65+ Small Home Office Ideas

These clever home office ideas prove you don't have to give up your workspace just because you live in a small space.

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February 26, 2021

By: Briana Mowrey and Chelsea Faulkner

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Carve Out a Workstation

To chic up this niche — and inspire her kids to do their schoolwork — design influencer Mary Marrero painted one wall Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball. Then she added a compact desk and chair and created an eye-catching wall of prints from Ikea. “I’ve always seen gallery walls going up the stairs,” says Mary. “Going beneath makes every inch count!”

From: HGTV Magazine

The Couple That Works Together

Working from home with a partner or roommate? Designate one area as your study — whether that be one half of the living room or your shared den — then build an extra-long desk out of filing cabinets and a slab of wood from the hardware store. Coordinate with your roomie to create a gorgeous art wall that reflects and melds your unique personalities and makes the space look more cohesive.

From: HGTV Magazine

Under the Stairs

An inspiring office space at home (even a small one) can make all the difference in your creativity and productivity levels. Here, a floating shelf transforms a small space beneath the stairs into a tidy workstation. The corkboard on the wall displays clippings and reminders, and the front of the shelf opens with hinges to hide paper clutter.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Closet Cutie

This walk-in closet turned modern home office nook is infused with breezy, beachy decor and a large dose of energetic color. A built-in glass-topped desk fits in the corner of the space and is a sleek foil to the textured grasscloth wallpaper. A vibrant framed print above the computer plays off the punchy pink of the desk chair

From: Erica Bryen Design

Functional Foyer

Small nooks in this foyer were transformed from unused square footage into a home office and reading corner. A small writing desk fits perfectly in the space beside the stairwell and a cozy chair is positioned in easy reach of the bookshelf. Neutral furniture was selected to allow the deep green walls and dark wood beadboard trim to shine. Paint color: Sherwin-Williams Country Squire.

From: Beth Rucker

Good Vibes

This bright home office makes up for a lack of space with plenty of personality. A hot-pink desk and playful citron-yellow chair make coloring, drawing, reading or even paying bills seem much more fun.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Neat Nook

Even the most unlikely corner can function as a work area. An unused nook becomes an instant office with the addition of a few floating shelves and an upcycled desk chair. When not in use, simply pull the curtain in front of the shelves and use the chair as additional seating.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Put an Odd Area to Use

If your home is rife with unique, hard-to-use areas like an alcove in the entryway or an extra-wide hallway, turn one into a tiny office! Here, an elegant inset area features a small floating desk and ample space to display framed art and a vase of greenery. A recessed task light above brightens up the work area long after the sun goes down.

From: Jordan Shifrin

Incognito Workspace

Transform a living room niche or built-in bookshelf into a custom, fold-down workspace that can be tucked up and out of the way. “It functions perfectly for our client to handle small tasks and still have family time," says Lindsay of Three Salt Design.

SEE MORE: Modern Coastal Home Is Pretty + Functional

From: THREE SALT DESIGN Co.

Off the Kitchen

When kitchen counters aren't being used for slicing and dicing, they can pull double-duty as your workspace. Find a chair that fits well with the style of your kitchen (and isn't too bulky), and situate it wherever you have some extra room. You'll now have a structured place to sit, plus easy access to your favorite snacks while you work.

From: Blackband Design

Take Meetings Over Breakfast

Don't overlook the convenience of a breakfast bar when it comes to creating a temporary home office. You don't even need a stool — hello, standing desk! Another perk is the proximity to your coffeemaker.

Fold It Up

Dealing with very limited space? Built-in cabinets in the living room double as a perfect study nook that can be hidden away when not in use. Here, a clever desk conveniently folds up, and the chair can then be used for extra seating. Surrounding shelves and cabinets provide essential storage and a bright nearby window provides much-needed natural light.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Build a Space-Saving Wall-Mounted Desk

From: Braun + Adams

Closet Space

If you happen to have a spare, moderately-sized closet, you can easily squeeze in some small-scale furniture. If you opt for this approach, make the space as bright and inviting as possible to avoid making it feel like, well, a closet. Paint the walls an eye-popping color, add sufficient lighting and it's sure to feel like a legitimate extra room in your home.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Turn a Closet Into a Homeschool Workstation

A Corner Office

In the corner of this stylish kitchen, an L-shaped marble desktop and Shaker-style cabinets offer the ideal spot to get work done. The backsplash is a continuation of that used in the kitchen and the leopard print chair matches the bar stools across the room. It is exactly what the homeowner wanted: a place to catch up on work or for the grandkids to do crafts.

