Sharing your office space with another person can prove difficult. Even if you're working with a spouse, a sibling or a best friend, making the compromises that allow you both to work well while you're side by side can require a bit of ingenuity. Fortunately, different home office layouts can accommodate your work style as well as that of your co-worker. Take a look at these ideas for designing a home office built for two.

A Collaborative Office

If you expect to work with your office mate from time to time, you may want to design an office layout that gives you plenty of space to spread out your work and collaborate together. A large open desk that lets you face each other can be ideal for this purpose. If you're limited on space, or if one of you is going to use the office alone most of the time, consider using a folding table to expand your desk space.

Another practical layout for shared office space with a collaborative configuration places you and your co-worker side by side on a long desk or table space. Many people choosing this office layout opt for built-in desks that take up an entire wall of the room. It gives you plenty of floor space in the room, and it also allows you to create a sense of privacy by installing a screen on the desk between your two work stations. Install shelving on the wall over your office desk to give each of you separate spaces for books, binders and office supplies. Place pedestal cabinets under your desktop to give each of you some room for files.

An Independent Off

If you or your office mate need a sense of privacy while you work, think about how you can separate your work spaces even as you share an office. A wall of bookshelves or cubbies can provide valuable private space. Consider placing your desks back to back and dividing the office down the middle. You can devote the unused walls to shared storage for files and office supplies, or you can divvy that office space up as well.

When you're trying to arrange a home office layout in a small room, consider creating a large L-shaped desk that takes up two walls of the room. You can create a built-in or use modular furniture to provide the basics. This office layout means your lines of sight are always facing away from each other, so you feel a greater sense of privacy.

Issues of Comfort, Style and Storage

Shared office space can work out beautifully, but you and your office mate should negotiate various issues of comfort and working style before you set up your space. Does one of you like to work with music playing while the other prefers silence? If so, decide if the music lover should resort to headphones — or if you are good with music playing in your space. Keep in mind that moderate noise can actually help with creativity while working.[1]

If one of you likes it toasty and warm all the time while the other prefers a brisk atmosphere, place your desks near windows and air conditioning vents accordingly. Bring in a portable heater that you can slip under a desk to provide a cone of heat that's limited to one area of the room.

When designing a home office for two people, the right layout can provide you with both the privacy you need and the collaborative spirit you crave. Sit down with your office mate to figure out where your work styles mesh and where you need a little private space so you can set up an efficient home office that meets all of your needs.

If you're doing creative work that draws you away from a typical desk, consider making space for a comfortable pair of love seats or armchairs. Comfortable seating goes is a great way to tend to your creative impulses.

Footnote Links:

https://www.helpscout.net/blog/music-productivity/