Working from home has become the new normal, and honestly, I love it. No commuting, no awkward office small talk—just me, my coffee, and my to-do list. But let’s be real: not everyone has a whole room to dedicate to an office. Most of us are squeezing our workspace into a corner of the living room, a hallway, or even a tiny closet. And you know what? That’s totally fine! With the right setup, a small home office can be just as functional (and stylish!) as a full-sized one.
I’ve gathered some of my favorite small home office ideas to help you carve out a productive workspace, no matter how limited your square footage is. Let’s dive in!
Simply an Office in a Small Room
If you’re lucky enough to have a whole room (even a tiny one) to dedicate to an office, you’ve got options! The key is to keep things functional while making sure it still feels open and uncluttered.
A stylish small home office with deep blue walls and a custom-built wooden desk. The cozy curved design makes it a unique workspace solution for small rooms. (@launlosangeles).
A coastal-inspired small office with a serene blue ocean print. The wooden desk and corkboard create a balance of function and aesthetics, making it an ideal productive work nook. (@martaxperez).
A cozy attic workspace designed with natural light, wooden shelving, and soft textures. This sloped ceiling office maximizes vertical storage while creating a warm, inviting work environment. (@sophiebayliswrites).
This monochrome workspace features a sleek black-and-white palette with creative wall décor, making it an inspiring spot for productivity. The minimalist desk setup includes trestle legs for an industrial touch. (@apt.indo).
A cozy workspace nestled in a narrow alcove, featuring wood-paneled walls, a floating desk, and warm lighting. The corkboard organizer adds a functional home office touch, making it a practical yet stylish small work area. (@hullypods).
A contemporary black and white home office in a hallway. It features a chalkboard wall that is a perfect addition to any working space. (John Donkin Architect Inc.).
Futuristc long and narrow home office design.
A Compact Home Office in a Walk-in Closet
Ever heard of a “cloffice”? It’s exactly what it sounds like—a closet turned office! If you’ve got a walk-in closet that you’re not fully using, why not turn a section of it into a workspace? Add some floating shelves, a compact desk, and good lighting, and boom—you’ve got a cozy little office that you can literally close the door on at the end of the day.
Tips for a Closet Office Setup:
- Use vertical space—install shelves above your desk for extra storage.
- Keep it clutter-free—closets can feel tight, so stick to the essentials.
- Good lighting is key—since most closets don’t have windows, invest in a good desk lamp.
A hidden home office cleverly tucked behind a door, making use of small space solutions. The built-in desk, wall-mounted storage, and task lighting create an efficient and compact workspace. (@noemi_beres_).
This cozy home workspace is tucked into a wall niche, maximizing a small area. The floral wallpaper adds a decorative flair, making this small home office setup feel inviting and elegant. (@multitradebldgserv).
An awkward corner is a perfect place for a tiny home office that consists only of three floating shelves and a chair.
A walk-in closet home office conversion that utilizes shelving, compact desk space, and ambient lighting. A great example of how to create a dedicated workspace in small urban apartments. (@from_hatfield_to_home).
A genius fold-out storage unit that transforms into a fully functional hidden workspace when needed. With built-in shelving and integrated lighting, this design is ideal for those needing a multi-purpose home office. (@thespacecube).
A compact idea with a floating desk, an inspiration door and even some storage behind bifold closet doors.
A clever closet office conversion that turns an unused nook into a hidden home workspace. With built-in shelves and a neutral color palette, it’s a great example of a discreet office in a small home. (@nvtsmall).
A walk-in closet is a first place for a compact working space that comes in mind. (Butterfield Custom Homes).
A Tiny Workspace in Any Room
If you don’t have an entire closet, hallway, or nook to dedicate to an office, don’t worry! You can set up a small workspace in just about any room. Your bedroom, living room, or even your kitchen can double as a home office with the right approach.
Tips for a Small Workspace in Any Room:
- Foldable desks—pop it up when you need it, tuck it away when you don’t.
- Dual-purpose furniture—a vanity or console table can work as a desk.
- Zoning tricks—use rugs, dividers, or a different wall color to define your workspace.
A boho-style workspace with exposed brick walls, lush greenery, and creative wall decor. This small work-from-home setup blends personality and functionality, ideal for creative professionals. (@sophiebayliswrites).
A chic and functional bedside workspace, ideal for compact rooms. The wall-mounted desk provides just enough space for a laptop and essentials, making it a perfect small bedroom office setup. (@_jesssymons).
A rugged brick wall and an all-white curtain is a cool mix you could use for a hidden working area in a bedroom.
A stylish home office nook neatly separated from the main living space. Featuring floating shelves, soft neutral tones, and modern lighting, this setup creates an efficient workspace without overwhelming the room. (@marbanforrealestate).
A minimalist bedroom office setup, perfect for remote work in a compact space. The floating desk and Scandinavian chair maximize functionality while blending seamlessly with the room’s decor. (@pizzazzbargains).
When a home office occupies part of a bedroom (Black and Milk | Interior Design | London).
You can make a tiny working desk a part of your kitchen.
