With more companies allowing their staff to work from home, many employees are jumping at the chance to trade in business attire for PJs. But what if you don't have space for a home office? These 10 tips will help you be productive in any area of the house.
1. Think small.
Most office furniture is bulky, and your workspace may not be large enough to accommodate a traditional desk and chair. Look beyond the office supply store for small tables that could work as desks, and slim chairs or stools that fit in tight areas. Consider a wall-mounted desk to save even more space. The end result may not only be practical, but also more eclectic and stylish than anything at Office Depot.
If you do purchase an office chair, stick with one without arms. If the small wooden chair you find is adorable but uncomfortable, purchase a high-quality back or seat cushion to use with it. The extra $25 you spend may make all the difference.
2. Go vertical.
If all you have is a few feet of wall space, make the most of it by building your workspace vertically. Add floating shelves, a corkboard, cabinets or storage cubes above your desk. Shelterness has great examples of all of these, plus many more.
3. Transform your closet.
If you have a closet to spare, remove the door and any shelving you don't need, tuck in your desk and chair, and get to work. You can put as much time and effort into your closet remodel as you need to feel comfortable and inspired. Freshome has some beautiful ideas that will make you forget your new office was ever a closet.
4. Rethink your bedside table.
Working in your bedroom doesn't have to mean typing under the covers. Upgrade your bedside table to one that can accommodate your work materials and pull up a chair. You may find your current bedside table will do the trick. Apartment Therapy has lots of photos that prove how doable this solution is.
5. Seek out space in the living room.
Look for unused areas in your living room, such as under a mounted TV or a window, behind the couch, or under a bookcase.
You may want to look into a coffee table that converts into a desk. If you don't want to buy a new coffee table, Lifehacker shows you how to make one yourself.
6. Work in the dining room.
If you already have a dining room table, consider making a few tweaks to make it a comfortable place to work, such as adding an attractive storage cabinet or tabletop organizer.
If your dining room table won't cut it, this multifunctional desk that turns into one may be the answer to your prayers.
7. Make over a hallway.
Make the most of an empty hallway by adding a skinny desk and a small seat. Real Simple shows how the right accents can make a hallway office a chic retreat.
8. Camp in an unused nook.
Search your house for any other area that could become a workstation, such as a corner, under a window, against a bare wall, under a staircase or next to a doorway.
9. Add a partition.
For more privacy or to feel as if your office space is separate from your living space, use a folding screen or a piece of furniture as a partition. Houzz shows how even a bookcase can be used as a wall.
10. Be consistent.
If you're working in your bedroom or living room, a traditional desk and office chair may stick out. Be creative with your pieces and find tables and chairs that match the style and color of the rest of the room. You may be surprised how inconspicuous a home office can be.
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