SEE MORE: Classic Southern Home Features Fun Color and Patterns

From: Lauren Clement

Efficiently Chic

Situated just off the kitchen in designer Giana Shorthouse's Atlanta loft, this home studio is neat, stylish and oh-so-efficient with a steel desk that sits on casters for mobility and durability.

Floating Desk

Floor space is always important and even more so if your home is lacking in square footage. So if most of yours is already taken up with essential furniture, floating shelves are the perfect option. They're not only a fraction of the price of a standard desk, but they also take up barely any room. Skip the bulky desk and opt for a sleek shelf with a chair and some standard office decor to tie the look together.

From: Erica Islas

Cabinets, Repurposed

Located in an empty alcove just off the kitchen, this built-in desk area gives homeowners a place to pay bills, look up recipes and work without distraction. The cabinets over the desk are painted the same chalky-blue as the ones in the kitchen and are accented with unlacquered brass hardware. To make the space even more functional, a pinboard backsplash was installed to highlight and help organize the endless amounts of important papers that flow through the family home.

SEE MORE: Dazzling Blue & White Gourmet Kitchen With Floating Shelves

From: Claire Paquin

Homework Helper

If you're able to renovate, building a custom study space may be the best option, as it was here for contractor Chip Wade, host of HGTV's Elbow Room. The station is private enough to curb distractions, but open enough that it still feels connected to the room.

Bedroom Corner

In a dorm room or shared apartment, a section of empty wall space in the bedroom can be easily transformed into an excellent home office. Choose the right-sized desk, a comfortable chair and an adjustable lamp, then clear clutter on the floor by installing sturdy wall shelves above.

From: Rydhima Brar

DIY Wall-Mounted Desk

The perfect petite workspace for a small home or apartment, this chic DIY desk drops down when you need it and folds away when you don’t. Make your own with our step-by-step instructions below.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Build a Space-Saving Wall-Mounted Desk

Dining Room Do-Over

A former eating space becomes an appealing home office with the addition of a simple desk and filing drawers from Ikea. A floating shelf holds a flexible collection of artwork while a small rug provides warmth and style underfoot.

From: Bri Moysa

Double-Sided Desk

Are the kids also working from home? Give them their own "home office" with our instructions on how to set up a double-sided desk, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Fit a Double-Sided Desk Into a Small Space

At-Home CEO

This light and bright home office features a spacious wooden desk with metal legs and a brass reading lamp that's equal parts chic and functional. An orange patterned desk chair adds a pop of color, while a large black and gold bookshelf provides ample room for showcasing books, storing paperwork and displaying decorative items.

From: Caitlin Murray

Modern Artwork

Are you afraid your office addition will make your already-small space look too cluttered? Think bright and light. Situated next to a breezy window in this living area, a white desk, neutral artwork and minimal decorations don't steal too much focus from the rest of the room.

Kids' Study Area

Susan Alisberg of Alisberg Parker Architects designed this kids' study space with an L-shaped desk, creating plenty of room for homework, online school or creative endeavors. Bright green chairs add a splash of color to the space while a large window provides plenty of much-needed natural light.

SEE MORE: The Best Kids' Computer Desks, Chairs + Lap Desks for At-Home Learning

Use Your Corners

Take an awkward bit of empty space and put it to use. Here, the previously unused square footage between the living room and stairs was transformed into an office nook. The space is private and spacious enough for a desk, office chair and overhead storage.

From: Dorsey Alston Realtors and Luxury Portfolio International®

Think Texture

This tiny home office proves that you don't have to sacrifice style when working with less square footage. A comfy chair covered in beautiful woven fabric effortlessly complements the breezy cane-front desk. A vintage-style task lamp and eye-catching oversized artwork add a splash of light and color to the previously dark corner.

