Workspace Layout Ideas for Remote Work

Your workspace layout affects productivity, comfort, and work-life balance. Here are practical arrangement options for common small apartment configurations, from dedicated corners to multi-use spaces.

Dedicated Corner Layout

Best For

• Apartments with an unused corner
• People who want consistent workspace
• Those who don't need to clear workspace daily

Setup

• Small desk (36-48 inches wide) in corner
• Chair that tucks under when not in use
• Wall-mounted shelving above for storage
• Task lamp for focused lighting
• Small rug or mat to define the area

Advantages

• Dedicated space creates mental separation
• Setup stays ready for use
• Can personalize the area for work
• Corner placement minimizes footprint

Window Desk Layout

Best For

• Natural light lovers
• Apartments with street-facing windows
• Those who enjoy the view

Setup

• Desk facing perpendicular to window (avoid direct glare)
• Sheer curtains to soften harsh light
• Desk placed to benefit from light but not face screen toward window
• Consider video call background (usually fine with window to side)

Considerations

• Afternoon sun may require adjustment
• Street views can be distracting
• Temperature variation near windows
• Better for laptop use than multiple monitors

Closet Office ("Cloffice")

Best For

• Those who want to hide work completely
• Studio apartments needing separation
• People with unused closet space

Setup

• Remove closet doors or replace with curtain
• Desk fits inside closet width
• Overhead lighting important (closets often dark)
• Shelving on walls for storage
• Ventilation consideration in small closets

Advantages

• Close doors/curtain and work disappears
• Clear visual boundary
• Dedicated space without losing room square footage
• Built-in focus (fewer distractions visible)

Dual-Purpose Dining Area

Best For

• Small apartments without spare corners
• People who eat meals elsewhere often
• Those okay with daily setup/teardown

Setup

• Clear dining table becomes work surface
• Work items stored in nearby cabinet or box
• Laptop and materials come out in morning, away in evening
• Good chair important (dining chairs often uncomfortable for all-day use)

Making It Work

• Ritual of setting up and clearing creates boundaries
• Keep setup minimal for easy transition
• Dedicated storage for work items (basket, drawer, box)
• Consider a cushion or support for dining chair

Living Room Integration

Best For

• Apartments where living room is main space
• Those who need more room than corners provide
• People living alone (no shared space conflicts)

Layout Options

• Behind sofa: Console desk behind sofa back
• Against wall: Desk along wall, facing away from TV
• Room divider: Bookshelf between work and living areas
• Corner nook: Desk in unused corner of living room

Challenges

• Entertainment temptations nearby
• May feel like work invades relaxation space
• Background visibility during video calls
• Others using living room during work hours

Bedroom Workspace

When It Works

• Only option in very small apartments
• Separate area from bed (not desk next to bed)
• Room large enough for distinct zones

Making It Work

• Position desk as far from bed as possible
• Face away from bed while working
• Consider room divider or curtain between zones
• Clear work area completely before sleep
• Strong end-of-day shutdown ritual

Risks

• Work visibility affects sleep quality
• Blur between rest and work space
• Temptation to work late or check things
• Mental association of bedroom with stress

Choosing Your Layout

Consider

• How much space do you actually have?
• Do you need to hide work at end of day?
• Who else uses the space?
• What's your video call frequency?
• How important is natural light?
• Can you tolerate daily setup/teardown?