Small Home Office Ideas

Are you one of those people constantly moving your laptop around from table to table, trying to carve out a place to work/zoom/complete tasks? If so, I’ll show you some small home office ideas and create a space to get things done!

For the last 15 years, I’ve worked from home in a variety of capacities. First, running my own sewing business, then as an online school teacher, and now, working in content and home design with this blog and other brands! Along the way, I’ve lived in different homes and carved out a place to work in each, which means I have some serious tips on designing a home office!

bedroom office corner — *Bedroom Corner Office*

1. Find a Dedicated Space

Many people feel like a home office needs to be an entire room, but that’s not true! It could be a small corner, awkward nook, or even a transformed closet. Rethink your home to find unused spaces or areas that could be used differently

You might recall my office nook refresh, where I transformed a crooked corner of our home into a functioning, pretty space. Recently, I carved out a corner of my bedroom to create a working space that is now one of my favorite little spaces!

Creating functional zones is part of my entire organizational strategy. Read about my approach: How to Organize Your Home in 5 Easy Steps.

black office wall — *black wall paint gives the office space some definition*

2. Define the Space

Ok, now that you’ve selected a space, it’s time to define it. This means finding a way to sort outline or show visually that this space is separate and intended as an office. Otherwise, it might just feel random and cluttered.

In looking at a lot of my working areas, you’ll notice I love defining with black paint (but that’s no surprise given my love affair with black paint in general!). Here are some ways to define a space:

Paint – easy and relatively inexpensive (See my list of favorite neutral paint colors for inspiration)
Wallpaper – choose one wall to highlight
Shelves – either floating shelves or a bookshelf, also adds height and functionality
Furniture placement – lay out pieces to create a clear desk area
Rug – this is true for any space, but very helpful when creating a small home office (need help? Check out my favorite neutral rugs)
Artwork – a large statement piece or a gallery wall really creates visual definition

home office nook — *desk near outlets with proportionately sized bookshelf for storage, wall hooks help this double as a back entryway*

3. Focus on Function

Before jumping into design choices, think about how your office will actually function. It’s easy to get caught up in picking the perfect rug or stylish desk, but if the space doesn’t work for you, it’ll quickly become frustrating.

Start by considering your workflow. Do you need a quiet spot for Zoom calls? A clutter-free area with just the essentials? A space to spread out papers and planners? Thinking through these details now will save time and hassle later.

Here are a few key things to consider:

Are there outlets nearby? If not, a power strip with USB ports can help.
Where will office supplies go? Floating shelves, baskets, or a rolling cart can keep things tidy.
What needs to be within reach? Keep daily essentials like notebooks and chargers handy.
Is there space for extra tech? Printers, backup drives, or a second monitor need a home too.

Getting the function right first makes everything else—style, décor, and finishing touches—so much easier. Once you’ve nailed the setup, you can add those fun design details to make the space truly yours!

4. Soften the Edges

So, my first tip included defining the space. This makes the small home office feel intentional. However, we also want to think about how to make it feel cozy and part of the overall room or home.

I like to think of this as softening the edges of the space. I usually achieve that with these three decor pieces:

Plants – they work wonders at softening the edges of any space. You’ll notice them on the “edge” of my rooms and spaces

Curtains – while I don’t love curtains on every window, I do appreciate how they can blur the lines of a corner (see above)

Baskets – so many baskets! I use these textured beauties much like plants and put them on the edges (in the office below, they hold my decor magazines)

5. Streamline Office Decor

Small spaces of any type just scream for minimal lines and fewer furniture pieces overall. Too much furniture or oversized pieces can quickly make a home office feel cluttered. Keeping things proportionate, functional, and streamlined is key to creating a workspace that works without overwhelming the room.

Proportional Desk – measure your space and use a desk that fits it well. This is not the time to try and shove an executive desk in there! Also, look for storage features. The minimal desk in my bedroom office corner features a couple of drawers and a hidden cord system which helps tremendously.
Functional & Multi-Purpose – think floating shelves, storage benches, and wall mounted organizers
Declutter & Streamline – I’ve been guilty of trying to cram all the things I love into one of these small spaces. Nope. Take time to assess what you need and include decor that serves a purpose (height, greenery, warmth).

Final Thoughts

I hope these small home office ideas show you it doesn’t have to be overwhelming or require an entire room! All these little spaces are places I’ve worked. With a little creativity, even the smallest corners can become functional, stylish workspaces. So whether you’re setting up a brand-new office or refining an existing one, these tips will help you work smarter and more comfortably from home!