Whether you’re converting a box room or squeezing a desk into an alcove in a living area, functional home office ideas make work from home less stressful. From ergonomic office chairs to house plants that cleanse the air, discover smart ways to add style and function to your workspace.
Keep your eye strain at bay by providing layered lighting in your workspace. Opt for translucent window shades or blinds to reduce glare on your computer screen.
1. Create a Workspace You Love
If you work from home, chances are you want a dedicated space where you can feel productive and motivated throughout the day. While it’s ideal to have a separate room for your office, it is possible to create a functional and stylish workspace even in a small apartment or shared space.
If your office is going to be in an open plan area, consider using a neutral color for the walls. This will help to define the space and make it feel more professional without cutting off the flow of your work.
Alternatively, you could use a built-in desk or shelving to divide your work area from the rest of the room. I’ve even seen home offices set up in closets, guest rooms and kitchen corners – all with great success! Lastly, don’t forget to incorporate decorative home accessories and plenty of plants. These simple touches will help to make your workspace feel like a calming retreat and keep you inspired throughout the day.
2. Create a Space That’s Organized
When it comes to creating a functional home office space, organization is key. Begin by sorting items into categories and getting rid of any you no longer need, or don’t use regularly. Once you’ve decluttered, assign each category a dedicated home. Whether it’s a drawer, shelf, or dedicated storage piece like a cabinet desk, find solutions that work for your needs and look stylish, too.
Decorative office supplies help to soften the sharp edges of any workspace and can instantly add color, pattern, and texture. Try using old glass jars to hold pencils and pens, or turn recycled metal cans into elegant desktop containers by covering them with romantic French toile fabric.
For tight spaces, consider repurposing an existing closet, bedroom, or dining room table as a home office. Or, for a smart solution, choose a multifunctional option like La Redoute’s Mattheo Hideaway Cabinet Desk, which looks sleek when closed and transforms into a full-blown workspace when needed.
3. Create a Space That’s Bright
Whether your home office is in an entire room or just a small corner of one, ensuring the space is bright and cheerful is key. White walls, pale woods and gleaming metallics will all help to make a space look bigger. Keeping your decor to a minimum will also help to keep the room light and airy. Too many knick-knacks can cast shadows and interfere with lighting, so opt for simple wall art and furniture that can double as storage solutions, like these clever IKEA spice racks used as book shelves.
If you’re working from a closet or alcove off of a living area, consider adding in built-in furniture to maximize the space and make it feel more purposeful. For example, this streamlined home workstation from Ursula Carmona is tucked away in a closet off the living room and features an upholstered salmon pink desk chair, floor-to-ceiling shelving and a white Jielde industrial desk lamp for added style.
4. Create a Space That’s Comfortable
Working from home can be tough if you’re stuck in an uncomfortable chair or staring at a messy desk. Use home office decor to create a comfortable space that you actually want to spend time in. Prioritize practicality over uniqueness when choosing decor items and look for ways to make them multi-functional.
Shelves are a great way to add storage to your home workstation without making it too cluttered. Opt for open shelving to display decorative items and framed family photos and invest in shelves that can hold binders and other supplies. You can also repurpose a narrow cabinet or sideboard as a home workstation by installing a desktop extension or laptop shelf.
Paper clutter is a common cause of disorganization in home offices, so be sure to keep your file drawers empty and your desk free. To keep pens and pencils neatly contained, opt for cute storage solutions like woven baskets or desk cups covered in romantic French toile fabric.