Small Office Layout Ideas for an Efficient Workspace
Make your space work for you.
Creating a functional home office in a small space can feel like a challenge, but with the right layout, you can make the most of every square foot. The key to small office layouts is to maximize the efficiency of your space while maintaining a comfortable and visually pleasing environment. Continue reading to discover small office layout ideas that will make your space work for you.
Single-Person Office Layout Ideas
1. Position an L-Shaped Desk
L-shaped desks are a great addition to a small home office because they allow ample workspace in a condensed form – perfect if you have multiple monitors or like to spread out materials while you work. Center your L-shaped desk along one wall of the office to create a natural divider in the room that adds flow to the space.
A simple small office layout idea is to place your desk in the middle of the room, using an area rug to define the space. Opt for a small writing desk and add supplemental storage using a cabinet or bookcase. The open-frame design of writing desks makes them a perfect option for the center of the room as it will help maintain an open feeling to the space.
When deciding on the ideal layout for your office space, consider the shape of the room. If your office has an odd corner or alcove, you can maximize your functional space by filling the alcove with necessary furniture. Whether you turn it into a workspace or an additional seating area, every corner of the room should be embraced in your layout plan.
To really maximize the use of your corner space, opt for a desk that is specially designed to fit seamlessly into corners. Corner desks are often small, making them very space efficient. Pair it with an adjacent bookcase for easily accessible storage that will improve the functionality of your small office space.
When it comes to furnishing small spaces, creativity and problem solving are essential. Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with the design of your small office layout. Place your desk at a diagonal, for instance, to fit it closer to a wall or window while still maintaining an open layout to the room. Opt for sleek furniture like arched floor lamps and etagere bookcases to add to that airy atmosphere while keeping the furniture footprint to a minimum.
Utilize wall space when planning a small office layout. Whether you install low cabinets or choose a leaning desk, walls provide a foundation for your room layout and can be useful for adding storage, decor, and furnishings that will bring your office space to life. Keeping your furniture against the outer walls of your office space can help the room feel more spacious.
The layout of a room plays an important role in determining the positioning of your furniture. When mapping out your furnishings, be sure to consider the existing fixtures of the room like windows, doors, and power outlets. This will ensure that the room is both functional and spatially balanced.
Some homes don’t have the space for a separate office. In this circumstance, consider altering the layout of one of your other rooms to accommodate a home office setup. Place a room divider in the living space to create a semi-private workspace that will allow you to focus and be productive.
Tip!
Need more ideas for creating a multifunctional office space? Check out our guide Bedroom Office Ideas for the Modern-Day Multitasker.
Two-Person Office Layout Ideas
9. Design a Side-by-Side Setup
If you need to fit two workstations into one small office, consider a layout that places two desks side-by-side. Ladder desks are a space efficient option that utilize wall space and have a small footprint. Place the desks along the same wall to easily fit two workstations in a narrow room and facilitate an open layout to the space.
If you’re working in a shared space, you may want to consider a small office layout idea that will help limit distractions. Set up the desks to face away from each other to provide more privacy in a tight space. Be sure to invest in office chairs with wheels so they can be easily stowed under the desks when not in use to further conserve space.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a collaborative work environment, place the desks facing each other to facilitate conversation. Creating a desk group in the center of the room can help maximize your space for two people and make the workspace the focal point of your home office when paired with a stylish area rug.
Setting up two desks perpendicular to each other is the best of both worlds – easy collaboration with the ability to turn around to focus independently too. Add a tall cabinet between the desks for communal storage space. This setup keeps the center of the room open for a more spacious feel in your small home office.
Tip!
For more ideas on creating a coworking space, read our guide How to Design a Two-Person Home Office.