Even in a hallway you could organize a cozy working area with lots of storage.
The writing desk is usually compact enough to fit it even into a recessed alcove.
A Tiny Home Office in an Awkward Corner
Got a weird little nook in your home that you’re not sure what to do with? That’s prime real estate for a tiny office! Corners, underused alcoves, or that awkward space between furniture can all be transformed into a functional workspace with the right furniture.
What Works Best for a Corner Office? Corner desks—these fit snugly into tight spaces and maximize surface area. Floating shelves—great for keeping essentials within arm’s reach without cluttering the desk. A pegboard or wall organizer—keeps supplies neat and off your workspace. Foldable furniture is a great idea too.
A sleek, minimalist wall-mounted workspace, perfect for tiny home offices or apartment-friendly workstations. The wood paneling adds warmth while keeping things ultra-modern. (@felipevillanuevarq).
Small hanging desk in a hallway.
A hidden home office cleverly tucked inside a kitchen cabinet. This fold-out workstation provides a compact workspace solution while maintaining a seamless aesthetic. Ideal for those who need a multifunctional home office that can be neatly concealed when not in use. Perfect for small apartments or open-concept living spaces. (@nvtsmall).
A charming cottage-style home office with rustic wooden furniture and decorative hats on the wall. This cozy desk setup adds a personal touch to work-from-home solutions. (@carly).
Home office in a tiny closet won't occupy much space.
A Tiny Home Office Under the Stairs
If you’ve got an open area under your stairs, don’t let it go to waste! This often-overlooked space can make for a super stylish and practical home office. I’ve seen some jaw-dropping under-stair setups, from sleek minimalist desks to cozy wood-paneled work nooks.
How to Make It Work:
- Use built-in storage—custom shelves or cabinets can make the most of the space.
- Keep it bright—use light-colored paint and good lighting to avoid a dark, cave-like feel.
- Opt for a slim desk—you don’t need a big surface to get work done!
Another example of a compact home office under the stairs, this one features bold patterned wallpaper, making the space both practical and visually striking. (@verymeinteriors).
A space-saving home office tucked neatly under the staircase, blending seamlessly with the interior. A modern desk, a comfortable chair, and clever storage make this under-stairs workspace both stylish and functional. (@verymeinteriors).
A brilliant use of an awkward space, this compact home office fits neatly under a staircase. With built-in shelves and drawers, it offers both functional workspace storage and a stylish touch. Perfect for small-space work setups. (Fa-ree-ha).
Dark, almost black, wood floor looks amazing with white walls of this under the staircase office. (Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects).
Even really awkward niches could be equipped with small desks. (Maria Killam).
More Inspiring Ideas And Tips
Let’s be honest—keeping a small home office organized is half the battle. When you’re working in a compact space, clutter piles up fast. I’ve learned the hard way that without a solid storage strategy, things can quickly spiral into chaos (hello, stacks of papers and tangled charger cords!). A well-organized office doesn’t just look good—it makes your workday smoother and way less stressful. And honestly, who doesn’t want that?
Just because your office is small doesn’t mean it has to feel boring or lifeless. Your workspace should inspire you! If you’re going to spend hours there, it should be a place you actually enjoy being in. Here are some more inspiring examples, to help you design a home office of your dreams.
A bright and airy home workspace featuring a compact desk setup next to a large window. Natural light enhances productivity, making this small office design ideal for remote work. (@nvtsmall).
A simple curtain could hide your closet working corner when necessary.
A built-in home office is a great solution for an apartment. (Sutro Architects).
A corner deck and corner shelves might help to create a home office in a super awkward corner. (SchappacherWhite Architecture D.P.C.).
Elevating things could make an interior looks quite creative unique.
In a living room your working chair could become an extra seating when necessary.
A small dormer office with built-in cabinets is definitely a way to use every once of space.
Taking advantage of every bit of space mean you can tuck a small home office under any staircase.
A working niche doesn't have to be big. Even 30 inches wide desk can be enough.
Thanks to contemporary storage systems, even a small home office in a corner of a living room could fit lots of documents and other stuff. (Peter Morris Architects).
Home Office And A Dining Area With A Display Storage.
You can hide a tiny working area in a bedroom.
Hidden shared home office for two behind curtains could be organized in any room.
Dark hardwood flooring and a wallpaper with animal pattern is an interesting mix for a compact feminine home office design. (Carriage Lane Design-Build Inc.).
An unused nook would be more than enough to let you to fully commit yourself to your creative practice.
Pegboards are perfect organizers for small home offices.
Make your home office a part of a storage wall for a more built-in look.
Here is a practical layout for a very small home office that features lots of storage.
Compact home office in a living room with a bright yellow storage wall.
Cute built-in working desk surrounded by storage units.
Home office could be on a kitchen especially with using smart funriture like a foldable desk.
An attic home office is a smart choice cuz it definitely would be private enough.
Patterned tiles and exposed brick walls are perfect decorating solutions you could use for a home office. (Gort Scott).
To make your working space less dull add some colroful artworks!.
A hilarious wallpaper could make even a small office cool.
