25 Small Home Office Ideas to Maximize Your Productivity

Working from home has a lot of upsides. You have a flexible schedule, can work in your pajamas, and don’t need to worry about a commute.

However, many people overlook the actual work environment when they start working from home.

The reality is that your home office design plays a big role in your productivity and energy levels. If your home office is dull, it will make you feel dull, and you will not be as productive.

To help you get more work done and enjoy the work process, I have put together a list of some lovely small home office ideas that will make you want to work!

1. Create a Fun Office Nook

Working from home can be a drag, but not when you have a dedicated office space that feels like a fun, creative escape.

This office nook by designer Tamsin Johnson is packed with personality and style, from the graphic wallpaper to the framed prints and fun office supplies.

The best part? You can easily transform a small, unused corner of your home into this kind of office space. Just add a desk, a few shelves, and a statement light fixture, and you’re good to go.

2. Utilize a Small Space

If you don’t have an extra room to spare, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a designated home office. In this example, a small desk is tucked into a corner of the living room. The bright, built-in shelves give the workspace a sense of organization and structure.

You can create a similar effect with a free-standing bookshelf. If you want to keep your office supplies hidden, choose a bookshelf with doors or use baskets to add storage.

3. Make the Most of an Unused Closet

If you don’t have a spare room to use as a home office, look to an underutilized closet or nook. It’s easier than you think to convert one of these small spaces into a stylish and functional work area.

In this office closet by designer Amy Kartheiser, a built-in desk and shelves make the most of the space. A mix of open and closed storage helps keep clutter at bay.

4. Mix Business with Pleasure

If you’re struggling with how to blend your work and home life, try this: Make your office as cozy as possible. You won’t mind spending time in a room that feels like it was designed for you.

In this space, the desk is positioned under a window, which provides plenty of natural light. The large armchair makes it feel like a living room and allows for comfortable seating if you’re brainstorming or taking a break.

5. Design a Double-Duty Office

If you don’t have the luxury of an entire room to dedicate to a home office, a well-designed nook is the next best thing.

This office designed by Studio DB is a perfect example of how to make the most of a small space.

The built-in desk and floating shelves tuck neatly into a corner, providing a generous work area and plenty of storage. The large window allows natural light to flood the space, and the art adds a pop of color.

6. Make a Statement

Don’t be afraid to make a statement in your small home office. This wallpaper design by Arent & Pyke brings life to the space.

The built-in desk and shelves, along with the chair, are all in the same color family, which keeps the focus on the design of the room.

7. Lighten Up Your Workload

If you’re a fan of a light and airy color palette, you’ll love this office designed by Emily Henderson.

The white walls and ceiling make the room feel larger, while the soft blue built-ins add a pop of color.

The patterned floor rug and gold accents add a bit of excitement to the home office.

8. Get Creative with Your Corners

If you’re short on space, you may not be able to dedicate an entire room to your home office. That’s where corner desks come in handy.

They’re a great way to make the most of an awkward space, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your needs.

In this home office designed by Emily Henderson, the corner is put to good use with a wrap-around desk that provides ample room for multiple monitors and a large work space. A floating shelf adds even more storage.

9. Create a Custom Home Office

If you’re working with a larger room, consider creating a custom home office. This can be done by adding built-in cabinets, a large desk, and other features that make the room feel like a true office space.

This home office from The Refined Design is a great example of how to create a custom space. The built-in cabinets provide plenty of storage, and the large desk is perfect for spreading out and getting work done.

10. Make Your Desk Work

Your desk is the most important part of your home office, so make sure it’s working for you. This means you should take the time to organize it and make it look nice.

You can add a small vase of flowers, a few framed photos, and a stylish lamp to make your desk look more like a design element and less like a place where you work.

If you’re short on space, try using a wall-mounted desk or a writing desk that can double as a console table.

11. Make It Work for You

This office has everything you could possibly need to get your work done. It’s got the desk, the chair, the storage, and the plants. But what makes it so special is the fact that everything is exactly what you need.

Don’t worry about what other people have in their home offices. Instead, focus on what you need to be productive.

12. Add a Pop of Color

If you’re working with a small space, it’s easy to default to a neutral color palette. But adding a pop of color can make your office feel more interesting and less like an afterthought.

This small office nook by designer Dina Bandman features a vibrant pink painting that ties in the colorful accents on the desk. A bold color palette can make a small space feel more dynamic.

