If, like me you are working from home more frequently, then you’ll love my pick of the 6 of the best home office ideas for small spaces.
As remote (and hybrid) working becomes commonplace for most of us, I’m sure that if you’re reading this post you’re looking for ways to cram a office space in your home.
If you live in a small house, a flat or shared home, then you’ll find that space is at a premium meaning carving out a home office can feel an impossible task. Well, I have some good news for you! With a little creativity, lots of imagination, and clever buys, even the smallest corner can be transformed into a stylish, functional workspace that is a pleasure to work in.
6 Of The Best Home Office Ideas For small Spaces
Hi. I’m Maxine Brady, an interior stylist with over 20 years experience transforming homes. I’m here today to show you that with a little styling magic, you can transform even the tiniest corner of your home into a productive space. Whether you’re working from a studio flat, a spare bedroom, or a nook under the stairs, these six clever home office ideas for small spaces will help you create a spot that works hard for you.
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These six clever home office ideas for small spaces prove you don’t need a dedicated study to get it right. Let’s get into it!
1. Repurpose Existing Furniture
One of the simplest home office ideas for small spaces is to repurpose furniture you already own. Before you rush out to buy a new desk, look around your home at what you might have already. A sturdy dining table, console or even an unused dressing table can double up as a workstation. Then all you’ll need to add a table lamp for good task lighting and a comfortable chair with back support with a cushion or two. Not only will this save you money, but it will make your home work harder as well.
In my own home, I have turned my dining table into my working desk. It’s great as it is really large and I can spread out during the day. My wishbone chairs are super comfy, and the dog always bags the chair next to me! In the evenings, I clear my desk away, storing my computer monitor in a box under my sofa, and ugly wires are stashed in a basket in the corner of my dining space. Turning my dining room into a multi-functional space has made my small terrace house work so much smarter and harder.
If you want more home office ideas check out my post on how you can styled a home office using things you already own
2. Create a tech-friendly corner
If you only have a small corner to work with, keep your tech set-up neat and streamlined. Use cable clips, plug towers and Bluetooth accessories to cut down on messy wires. A clutter-free corner instantly feels more spacious and professional perfect for small-space Zoom meetings. And it will stop your wires getting all knotted up as well!
Then you’ll want to make sure your home office looks professional for those all important zoom meetings. Start by making sure your backdrop is clear of clutter, and have personal items like photos or clothing well hidden.
Your home office setup is not just about furniture (and wires), it’s also about how you connect and communicate too. If you are running a business from home, we all know how important it is to make sure that you have upgraded your accounts to a secure business email so that you can protect any sensitive messages or documents, which will give your company a professional image to clients. Good digital habits can make as much difference to your productivity as a stylish workspace!
3. Make Use of Landings, Hallways & Tight Corners
Sadly, smaller properties don’t have the luxury of a spare room which you can turn into your home office. instead turn your attention to other areas of your home! If you are lucky enough to have a landing, a wider hallway or even under the stairs space, then why don’t you adapted this area? Extend a shelf from the bannister or slot in a narrow desk against the wall in a matching colour so it blends in.
In small homes, corners are often wasted space, but they can be the perfect spot for a mini office. Tuck a slimline desk or floating shelf into an unused corner of your living room or bedroom, or within an alcove. If you’ve got room, an L-shaped desk works brilliantly, giving you extra surface area for a laptop, lamp and paperwork without taking over the rest of the room. You can buy small L-shaped desks now, or ones with pull out sections which you can use during the day.
These overlooked areas make great study spaces for kids too, with the added bonus that you can keep an eye on them while they’re working.
4. Disguise Storage in Shared Spaces
Working from home comes with an amount messy paperwork. I often have paint charts, fabrics samples and magazines scattered around for my latest projects. This can easily take over a small home, leaving your tiny house feeling overwhelmed with work stuff. This is why storage is key!
If your home office is in the living room or an open-plan space, storage needs to blend into your existing space. If have the room, then shelving is ideal to house all these items, then style this area with plants and small accessories so it doesn’t scream ‘office’ when you clock off. And then all you need to do at the end of the day, you can tuck your laptop and paperwork away out of sight to restore calm.
You don’t have to go out and buy new storage items. You can use mason or jam jars to storage stationary, or baskets to stash paperwork, or even shoe boxes wrapped in pretty wrapping paper or left over wallpaper. I find that a tidy office space helps reduce stress and keeps your mind clear for the tasks that matter most.
I’m a big fan of storage, so if you want more ideas for your home read 7 Practical Ways To Create Storage In A Small Home
5. Choose a Foldaway Office
Foldaway desks are one of the smartest home office ideas for small spaces. They like consoles or cupboards when shut, but open up into a full-blown workstation when needed. It’s a game-changer if you’re working in a living room or bedroom, as you can literally pack away your “office” at 6pm and reclaim your home life.
If you have an alcove, you could consider getting built in storage for your home office with a pull out desk inside. This is a clever way to maximise space in a smaller home, while still looking chic and stylish. Choose designer handles, paint the doors in a bold colour and you could even wallpaper inside to really own your working from home space.
If you want to look at more desk ideas, check out 9 Of The Best Stylish Yet Practical Desks Ideas For Your Home Office
6. Play With Colour & Light
Decorating tricks are essential when it comes to small home office ideas. The hottest trend is to colour drench a room by painting walls, ceilings and furniture in the same shade which creates the illusion of a seamless space (and it looks really modern too). Colour drenching walls and ceilings in the same shade makes even tiny spaces feel larger. For more colour ideas check out these trending paint colours for 2025
But if this look isn’t for you. don’t worry just think about walls to add personality into your home office space with colourful accessories, that way your home office will become a feature in your home, rather than a forgotten area.
And please don’t forget about your lighting as well: You’ll want a really good desk lamp with a daylight bulb plus a softer lamp nearby can make a small office feel both practical and cosy. I have a scented candle on the go most days as that helps me relax when working, and it gives a soft glow if I’m working into the evenings!
My final tip is if your home office is tucked away in a dark corner of your home (often the case) then add in a large mirror to help bounce around natural light.
Still have questions about small home office styling? Maybe these answers will help!
Q: What is the best desk for a small home office?
A: In tight spaces, go for a slimline or foldaway desk. A wall-mounted shelf desk or console table can double up as a workspace without dominating the room.
Q: How can I make a small home office feel bigger?
A: Use light-reflecting colours, mirrors and good lighting to open up the space. Colour drenching walls and ceilings in the same tone also creates the illusion of more room.
Q: Where can I fit a home office in a small house?
A: Look for under-utilised spots such as corners, landings, hallways or even part of a living room. These spaces can be transformed into a practical workstation with the right desk and storage.
Q: How do I hide my office when I’m not working?
A: Foldaway desks, closed storage units, and disguised shelving (styled with baskets, books and plants) are great ways to keep work clutter out of sight after hours.
My Final Thoughts on Home office ideas for small spaces
The best home office ideas for small spaces don’t require a spare room — they’re about being clever with what you already own. By doubling up furniture, carving out unused corners, disguising storage and using decorating tricks, you can create a small-space office that’s practical, stylish and inspiring.
Looking for more small-space inspiration? Read my Guide To The Best Interior Styling Tips Ever which I have packed full of tips and tricks for you to explore.
Images thanks to:
Furniture Village | Furniture & Choice | Ligne Roset | Mustard Made | Nest.co.uk | Orthex Group | Quick Step | Sharps | Ufurnish | Wayfair