Under stair spaces are often wasted space in homes. Instead of allowing it to become a dumping ground for tote bags and trainers, turn it into a stylish home office. Avoid home office design mistakes and go bespoke. This is your best option here as you’ll be able to build in cabinetry to make the most of every available inch.
Build in as much storage as you have room for. Not all needs to be for office supplies, you can keep a cupboard for coats, and maybe a pull-out drawer for all the miscellaneous hallway paraphernalia.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SE3jokguZQ.wnuupDY25ig–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/8c263a0e093b3dfce78b494b09b8c010 class=caas-img data-headline=”Utilise under stair space”> Use paint to define your work space in an open-plan area. Cover an area in contrast colours to the main wall, making it roughly the width of your desk and just below ceiling height, so it creates a framed backdrop for your desk.
‘This could work very well in modern properties with an open plan living space,’ adds Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown. ‘And by painting just a smaller section of the room you can go really brave or dark with your chosen colour.’
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/77zm9WhGA5MxomT3OBDCZQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/58085ac3340fbc87ddf135529a7f63aa class=caas-img data-headline=”Zone with paint”> Nobody puts baby in the corner… but maybe they should. A corner desk is an excellent solution for fitting in a workspace and storage without overly encroaching on the rest of the room.
Keep ergonomics in mind and find an option with a pull out keyboard so you can comfortably type while staying at a good distance from your screen.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0aok.nxKRi1c8tvbs8_zvQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/49f936964acd23f302a0f769bdbbbd1a class=caas-img data-headline=”Choose a corner desk”> Whether you’re using a small box room or a part of a larger space, colour is key. Light, bright shades and materials will make the space seem larger than it is. Think crisp whites, pale woods and glinting metallics.
Be smart about your desk position to make the most for the natural light in the space. ‘Lighting can increate productivity and prevent fatigue,’ says Juliette from Juliettes Interiors. ‘Make the most of daylight, but have your desk side onto a window so that the light does not shine directly onto your computer screen, and use tall lighting for specific areas, where you need to concentrate on detail.’
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/EdoVUXMKBdBlkH3AgLbW2w–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/22af1e91bc4bf56436c3fe40346c9c02 class=caas-img data-headline=”Lean into a light and bright scheme”> ‘When it comes to creating a home office, you ideally want to carve out a space that you can dedicate to it,’ advises Emma Deterding, Founder and Creative Director, Kelling Designs. ‘However, space is often at a premium in modern homes and apartments, so dedicating a whole room isn’t always possible. The last two years has seen the home become more multi-functional than ever, so being creative with your space is key.’
Use every inch of space at your disposal. Find space in an alcove in your living or dining room to act as a smart home office area. As well as fitting in a desk, you can easily add shelving above for all your working day necessities.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Rz9pDad6YH._EouslmKU3Q–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/6749c26c4eb327a2f088b2465a145749 class=caas-img data-headline=”Make use of alcoves”> ‘Opting for built-in storage will help to make the most of every ‘nook & cranny’,’ says Jamie Godfrey, Senior Design Consultant, Neville Johnson. ‘This maximises every inch of your small office space to meet your exact storage needs.’
If you have width but not depth, take your cabinetry across the room, keeping it long in length but slim to the wall.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ku4puiunFT4_6ZPqskJ7aQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/3abe2b8e7e92222b5796f9034a44bf5c class=caas-img data-headline=”Go long and narrow”> To really delineate your home office in an open plan space, consider revamping that section of wall. Add interest while zoning by inserting a panelled area. Enhance the look even further by painting this section in a contrasting colour to the rest of the wall space.
For a chic finish, paint the desk shelf in this same colour. This also makes it multi-purpose, as once you remove your work essentials it could double up as a cool home bar or display area.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/A.F4_CBYuBPJPiKPbczIIg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/7ef88e43d6908fc41ae94613477d271e class=caas-img data-headline=”Use panelling to define the space”> This has to be one of the smartest ways to make a small space work for a home office. A simple wooden shelf placed under a window creates the perfect perch for work.
You can go as big or as small as you have room for, but try not to go too thick or it can seem out of proportion.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LD18JcNqUokUqL66mmEDww–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/12ee19bb5a309891017cf94ec0db38c6 class=caas-img data-headline=”Put up a single shelf to use as a desk”> When space is limited it’s key to utilise every inch of space to the max. For a small home office desk or craft room the key is in making the walls worker harder.
A wall-mounted storage unit with fold-down compartments provides ample space for a desk and storage without taking up space. You can choose to fold each section flat against the wall when not in use.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0h8tggH5lF.uk_OX7cU.UQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/bc7821b1eef970345d66373d206b2f42 class=caas-img data-headline=”Use all available walls wisely”> If you have an open-plan kitchen design try transforming a dividing wall into a computer station. Invest in a narrow tall desk with enough space to balance a laptop and plenty of shelves for storing office supplies.
Instead of buying a single purpose desk chair, double up a breakfast bar stool from the kitchen. A pegboard hung above the desk will help free up desk space further.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2l8Z2zEOZrMZ14XM5Zb3Rw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/da2f0116d97cd22096ecdccf6c11177f class=caas-img data-headline=”Transform a dividing wall into a smart desk area”> It’s important to keep a healthy home/work life balance, so having a home office you can shut away is key for properly switching off. This solution is also an ideal small home office to avoid the presence of a screen or computer from encroaching on a compact living space.
Transform an old cupboard into a home office that can be opened up whenever you need it. Include a shelf for storage and a board on runners for a keyboard. Attach pin boards to the inside of the cupboard doors as a place to keep track of to do lists, tickets and postcards.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/faT92M5nl_oe.w0.G_b57g–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/2c60d1b3835619b7054638a99c6628a9 class=caas-img data-headline=”Conceal your desk inside a cupboard”> If you’re limited on space, using a bedroom as a home office may be the only solution. Making a desk double up as a dressing table makes it a useable furniture piece with a bedroom purpose too.
