30 Small Home Office Ideas to Maximize Your Space

Setting up a workspace in your home can help you avoid distractions and improve productivity. However, that doesn't mean it has to be huge. With some small home office ideas, you can create a perfectly petite area to finish all your daily tasks on time. 

If you want to stay away from television, conversations with family, and household duties during your work hours, a small home office is an ideal option for many reasons. 

These spaces often have all the tools you need to gain inspiration, increase productivity, and help you finish that last pending job while enjoying a calm and warm environment. 

Are you ready to create yours? Check out the recommendations and ideas listed below! 

Small Home Office Ideas For Your Inspiration

As remote work becomes more common, creating a functional workspace at home is essential. However, not everyone has the luxury of a large dedicated office, which is why designing a small home office that is both practical and stylish is key. Whether you’re working with a small nook, an unused closet, or even an awkward corner, there are plenty of ways to maximize your space without sacrificing style.

1. Small Space Saving Office

Small offices can also save space! In fact, minimalist designs not only provide aesthetic benefits but can help you achieve this goal. If you choose this style, you could leave some areas free to make your office look more spacious or to store other work tools. In these cases, a compact desk could be better than a huge traditional piece of furniture, for example!

2. Just a Touch of Color

There is nothing wrong with completely white spaces! However, if you want to add a splash of color, there are plenty of items you can use. You can put a small shelf with books, a vase with some colorful flowers, or a small sculpture. Any item of a different color could work. Adding some detail to your furniture is also a good idea. You could add a colorful cushion to your white chair, for example. It creates the perfect home planetarium. You can project beautiful star constellations on your office's white ceiling.

3. Mid-Century Small Office

Are you looking for something original that lasts over time but is elegant at the same time? If so, modern offices with mid-century home office decorations are the best way to go. This style is characterized by combining elegance and color. Many mid-century offices also have rugs and pendant lights. Don't forget the vintage furniture if you choose this one!

4. Bursts of Vivid Color

Pops of color can also give your small home office decor life and vibrancy! Whether the room is white or any other light color, adding eye-catching elements is a game-changer. Paintings, flowers, large shelves, and colored lamps are the best options to create these designs. Remember that you can also make your large pieces of furniture colorful, including your armchairs or desk.

5. Neoclassical Office

Neoclassical spaces are also good options when it comes to small home office ideas. You don't have to be an expert to create a space like this. If you want this design for your home workstation, what you have to do is choose Italian neoclassical furniture, and that's it!

6. The Most Creative Workspace

Are you a graphic designer, filmmaker, or painter? You need a creative workspace! However, you don't have to spend huge fortunes on this design. If you have the best small home office ideas, you will only need a few ornaments and desk accessories to have a beautiful and creative space.

7. Green and Navy Office

Regardless of the style you choose, shades of green and blue go well with any office. You can have blue grid walls or add green lines galore. Both options will give your office a fresh yet elegant and professional look.

8. Office Surrenders to Art

Are you an art lover and want to be surrounded by your favorite pieces all the time? That's something you can do with a good small home office design. Your office is a personal space where you can have all the things you like and enjoy. Why not choose your favorite works of art? Go for the paintings that usually catch your eye, or bring your most prized sculpture to create an artistic office design.

9. Mediterranean Style Office

If you like simple and romantic Southern European countries' aesthetics, you should make your small home office design follow the Mediterranean style. This beautiful style combines simplicity with convenience and boldness. You only have to look for the right Mediterranean furniture and think of a matching office cubicle decor to implement that fashion in your small home office.

10. A New Era of Offices

The offices of this era are not like the ones your parents or grandparents probably used. If you want yours to be modern, think about your current needs and what might work for a new generation of workers. Perhaps a standing desk with a drawer is better than a traditional piece of furniture!

11. Backgrounds Get More Striking than Ever

Your office's backgrounds don't have to be boring either! If you want your furniture to be simpler but expect the room's decor to be striking, you can opt for bold walls. Do you think you don't like colorful walls? Don't worry! You can also use wallpapers or patterns in dark colors.

12. Bold Rugs for More Personality

If you want to add a more personal touch to your workspace, you can use bold rugs. There are millions of rug designs. You only have to choose the one you like the most or one that is inspired by the culture that most attracts your attention, and that's it! The best thing about using rugs is that they give a unique touch and more personality without altering your small home office layout.

13. Impressive Sights

Have you ever dreamed of an office with a stunning view in Manhattan? You may not have one in New York, but you can create a similar one at home. Just choose a space with a huge window and try to imitate the style of the offices in the city of lights' skyscrapers!

14. Green and Natural Workspace

If you are a nature enthusiast, you can also adapt your office to enjoy the best things your garden has for you! You can also add some miniature plants or flowers to your small home office decor to give more life, color, freshness, and personality to that important space.