13. Get Creative with Your Wall Space

Let’s face it: Not everyone has the luxury of an extra room to dedicate to a home office. If you’re working with a small nook or cranny, you’ll need to get creative with your space.

This tiny office designed by Emily Henderson makes the most of the wall space by adding a pegboard. You can hang shelves, baskets, and hooks to create a functional and stylish storage solution.

14. Create an Office with a View

If you’re short on space inside your home, why not take your home office outside? A she shed or backyard office is a perfect place to get away and focus on your work.

This tiny backyard office is just 90 square feet, but the oversized windows make it feel so much bigger. The natural light and view of the trees and garden are a perfect backdrop for a productive workday.

15. Create a Cozy Office

If you’re working with a small space, you’ll want to make sure your office feels cozy and inviting. You can do this by adding textiles like a rug, curtains, or a throw pillow.

You can also add a pop of color to your office, like this bright yellow chair. The color will make your office feel more inviting, and it can also help boost your mood and energy levels.

16. Make It Industrial

Industrial-style furniture and decor, like the desk and pendant light in this space, make for a sleek and clean small home office.

The black and white color palette is brought to life by the greenery and natural light.

17. Create a Custom Closet Office

If you’re short on space, you might have to get creative with where you set up your office. One popular idea is to convert a closet into a mini office.

If you have a large closet, you can simply add a desk and some shelving. But, if you have a small closet, you can add a desk and then install shelves above the desk to maximize your storage.

18. Get Creative with Your Storage

If you’re working with a small space, you’ll want to make sure that you’re maximizing every inch of your office. In this nook, designer Melanie Burstin used the walls to create more storage space.

In addition to the shelves above the desk, she hung a set of cubbies on the wall to the right of the desk. This allows her to keep all of her office supplies organized and within reach, but she doesn’t have to take up any valuable desk space.

19. Make It Modern

This modern home office designed by Arent & Pyke feels spacious and open, even though it’s on the smaller side.

The white walls and built-in shelving unit keep the space feeling light and airy, while the dark wood desk and chair add a touch of warmth.

The abstract art and sculptural desk lamp give the space a modern feel, and the pop of green from the plant adds a touch of color.

20. Make It Glamorous

When your office is small, it can be hard to find the space for the glam. But this office nook shows that even in the smallest of spaces, you can add some luxe.

A simple white desk is paired with a gold-framed mirror and a gold and white chair for a touch of glamour.

The rest of the space is kept simple with a white bookshelf and a few accessories. A small desk like this can fit just about anywhere and is perfect for a quick check of emails or for a student to do their homework.

21. Create a Custom Desk

When you’re working with a small space, it’s important to make sure your furniture fits perfectly. That’s why a custom desk is the perfect solution for this tiny home office designed by Cate Holcombe.

The built-in desk is only 19 inches deep and 53 inches long, but it’s just enough space to work. A small wall-mounted shelf lets you store your office essentials without taking up any floor space.

22. Make It Masculine

If your home office is also your man cave, embrace it! Dark colors, rich woods, and leather accents give this space a sophisticated, masculine feel. The neutral color palette makes the room feel cohesive and open, while the dark walls add drama.

Pro tip: Keep the woodwork and ceiling light to prevent the room from feeling too small.

23. Create a Custom Workstation

If you have a small nook or corner to work with, a custom workstation is a great way to get the most out of your space. This one by Studio McGee is built right into the wall, complete with a desk, shelves, and drawers.

24. Make It Minimalist

If you’re short on space, keep your office setup simple. A wall-mounted desk allows you to create a small workspace without taking up any floor space.

This desk in a Utah home office designed by Studio McGee makes the most of a small area. The white color palette and minimalist decor keep the space feeling open and airy.

25. Make It Work

When you’re tight on space, sometimes you have to get creative. This office from @thejungalow makes use of a narrow wall in a living room.

A floating desk (or a slim console table) can be a perfect fit if you don’t have the room for a traditional desk. Plus, you can stash a stool underneath to free up even more space when you’re not working.

Conclusion

From where to put your desk to how to design the space itself, here are 14 insanely stylish small home office ideas to copy right now. And check out our favorite home office buys on Amazon.

There are a few things to consider when thinking of small home office ideas, like what kind of space you’re working with. If you work in a more public space, like a living room or bedroom, you might want to keep it simple and clean.

If your home office is in a corner of the room, a great way to make it feel cohesive with the rest of the space is to use color and pattern. And if you have a whole room to work with, you can get really creative with the space.