There are many reasons why you may want to create an at-home office space, whether it's for helping the kids with their homework, organizing important papers and bills, or working a primary job.
Since the pandemic started, more workers have begun telecommuting and have yet to return to the office. According to a recent Gallup survey, 45% of employees worked remotely full-time in 2021, while an additional 20% worked remotely part-time.
While some houses have extra rooms available for designing an office, smaller homes may require you to develop clever ways to utilize space. Here are five creative ways to make an office in a small home or apartment.
1. Use a Corner of Your Living Room
If you're dealing with limited space, you may need to double up on room functionality. One way to organize an office in a small home is to designate a corner of your living room for a desk and storage setup.
Although it isn't the most private space, you can paint the part of the wall you're using in a contrasting color, apply wallpaper, or add pictures to define your work area better. If you're lucky enough to have a window, you can also place your desk in front of it for a view.
2. Turn Your Garage Into an Office
Our garages are some of the most cluttered areas of our homes. According to a Sparefoot survey, 47% of Americans struggle to park their car in their garages because there isn't enough room.
If you typically have to park your car on the driveway, why stop now? You can declutter, apply a fresh coat of paint, and turn your garage into your workspace instead. Garages are usually big enough to convert into an extra living area, allowing you to include a sofa and coffee table, ample shelving, or cabinets.
You may also want to speak with a contractor about adding air conditioning and heating or call an electrician to install additional lighting.
3. Hide Your Office in a Cupboard or Closet
Making sure you're able to keep your personal and professional lives separate may require a little imagination in a small home.
Although 95% of remote employees say productivity is higher or the same as going into the office, it's important to be able to step away at the end of the day and spend time doing other things.
Converting an old cupboard into a desk area with storage will allow you to close up your computer and essential files and documents when they're not in use. This is also a helpful way to decompress and enjoy quality time with family and friends instead.
A hallway or bedroom closet is another option for an office where you can shut the door, as well.
4. Add a Floating Shelf as a Desk
Whether you're in a small house or apartment, you're going to want to save as much space as possible. A floating desk can be installed on any wall, dividing wall, or in a corner, allowing you to keep an open, clean computer station.
If you put a floating desk in your bedroom, you can add a mirror above it to create a multipurpose feature, such as a vanity.
Of course, because floating desks tend to be a bit smaller than a regular desk, you may want to keep your office essentials – notepads, pens, calendars, and laptop – to a minimum to give yourself enough room to work.
5. Use the Space Under the Stairs
Do you have an open area under your stairwell that's not in use? Place a small desk and open shelving in the cubby to create your new office.
Bespoke furniture may come in intriguing shapes and designs that better fit awkward spaces, while open shelves allow you to display objects or keep your workspace clean. Of course, organization is key in any stairwell office, especially since guests are likely to walk by frequently.
An Office Can Fit in a Small Home
With some planning and creativity, you can fit an office into your small house without any issue. There are plenty of areas you can work a desk and some cubbies into, such as the living room, bedroom, garage, or maybe even the kitchen
Keep it simple. All you need is a comfortable space to put your computer and writing materials, and perhaps a little storage to hide your important papers.
