Welcome to the wonderful world of working from home, where pyjama bottoms are the new office attire and your dining table has transformed into a makeshift desk.
As we continue to navigate through the post-pandemic era, it seems that remote working is here to stay for many UK employees. In fact, recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that a whopping 16% of people are still working exclusively from home, whilst a further 28% have embraced the hybrid lifestyle, juggling between their home office and the traditional workplace.
But let’s be honest, not all of us were blessed with a ready-made, productivity-friendly home office when the pandemic hit. Many of us had to get creative, turning our living rooms, bedrooms, and even kitchens into temporary workspaces. So, if you’ve ever found yourself balancing your laptop on a stack of cookbooks or conducting a Zoom meeting from your bedroom, you’re certainly not alone.
With all that in mind, and speaking from lived experience as we type this from a home office, today we’ll dive into the world of makeshift home offices, offering some tips on fashioning your own along the way. So, grab yourself a cuppa, settle into your comfiest chair (or makeshift office chair), and join us as we explore these 7 creative ways to squeeze a home office into an already crowded living space.
Create A Work ‘Zone’ In Your Living Room
Who says your living room can’t moonlight as an office? Designate a corner or section of your living room as your workspace by using a room divider, a tall bookshelf, or even a decorative curtain. This will help create a sense of separation between work and relaxation areas. Add a stylish desk, an ergonomic chair, and some smart storage solutions, and you’ll have a functional home office that blends seamlessly with your living space.
Embrace The Standing Desk Revolution
Who says you need a massive desk and a swanky chair to get work done? Ditch the traditional office setup and opt for a standing desk instead. Not only will it save space, but it’s also believed to be beneficial for your health, both in terms of improving posture and potentially even burning off a few extra calories (though perhaps not as many as Big Standing Desk would have you believe).
Regardless of those health benefits, both well-researched and over-blown, they’re certainly great space savers when you can’t find room at home for a fully fledged office space. You can place a standing desk in a corner of your living room or bedroom, and voilà – you’ve got yourself a home office! Plus, you’ll finally have an excuse to invest in those cute anti-fatigue mats you’ve been eyeing up.
Transform Your Closet Into An Office Nook
If Carrie Bradshaw can turn a closet into an office, so can you! Clear out that cluttered wardrobe and repurpose it into a chic and cosy office nook. Add a compact desk, a comfortable office master chair, and some shelves for storage, and you’re good to go.
When you’re not working, simply close the closet doors to hide your workspace from view – out of sight, out of mind, hey? Bonus points if you paint the interior of your closet-turned-office a fun colour to boost your creativity.
Get Creative With A Corner Desk
If you’re short on space and need to carve out a corner workspace, then look no further than the corner desk. With its flexible size and array of storage options, a corner desk is a perfect way to create an efficient work area in any room.
Whether you choose a simple chair-and-table combination or have a specialised office system designed for maximum productivity, this small workspace option allows for maximum utilisation of your space without sacrificing functionality. Make sure to choose materials that fit with your existing furniture and décor scheme—your corner desk will blend right into your home office!
Double-Duty Furniture Is Your Friend
When space is at a premium, multi-functional furniture is a game-changer. Consider investing in a desk that doubles as a dining table or a fold-out wall-mounted desk that can be tucked away when not in use. A Murphy bed with a built-in desk is another great option for those who need to squeeze an office into a bedroom. With double-duty furniture, you can have your cake and eat it too (just make sure to keep the crumbs off your keyboard!).
The Balcony Or Garden Office
Indeed, in our quest to find the perfect nook for a home office, let’s not forget the great outdoors. If you’re lucky enough to have a balcony, why not turn it into an inspiring outdoor office? Set up a small table and chair, add some weather-resistant storage solutions, and surround yourself with plants to create a green oasis. Working in the fresh air can do wonders for your productivity and creativity, plus you’ll have the best office view in town.
Similarly if you’re blessed with a garden or patio – even if it’s more “cozy” than “sprawling” – then rest assured, there’s potential for a makeshift outdoor office here, too. Start by scouting the sunniest spot (or shadiest, if you’re a vampire) and set up a weatherproof desk and chair.
Boost your WiFi signal, protect your tech from the elements, and add some greenery for that extra touch of nature. Who knows? You might even get a visit from your friendly new co-worker Mr. Squirrel.
Of course, you could actually buy a stylish garden office and erect it outdoors if you have a little more space and deeper pockets. But we did promise ‘creative’ tips, right?
Read: 5 outdoor garden buildings to install for summer
Make The Most Of Your Hallway Or Stairwell
Got a wide hallway or landing that’s not being utilised? Transform it into a compact office area! All you need is a slim desk, a chair, and some wall-mounted shelves for storage. To avoid feeling cramped, opt for a glass or acrylic desk to create the illusion of more space. You might even find that working in a high-traffic area keeps you on your toes and helps you stay focused (or at least discourages you from taking too many snack breaks).
Should you have space under your stairwell, then this is equally ripe for eeking out an office space. A simple approach here could be mounting a simple shelf or desk onto the wall beneath your stairs – it’s not only an innovative way to work with what you have, but it also leaves extra room in other parts of the house for larger furniture and artistic flourishes that need a bit of space to breathe.
Take Advantage Of Vertical Space
When floor space is limited, think vertical! Use your walls to create a functional and stylish home office. Install floating shelves, pegboards, or wall-mounted organisers to store your office supplies and keep your workspace clutter-free. A wall-mounted desk or a fold-out desk can also save precious floor space while providing you with a comfortable spot to work.
Keep On Rollin’ With The Flow
A rolling desk is perfect for those who need a flexible workspace. Set it up in your living room during the day and roll it into your bedroom at night. This versatile option allows you to work wherever you feel most comfortable and inspired (or where gets the most natural light, of course). Plus, you’ll never have to worry about finding a place to charge your laptop again – just wheel your desk over to the nearest outlet!
The Bottom Line
Creating a home office in a small space may seem like a daunting task, but with a little creativity and some clever solutions, you can design a workspace that’s both functional and stylish.
Whether you’re embracing the standing desk trend, transforming an unused closet, or setting up shop on your balcony, there are plenty of ways to make room for a home office in even the smallest of spaces. So go ahead, unleash your inner interior designer and create the perfect home office for your needs – happy working! Or, if not ‘happy’ then at least ‘spacious’ working! Hmmm, that doesn’t have quite the same ring to it…