From: Steele Street Studio

Behind the Curtain

To create a home office in her tiny home, Killy Scheer of Frisson Design hung a curtain from the main room's ceiling. When the curtain is open, the office feels spacious enough for both work-at-home spouses. When it's closed, Scheer and her husband can forget work and enjoy their living room.

SEE MORE: How to Turn a Closet Into a Homeschool Workstation

Use All Your Space

Yes, that's a desk behind a couch. Find a slim desk that fits with the look of the room and turn that awkward, unused space behind the couch into a small workstation.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Hub of Productivity

In this custom kitchen, a corner nook is the perfect place to fire off a quick email and organize the day's events. Two chalkboard panels on the cabinet doors make reminders and calendar items fun to read and easily accessible.

SEE MORE: Kitchen + Dining: Timeless White Kitchen

From: Tracy Lynn Studio

Cue the Color

It’s no secret that color affects our mood. The bright hues in this blue-tiful office nook encourage creativity and alertness and designate the space visually for work. A sleek acrylic desk, white midcentury Panton chair and cheery yellow garden stool add cool style without feeling busy against the bold blue wall color.

From: HGTV Magazine

Calming Corner

This small home office features a modern wood desk that's easily tucked into one corner of the room. A geometric table lamp, chic framed art, a stack of designer books and small houseplant infuse the otherwise dark corner with much-needed style and light.

From: Kerra Michele Huerta

Laundry Room Nook

In this multi-use laundry room, an integrated work area with a desk and a cool vintage chalkboard makes it easy to keep track of daily schedules, pay bills, wrap gifts or work on projects while laundry is being done.

SEE MORE: 30 Clever Storage and Organization Ideas for Your Tiny Laundry Room

From: Elizabeth Demos

Sky Views

A window nook is the perfect place to carve out a small home office. Not only does an abundance of natural light help you see the task at hand, but it can boost your mood and productivity. If you can, position your workspace as close to a bright, sunny window as possible.

From: GARDNER, REALTORS

Nook Necessities

To maximize your work surface, go with wall-mounted light fixtures — especially if your desk is small. A nook also provides privacy, helping you focus on tasks and be totally present for all those super-fun conference calls! Take advantage of surrounding walls by hanging calendars, corkboard or desk organizers to store small office supplies.

SEE MORE: 11 Ways to Create the Perfect Home Office Where There Isn't One

Entry Table Overhaul

A desk doesn't have to technically be a desk in order for it to function as you need it to. Have a console? That's the perfect surface area to double as a place for you to work from home. Keep everything you normally would on the shelves, just leave some room for your computer. Furniture with more than one function is a must when it comes to small spaces, and something you will learn to love in no time.

Sunroom Study

An organized spot for paying bills, catching up on emails or planning a project for work, this open and airy sunroom-turned-home office is a comfortable space with a user-friendly desk and lots of storage.

Customize When Necessary

This unique desk was created by topping a pair of vintage file boxes with thick glass — a smart move if you need storage but don’t want a big, bulky desk with drawers. The graphic overscale calendar with its bold black and white design feels like a piece of art yet is totally functional.

SEE MORE: Vintage Meets Modern in an Atlanta Home With Just the Right Amount of Masculine Style

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Office + Mudroom

According to Caroline Grant and Dolores Suarez of Dekar Design, a mudroom doesn’t always have to be an area of your home closed off from guests. Instead, make you can make it multifunctional, like this office-mudroom they designed. "We chose a versatile desk that's disguised as a console table when not in use," they explain. Reclaimed wooden shelves and dark brackets above the desk add warmth, while colorful wallpaper makes the space feel inviting. Pro tip: "Wallpaper will also give you something beautiful to look at while working! We love adding character to smaller spaces," say Caroline and Dolores.

Disguised by Decor

If you don't have anywhere in your home to put a barely-there desk — don't worry. You can still put a desk in your bedroom without it turning your sacred space into a full-on office. Choose a desk with a design you actually like, then decorate it and the surrounding area as you would a dresser or a vanity. Flowers, frames, books and other trinkets can and should be displayed here. This will turn your workspace into a place to display your favorite things while meeting those deadlines.

SEE MORE: Cottage-Style Cabin

From: Paige Morse

Small + Stylish

A painted-copper desk puts a small niche in this bedroom to good use and provides a spot to display collected objects. The coppery hue of the desk balances the warm green and wood tones sprinkled throughout the room while the artwork adds punchy modern style.

