How to Make a Compact Office Space Big on Style and Functionality

Would you like to create a workspace that is both stylish and functional, but don’t have a lot of extra space to work with? We will try to show you how to transform your compact office space into a powerhouse of productivity and style. With more people working from home than ever, having a well-designed and efficient office space is crucial. We are offering practical tips and tricks to elevate your compact office space and make it both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. Let’s chat about how to make a compact office space big on style and functionality.

Our son and daughter in law carved out this small space in their beautiful home for a stylish yet functional home office.

How to Make a Compact Office Space Big on Style and Functionality

Keep the interior design and layout clean and simple to make the space feel larger. Keep the desk area free of clutter.

Colin crafted a small desk out of a reclaimed fence board headboard that they had in their former home. He ordered the legs on Etsy here. I will link everything that is available at the bottom of the post.

How They did it

When they purchased their beautiful home, the living room had a bit of an odd appendage (that we now now was once an open porch), that was a part of the living room. Colin and Lauren opened that area up, added square footage to their living area and carved out a small but effective space for a small but mighty home office.

Before we go any further you might enjoy all of the posts that I have share on their beautiful home (many of these need to be updated):

Clever Storage Ideas for a Small Stylish Laundry Room-their fabulous laundry room

FIVE SIMPLE TIPS TO CREATE THE ILLUSION OF SPACE IN A SMALL BEDROOM-guest bedroom in their home

Stylish Solutions for Small Baths-their small but stylish powder bath

How to Style a Console-I used their great accessories to style a console in their living room.

Bookcase Styling 101-I styled the shelves in their charming library

Choose a Neutral Colors

A neutral color scheme creates the illusion of space making the room feel larger and more open by reflecting more light and minimizing visual clutter. White walls or BM Edgecomb Gray used here keeps the mood peaceful.

Small Stylish office space with art and vintage pieces

The baskets, desk chair, and shade provide texture to the neutral space.

Bring the Outside In

A view to the outside is crucial in a small room. It extends the sense of space and brings in natural light, making the area feel more expansive and inviting. Colin and Lauren have beautiful outside spaces ( I need to do a post on them). Did you know that natural light supposedly increases productivity.

Graphic explaining the importance of bringing the outside in

This is the view from their tiny office. Natural light is said to increase productivity. I think I would be way more productive if I had this view. How about you?

Carve Out a Small Closet if you Can

The space they created is 8 x 8 and it packs a lot of bang for the buck. If you have spare room for a dedicated space to house your office supplies go for it. It keeps the room clutter-free and devoid of printers, devices, and other unattractive but necessary items.

closet doors leading to small office storage

Closet doors reveal a small but effective office storage space with Ikea or Home Depot shelving. Creative storage solutions allow enough room for a productive workspace.

carve out a tiny closet in a small office space

Colin and Lauren have plenty of space in this small alcove to store the essentials to run their business @farmersunionpourhouse in this space. You could add a small metal filing cabinet if needed.

Add Personal Touches

Make use of the vertical space to draw the eye up. Incorporate personal touches such as artwork, potted plants, or other items from your collections. Don’t over do it. Keep the decor simple. You could also add a small bookshelf if needed.

Personal Office Art
small office space personalized with art

Colin and Lauren found interesting art at Target and Etsy to personalize their space. I found the desk lamp base years ago. The lamp was in the bedroom of their former home. If you need more space on the desktop, you could add task lighting on the wall. Baskets add texture and warmth.

Add a Bit of Vintage for a Character

vintage carved deer

The reclaimed desktop makes an interesting work surface, and the perfect spot for the vintage deer. All add character and interest to the tiny space. Keep the desk space clean. A vintage rug could also be added if desired. A small dining table could also be repurposed as a desk.

Shop Small Office Space

Thank you for reading How to Make a Compact Office Space Big on Style and Functionality. Every time I go to Colin and Lauren’s home I marvel at what they did with this small home office space. I thought this might provide inspiration for small office ideas you might be consideringin your own home.

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16 Comments

  1. Love, Love, Love the idea of re-purposing a headboard for a desk! I never thought of buying table legs on Etsy.

    Thanks for the ideas!

  2. Cindy,
    The desk is wonderful. I love the aged wood desktop. I’d love you to do a post of Colin and Lauren’s home. I’m happy their business is doing well.
    I hope you’re enjoying the warm summer. Scout is so adorable and growing up so fast.
    I always love your posts, especially the decor-oriented ones.
    Karen B.

    1. Hi Karen

      I plan to do just that! I need to go spend a day there and take pics!!

  3. Thank you for sharing Lauren and Colin’s charming, non-cookie-cutter (probably not a real word 😊), home office. 64 SF and clutter free! Such a lovely outdoor space too. I always enjoy your home decor content!

  4. Lauren and Colin created an excellent usage of space in a small office. Their touches are creative. A great yard to look out to. They are also so very fortunate to have you to consult with. Their office table is fabulous, the storage a god send. I appreciate that because I have a messy office. I clean it up and it goes right back to where it was. They say creative people are messy. Is your office messy?

  5. Love this Cindy! Going to share it with my daughter who works from home, please tell me where are the shades from? l prefer this kind and natural wood. Thank you.

  6. Beautiful little office with a gorgeous view to the backyard. Ingenious to use the closet to hold the printer. Just one note, I assume a laptop goes on the desk for work — placing a computer against a window is the absolute worst thing for your eyes. Maybe get cafe curtains or a bottom-up shade, and close it while working. Their eyes will thank them.

    1. Hi Bette

      Yes they carry a laptop back and forth for their business. The shades are bottom up!

      1. Duh! Sorry, I meant top-down, so they can sit at the desk with their laptop and not have the outside light in their eyes while working.

  7. What a lovely house! They are so lucky to have you to offer design ideas….

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