17 Surprising Home Office Ideas

By Real Simple
Updated May 22, 2018
Mark Scott/Ideal Home/IPC+ Syndication
If you're under the impression that you need a spare room or a huge master bedroom to set up a workspace in your home, you're wrong (although both sound quite nice). Brilliant work-friendly spaces can emerge from a spare corner, a few inches of a wall, or other areas you never thought to explore. Sounds too good to be true? Take a peek.
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Room With a View

There’s no reason a little sunlight should cramp your decorating style. Set a desk and chair in front of a window to help get the creative juices flowing. Keep the furniture in sync with the existing pieces (here, it's black and blush) so it blends seamlessly with the entire look.

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Studying the Blues

Mark Scott/Ideal Home/IPC+ Syndication

A few key pieces (desk, chair, floating shelves) can transform a quiet sleeping space into an efficient work area. If space permits, try and keep the zones distinct from one another by setting the work area away from the bed. The trick is making sure all of the decorative elements (color palette, furniture finishes) play well together.

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Primary Palette

Joanna Henderson/Ideal Home/IPC+ Syndication

Go bold. Think bright. If you want to carve out a space for your child to get homework done, keep the color scheme cool, invigorating, and fun. Add shelving and functional storage accessories that work with his or her style.

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Corner Confidential

Got a corner? Work it. Even a formal living room can accommodate a work zone. Sneak in a table, chair, and a few office accessories (task lamp, storage bins) so you have a spot to retreat to for working on an assignment, writing a letter, or reading the paper.

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The Great Wall

When you’re short on space, a bare wall can be a valuable asset. Consider building up (rather than always extending wide). Simple, easy-to-install floating shelves or bookcases are a practical way to maximize your office area.

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Split Personalities

Tim Young/Ideal Home/IPC+ Syndication

Kitchen on one side; office on the other. A simple architectural detail can divide a space without making it feel out of place. Keeping the color palette consistent and neutral will allow you to bring in all sorts of utilitarian pieces like file cabinets, storage containers, and shelves for organizing items.

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Blue Crush

Simon Whitmore/Ideal Home/IPC+ Syndication

Dare to add color? Just do it. If your space is on the darker side (navy walls, metal cabinet, wooden accent pieces), then rely on your chair and table lamp for the sharp bursts of color.

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Secret Project

David Parmiter/Ideal Home/IPC+ Syndication

A nook is really all you need to make a spot work for you. In fact, a spare surface can easily transform into the most productive place in a home or apartment. Installing extra shelving reinvents this living room into a working and/or studying space. Hanging a decorative curtain can give you a little extra privacy for those late nights when you need to step away.

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Divide and Conquer

Mark Bolton/Homes & Gardens/IPC+ Syndication

The space that was once called your office is now filled with toddler toys, a crib, and possibly even princess décor. Think that means you must wave good-bye to your workspace? Think again. Be creative about your set-up and no one will ever notice that your (pink!) desk is part of your daughter’s room. Count on this workspace growing with your child and eventually turning into her area for reading, writing, and tackling alegbra homework.

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Side by Side

Douglas Gibb/Style At Home/IPC+ Syndication

One wall can be easily divided into two productive spaces. A smart design choice would be one long desktop (it should be large enough for two people to comfortably work side by side) and sleek roll up chairs.

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