From: Wick Design

Portable Laptop Table

If you still think you can't squeeze an "office" into your space, think again. Consider a C-table for your laptop in the bedroom. The bottom of the table has a C-shaped frame that tucks underneath a bed or couch, keeping it out of the way. Now you don't even have to get out of bed to work.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Chic, C-Shaped Side Table

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Smart Simplicity

Even a tiny corner can work as a small home office with the addition of floating shelves. By using the vertical wall space and keeping desk accessories to a minimum, this home office allows for maximum storage and productivity. A floating desk with a chic marble top leaves ample legroom below while houseplants add welcome color and life above.

From: Stefani Stein

Message Hub

This chalkboard wall creates a central hub of information perfect for quick reminders, daily schedules, or keeping kids entertained. The small office space features a floating wood desk and faux fur-covered chair.

From: Rethink Design Studio

Repurposed Door Desk

A simple trip to a salvage yard or antique store is all it takes to discover an interesting door that can easily be turned into a gorgeous desk. The desk is not only creative and functional, but a budget-friendly way to recycle an item that might have otherwise ended up in the trash.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Chic, C-Shaped Side Table

Room Collab

Don't overlook corners. You can buy a corner desk to effectively "hide" a workspace and make it blend into the room, or you can take a small, traditional desk and turn it into a room feature, matching elements of your new "office" to the furniture in the existing space. Here, a teal green desk chair blends seamlessly with the sofa and wall art in this living room. Design by Brian Patrick Flynn.

SEE MORE: 11 Ways to Create the Perfect Home Office Where There Isn't One

Multi-Use Family Office

This home office functions as an art studio for children and a small workspace for adults. A large shelving unit spans the back wall of the room, offering plenty of storage and a place to display photos and art.

From: Kara O'Connor

Select Comfy Seating

If you have an extra room that can be used as a home office, try making it a warm, livable workspace with comfy seating. Bonus: If you’re feeling stressed, a comfy cowhide chaise allows you to kick up your feet for a quick snooze.

From: Breeze Giannasio

Catch-All Cart

It has multiple levels, it rolls, it might even fit under your desk – and who cares if it’s made for cocktails? A cute bar cart like this can be a great solution for your office supplies other essentials. You could even turn the top into a coffee station.

Double Duty

To free up square footage in this kids' shared bedroom, the closet was transformed into a clothes-hanging space and a concealed workstation for crafts and homework. The central column provides open storage as well as a child-height desktop. To add flair to the space and break up the dark charcoal color throughout the rest of the room, the closet's walls were painted a bold red-orange.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Turn a Closet Into a Homeschool Workstation

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Reclaimed Wood Desk

Nestled in the corner, this office nook gives you plenty of room to get some work done. A beautiful reclaimed wood desk and matching wood shelves offer ample storage for office supplies, books and personal treasures.

From: FLO Design Studio

Functional + Fun

This desk in a kids' shared bedroom is large enough to accommodate two stylish acrylic and blue wood chairs, a gold task lamp and art supplies galore. Simple steel cables and photo clips create a gallery wall above that can be changed on a whim. A white desk is a smart strategy if you don't want to add too much visual weight to a room.

From: Steele Street Studio

Quirky Bungalow

This eclectic home office features a gallery wall of creativity-inducing art and quirky knick-knacks. Sitting atop a stylish faux animal skin rug, two Eames-style chairs and a modern, white desk provide a chic, functional place to take meetings.

From: Bailey Austin Design

Shared Space

A simple solution in a shared kids' room or guest room, a small desk tucked under the window provides a sunny place to work or get ready for the day.

SEE MORE: 14 Small Space-Friendly Desks Under $300

Chic + Cozy

An under-the-stairs closet becomes a cozy work nook with the addition of a built-in desk and chic graphic wallpaper. Although it's only 3 feet by 3 feet, the closet uses the 10-foot-high vertical space efficiently with custom built-ins and surfaces that can be stowed away or rolled out as needed.

From: Butter Lutz Interiors

Farmhouse Inspired

Two woven poufs sit in front of a natural wooden desk and cushioned rolling chair in this farmhouse-inspired home office. A large brass and white pendant light hangs in the space, with floating shelves and bold blue cabinets providing lots of organized storage.

