Home office ideas for a small space

Choose the spot

• A spare bedroom, if you have one.
• An alcove or the space under the stairs.
• The end of a living room or bedroom, screened by a shelf or curtain.
• A garden room, which keeps work out of the house.

Prioritise a good chair and desk

You will spend long hours at it, so choose a chair that supports you and a desk at the right height. A slim desk or a fold-down one works where space is tight.

Get the light right

Place the desk so that daylight comes from the side, not from behind you or straight into the screen. Add an adjustable desk lamp for task light.

Plan storage you can close

Wall shelves, a small cupboard or a box on a shelf keep papers and cables out of sight, and let you close up work at the end of the day.

Think about sound and video calls

Soft furnishings absorb noise, and a plain, tidy background looks professional on camera. Test where your video background looks best.

Check sockets and the internet

Plan where the sockets and the router are before you arrange the furniture. A poor signal is more annoying than a poor desk. New sockets should be fitted by a qualified electrician.

Keep work and home separate

A clear boundary, even a screen, helps you switch off. A calm colour and a few personal touches keep the space pleasant.

Try the layout

Upload a photo of the space to GlowUpp to see AI-generated ideas. Always ask a qualified professional before moving gas, electrics or plumbing, or changing anything structural, and check your lease or local rules if you rent or live in a conservation area.