5 Inspiring Small Home Office Ideas

With so many of us working from home since the pandemic, it is important to create a comfortable work-life balance. To achieve this balance (and remain sane) it is important to have a designated workspace in the home. Whether you have a small or large space we’re here to provide some home office inspiration and give advice on how to maximise the space you do have. Working from home has many benefits for example saving time on commuting and increased productivity, however,  working from home also has its challenges, many Irish homeowners especially in the city have limited space making it difficult to dedicate a separate room as a home office.

Here at Des Kelly Interiors, we have 50+ years of experience and have a vast range of furniture suitable for your home office regardless of size. In this blog, we will look at five inspiring small home office ideas including compact desks, ergonomic chairs, versatile bookcases, multifunctional furniture and creative shelving solutions. If you need home office design ideas keep reading, we’ve got you covered!

1. Compact Desks

When looking for a desk for remote working it is essential to look for one that saves space. This makes compact the perfect office desk for a small office. They help maximise floor space as they have smaller dimensions while often coming with built-in storage drawers. We have a wide range of desks available online, we recommend our Hugo Desk, its spacious tabletop and extra drawers make it ideal for small office spaces without compromising on style.

If you trying to save space you should look out for compact desks that have adjustable height and foldable features. These features provide ergonomic benefits, save space and the ability to adapt to changing needs throughout the working day. We have some tips on where to place your compact desks to maximise space efficiency:

• The corners of the room are often unused, making them ideal for placing a compact desk.
• Consider placing a small desk in an unused nook in the kitchen, it can be convenient if it doesn’t interfere with meal times.
• If you have an empty space under your window it could be a perfect spot for a compact desk as the natural light can help boost productivity.

2. Ergonomic Desk Chairs

Without the correct home office setup you are at risk of aches and pains which is why it is important to invest in an ergonomically friendly chair. This will not only help with comfort but will boost productivity while working from home. When purchasing an office chair for a small office you should look out for ones that have adjustable height features, lumbar support and breathable materials such as mesh or woven fabric. We recommend our Ravenna Office Chair, it has padded seating and adjustable height features which make it ideal for small spaces.

Matching ergonomic chairs with your overall home office décor can be easy if you do the following:

• Choose a chair that complements the existing style in your home.
• Coordinate colours and materials.
• Balance functionality and style by choosing a chair that enhances the room design.

3. Versatile Bookcases

Adding a bookcase to your home workspace can offer a practical space-saving solution for storing books, files and decorative items if you don’t have a desk with storage drawers. We have multiple tall bookcases online, check out our Hugo Bookcase, which has a matching desk. Bookcases come in all shapes and sizes so if you have a compact space a tall or narrow bookcase will be able to fit in seamlessly. We have three tips on how to arrange items on bookcases to create an organised home office:

• Avoid overcrowding the shelves to keep a clutter-free workspace.
• Arrange books and objects by category or colour for a clean look.
• Combine functional items like files with decorative items like plants to add personality.

4. Multifunctional Furniture

As previously mentioned, if you have a small home office getting furniture with multiple purposes is extremely helpful for saving space, for example, compact desks with compact storage. Multifunctional furniture keeps the space clutter-free and enhances efficiency while working by providing easy access to work files. Multipurpose furniture can easily be reconfigured for different tasks as they often feature adjustable and foldable elements. This flexibility allows users to quickly adapt their workspace to meet various needs, such as switching between work, storage, or relaxation. Not only is multifunctional furniture perfect for home office storage, but it also has many financial benefits as you are buying fewer pieces of furniture.

5. Utilise Shelf Space

In small home offices, utilising vertical space is key to maintaining a clutter-free environment. Using tall bookcases and wall-mounted shelves maximises vertical space providing storage and keeping your floor clutter-free. Here are some of our home office shelving ideas:

• Floating shelves, with their modern aesthetic, are a great space-saving solution, offering ample storage without occupying valuable floor space.
• Multi-level shelving units are also highly functional, providing organisation for books, office supplies, and decorative pieces.
• Decorative shelves provide essential storage while also enhancing the aesthetics of the room.
• Customisable shelves are highly flexible and allow you to adjust or expand as your needs evolve, ensuring long-term use.

How to Maximise Your Small Space

In this section, we’ll be giving our top tips on how to maximise space in your home office.

 1. Use Light Colours

Using light colours in a small home office can help maximise the space as it makes the area appear larger and more open.  Here’s how you can use light colours to achieve this:

• Using light shades that reflect natural light and enhance brightness.
• Use whites, pastels, and light greys for a cohesive look.
• Complement the space with colourful accents to add personality without overwhelming the space.
• For better light reflection use a satin or semi-gloss finish.

2. Maximise Natural Light

Natural lighting can be an asset when designing your home office. Along with having a positive impact on mental health, it can also increase productivity. We have some tips on how you can maximise the natural light in your workspace:

• Use sheer curtains or blinds to allow maximum sunlight.
• Arrange furniture so that it does not obstruct the windows.
• Keep windows clean to ensure maximum light entry.
• Use glossy or mirrored furniture to bounce light around the room.
• If possible, install skylights to increase natural light from above.  

3. Consider Your Room’s Layout

Considering room layout is essential when trying to maximise a small space. A well-planned room layout ensures every inch of your home office is used efficiently. We have some layout tips to ensure you maximise your space:

• Divide the room into work, storage, and relaxation zones.
• Use furniture that can be moved easily so you can rearrange the workspace as needed.
• Place desks or shelves in corners to free up central space.
• Choose furniture that fits the room's scale to avoid a cramped feel.
• Ensure clear movement without obstructions.

4. Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces

Using mirrors and reflective surfaces in a small home office can be an effective way to maximise space as it creates an illusion of space. Here’s how to achieve this:

• Place mirrors opposite windows to reflect light and create a sense of space and openness.
• Use decorative mirrors as wall art to enhance aesthetic while adding depth.
• Incorporate glossy or mirrored furniture to reflect light and open up the space.
• Use mirrored backsplashes in small nooks or behind desks to add depth.
• Install large floor-length mirrors to create a sense of expansiveness in the room.

Upgrade Your Small Office with Des Kelly Interiors

Here at Des Kelly Interiors, we have 50+ years of experience in providing high-quality furniture and exceptional customer service. Our staff have extensive knowledge and expertise in helping customers create functional and stylish home offices. We have an extensive range of office desks, chairs and bookcases which you can view here or visit us in-store. We also offer a free home consultation where we will bring our showroom to you. We are committed to providing the best quality to our customers. If you are looking to improve your home office set-up be sure to contact us online or in-store, we have a diverse selection of compact desks, ergonomic chairs, versatile bookcases, multifunctional furniture, and shelving solutions available to meet every need.