How to Create a Home Office in a Tiny Space
The world has changed rapidly over the past few years, but change is the only constant of existence. Another constant is the fact that your tiny living space won’t magically become bigger just because it’s now your office as well as a bedroom, gym, movie theater and spa. The way everyone nonchalantly assumes that we all have enough space in our homes to keep moving every aspect of our lives there—the powers that be are now even promoting a “ hospital at home ”—is alarming.
But for many of us, working from home (or a hybrid approach) hasn’t gone away. Whether you’ve been working at your kitchen table or sitting in the closet with your laptop balanced on your lap, it’s time to finally figure out how to cram a dedicated office space into your home . It’s not such a big deal if you have a little space to work in – a second bedroom, one of those vague “dens” that realtors love to advertise, or even a nook created by some kind of architectural quirk – but what if you live in a tiny apartment that is approaching the ultimate density?
You are being creative. Having a dedicated workspace is essential for a healthy work-life balance—there’s something powerful about being able to leave work behind in a certain way that makes having a space dedicated exclusively to your work a good idea. Here are some ways you can get that certain office space, even if you literally don’t have the space anymore.
Restroom office
If your tiny house has at least one pantry, you have everything you need for an office – or ” study ” if you like (please don’t). Even one of those shallow pre-war closets designed for people who only had exactly two outfits can make the perfect workspace—all it takes is a tabletop (which can be a shelf), some storage space, a chair, and thoughtful lighting. . Large walk-in closets can become real offices, but you also have the option to take just part of the closet and leave the rest for clothes. If you only have one closet, there’s a dilemma of where your clothes will hang, so this is the perfect solution for people who don’t lose sleep over these issues (and who might not mind using their oven to store a sweater).
floating table
Defining an office space doesn’t require walls. If your home has a section of wall that is not blocked by furniture, consider installing a ” floating table “. Some of these floating desks even fold down so you put them flush with the wall when you’re not working, freeing up precious space for weekends and weekends. Adding a rug and perhaps a wall art can further define this as your workspace, and borrowing a chair from your living room will cut down on the clutter (and the cost of creating this new area).
Use the space under the stairs
If your home has more than one level, chances are good that you have a lot of unused space under the stairs. Stairs are usually covered for aesthetic reasons, which means you can remove the drywall and open up the space below. It’s going to be an odd, cramped space with a sloping ceiling, but honestly, that’s all you need for an office space. It may take a little more effort than you’re willing to put into the project – it does require at least some building skills and a little expense if you’re going to finish the space again – but you’ll get back some extra usable square footage. , which is pretty cool.
Raise your bed
Do you sleep at floor level like normal? Then you’re missing out on the perfect home office space. Swap out your current bed frame for a loft bed and instantly have about 30 square feet of office space to work with. In fact, you can buy loft beds with tables and built-in wardrobes, making this an instant solution that won’t take more than your blood, sweat, and tears to put it all together. Just make sure you’re not afraid of heights first.
Corner table
Maybe you think too much about it. Corners can be problematic because you look at every wall and think there isn’t enough room to work, but a corner table solves that problem. If you have a corner of the house that is unfurnished, this is an opportunity to set up a small corner table and instantly get a certain office space.
Use column
If you have a column in the middle of your room or a partition in your space, you might consider a very narrow stair table. You can find them less than two feet wide, making them ideal for very narrow empty spaces in your home. Add some vertical storage above and you can fit a tiny office space just about anywhere.
Use a nightstand
If you really don’t have enough space, go to your bedroom. Do you have any bedside table next to the bed? This could be your office. Replace your existing bedside table with a floating version that can pull up a chair and has a pull-out tray or shelf. bam! You have office space. If you can’t find a bedside table with a drawer that can be used as a desk, one with a drawer can be turned into a desk by placing a shelf or other piece of wood over the drawer as you work.
your bathroom
Stay with me here. It’s weird, but if you literally don’t have a place to work in your home office, there’s probably one option you’ve overlooked. Even the smallest studio is likely to have a bathroom, which is, well, a room , and thus a home office candidate . If you’re already sitting on the toilet with your laptop, why not just fix it? Installing a folding table over the toilet can be all you need to do, and the bathroom will be used in its, er, natural purpose. The main disadvantages will be keeping the bathroom clean and damp: your devices may not like your steam shower. But a reliable exhaust fan (or just leave the door open or pack every night like you would in a real office) can solve this problem.