Setting Up a Home Office in Small Spaces

You don't need a spare room to work effectively from home. With thoughtful planning, even small apartments can accommodate productive workspaces. Here's how to set up a home office that works for you.

Finding Space

Potential Locations

• Living room corner: Often the most practical option
• Bedroom nook: Works if you can mentally separate work/sleep
• Closet conversion: "Cloffice" provides containment
• Kitchen/dining area: If you can clear and set up daily
• Hallway or entryway: Unused wall space can work

Choosing the Right Spot

Consider:

• Natural light availability
• Distance from noise sources
• Video call background
• Electrical outlet access
• Impact on daily living

Desk Options

Dedicated Desks

• Compact desks: Many options under 40 inches wide
• Corner desks: Utilize otherwise wasted space
• Wall-mounted desks: Fold away when not in use
• Standing desk converters: Sit on existing furniture

Alternative Surfaces

• Dining table: Clear setup/teardown daily
• Console table: Narrow but functional
• Floating shelf: Creates minimal footprint workspace
• Secretary desk: Closes to hide work completely

What You Actually Need

Minimum functional surface for:

• Laptop or monitor
• Keyboard and mouse (if using monitor)
• Notebook or papers
• Coffee/water

This doesn't require a large desk—many people work effectively on 36x20 inch surfaces.

Seating

Why It Matters Most

Your chair is likely the most important investment:

• You'll spend hours in it daily
• Poor seating causes discomfort and health issues
• Affects your focus and productivity

Options

• Ergonomic office chair: Best support, requires space
• Compact task chair: Smaller footprint, decent support
• Dining chair with cushion: Temporary solution
• Exercise ball: Can work but not for all-day use
• Standing desk setup: Alternates with sitting

See our ergonomics guide for detailed seating advice.

Lighting

Natural Light

• Position desk near windows when possible
• Avoid direct glare on screens
• Natural light improves mood and alertness
• Consider window treatments for control

Task Lighting

• Desk lamp for focused work
• Reduces eye strain
• Important for video calls
• LED options are efficient and adjustable

Organization

Containing Work

• Use containers or trays for daily items
• Wall-mounted organizers save desk space
• Cable management keeps things tidy
• End-of-day clearing ritual maintains boundaries

Minimal Approach

In small spaces, less is more:

• Keep only daily essentials on desk
• Store reference materials elsewhere
• Digital over physical when possible
• Regular decluttering prevents buildup

Technology Essentials

Basics

• Reliable internet (consider backup options)
• Adequate power outlets or power strip
• External keyboard/mouse if using laptop (optional but recommended)
• Headphones for calls and focus

Video Call Setup

• Consider your background (bookshelf, plant, blank wall)
• Face a light source, not a window behind you
• Eye-level camera position
• Test audio before important calls