Keep your workspace hidden from view with these clever hidden ideas for small offices. If you live in a small space such as an apartment or condo, you may not be able to use the entire room as a separate home office.
Even if you live in a small space, it doesn't mean you can't work from home. All you need is creativity. Our expert shares his 6 great ways to create a hidden small office space at home. The best part? You can use the furniture you already have, or if you're in the mood to invest a little, you can buy new multifunctional furniture.
real house We spoke to a top interior designer to learn about her best small office ideas. Your small office will remain hidden, but everyone will see these great ideas.
Hidden small office ideas
Whether your company has given up its office space or adopted a hybrid working style, you're one of the many people currently working from home. In fact, by 2025, he estimates that 32.6 million Americans will be working from home.
It's time to optimize your home work space and make your hidden little office available on the go.
“With so many professionals working from home, finding a home office solution has become a top priority for many,” says Austin-based interior designer Audrey Scheck. speak to me.
Audrey Scheck is an interior designer based in Austin, Texas and founder of Audrey Scheck Design.
1. Use a console or side table as a desk
(Image credit: Pottery Barn)
Audrey suggests using one of the best console tables as a hidden small office desk. Having multiple purposes in one table, like this Threshold console table from Target, can also save you money when it comes to decorating.
She recommends placing your desk behind the couch. “If space allows, choose to create a desk space behind the sofa. A console table serves as both form and function,” says Audrey.
If it is not reasonable to do this at home, you can use the entrance console as a desk or use a slim desk as an entrance console. Then, when you get to work, add the best office chair you can buy to your setup.
Designers advise simply hiding your computer when you're not using it. “Then you'll have a beautifully styled table for the evenings and weekends.”
Alternatively, you can quickly create a soft office setup by placing a side table parallel to or in front of a small sofa.
size:H26.8×W26×D20.76
material: Mindy Wood and Metal
Pottery Barn Cayman console table
size: H28×W48×D15
material: Mango wood
2. Create a claw office
(Image credit: Audrey Scheck)
Closet-office hybrids, or “cloffices,” have been a popular choice for people working from home during the pandemic. This is a smart way to make the most of your space.
“If you have enough square footage in your walk-in closet, consider cutting out a section for a small desk,” says Audrey. “A closet that doubles as an office is affectionately called a 'cloffice' and is the perfect solution when you need additional workspace.”
Cloffices are an especially good idea if your closet has natural light. If not, get a lamp like this portable mushroom lamp from Target and work with the door open. That way you're never working in the dark.
Gold adjustable task desk lamp with marble base
size:H23×W12×D6
material: white marble and iron
Size (inch):H20×W7.5×D5
material: Aluminum, brass, steel, blown glass, recycled glass
3. Use your nightstand as a desk
(Image credit: Amanda Lauren Kass)
The bedroom is a great place to create a hidden home office, but if you don't have a lot of extra space, using a nightstand as a desk is a last resort. This is also a great idea for people on a tight budget.
Audrey explains: “If you don't have enough room in your bedroom to fit a desk in a small space, choose a Parsons-style nightstand that doubles as a desk. Just pull up a chair and you're ready to work.”
We love this mid-century wood nightstand from Amazon that doubles as an organized small workspace with this ingenious setup. I especially like the deep drawers, which are great for stashing work stuff after logging off for the day. Be sure to have a lamp nearby so you have enough light to work with.
Westerleigh 1 Drawer Nightstand
size:H28.1×W23.6×D15.5
material: Engineered wood and metal
4. Use a murphy bed
(Image credit: Audrey Scheck)
Audrey advertises creating a hidden multi-functional office and guest room with a murphy bed that folds up against the wall when not in use.
“This frees up important square footage on the floor plan and frees up room for office space,” she says. “Choose a desk that's easy to move when using a murphy bed.” This portable desk from Amazon has wheels so it's easy to move and is perfect for multi-purpose room signs like this one.
Murphy beds are an ideal choice for studio apartments where square footage is at a premium. Another benefit is the separation between life and work. When your desk is empty, you know it's time to work. Once it's out of sight, let your hair down and relax.
There are many different types and styles of murphy beds available, like this murphy bed from Wayfair. Easily find the one that fits your space and enhance the design of your room.
Warnke full/double murphy bed
Size (inch):H61.7×W16.5×L81.3
material: Engineered wood and weathered steel
Kindig solid wood murphy bed with charging station
Size (inch):H41×L82.5
material:Solid wood, memory foam, gel memory foam
5. Turn a shelf into a desk
(Image credit: Amanda Lauren Kass)
You don't need a desk with legs to create a functional workspace. Any type of sturdy shelf can be used as a desktop, but a self-contained unit works best. Simply add chairs when you're working and remove them when you're not working.
If you don't have one built-in, consider installing floating shelves. Don't forget to properly secure it to the wall for safety. Avoid using freestanding bookshelves to create desks. You may fall.
Wall shelf without oak effect
Size (inch):L74.75×D10.25
material: Particleboard, fiberboard, plastic edges, printed and embossed acrylic paint, clear acrylic lacquer, honeycomb structure paper filling
6. Create a built-in desk
(Image credit: Taryn Leto)
One of the big challenges when living in a small one- or two-bedroom apartment or condo is expanding the space to fit your lifestyle.
If you suddenly need additional workspace, interior designer Taryn Leto, founder and principal designer of Tiny Haven Design, suggests creating a workstation in your kitchen or in an area with built-in cabinetry. .
She says: “For some projects, I wanted more desktop workspace, so I removed some of the lower cabinetry to complete it. Then I added a quartz stone countertop and took advantage of the freestanding and built-in desks. and created a dual workstation area behind it. ”
The designer also recommends using a desk chair with wheels, such as one of our favorite Amazon office chairs, to make the space easier to access.
Hbada Office Flip Up Arm Desk Chair
Size (inch):H21.3×W19.7×D19.7
material:Nylon mesh
available colors:3
X Xishe Ergonomic Office Chair
Size (inch):H44×W24×D21
material: mesh
color: black
Yaheetech Mid Back Desk Chair
Size (inch):H40.06×W21.7×D24
material: PU leather
available colors:Five
Taryn Leto is the founder and lead designer of Tiny Haven Design.
FAQ
How can you create a hidden small home office if you don't have a lot of extra space?
Even if you don't have a lot of space, there are many ways to create a hidden small home office. For example, you can buy a murphy bed that doubles as a desk on one side, use nightstands, reuse built-in shelves, or create a “closet” in your closet.
What if you don't have space for a traditional desk?
You can use any type of table as a desk, as long as you can work comfortably. Also try dining tables, shelves, and console tables.
Just because you don't have a separate home office space doesn't mean you're less productive. There are many ways to create a hidden home office.
To start the process, tidy up your small space Then let's start decorating. Doing this first means you have the most space available to work with. While it's possible to freshen up a small office without spending a fortune, choosing a stylish desk that doubles as a table will help your workspace blend into your decor and serve as a decent LTI (long-term investment).