Big ideas, small office? Unlock your space's potential!

Whether you're squeezing a desk into the corner of your bedroom or transforming a closet into a makeshift work area, finding enough space to work from a small home office can be a real challenge. Limited square meterage, cluttered surfaces and a lack of proper organisation can quickly derail productivity and leave you feeling overwhelmed when working from home.  

In this blog, we’ll explore small home office ideas, both old and new, designed to help you maximise your space, boost efficiency and create an environment where big ideas have enough room to come to life.  

From clever storage solutions and layout hacks to smart tech you can incorporate into your day-to-day, we’ve got a long list of ways you can turn even the tiniest office into a productivity powerhouse.  

8 small home office design tips 

Creating an efficient home office in a less-than-ideal space requires thoughtful planning and strategic design choices. Before investing in any furniture or storage solutions, measure your room's dimensions, including ceiling height, window placement and door swing radius.  

1. Make use of vertical space 

Install adjustable shelving systems from local retailers like Builders Warehouse or Game to keep items off your desk but within easy reach. These shelves can be tailored to fit your space and adapted as your storage needs change. 

2. Free up your desk 

Mount monitor arms to your screen and lift it off the surface, giving you more workspace while improving your posture. 

3. Organise active projects  

Use stackable letter trays from suppliers like PNA or Waltons to sort and manage active projects efficiently. This keeps papers tidy and easy to find. 

4. Optimise hidden spaces  

Consider door-mounted organisers for storing office supplies. Slim-profile cabinets, available at retailers like @home or Mr Price Home are perfect for tight spaces as they extend only 30cm from the wall. 

5. Position your desk strategically 

Place your desk perpendicular to windows to reduce glare on your screen while managing the intense African sunlight. This setup balances natural light and functionality. 

6. Invest in smart lighting 

Install an adjustable LED desk lamp with colour temperature settings ranging from 3000K to 6500K. This allows you to switch between warm and cool lighting to suit different tasks and times of the day. 

7. Use paint 

Use light-coloured paint such as off-whites or pale greys to reflect light, making your office feel brighter and more spacious. 

8. Invest in multifunctional furniture

Buy a fold-away desk, or ottoman, that can be used for storage and a seat, and/or a narrow console table (35cm deep) that works as both a desk and a table. 

Small office design trends to try 

Current home office trends focus on flexibility, wellness and maximising space efficiency, making them ideal for small office setups. Here are some of the latest ideas to inspire your redesign: 

Height-adjustable standing desks 

Standing desks are becoming a must-have for healthier work environments. Compact height-adjustable models are perfect for small spaces and allow you to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. Many also feature built-in cable management systems to keep your workspace tidy. 

Modular furniture systems 

Adaptability is key in small office design, and modular furniture offers endless possibilities: 

• Stackable storage cubes: Double as seating or shelving, perfect for multipurpose use. 

• Nesting tables: Provide extra work surfaces when needed and tuck away when not in use. 

• Mobile drawer units: Slide under floating desks for a clutter-free look. 

• Expandable desks: Adjust to accommodate growing work needs or additional equipment. 

Wall-mounted and foldable furniture 

• Drop-down desks: Wall-mounted options fold away when not in use, freeing up floor space. 

• Foldable chairs: Lightweight and easy to store, they are great for occasional use. 

• Floating shelves with built-in lighting: Combine storage and illumination for a sleek, modern look. 

Biophilic design elements 

 Integrating nature into your office boosts well-being and focus. 

• Living walls or small vertical gardens: Bring greenery to your space without using up valuable floor area. 

• Natural wood finishes: Use furniture or accents with warm, organic textures for a calming effect. 

• Air-purifying plants: Add species like the ZZ plant or philodendron that thrive in low-light conditions. 

Smart and tech-integrated features 

Technology is transforming small office designs: 

• Smart desks: Feature USB ports, wireless charging pads and built-in Bluetooth speakers. 

• Cordless charging stations: Keep devices powered without adding cable clutter. 

• Voice-activated lighting: Install smart bulbs or lamps controlled via Alexa or Google Assistant for customised illumination. 

Compact, custom storage solutions 

• Pegboards and grid panels: Mount on walls for flexible storage of tools, supplies or decorations. 

• Hidden storage compartments: Choose furniture with secret drawers or compartments to keep items out of sight. 

• Rolling carts: Compact and mobile, these can store everything from office supplies to printers. 

Incorporate wellness features 

Prioritising wellness enhances both comfort and productivity: 

• Ergonomic desk chairs: Opt for compact models with adjustable lumbar support. 

• Under-desk treadmills or cycle desks: Encourage movement throughout the day. 

• Desk-friendly humidifiers: Help maintain air quality in confined spaces. 

Declutter your office space for maximum efficiency 

A cluttered workspace can do more than just look untidy — it can disrupt focus, increase stress levels and significantly impact productivity. Regularly decluttering your office is essential to create a clean, organised environment that supports efficient work habits. 

What to keep and what to store 

Not everything needs to stay on your desk or within arm’s reach. By sorting through your office items, you can ensure that only the essentials remain nearby, while everything else is neatly stored. Here’s a helpful checklist to get started: 

Keep within each 

• Daily-use items: Laptop, keyboard, mouse and notepad. 

• Essential stationery: Pens, highlighters, scissors and sticky notes. 

• Current project materials: Files, reference documents or sketches. 

• Desk organisers: Letter trays, pen holders or small storage bins. 

Store away 

• Archived files: Contracts, invoices and documents you don’t need often. 

• Seasonal supplies: Marketing materials, extra stationery or decor items. 

• Tech accessories: Cables, chargers or old gadgets not in use. 

• Bulk items: Printer paper, spare ink cartridges or office supplies bought in bulk. 

• Personal items: Sentimental objects or photos that clutter the space. 

How Stor-Age can help 

If you’re struggling with limited space or find your office overwhelmed by items you don’t need every day, Stor-Age offers tailored solutions to keep your business organised. Whether you’re a remote worker or a small business owner, their secure storage facilities can help you declutter effectively by providing space for archived files, extra supplies or even unused furniture. 

For more tips on creating a productive workspace and exploring how Stor-Age can assist with your remote work or small business storage, check out Stor-Age’s storage solutions.