A narrow, floating desk won’t protrude too much into the room. Pop a mirror on it to transform it into a dressing table. Keep your home office essentials minimal, so you have less to hide away.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xorYdpJSnjGNiPZzZ4coNg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/3c0f83ad9d96e8c8af22e161895e96f1 class=caas-img data-headline=”Float a desk to take up minimal floorspace”> Don’t be afraid of introducing pattern into a small space behind a desk, as an interesting wallpaper or mural will cleverly distract from a messy desk and can play with the perception of space.
If wallpaper isn’t your thing, you could use a pin board or wall-mounted clipboards to make an interesting backdrop to your study area.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rOcRrHGBsor0EuxpW0FMsg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/c7917bc04e3067053eaaa6fc457a0f95 class=caas-img data-headline=”Welcome wallpaper”> Make the most of every inch of valuable wall space with a wall-mounted unit that doubles as a desk. Simply fasten the bottom half away, to hid all trace of a desk element.
With drawers and storage compartments it doubles up a standard bedside unit to place a lamp, book and some fresh flowers. Add a small stool for when you’re using it as a desk.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zFvuXum58EFpVgUZIulcyQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/ba450228a1879aba7836741f2fee8db2 class=caas-img data-headline=”Utilise the wall space beside the bed”> If your loft space is already boarded out it will be simple enough to convert the space into a small home office, a lick of paint and a roll of carpet goes a long way to transform an attic for storage into an attic where you wish to spend time.
Sloping roofs are the perfect example of a space that might otherwise be redundant. It’s often tricky to make use of the half height ceiling, due to the awkward measurements, but a desk will slot happily in.
Remember that it’s a good idea to position yourself near a window, so you don’t feel completely shut off from the world.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wUNJxZ48GJUICrGZdiMX_w–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/406a0e82798c329f32f5a5e5743668d4 class=caas-img data-headline=”Make the most of attic eaves”> Don’t mix business with pleasure. Ensure your home office doesn’t encroach on your living space by keeping it well hidden. Give office essentials a dedicated storage cupboard, that you can shut the doors on after a long day.
Complete the vibe with a trolley you can wheel desk-side and lot of boxes, files and jars to keep it all under control.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/j6uCUmNvLK9xVQybNEnQOg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/9c7a7fe48609c75b0cbb05dcf78caef2 class=caas-img data-headline=”Keep office clutter behind closed doors”> Don’t compromise on interior style, make the small space work harder within your home. Soften the edges of a functional workspace by incorporating decorative home accessories and plenty of plants.
A cluster of houseplants, in varying heights, leaf shapes and pot textures can help to instantly add an informal feel to a home office.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/H1udfKaizaB8fxEIWEr3CQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/74f4cd8efc4c038a44c8e70d9f263c77 class=caas-img data-headline=”Soften the look of a functional home office”> No spare room? Then use a corner of your living room for your home office. Traditionally, an office keeps you shut away from the rest of the house, but these days, social and work lives are more closely entwined.
Hang family photos to ensure the space still feels like part of the original room.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DcRJRipjdI_navRRMmoCcg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/93e80ad8186abfb9ee510b3fd86f0378 class=caas-img data-headline=”Corner off space to fashion a workstation”> Garden offices are the perfect way to keep work and living areas separate. Especially if indoor space is limited. Using one side for correspondence and filing and the other for more creative work helps create a sense of serenity.
Plus, there’s nothing more inspirational than a garden to look out over while working.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lBVNxxnbB_VvhAVZJJYygA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/87694b37dda892c860d935d825193ba7 class=caas-img data-headline=”Turn an outbuilding into a home office”> Small homes don’t often have the luxury of a whole room dedicated for a home office, but fear not – just a corner will do the job!
Create a small work station by pulling up a comfortable chair and small table in the corner of the kitchen. When not in use the chair can be used elsewhere within the room and the table pushed against the wall to avoid it taking up valuable floorspace.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/d2Z2WOsR1qAn8CBt5Z86Tg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/e3c2cfd643db4445e9c9e102acd016db class=caas-img data-headline=”Work in a corner of the kitchen”> Who says you need traditional office furniture in your workspace? If you’re using the space infrequently you may not want to invest in new furniture, or pieces that feel too ‘office’ like. Even a bedside table can double up as a mini desk if space is tight elsewhere in the house. We love upcycled furniture to revamp and repurpose old furniture pieces.
Two bedside tables side by side can provide more than enough room. Fit shelves above for display and keep a space clear for your laptop.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RSR0HfKuEa6yFu7d8nkKzg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/b4c7cb255fc151a874ca516e74c0d3cd class=caas-img data-headline=”Upcycle existing furniture for a make-shift office”> Keep walls white in your home office so you can display photographs and pictures to inspire you. Continue the theme with co-ordinating stand-alone furniture and accessories, such as the desk lamp and shelf unit, for a cohesive feel.
Decorating with soothing white shades not only evokes a calm feel, the blank canvas creates the illusion of greater space.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kP5ltQI.A.MjyXvEaHiU5Q–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/e8c38f623b6f7ff3f9642d991d8a4980 class=caas-img data-headline=”Use white as a backdrop”> Use a dressing table in place of an office desk. The storage within the design allows for somewhere to stash work essentials, while the top provides just enough space for a laptop for working.
At the end of a long days work simply restore the space to a dressing table if need be.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mLblqKpa7ZZpnBqaTlEmag–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/105818c99ba3aa6ed9ccee9a8915b5df class=caas-img data-headline=”Make a dressing table double up as a desk”>
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