15. Create a “Zone” is one of the small home office ideas

One of the easiest small home office ideas to handle is to create a zone somewhere in your house. You may not have an extra room with a door, but creating a small home office is easy to do in a living room. You should focus on a desk that fits into the corner and still has style. This ensures that it is all discreet that matches the existing furniture and your room. Many standing desks come in a variety of colors to assist.

16. Storage wall unit

Above your standing desk, you can easily add some modular shelves. This is going to help you feel more comfortable and have places to put everything. The area may not feel as utilitarian this way because office supplies can be put in pretty boxes. When creating a small home office, though, make sure you have enough room for the ergonomic chair.

17. The kitchen

A home office for a small space can seem a little odd, and most people don’t think of the kitchen as the best place to be. However, you’re not going to have to worry about accidentally turning on the television while you should be working. If the space is big enough, you can put a standing desk along one wall. Small home office ideas are tricky to think about, but it’s a fantastic thing to realize you can turn almost any space into an office when you do.

18. Lighting

A DIY small home office should be positioned near windows and sunlight where possible. If you set up in a closet, you may still get some natural light from the bedroom window. However, a hallway can pose a problem. Consider opening other room doors. Creating a small home office anywhere is possible, but natural sunlight can help you concentrate and relax.

19. Boundaries

The last tip for your home office in a small space is to set boundaries with anyone else in the house. Make sure that they know this is your private space, and they shouldn’t touch anything. If they must sit there or be there, be respectful of your things. During work hours, a DIY small home office could be problematic. Other people may need to be there, such as in the living room or kitchen. Ask them to be quiet and not bother you during the day.

20. Closet Conversion Office

One of the most innovative ways to create a small home office is to turn an unused closet into a compact workspace. Simply add a small desk, small office chair, and shelving inside the closet, and you’ve got a private office space that can be hidden away when not in use. By closing the doors, you keep your living area clean and clutter-free, and when you’re working, you have a cozy and organized space just for you.

Small home office inspiration: Use light colors and install a small desk lamp or LED strip inside the closet to brighten up the space. Add personal touches like photos or small plants for decor without overcrowding.

21. Under the Stairs Workspace

The space under the stairs often goes unused, but it’s the perfect spot for a small desk and a comfortable office chair. By utilizing this often-neglected area, you create a functional workspace without intruding on other rooms. Add floating shelves for storage, and you’ll have a practical and compact office space.

For a small home office decor touch, choose neutral colors that blend with your home’s style to keep the area looking clean and modern.

22. Wall-Mounted Foldable Desk

In tight spaces, maximizing every inch is essential, and a wall-mounted foldable desk is the perfect solution. It folds out when you need it and tucks away when you don’t, freeing up floor space. Ideal for minimalist small home office setups, this type of desk keeps things clean, simple, and functional.

For a personalized touch, consider adding small small home office decor items like framed photos or artwork above the desk. When the desk is folded up, it can act as a display area for decor.

Depot EShop Salento Wall Foldable Cabinet, Seven Shelves, White: Wall Foldable Cabinet

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23. Floating Shelves as a Desk

Using floating shelves at desk height is an excellent way to create a small home office space without taking up too much room. This minimalist approach makes the most of vertical space, leaving the area below the desk free for a chair or additional storage. You can add extra floating shelves above the desk to store books, office supplies, and decor items.

This is a great option for small home office design enthusiasts who prefer a clean, modern look while keeping everything within arm’s reach. Opt for sleek, neutral-toned shelves to maintain a cohesive design.

Mount-It! Wall Mounted Drop Leaf Table / Workbench

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Depot EShop Vasco Wall Desk, Mahogany / White: Wall Desk

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24. Murphy Desk

A Murphy desk is a brilliant option for multipurpose rooms, especially if you don’t have a lot of space to work with. Similar to a Murphy bed, the desk folds out from the wall when you need it and folds back up when not in use, saving you valuable floor space. This minimalist small home office solution is both practical and stylish, perfect for those who want to hide their office when the workday is done.

Choose a Murphy desk with built-in storage to keep your office essentials organized and out of sight. When folded up, it can blend seamlessly into your room's existing decor.

25. Dual-Purpose Furniture

When designing a small home office, investing in dual-purpose furniture can be a game-changer. Items like an ottoman that doubles as storage, a bench with shelves underneath, or a desk that also serves as a dining table can save space and add functionality. This type of small home office design works particularly well in apartments or smaller homes where every piece of furniture needs to work overtime.

To keep the space cohesive, use furniture in matching tones or materials that complement your overall small home office decor.

Jaxx Spring Outdoor Ottoman / Side Table

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Pmt Ottoman Foot Massager by Ottossage

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26. Corner Nook Office

Sometimes all you need is a corner! A corner nook office is one of the best ways to transform unused space in your living room or bedroom into a productive workspace. A small corner desk paired with a comfortable chair can make even the tiniest area functional. Add vertical storage solutions, like shelves or pegboards, to maximize the space.

For a modern small home office design, opt for minimal furniture in neutral tones and add a few pops of color through small decor items like plants, desk accessories, or artwork.

