You don't need a spare room to work well from home. A corner, an alcove or part of a bedroom can become a productive small home office with the right desk, storage and lighting. These small home office ideas show how to fit a workspace into a tight spot.
1. Find the Right Spot
- Beside a window, with light coming from the side.
- In an alcove or closet, so the office can be hidden.
- At the end of a bedroom or living room, facing a wall to reduce distractions.
- Under the stairs or on a landing, if there's 36 inches of walkway left.
2. Choose a Desk That Fits
| Desk | Typical size | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Wall-mounted or floating | 30–40 in wide, 15–20 in deep | Laptops, very small rooms |
| Compact desk | 40–48 in wide, 20–24 in deep | One monitor |
| Standing desk | 48–63 in wide | Full-time work, sit-stand |
If you work full days, a standing desk is worth the space. The Height Adjustable Standing Desk with Memory Presets and Digital Display is 63" W × 31.5" D and adjusts from 29.6" to 44.9" H. For tiny spaces, see wall-mounted desks and the desk size guide.
3. Store Vertically
- Shelves above the desk for books and boxes.
- A narrow bookcase beside it. The Relievo Arched Glass Cabinet is only 31.5" W × 14.5" D, with glass doors to keep dust off.
- A small drawer unit under or beside the desk. The Elwood Reeded 3-Drawer Dresser is 27.2" H, close to desk height, with deep drawers for files and supplies.
4. Get the Lighting Right
Small offices are often in dark corners. Add a task lamp on the side opposite your writing hand, keep windows to the side of the screen, and use neutral 3500–4000K bulbs. See home office lighting.
5. Manage Cables
Cables make a small desk look messy. Use a cable tray under the desk, clips along the legs and one power strip. See how to hide cords for techniques that work on desks too.
6. Make It Disappear After Work
- Choose a desk that blends with the room's furniture.
- Use closed storage or a cabinet with doors.
- Close a curtain in front of an alcove office.
7. Keep It Comfortable
- Desk height about 28–30 inches for sitting; top of the screen at eye level.
- A chair that tucks under the desk.
- A small rug to define the zone.
See also home office ideas, how to organize a home office and our small apartment ideas.
FAQ
How do you set up a home office in a small space?
Choose a spot with side light, a desk sized to your work, vertical storage and good task lighting.
What size desk is best for a small home office?
About 40–48 inches wide and 20–24 inches deep for one monitor, smaller for a laptop.
Can you put a home office in a bedroom?
Yes. Face it away from the bed if possible, and use closed storage so it can be hidden.
How do you add storage to a small home office?
Go vertical with shelves and a narrow bookcase, and add a small drawer unit beside the desk.