From: Kirsten Holmstedt

Creativity Corner

Make the most of an open family room by creating functional zones, like this compact workspace that's right at home in the corner of the living room.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Built-In Workspace

A beautiful wood accent wall warms up this mod office nook while built-in shelves and two cabinet drawers keep things neat and organized. Recreate this look on a budget with freestanding white bookshelves and peel-and-stick wood wall planks.

From: Regan Baker

Down By the Bay Window

Enlighten your morning correspondence with a seat at your home's sunniest spot. Transforming an interior bay window into a study nook takes advantage of natural light and extra space. Pro tip: Eliminate the glare factor with adjustable Roman shades.

From: Hillary Thomas

Room to Study

In this flexible bedroom, an alcove next to the closet is the perfect place to squeeze a desk, a chic ergonomic chair and extra basket storage.

From: Michelle Lisac Interior Design

Graphic Design

Add touches that express your personality and turn even a small space into an uplifting home office. In this hardworking corner, a graphic, large-scale piece of art complements the oversized lamp for a stylish, eye-catching view.

From: Gen Sohr

Workspace Wows

Staring at the same wall every day can get dull. If a window view isn't available, add some pizzazz to your work area by covering one wall or a portion of the wall in colorful peel and stick wallpaper. Bonus if the paper depicts a tropical scene!

SEE MORE: 21 Beautiful Removable Wallpaper Designs Renters Should Know About

Folding Table

Utilize a small area in the bedroom or hallway as a workspace when a dedicated home office room isn't available. A simple white desk doesn't overwhelm a small space, and a floating shelf provides extra storage when floor space is scarce.

SEE MORE: 14 Small Space-Friendly Desks Under $300

From: 2 Doors Down Design

Studio Space

Yes, studio dwellers can have a home office too! Situated next to the living area, a white sawhorse-style desk and petite filing cabinet from Ikea offer a serene spot to hone creativity.

Butler's Pantry

This empty space between the kitchen and pantry is a peaceful spot to catch up on homework or bills and keeps clutter out of the kitchen. The built-in desk and upper cabinets provide plenty of storage for art supplies and mail while a corkboard backsplash is great for tacking up important notes. A lantern pendant light and porcelain tile floors add polished style to the space.

From: Lisa Furey

Wake & Work

In this bedroom, a long, simple wood table doubles as a nightstand and desk — a clever way to make the room more functional without requiring additional floor space. Plus, this setup makes it even easier to roll out of bed and open your computer on those work-from-home days. Now that's what we call a dream commute!

SEE MORE: HGTV Editors' Top WFH Must-Haves and Tips

From: Marie Flanigan Interiors

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65+ Small Home Office Ideas

Related To:

Carve Out a Workstation

The Couple That Works Together

Under the Stairs

Closet Cutie

Functional Foyer

Good Vibes

Neat Nook

Put an Odd Area to Use

Incognito Workspace

Off the Kitchen

Take Meetings Over Breakfast

Fold It Up

Closet Space

A Corner Office

Efficiently Chic

Floating Desk

Cabinets, Repurposed

Homework Helper

Bedroom Corner

DIY Wall-Mounted Desk

Dining Room Do-Over

Double-Sided Desk

At-Home CEO

Modern Artwork

Kids' Study Area

Use Your Corners

Think Texture

Behind the Curtain

Use All Your Space

Hub of Productivity

Cue the Color

Calming Corner

Laundry Room Nook

Sky Views

Nook Necessities

Entry Table Overhaul

Sunroom Study

Customize When Necessary

Office + Mudroom

Disguised by Decor

Small + Stylish

Portable Laptop Table

Smart Simplicity

Message Hub

Repurposed Door Desk

Room Collab

Multi-Use Family Office

Select Comfy Seating

Catch-All Cart

Double Duty

Reclaimed Wood Desk

Functional + Fun

Quirky Bungalow

Shared Space

Chic + Cozy

Farmhouse Inspired

Creativity Corner

Built-In Workspace

Down By the Bay Window

Room to Study

Graphic Design

Workspace Wows

Folding Table

Studio Space

Butler's Pantry

Wake & Work

Smart Small Spaces

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