnecessary items. In some cases, all you need is a desk, chair, and laptop.
Put Up a Pegboard
Pegboards are a useful space-saving solution because of their versatility. Use hooks, racks, and trays for items you might currently keep on your desk, such as office supplies.
Divide the Room
If your home office shares space with your bedroom or living room, you can use a divider or a curtain to close off the area. Another idea is to use a bookcase as a divider.
Create a Shelving Unit Desk
You can quickly turn a shelving unit into a desk. FromHoustontoHome.com explains that with this type of desk, the storage is right in front of you. You can put the shelving unit desk in any small space for an instant office.
Fold Up Your Desk
If having a desk in your space is not ideal, consider a fold-up desk. The desk is built into the wall and when you are done working for the day, you can fold it up. You can also get a standalone folding desk if you want the flexibility to move around.
Conclusion
Having a home office keeps you focused and productive. Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of an extra room for a home office. The lack of square footage doesn’t have to be a problem if you implement the right strategies to maximize your space. Use the ideas in this article to create a small home office that makes you enjoy working.