Remote Working Solutions – Optimising Your Small Space for a Productive Home Office

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Working from home is here to stay, but not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated office space. For Londoners, where homes are often compact and space is a premium, it can feel almost impossible to create a functional and productive workspace. But fear not, we’re here to show you how even the smallest corners of your home can be transformed into a thriving work-from-home hub.

Whether it’s a dining table doubling as a desk, a kitchen nook being repurposed, or a creative renovation turning a cupboard into a stunning workspace, here are some practical tips and tricks to optimise your small space for productivity and comfort.

Why Small Spaces Can Be Big on Productivity

Small spaces can actually work in your favour when designing a productive home office. Why? They minimise distractions and optimise efficiency. A well-thought-out compact workspace ensures that everything you need is within arm’s reach, letting you focus entirely on your tasks without unnecessary clutter or chaos.

Creative Ways to Turn Small Spaces into Home Offices

1. Repurpose an Existing Area

Many Londoners don’t have the luxury of a spare room, but you’d be surprised how you can repurpose existing areas:

● Dining Tables: Your dining table can double as your work desk during the day. The key here is organisation—use storage caddies or rolling carts to pack away work-related items once the day is done.
● Kitchen Corners: Turn an unused corner in your kitchen into a mini desk space with a slimline table and comfortable office chairs. Because it’s so close to the kettle, you’re never far from your next coffee break!
● Living Room Nooks: Add a small desk or floating shelves to an awkward corner of your living room. Use vertical space for storage with wall-mounted organisers or pegboards.

2. Go Ergonomic with Furniture

Comfort is key to making your small space functional for long hours of work. Investing in ergonomic furniture is especially important.

● Ergonomic Chairs: Compact ergonomic home office chairs, like those designed for home offices, provide excellent comfort and support without taking up too much room. Look for adjustable backrests and height features to match your table height.
● Foldable Furniture: Opt for foldable or multi-functional desks that can easily pack away or transform into storage units when not in use.
● Standing Desk Converters: If space is tight, a standing desk converter can easily turn any table into a health-conscious standing desk.

3. Think Vertical with Storage

When square footage is limited, think upwards. Vertical storage solutions save precious floor space while reducing clutter.

● Use wall-mounted shelves or floating shelves to store books, stationery, or decorative items.
● Add hooks or rails to walls to hang headphones, cables, or even small baskets for office supplies.
● Over-the-door organisers can also make use of under-utilised space on the back of doors.

4. Separate Work from Life

One challenge of working in small spaces is keeping your work life and personal life separate. Here are some tips to establish boundaries:

● Use screens or dividers to separate your workspace from your living space. This could be a foldable privacy screen or even just a tall bookshelf.
● Set clear start and end times for your workday. Pack your work items away into storage boxes or carts once you’re done to mentally ‘switch off’ from work.

5. Renovate and Customise

If you’ve got the option (and the budget), renovating a small space to create a permanent workspace can be a game-changer.

● Under-Stair Space: The space under your stairs is often overlooked—install a built-in desk and shelves for an ultra-efficient home office.
● Closet or Wardrobe Office (Cloffice): A small wardrobe or cupboard can be transformed into a cosy ‘cloffice’. Simply add a desk surface, some lighting, and a chair. When the workday ends, close the door to hide the workspace.
● Bay Windows and Alcoves: Add a low-profile desk to alcoves or bay windows. Not only do you get a workspace, but you can also enjoy natural light to keep your spirits up.

6. Add Personal Touches

Once you’ve set up your workspace, make it truly yours. Add plants for a touch of greenery, which can boost your mood and productivity. Use stylish desk organisers that match your aesthetic or hang motivational artwork to keep you inspired throughout the day.

Make Your Small Space Work Smarter

Don’t underestimate the power of technology and smart devices in a compact setting:

● Use Bluetooth keyboards and mice to eliminate cable clutter.
● Invest in compact wireless printers or all-in-one docs for multifunctionality.
● Leverage apps to keep your workflow digital and efficient, reducing the need for physical paperwork.

The Case for Investing in a Dedicated Space

If you’re committed to working from home long-term, dedicating the effort to renovate a small area into a tailor-made workspace could be your best investment. Solutions like soundproof panels for  call privacy or custom furniture for awkward corners can future-proof your setup and help your productivity soar.

But remember, optimising your home for work isn’t just about practicality—it’s about comfort and creating an environment where you want to spend time.

Your Perfect WFH Setup Awaits

London’s homes may be small, but with a little creativity and the right furniture, you can create a work from home space that’s big on productivity and personality. Whether it’s squeezing a desk into the corner of your kitchen or transforming an underused alcove into a stylish workstation, the possibilities are endless.

Wherever you set up, focus on comfort, organisation, and style—and soon, you’ll have a home office that not only looks great but keeps you motivated and focused.

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