Finding small office ideas can help you decorate your space even if your only workspace is a hallway.
We asked interior designers for their best tips for decorating a home workspace with little floor space. Multifunctional furniture and the magic of mirrors are just some of their favorite solutions for decorating this space.
If you're looking for home office ideas and you're short on space, narrow room ideas are a great place to start.
Neat and small office ideas
These tips, tricks and small office ideas will help you make your office a more productive and attractive place to work.
Our experts have stylish and exclusive shopping suggestions, so we've tracked them down for you.
The prices below are accurate at the time of publishing this article.
1. Change the layout
(Image courtesy of Antipodream)
Transforming a small office doesn't necessarily have to cost a fortune, just some revamped small office layout ideas can make it more usable.
“Think carefully about the layout of your small office to maximize efficiency and flow,” says Nina Lichtenstein, principal designer and founder of Nina's Home Design.
“We recommend placing the desk along the longest wall to create a focal point and make the most of the available space,” she adds.
You might also consider a room divider (this Beachcrest Home Genoveva Room Divider from Wayfair even comes with a handy shelf) to visually separate areas without sacrificing space.
2. Use multi-functional furniture
(Image courtesy of Wayfair)
One of the keys to making the most of your small office space is to choose furniture that has multiple functions.
“Use slim, functional furniture, like a desk with built-in storage (we love this Martha Stewart Shaker Desk from Wayfair) or a foldable surface,” says Artem Khropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight.
Beyond the desk, you might also want to consider other items that will help you maintain a clutter-free space, like the best storage ottomans (this Lavish Home Storage Ottoman on Amazon has over 4,000 five-star reviews).
Weight capacity: 400 lbs
Alcott Hill Roksan Upholstered Storage Bench
Dimensions (in inches): 17.5 H x 43.5 W x 19.1 D
Material: Synthetic leather, velvet
Price: $141.99
I love the luxurious look of this storage bench – it's perfect for adding a touch of glamour to your office.
No assembly required
Dimensions (in inches): 29.53 H x 19.69 W x 39.4 D
Material: Wood, Steel
Price: $84.99
When you're done for the day, this desk can be folded up, freeing up your office space for other purposes.
lightweight
AC Pacific White Crystal Tufted Storage Bench
Dimensions (in inches): 16.9 H x 15.75 W x 15.75 D
Material: Synthetic leather
Price: $110.77
You can sit on it when you need a break from the screen. It's a great idea for a small bedroom.
3. Be adaptable
(Image courtesy of Future PLC / Jonathan Jones)
If your small office space can potentially be used for other purposes, make it as versatile as possible.
“Incorporate flexibility into your small office design by incorporating movable workstations that can be rearranged for different tasks and activities,” suggests Nina.
To achieve this, consider modular furniture, such as mobile filing cabinets that can be easily reconfigured (like this colorful Inbox Zero Krahn Cabinet from Wayfair ).
This allows you to tailor your workspace to suit your needs, whether that be an office, a home gym, or anywhere in between.
4. Use mirrors
(Image courtesy of Future PLC)
Use the power of mirrors to make a small room look visually larger and enhance natural light.
“A large mirror on one wall creates the illusion of depth and reflection, making the space feel larger and brighter,” says Nina.
Not only that, but it's also a handy place to make sure your shirt is clean before an important video call.
Choose a chic frame that matches your interior style (the Regina Andrew Plaza beveled mirror at Saks is a real eye-catcher) and acts as a decorative accent.
Shatter-proof
Mercer 41 Lily My Arch Metal Mirror
Size (in inches): 65 H x 22 W
Material: Metal
Price: $98.99
Wayfair shoppers say the item is high quality, the color is true to the picture, and the height is perfect.
Hanging hardware included
Costway Wall Mirror
Dimensions (in inches): Width 1 x Depth 16
Material: Glass, aluminum
Price: $39.99
This glass is extremely durable and will stand the test of time for years to come.
Horizontal and vertical
Oren Ellis Asymmetric Mirror
Size (in inches): 46 H x 26 W
Material: MDF
Price: $154.99
Add a playful accent to your small office by hanging this wavy mirror.
5. Install sliding doors
(Image credit: Getty Images)
For homeowners, this is a game-changing trick and also one of the smartest, space-saving modern small office ideas.
“By using sliding doors instead of traditional hinged doors, you can save space and add a stylish touch to your office entrance,” explains Ornella Guerrero Bianco, home improvement expert at Fixr.
If you're handy with a hammer or can get a professional to help you, this is something you can DIY yourself.
6. Get organized
(Image courtesy of Pooky)
In a small office space, organization is crucial to maintain productivity and minimize clutter.
Nina suggests, “Invest in clever organizational solutions like wall shelves, desktop organizers (we recommend this Comfyroom desktop organizer from Amazon), and cable management systems to keep your workspace tidy and efficient.”
Look around your office and if it feels like it needs cleaning, learn how to organize and clean a small space.
Available in 5 colors
Teamix 2-Tier Desktop Monitor Organizer
Dimensions (in inches): 6.7 H x 18.9 W x 9.5 D
Material: MDF
Price: $28.99
It can also be used as a desktop or laptop monitor, providing plenty of space for electronic devices, files, and other things you want to keep close at hand while you work.
Large capacity
Fabrok Cable Management Box
Dimensions (in inches): 4.37 H x 5.16 W x 12.99 D
Material: Plastic
Price: $19.99
We love this sleek, ribbed cable management system, which also comes with handy, reusable cable ties.
Ready to install
Everly Quinn Legare Floating Shelf
Size(inch):H6.1 x D6.1
Material: Metal, wood
Price: $22.99
Give your small office a sophisticated look with these sleek shelves, which shoppers say are extremely sturdy.
7. Paint it in bright colors
(Image courtesy of Cult Furniture)
Whether you're looking for neutral small office ideas or not, choosing a light and airy color palette will help create a bright, inviting atmosphere.
“To make a room feel larger, choose neutral colours for the walls, such as soft whites, light greys and soft pastels,” says Nina.
You can always add color with vibrant artwork, decorative accents, or the best houseplants (this Costa Farms Pothos Plant is highly rated at Walmart) to infuse personality into the space without overwhelming it.
Shades of pink
Shape: Square
Material: Paper
Price: $2
Use it on walls and ceilings to brighten up a room.
Danish Pastel
Size (in inches): 12 H x 8 W
Material: Paper
Price: $10.17
You can stand it up on a desk like in the photo above, or hang it on the wall to make it stand out.
Calm colors
Gray 02 Eggshell Paint Sample
Shape: Square
Material: Paper
Price: $2
If white is too boring, this pretty light grey will brighten up any small office.
With these clever small office ideas, you can transform even the most challenging space into a vibrant place that's both functional and stylish.
Nina concludes: “You can create a cozy small office space by simply maximizing vertical storage, incorporating multi-purpose furniture, and using a light and airy design.”
If the office isn't the only awkwardly shaped space in your home, you might also need some dreamy tiny bedroom ideas.