Working from home definitely has its advantages, but it can also be tough to stay organized and productive when you’re limited by space. If you’re struggling to make the most out of your small home office, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll share our 10 tips for making the most out of your small home office, with ideas for how best to utilize the work space you’ve got and make it feel bigger.Whether you work in a cramped office or you’re living in a small apartment, these ideas will help you get organized and stay productive.
If you’re dealing with a small space, it’s important to invest in furniture that serves multiple purposes. Look for pieces that can be used as both storage and seating, or small desks that double as filing cabinets. As you create your home office, this will help you maximize your square footage without sacrificing style or functionality. Alternatively, if you use a floating desk, consider adding some cabinets or storage solutions below.
A neat and organized desk will make your small home office space feel much bigger and more inviting. Go through everything on your desk and make sure that it is either necessary, or creates a feeling of joy. You should also create a filing system that works for you in order to keep everything in its rightful place so it’s easy to find when needed.
One of the best ways to make the most out of a small space is to use wall space wisely. Hang shelves, racks and cabinets on the walls to create additional storage without taking up valuable floor space. You can also add bulletin boards or whiteboards for jotting down ideas or keeping track of important tasks. As mentioned above, using a floating desk is another way to take a minimal approach and make the room look bigger.
Poor lighting can make a small room seem even smaller, so be sure to invest in high-quality lighting fixtures that will brighten up your space. Strategically place lamps and overhead lights so you can get the most out of your small home office without feeling like it’s too dark or cramped. If your office doesn’t have a window, or limited natural light, consider getting a sunlight simulator or some task lighting to warm up the space and make you feel more energized.
Adding natural elements to your home office, such as plants or wood accents, will help make the room feel more inviting and open. Plus, these features can act as a subtle way to bring some colour into the room without overwhelming it with clutter.
Natural light is energizing and refreshing, which is why it’s so important for a home office to keep you rejuvenated throughout your work day. If your office doesn’t have any windows, try adding some plants or other natural elements to create a living space and bring in some lightness. Be sure to add lamps and other lighting techniques to make the room as bright as possible.
The key to making the most out of a small home office is to avoid overcrowding it with furniture or décor pieces. Choose one or two statement pieces that you love and stick with that. You’ll be surprised how much more spacious the room will feel. Too many big personality pieces are distracting and can make the whole room feel too busy.
While you’re avoiding overcrowding, be sure to add a few well-placed decorative items. This can help make your small home office feel more inviting and spacious. Try adding plants or artwork to inject some of your unique personality into the room. A gallery wall of some of your favourite photographs is another nice way to spruce up your work area.
A simple, neutral colour palette is a great way to make a small space appear larger and brighter. Choose colours like white, grey and beige for your walls and furniture pieces to create an airy atmosphere in your home office. You can also choose one wall to paint a different colour to create an accent wall. This can help to create a dramatic contrast that will make your room look bigger, depending on the colour you choose.
Placing mirrors strategically around your home office can help create the illusion of depth and make the room appear bigger than it actually is. This trick works especially well if you have windows that bring in natural light, as they will reflect off of the mirror and make the room look even bigger.
If floor space is limited in your small home office, get creative with how you store items. Consider investing in vertical storage units that can be hung on the walls to keep everything organized and tidy-looking. There are many great options available these days, such as wall-mounted shelves or hanging racks.
Last but not least, one of the best ways to make the most out of a small home office is to reduce clutter as much as possible. Take some time to go through your belongings and get rid of anything you don’t need or use regularly. This will help you create a tidy and spacious environment where you can stay productive without feeling overwhelmed by mess.
Working from home doesn’t have to be cramped or uncomfortable – no matter how small your home office might be. By following these tips, you’ll be able to maximize your space and make the most out of your small home office.
Once you’ve revamped your home office and made it your own, be sure to protect your space with the proper tenant insurance policy. Having the proper policy can protect you from having to pay out of pocket for a number of situations, such as:
Damage to personal property
Liability if someone is injured on your property
Additional living expenses should your rental unit become uninhabitable
APOLLO Insurance offers effortless solutions, making it easy for you to get the protection you need. Get a free quote and have your new policy emailed directly to your inbox within 15 minutes.
Originally published December 12, 2022, updated September 5, 2023
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