Space-saving tips for an efficient and comfortable home office
Home offices are growing in popularity, with demand for remote work continuing to soar. And the demand for flexible office space is expected to increase rapidly over the next five years, as reported by BBC News.
However, employees who choose to work remotely, or start-ups and small businesses, may not have the space or finances to expand their office space as much as they would like. Thankfully, there are various space-saving tips that can be implemented when looking to grow your home workspace.
Sit or stand workstation
Converting a desk into a sit or stand workstation is an excellent way to save space within an office. It simply requires an inexpensive wooden shelf that can be used as a desk whilst standing, and a bar stool for when it’s time to sit.
A sit or stand workstation also has multiple additional benefits. Sitting down all day isn’t great for your health – swapping sitting for standing for an extra two hours per day can be linked to a 2% lower average fasting blood sugar level in both men and women.
Closet office
Closet offices are simply converted walk-in cupboards or wardrobes that are just the right size for a desktop, some drawers and a couple of shelves. Generally, they have folding doors so that you can push them out of the way while you’re working, to allow natural light to filter in, as well as some warmth from the wider room during the colder months.
Or if you’re lacking space, a home office chest is the perfect solution as it allows you to tuck away your filing system, computer and printer – once the lid is closed, nobody will know what it contains.
Loft office
A loft can be another great space for a home office, particularly with scope for useful features like wall-to-wall storage for paperwork, stationery, printers and other work-related items. If you don’t wish for an overly utilitarian space, wall-to-wall storage also gives plenty of opportunity to display decorative items.
Of course, any loft needs to be converted into a habitable space first. The award-winning loft boarding service from Instaloft makes for a seamless transition between a dusty attic and a usable room.
Under the stairs
Without wanting to recreate a scene from Harry Potter, the nook under your staircase can make for a practical home office space – indeed, any few feet of space that is not exposed to regular foot traffic can make for ideal office space.
As long as there are enough plug sockets nearby and a good filtration of natural light, you’re good to go. Paint the area a separate colour to emphasise its purpose as a dedicated workspace.
Photo credit: Ken Tomita