27. Minimalist Monochrome Office

Creating a minimalist small home office is all about keeping things simple and clean. A monochrome office design, where everything is in one color palette, can make a small space feel bigger and more organized. Choose minimalist furniture and keep clutter to a minimum for a clean and calming workspace.

This type of small home office inspiration is perfect for those who want to reduce distractions and create a peaceful work environment. Stick to whites, grays, or beiges for a timeless look, and add texture through materials like wood, metal, or fabric.

28. Hidden Office Behind a Bookshelf

A hidden office can be a fun and innovative way to create a small home office space. By installing a sliding bookshelf or a hidden door, you can keep your office out of sight when not in use. It provides privacy and a sense of escape from the rest of the house, perfect for focusing on work without distractions.

Choose small home office decor items that blend seamlessly with the rest of your home's style. Add a comfortable chair and adequate lighting to make the hidden space functional.

YUZHOU INTERNATIONAL INC Tribesigns 5-Tier Corner Shelf, Modern Wall Corner Bookshelf Bookcase

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29. Over-the-Bed Desk

If you’re tight on space, consider using an over-the-bed desk. This desk slides over your bed, allowing you to work comfortably without needing a separate office space. This option is perfect for tiny apartments or multi-purpose bedrooms. When you’re done working, the desk can be easily pushed to the side.

For a sleek and modern look, choose a minimalist desk design and pair it with simple small home office decor like a desk lamp or small plants.

30. Portable Office Cart

A portable office cart allows you to create a mobile workstation that can be moved around your home as needed. This is a perfect solution for those who don’t have a dedicated office space but still need a functional setup. Equip the cart with your laptop, office supplies, and storage to create a flexible small home office space that can be moved out of the way when not in use.

This setup works well for small home office inspiration because it’s versatile, functional, and easy to integrate into any room of your home.

Mount-It! MI-7942 Rolling Computer Work Station with Monitor Mount

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FAQs

What are some affordable solutions for setting up a small home office?

You don’t need to spend a lot to create a functional workspace. Repurpose furniture, such as using a table or console as a computer desk, and opt for DIY storage solutions like pegboards or floating shelves. You can also buy used or refurbished office furniture to save money.

How can I add privacy to my small home office?

Use room dividers, curtains, or even large plants to create separation in an open-plan living area. You can also convert a closet into a small office for additional privacy or use a bookshelf to create a visual divide between your workspace and the rest of the room.

What are the best lighting options for a small home office?

Maximize natural light by positioning your desk near a window. If natural light is limited, opt for LED desk lamps with adjustable brightness levels. Task lighting is essential to avoid eye strain, especially in compact spaces where overhead lighting might not be sufficient.

How can I keep my small home office organized?

Incorporate vertical storage solutions such as wall-mounted shelves, use drawer organizers, and keep only essential items on your desk. Consider using a filing cabinet on wheels or a mobile cart to store supplies without taking up desk space.

What type of chair is best for a small home office?

Opt for ergonomic chairs that are compact and have adjustable features to fit your small space. If space is extremely limited, consider a foldable chair or a backless stool that can be tucked under the desk when not in use.

How can I integrate my small home office into my existing living space?

Choose furniture that complements the design of the room, such as a desk that matches your home office in living room decor or a chair that blends with your overall style. You can also use multi-purpose furniture, like a desk that doubles as a console table when not in use.

What are some quick tips for creating a productive small home office environment?

Keep the area clean and clutter-free, add plants to improve air quality and reduce stress, and make sure your workspace is well-lit. Additionally, create a dedicated zone solely for work to mentally separate your workspace from your living area.

How can I make a small home office work in a shared space?

Establish boundaries by setting up your desk in a corner or using furniture to divide the space. Consider noise-canceling headphones to reduce distractions, and communicate with others in the household about your working hours to minimize interruptions.

What are some eco-friendly ideas for a small home office?

Choose sustainable materials like bamboo or reclaimed wood for your desk and shelves. Use energy-efficient LED lighting, and try to minimize paper usage by going digital for notes and documents. Incorporating plants can also improve air quality and provide a natural, calming atmosphere.

How can I personalize my small home office without cluttering it?

Choose a few key items that reflect your personality, such as framed photos, a piece of artwork, or a small plant. Opt for functional decor, like stylish storage boxes or decorative desk organizers, to keep the space tidy while adding a personal touch.

How do I make the most of vertical space in my small home office?

Install floating shelves above your desk to store books, office supplies, or decor. Consider using pegboards or wall-mounted organizers to hold smaller items like pens, notepads, and cables, which keeps your desk clear and maximizes efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Creating a small home office doesn’t have to be a challenge. With clever designs like closet conversions, under-the-stairs workspaces, and foldable desks, you can turn even the smallest areas into efficient workspaces. Whether you prefer a minimalist small home office or a more personalized setup, these ideas will inspire you to create a workspace that is both functional and stylish. Maximize your small home office space with smart storage solutions, dual-purpose furniture, and clean designs to make working from home more enjoyable and productive.