Create Your Dream Home Office by Converting One of These Popular Rooms

January 18, 2017


Finding space to set up your dream home office is a bit of a challenge when there's no room to spare. Fortunately, all it takes is a little ingenuity to design the perfect home office space that fits in everything you need to work comfortably at home. Consider these functionally creative ideas for converting existing room space into the ideal small home office.

Take Advantage of a Spacious Living Room

When designing office space at home, the living room offers you the most versatility of choice, because it tends to be bigger than other rooms. Office space in this area competes with cozy furnishings such as a couch, coffee table and whatever entertainment you enjoy. Look around the room and choose an area that isn't used for anything vital. Find a section of a wall, or corner, that is set apart from the general sitting area. To avoid unnecessary distractions, arrange the office desk so it faces a wall or window.

Because the living room is a high-traffic area, choose an office desk that seamlessly blends in with the living room furnishings. A small desk that includes drawer space is a good choice, and it provides room for storing items you use often. Cube bookcases are an aesthetically pleasing way to store many office items. Place a 4-cube bookcase next to your office desk and use it for storing items too large to fit into desk drawers.

Office Bedroom, Or Bedroom Office?

Creating an office in your personal bedroom gives you lots of privacy when you need to get working. Finding space in a small bedroom sometimes requires rearranging the furnishings to squeeze in a small desk and a chair. A small office desk with just enough space to hold a computer and a few other items is the best option for such tight quarters.

Select stylish storage options that resemble bedroom furniture. Choose a small filing cabinet or combination bookcase and cabinet made of wood for optimal aesthetic appeal. If there isn't room for extra office furniture, use wall shelving to build two or more levels of shelf space just above the desk.

Turn the Heat up on Your Productivity Level

Tap into the vibrant energy flowing through your kitchen by converting cabinets, counters and walls into usable office space. Since the kitchen is already used for meal preparation and food storage, put your thinking cap on and devise a workable conversion plan. If there is no room for an office desk, claim a portion of a kitchen counter as your work area. Get an adjustable stool with a cushy seat to sit on so you can comfortably work at the counter.

Make good use of empty wall space by installing space savers such as a magnetic chalkboard, cork board or dry erase board. For storage, designate a kitchen cabinet for office items, and use storage baskets to keep items neatly arranged.

Transform a Walk-In Closet Into a Work-In Closet

Sometimes necessity is the mother of invention, and turning a closet into a home office space is an inventive idea that works wonders in small spaces. After clearing out the closet, select an office desk, or mobile workstation, that fits the dimensions of the closet. Install small hanging shelves inside the closet for above-desk storage. Rolling file cabinets offer flexibility and give you easy access to paperwork. Use a small stool or rolling chair that fits underneath the office desk.

Making room for a small home office involves some thought and creative planning, but once you choose that perfect spot, all that's left to do is put the pieces together. Turn a commonly used room's extra space into a functional home office by focusing on small space home office design. Choose home office furniture that give you plenty of work and storage space without creating extra clutter.