21 Ideas for Organizing Your Home Office

Mark Lund
1 of 21  Marc Royce

Convert an awkward little nook into a home office by installing sturdy shelves.


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2 of 21     

You can create a home office with minimal fuss; all you need is enough work space to get your job done.


3 of 21 Paul Whicheloe

Stow work materials in a basket below a hallway console to transform it into a desk when needed.


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4 of 21     

A drop-down leaf lets you instantly access―or hide away―your office.


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5 of 21 James Baigrie

The home office that's there but not: A clear plastic desk and chair are unobtrusive in a bedroom.


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6 of 21 Paul Whicheloe

An armoire neatly contains what you need to work at home―including corkboard to post important reminders.


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7 of 21 Mark Lund

When you can’t devote an entire room to a home office, save space by saying good-bye to clunky desks. Opt for sturdy shelves to house your computer and keyboard.


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8 of 21 Jeff McNamara 

Integrate your work area into another room―like this double-duty nursery/home office―by keeping to a consistent color scheme, pulling it together with a bold patterned piece.


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9 of 21 James Baigrie

Reclaim an unused corner by tucking in a simple desk-and-cabinet setup.


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10 of 21 James Baigrie

When space is tight, look for multifunctional pieces: The desk has a pop-up mirror, so it can serve as a vanity; the ottomans' tops lift to provide extra storage.


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11 of 21 Monica Buck

A folding screen separates you from the world, and acts as a combination gallery and inspiration board.


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12 of 21 David Prince

The most important factor in a desk chair: ample lumbar support. If your chair doesn't offer it, use a pillow.


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13 of 21 Paul Whicheloe

But a desk chair doesn't necessarily have to look as if it means business.


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14 of 21 James Baigrie

Small details―matching storage boxes, neutral tones―bring a calm sense of order to a home work area.


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15 of 21 Formula Z/S

Make supplies easy to grab with a pegboard that displays high-use items front and center.


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16 of 21 Antonis Achilleos

Old jam jars get new life as practical (and inexpensive) desk organizers.


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17 of 21 David Prince

Customize a drawer to your liking with movable organizers in various sizes.


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18 of 21 Paul Whicheloe

A desktop tray lets you transport your work from kitchen counter to dining room table to outdoor patio.


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19 of 21  Ditte Isager

A great new use for both empty cans and leftover wallpaper: pencil holders. Wash the can thoroughly, peel off the label, cut paper to fit, and secure with double-sided tape along the seam.


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20 of 21 Alexandra Rowley

Even if you don’t have a home office per se, having a designated workspace for filing away important papers and bills can help keep you organized.


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21 of 21 Tosca Radigonda

Your office can't spread out? Then go up: Make smart use of vertical wall space.


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