21 Ideas for Organizing Your Home Office
By
Real Simple
Updated September 13, 2016
Credit:
Marc Royce
Trying to carve out a neat space of your own? Find inspiration in these photos.
Convert an awkward little nook into a home office by installing sturdy shelves.
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You can create a home office with minimal fuss; all you need is enough work space to get your job done.
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Stow work materials in a basket below a hallway console to transform it into a desk when needed.
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A drop-down leaf lets you instantly access―or hide away―your office.
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The home office that's there but not: A clear plastic desk and chair are unobtrusive in a bedroom.
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An armoire neatly contains what you need to work at home―including corkboard to post important reminders.
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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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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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Reclaim an unused corner by tucking in a simple desk-and-cabinet setup.
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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.
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A folding screen separates you from the world, and acts as a combination gallery and inspiration board.
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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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But a desk chair doesn't necessarily have to look as if it means business.
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Small details―matching storage boxes, neutral tones―bring a calm sense of order to a home work area.
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Make supplies easy to grab with a pegboard that displays high-use items front and center.
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Old jam jars get new life as practical (and inexpensive) desk organizers.
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Customize a drawer to your liking with movable organizers in various sizes.
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A desktop tray lets you transport your work from kitchen counter to dining room table to outdoor patio.
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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.
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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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Your office can't spread out? Then go up: Make smart use of vertical wall space.
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By
Real Simple