21 Ideas for Organizing Your Home Office
Emily Mencken's office
Credit: Marc Royce
Convert an awkward little nook into a home office by installing sturdy shelves.
Credit: Marc Royce
You can create a home office with minimal fuss; all you need is enough work space to get your job done.
Stow work materials in a basket below a hallway console to transform it into a desk when needed.
Credit: Paul Whicheloe
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A drop-down leaf lets you instantly access―or hide away―your office.
The home office that's there but not: A clear plastic desk and chair are unobtrusive in a bedroom.
Credit: James Baigrie
An armoire neatly contains what you need to work at home―including corkboard to post important reminders.
Credit: Paul Whicheloe
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.
Credit: Mark Lund
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.
Credit: Jeff McNamara
Reclaim an unused corner by tucking in a simple desk-and-cabinet setup.
Credit: James Baigrie
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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.
Credit: James Baigrie
A folding screen separates you from the world, and acts as a combination gallery and inspiration board.
Credit: Monica Buck
The most important factor in a desk chair: ample lumbar support. If your chair doesn't offer it, use a pillow.
Credit: David Prince
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But a desk chair doesn't necessarily have to look as if it means business.
Credit: Paul Whicheloe
Small details―matching storage boxes, neutral tones―bring a calm sense of order to a home work area.
Credit: James Baigrie
Make supplies easy to grab with a pegboard that displays high-use items front and center.
Credit: Formula Z/S
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Old jam jars get new life as practical (and inexpensive) desk organizers.
Credit: Antonis Achilleos
Customize a drawer to your liking with movable organizers in various sizes.
Credit: David Prince
A desktop tray lets you transport your work from kitchen counter to dining room table to outdoor patio.
Credit: Paul Whicheloe
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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.
Credit: Ditte Isager
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.
Credit: Alexandra Rowley
Your office can't spread out? Then go up: Make smart use of vertical wall space.
Credit: Tosca Radigonda
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