Whether you’re a business owner, blogger, or someone that works from home, you need a dedicated space to conduct work and/or business tasks. This is important to ensure that you have your “ish” together.
Having a home office space that’s organized and comfortable is super important in becoming successful at work and in business.
Here’s some tips for making the most of your home office space:
Define your home office space.
Define the space that you want to use as your office. A desk and chair does the trick. If your space is small, like in a corner of your living room, there are plenty space-saving and apartment sized desks. Defining your office space is really just about figuring out where you’re going to set up shop and sticking to it. So, if you don’t have enough space for a desk, you can use your dining room table as your “office”. When defining your office space, you also need to make sure you set up everything you need to effectively get work done, like your laptop, printer, etc.
Expand your home office space.
If you’re crammed in a tiny area, like in a small corner of a room, it may be time for you to expand your office space. If you can’t dedicate a separate room entirely to your office, you should think about rearranging your furniture in your living room, dining room, or bedroom to give you more space for your office area. You may find that a different furniture layout can maximize your space, while giving more square footage to dedicate to your office. Check out my online space planning services if you need help with space planning.
Make sure your home office space is comfortable.
This is extremely important. If your office area is uncomfortable, you won’t want to spend a lot of time in it, which can cause you to get less work done. Forgo the $35 Walmart office chair for one that is comfy on your butt and provides back support. A lot of people are going the stylish route of using living or comfortable dining chairs for office chairs. I love the look, too. But, the reality is that the living chairs are made for lounging (not sitting straight up, like you’ll need for office work) and dining chairs aren’t always comfy enough to be seated in for long periods of time. There are plenty of great office chairs that are comfortable and cute. To increase the comfort level even more, add a lumbar pillow for lower back support, light a scented candle or two, and play your favorite tunes on low.
Decorate your home office.
No one wants to work in a bland, lifeless office space. It’s uninspiring and boring. Figure out a color scheme and utilize it throughout your office area. Add plants and decorative boxes and baskets. Use cute folders, pencils, pens, and notebooks. I can show you how to style a desk for a blogger, a fashionista, and a crafter, but it’s important that you bring in your own style, too.
Make your home office space personal.
Even though you work from home, you still want to add an item or two to define it as YOUR work space. Use decorative plaques that spell your first name or initials. Use mugs personalized with your name or favorite color. Drape your favorite throw on the back of your office chair. By personalizing your office space, you’ll always feel welcomed when it’s time to work.
Use a wall or desk calendar in your home office.
Calendars help you make yourself accountable for work that you need to do. Calendars also help you get organized and keep track of time you have (both for work and play). I know we all have our phone calendars, but having a physical, paper calendar at your desk can help you keep track of appointments and further plan your day/week/month.
How are you making the most of your small office area? Let me know in the comment section.
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Marquita G. says
Great post and great office! My office space is insane! you have officially motivated me to create a productive and comfortable space for 2015. Thanks! #BLMgirl
Kim says
Thanks so much for the office tips!
Kim recently posted…10 Ways 2014 Can Help You Own 2015
Katrina says
I love this advice! Unfortunately I’m sharing my work space with a 8 and 6 year old. I have limited storage but It helps me to toss things I don’t really need. I could definitely use a plant or two as well! #blmgirls
Britney says
I have a list dedicated to decorating my office space and as soon as I saw that first photo you have I knew I would enjoy this post 🙂 I have been fixing up and decorating my office area in my living room. My issue is keeping my desk clear! It’s a hot mess. Great tips and I love the filing cabinet and chair you have in your collage! I have a very similar desk, it’s just not a glass top, but that one is gorgeous! #blmgirls
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Alisha @ The Alisha Nicole says
Great tips!! Im getting ready to move so Im soo excited to finally be able to decorate more than the closet I turned into an office in my current house!
Alisha @ The Alisha Nicole recently posted…6 Ways To Stay Sane When Life Is A Mess
Whitney says
Thanks, Alisha! I love to see closets get turned into home offices!
Jonna says
I really enjoyed this post because I’m redesigning my office space this year as well. Our second bedroom serves as my office space, my video recording space, and my husband also keeps his clothing in that room’s closet. So it is a lot going on there. One space saver is our futon. And I also have a vintage vanity that I use as a desk and space to record (and get cute). #BLMGirls
Jonna recently posted…What to Wear with a Burgundy Tote | Winter Lookbook
Whitney says
Your space sounds amazing, Jonna!
Kiwi says
What a cute post! When I move into my 2 bedroom place I definitely want a blogger/office room so this is really helpful. I want a lighted Marquee definitely and I pinned this post for future references! #Blmgirl 🙂
Kiwi recently posted…ShoeDazzle ATL Brunch | Whats a Shoefie?
Whitney says
The lighted marquees are so easy! I hope you let me know what you come up with so I can see!
adrienne says
I work from home and LOVE my space. It has a mixture of everything I love and it’s functional lol. #BLMGIRLS
Whitney says
A functional office that’s also beautiful = awesomeness!!
Pascha says
I am currently adding to my home office. Love the books on chair idea! #blmgirls
Whitney says
I love books on chairs, too!! I’d love to see your home office!
Camesha says
Great post! I’m trying to pull my work space together. We’re shifting some rooms in our house around. I’m looking forward to settling in to a new space.
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Whitney says
I love when I get to space plan and make a space fit where otherwise it doesn’t seem possible! If you need any help, let me know!
Julie Briggs says
Having an inspiring space to work in really does make a big difference. Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty