The pandemic in 2020 created what was probably the biggest shift in the way we work. Working from home became a reality for many Filipinos, and the home office trend continues to gain popularity even today. According to PwC’s 2024 Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey, 52% of us are still in a hybrid work model, while 27% are fully remote.
Sounds great, right? But let’s face it—for many of us, space is a precious commodity. Carving out a dedicated workspace in a small room can be very challenging.
But it is still possible. With a little creativity and planning, even the smallest space can be transformed into a stylish and functional home office.
And we are here to spark some ideas to help you build an inviting and productive work area at home. Here are some tricks to create a home office in a limited space.
1. Set Up Home Office on Corners
First things first, look around your room and find a spot to build your home office. Did you just feel more cramped because of all that clutter? Sorry, but before you give up hope, take a closer look. What about those corners?
Most of us overlook corners, but they can be the perfect spot to set up your home office. Just add a comfortable desk and ergonomic chairs, and voila! You’ve created a spacious workspace.
Our suggestion is to opt for a corner desk to maximize the two sides of the corner. Its space-saving design will extend your workspace without hindering your movement.
2. Take Advantage of the Space Under the Stairs
The space under the stairs is usually empty, if not a storage area for unused items we want out of sight. Why not declutter this space and turn it into a functional home office?
That’s right! The space under your stairs is an ideal spot to be productive. Simply set up your work table and chair. To make the most of this area, consider adding shelves or storage on the side. This will create a division that separates your workspace from the rest of your living space.
And don’t forget about the walls! A pegboard like the Cre8tivity Wooden Pegboard is a fantastic way to hang your to-do list, notes, and other office essentials. It’s super versatile and easy to put together.
3. Try the Cloffice
For starters, what exactly is a cloffice? In a nutshell, it’s a closet or drawer turned into an office. Creative, right? And you will need some of that creativity to build a home office in a limited space.
Creating a cloffice isn’t exactly complicated and can be very affordable. You can use wooden shelves or even your existing drawer. Simply apply wallpaper or paint to create a smooth finish. You can also use a curtain as a cover.
One of the biggest perks of a cloffice is its ability to hide your items away. Done working, or maybe you just don’t feel like working anymore? Just close the door, and poof—no more cluttered desks or piles of paperwork. Out of sight, out of mind, right?
Now, some closets don’t have doors, and that’s fine. You can use curtains or sliding doors.
4. Use the Space Under the Loft Bed
The loft bed has become popular among many apartment dwellers in the Philippines. The reason for this is that, by elevating your sleeping space, you can create a new, open area below. This extra space is perfect for setting up a home office.
Since the entire space is available for your workspace, you have enough room for shelves, drawers, and other storage solutions. One of the best things about an under-the-loft office is the sense of privacy it offers. Tucked away beneath the loft bed, your workspace creates a feeling of a secret hideaway. This unique atmosphere and seclusion can inspire creativity and help you focus on your work.
5. Choose Foldable Furniture Pieces
Are you looking for the perfect furniture pieces for a small home office? Foldable furniture is the way to go. These items allow you to create a functional workspace without permanently taking up your valuable living space. When you’re not working, simply fold them away to make room for other activities.
Another reason to choose foldable furniture is its incredible flexibility. You can set up your home office in different rooms depending on your needs or the time of day. For example, you might prefer to work in the living room during the day and retreat to your bedroom at night.
Foldable furniture is also widely available, both online and in physical stores. From chairs to tables and even storage, you can easily find them everywhere.
6. Don’t Forget the Lights
We know some of you prefer to work in a dark environment because of the unique and cozy atmosphere it offers. However, working under poor lighting can cause temporary eye dryness and fatigue. These conditions can affect your productivity.
We recommend positioning your workspace in an area that receives natural light. Several studies have found that natural light can influence productivity and overall well-being.
But what if you do not have access to natural light? Our suggestion is to use a “blue-enriched” bulb. This type of bulb has a high color temperature of 17,000 Kelvin. They appear blue-white and are referred to as cool or daylight colors. Researchers have found that blue-enriched light supports mental sharpness, increases vitality, and reduces daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
7. Find the Right Storage Solution
An organized office or workspace is critical for productivity. However, you cannot achieve this without the right storage solution. Just imagine the frustration of scrambling for a document during a sudden online meeting, only to find it buried under a pile of papers. It can waste so much time and energy.
Storage not only keeps things within reach but also makes your workspace look more professional and stylish. For example, some drawers and open shelves make a good backdrop during video conferences. Plus, there are also chic storage options that match your personality.
Don't Let the Limited Space Hold You Back!
As you can see, there are many ways to create a productive and stylish home office in a limited space. With creativity and careful planning, it’s entirely possible!
Now that you have a wealth of home office ideas for limited spaces, it’s time to put them into action! Build your dream home office today!
