More and more mums and dads are working from home these days, including countless single parents. Naturally, many are struggling to create a functional home office in the little space they have available. Not everyone has a dedicated room available, so a little creativity and the right office furniture to fit small spaces can make all the difference to that working from home experience. After all, you need to create an environment that fosters productivity without overwhelming your living area. For the ultimate working from home experience, use our guide to choosing the best office furniture for small spaces:
Understanding your space
Before researching the numerous options, you have for furniture, you must assess the room or area that will serve as your office. Measure and record the length and width and any architectural features such as doors, windows, alcoves, and built-in furniture of your chosen space. This will be what you will base your choices on. There is no point in wasting time on browsing items that won’t fit.
The best office furniture for your home office
1. Desks: Functionality first
The smaller your space, the more important it is that you make the most of it. Utilise every inch, creating sufficient desktop space for the type of work you are doing, storage, and comfortable seating. In short, find furniture that not only fit but also cater to your working needs. Here are some ideas when it comes to the best furniture for small spaces:
- Multi-purpose desks: Desks that can also serve other purposes are ideal when you are a mum working from home, for example, and have to incorporate your office into a living area, be that a bedroom, kitchen, or lounge. What may be your office Monday to Friday, can become a dining room table, kids’ homework desk, or play table at night and on weekends.
- Wall-mounted desks are attached directly to the wall and can be folded away when not in use. They don’t take up any floor space and even save space when in use due to their direct attachment to the wall. They present a clean, minimalist look and often come with shelves. You can also install a bookshelf or an office supplies shelf above a wall-mounted desk.
- Corner desks: Using that often-wasted space in the corner, these can fit tightly but give a lot of room to work on. Buy a corner desk that fits snugly into an otherwise underused area, giving you more workspace without taking away from your room. Having a dedicated workspace that doesn’t need to be cleared up or folded away can help parents focus and increase productivity when working from home.
- Drop-leaf desks: These desks are often attached to a shelf sitting against a wall and fold down to increase the workspace when needed. Like the wall mounted desk, the drop-leaf desk can be compacted again to save space.
2. Chairs: Comfort v. space
Working from home has many benefits, but sitting on a chair not designed for a long workday is not a smart idea and will no doubt lead to discomfort and pain in the short and long term. Investing in proper office furniture that improve your posture offering support and comfort is a good idea. Here are the basics when it comes to office chairs:
- Ergonomic chairs: If you have back or hip problems or know you will need to sit and work long hours, investing in an ergonomic chair is a no-brainer. Ergonomic office chairs can be adjusted in height, seat and backrest can be tilted, and the backrest reclined. In addition, they have adjustable arm rests and a head rest.
- Task chairs: These office chairs are also designed for long hours at your desk offering comfort, support, but more basic adjustment options than an ergonomic chair. Look for lumbar support, wheels, and adjustable height as a minimum when purchasing a task chair. These models usually fit under a desk making them a perfect piece of office furniture for small spaces.
- Folding chairs: If you are seriously tight for space, an office folding chair is a great idea saving you further floor space when packed away. Office folding chairs are more comfortable than they sound, especially if you go for a moulded back and padded seat.
3. Storage: Smart solutions
Storage solutions are vital in any small home office. So, where do you store your office stationery, including lever arch files, confidential documents, etc.? Check out our ideas for the best office storage:
- Vertical shelves: Long, skinny bookshelves mounted above your desk will hold books and files without taking up any room. Go high rather than wide.
- Over-the-door organisers: You could also store office supplies and even files in these little gems by placing them over doors thus keeping your workspace without having to give up square footage.
- Pedestals: If you have a standing desk, a pedestal is a great solution as it provides tons of storage but only takes up the only floor space under your desk.
- Rolling carts: A rolling cart may be moved where it is needed and will allow for printers, supplies, or even hold a secondary laptop as a side table. This is a great solution for anyone without a fixed workstation at home.
- Cable organisers: Cable clips and organisers will help prevent unwanted tangling of cords that can clutter an area not just visually, but also take up a lot of space.
4. Multi-purpose furniture
Multipurpose furniture can prove a life saver in small spaces. Here are some examples:
- Sofa beds: If your home office doubles as a guest room, find a sofa that can be converted into a bed for guests. A sofa bed can serve as a comfortable place to work by day but transform into a bed at night for your guests.
- Under bed storage: If you are using your bedroom as your home office, underbed storage can provide the space you need to store files and other office supplies.
- Room dividers: Bookshelves and cabinets can serve the dual purpose of room dividers, etc. in bedrooms, living rooms, etc. Usage of vertical storage solutions can make the best of your available space without claiming any significant floor area and adding the illusion of privacy in your home office helping you focus better.
- Storage ottomans: This type of furniture can function as a footrest, extra seating, or coffee table, whilst providing plenty of storage room for office supplies.
How to make your office space aesthetic
While functionality and good quality office furniture should come first when creating a workplace at home, aesthetics and comfort can have an impact on your wellbeing and productivity. An inviting workspace and well-designed office can make you happier, more comfortable, more creative, and thus more productive. Transform your home office with these great tips:
1. Choose a colour scheme
Light colours will make small spaces seem more spacious. Bright colours stimulate the senses making you feel more creative and energetic whilst blue might make you feel calmer. Choose colours and materials that will help you be your happiest and most productive or that reflect your style if that is important to you.
2. Declutter often
It is well known that a tidy desk minimises distraction. If you cannot keep your desk clean, on a daily basis, decide on one day a week to tidy the top portion of your desk and the areas surrounding it.
3. Ensure adequate lighting
Good lighting is a basic requirement in any workplace. If natural lighting is unavailable or only accessible in a few areas, make sure to invest in a good desk lamp. Try to buy one with adjustable brightness and a cool or neutral tone. The latter is also referred to as colour temperature and helps to avoid eye strain whilst keeping you alert and focused.
4. Add plants
Last but not least, add a plant or more to your office space either on a shelf or an unused floor space. Not only will a plant add a sense of calm, but it is also known to reduce stress and improve mental health.
Conclusion
Investing in the right office furniture for small spaces can significantly improve your remote work experience. The functionality, aesthetics, and organization of your workspace all contribute towards a positive work experience, so try to carve out a little space in your home without sacrificing your living area and equip it with good quality office furniture. Whether you are a single parent working from home every day or someone who just works remotely occasionally, a transformed workspace can make all the difference to how you start your workday.
About Single Parents on Holiday:
When we don’t travel, we write about all things that matter to single parents and solo travellers, such as the best places to travel as a single parent, the best ski resorts for solo travellers and families, single parent finances, single parent dating, single parent podcasts, and much much more. Subscribe to our travel blog for weekly posts – we don’t spam!
