Working remotely or running a home-based business comes with its perks, but one common challenge often arises — limited space! Whether your office is tucked into a corner of your bedroom or a tiny nook somewhere in the house, creating a productive workspace in a cramped area can be tricky.
A disorganised office space is more than just an eyesore; it can be a major distraction that hinders your productivity and focus — not to mention it’s not a great look on Teams.
If you’re struggling to maximise your limited square footage and create an office space that promotes productivity, don’t fret! We’ve compiled 17 innovative small home office ideas to help you save space and create a functional haven for your remote work or home-based business.
17 Innovative Space-Saving Ideas for a Home Office
1. Wall-Mounted Folding Desk
If you’re looking for a modern office design idea that saves space but is also affordable, a wall-mounted folding desk is the answer! Essentially, it’s a desk that folds up vertically against the wall when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space and making your workspace work for you.
These desks are usually made with durable materials like wood or metal to support desktop items and computers. Many models come with built-in shelving or compartments for storing office supplies when folded up. They are also super easy to install by mounting a folding frame or brackets securely to the wall.
2. Sliding Trays for Keyboards
Sliding trays can be installed beneath your desk and can be pushed in and pulled out as needed. When not in use, they tuck neatly under the desk, freeing up valuable real estate on top.
This clutter-clearing solution for a small home office workspace allows you to take advantage of narrow desks or surfaces. No more cramped keyboards intruding on your workspace!
3. Vertical Shelving Units
Vertical shelving units are a smart, space-saving storage solution ideal for small home offices. Featuring a tall, slim design that takes up minimal floor space and provides ample shelving by utilising vertical wall space.
Available in various materials like wood, metal, or plastic, these units typically contain 4–7 shelves to store books, binders, and office supplies.
4. Corner Desk Designed for Tight Spaces
If you’re super tight on space, you could consider this simple small home office idea — a corner desk. They come in two types of designs: L-shaped and triangular.
An L-shaped desk has two separate, oblong work surfaces that meet in the centre at a right angle, whereas a triangular desk has a single work surface that’s much smaller in size.
If you have a little extra room to spare, an L-shaped desk offers more space to spread out your computer, writing utensils, and books. A triangular option is best for those who want their desk to take up as little room as possible — as long as you’re willing to downsize your work setup.
5. Try Pegboard Walls for Organising Accessories
Pegboards are versatile solutions for organising your home office. These grid-like panels feature evenly spaced holes where you can insert pegs to hold things. Install a large pegboard in your home office to keep pens, papers, and office supplies organised and out of the way.
6. A Cabinet Desk with Closed Storage
A cabinet desk is essentially a tabletop supported by a cabinet or a series of cabinets that have storage compartments. This means you can keep your office supplies, documents, and other essentials neatly tucked away, creating a clutter-free workspace.
7. Get Hanging Baskets on Walls for Supplies
Hanging baskets come in various sizes, shapes, and materials to complement different office décor. Strategically placed within easy reach, they serve as convenient storage for frequently used items like pens, scissors, and notepads, keeping your desk surface clear and promoting an organised workflow.
They are relatively inexpensive and transform bare walls into practical and stylish storage solutions.
8. Use an Ottoman or Bench With Interior Storage
If you need to store things out of the way, an ottoman or bench with a lid to store things inside is a great way to save space in your home office. The padded top surface doubles as extra seating, while the hollow interior stores office supplies, files, or personal items. Some models feature trays or flat surfaces, doubling as side tables.
9. Make Use of Floating Shelves
If you have no space for drawers, think about floating shelves. These can be placed above your desk and appear to “float” on the wall, freeing up floor and desk space by maximising the vertical space on your wall. Available in various sizes, shapes, and materials, they provide convenient storage for frequently used items, books, and decor pieces, keeping desks clutter-free.
10. A Murphy Desk That Folds Into the Wall
A Murphy desk, also called a bureau, is a type of desk that is stored vertically against a wall when not in use. Murphy desks can also be folded into a tiny cabinet for more storage space.
Some Murphy desks even come with integrated features like USB ports or hidden compartments for storage. If you’re looking for a functional and space-saving solution for your home office, a Murphy desk might be the perfect choice!
11. Tall Narrow Bookcase
A tall narrow bookcase is a compact and vertically oriented piece of furniture designed to maximise storage in tight spaces. These bookcases are perfect for those awkward nooks or corners where standard furniture might not fit. They are also ideal for storing office documents.
12. Mount Your Printer to the Wall or Under Desk
Printers can take up valuable shelf or floor space. You can mount your printer to the wall by placing a shelf above your workspace so it’s out of the way.
13. Use a Closet or Armoire as an Office Nook
When space is at a premium, transforming an underutilised closet into a functional home office nook is a clever solution.
Here is how to use a closet or armoire as an office nook:
Clear out the Space: Remove all clothing, shelves, and other items from the closet or armoire to create a space.
Install Lighting: Proper lighting is essential for a functional workspace. Install LED strip lights or a small desk lamp to illuminate the area.
Add a Desk or Work Surface: Measure the space and install a small desk or fold-down table. You can also use a shelf or two mounted at a comfortable height to create a standing desk.
Organise Your Supplies: Use containers, baskets, or shelves to keep office supplies, files, and other essentials organised and within reach.
Incorporate Storage Solutions: Install additional shelves or hanging organisers to maximise the vertical space for storing books, binders, or other materials.
14. Use Dual-Purpose Furniture
Opt for furniture pieces that serve dual purposes. Similar to the Ottoman and Murphy desk ideas these dual-purpose pieces can help maximise limited space in a home office and provide functionality for multiple uses. Here are some more ideas for dual-purpose office furniture:
- Sofa Bed or Futon: These convertible sofas can provide seating for your office and fold out into a bed when needed.
- Lift-Top Coffee Table: A coffee table with a lifting top can serve as a desk or workstation when needed.
- Ladder Desk: A leaning desk with shelves, often designed to be space-saving and multifunctional.
15. Over-the-Door Organisers for Files/Papers
Hang an over-the-door organiser on the inside of your office closet or cabinet door. Use the pockets to store small office supplies like pens, notepads, sticky notes, paper clips, and USB drives. Label each pocket for easy access.
16. Rolling File Cabinets or Carts Under the Desk
A rolling file cabinet or cart designed to fit under a desk serves as a compact yet mobile storage solution for a home office.
Constructed with casters or wheels on the bottom, these low-profile units can slide effortlessly underneath a desk or table when not in use. Often featuring one or two drawers or shelves to accommodate hanging file folders and documents, some models offer open shelving while others are enclosed cabinets.
17. Ceiling-Mounted Lamps
Ceiling-mounted swing-arm lamps are an excellent solution for optimising desk space and enhancing lighting efficiency if you don’t have natural light in your office.
A swing-arm desk lamp features an adjustable arm that allows you to direct the light precisely where you need it. This reduces eye strain and improves visibility, making it ideal for focused tasks like reading, writing, or intricate work.
Looking for more ways to optimise your office space? Read our blog on ways to perfect your office space.
Be More Productive with Nesta’s Help
Still not enough space at home for your ever-expanding office supplies? At Nesta, we have business storage solutions so you can store anything from documents to extra stock and clear up space at home.
We also offer on-site office rentals in various locations, so if the work-from-home life is not for you or you don’t have room for a home office, contact us!
