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8 alternative spaces that can be turned into a home office

8 alternative spaces that can be turned into a home office

Posted by Richard on Jul 06, 2021

With more people than ever working from home, the biggest obstacle many face is not having enough room to accommodate a separate working space.  But here at The Wooden Furniture Store, we think that a home office doesn't have to be a self contained room.  Brilliant work-friendly spaces can emerge from a spare corner of wasted space, for example under the stairs, a large landing or in the kitchen.  Sounds too good to be true?  With thoughtful planning and creativity, almost any alternative space can be turned into a home office and here's how.....

In the kitchen

8 alturnative spaces that can be turned into a home office
Image from kitchn.com

We've noticed a real trend on Pinterest and Instagram to have a designated study area in the kitchen.  A lot of us spend a good deal of time in the kitchen, so it seems like a natural room to create a work area and it really doesn't need a lot of space.  Creating a multi purpose home office is often the best way to make use of an otherwise awkward corner or area.  This slim end worktop in this kitchen has been transformed into a practical and useful breakfast bar and extra work station.

Invest in a standing desk

8 alternative spaces that can be turned into a home office

There's a big trend for standing desks, as the health benefits of standing rather than sitting for long stretches of time have been widely debated!  The good news about a standing desk is that it takes up a lot less space than a regular desk arrangement.  Take a look around your home and see if there is an area you could clear to create a standing-level perch. The Hulstone Industrial bar table features a strong, geometric shape and is crafted from reclaimed rough sawn pine with a powder coated frame for a stylish finishing touch.

Use an alcove

8 alturnatives to a home office
Image from realsimple.com

Creating a work area in an alcove is a great way to use an under-used space and it does not encroach too much on the rest of the room.  Think about filling a wall with modular shelving including a desk and sliding keyboard shelf for a little extra working space. To make the area feel less utilitarian, keep office supplies in pretty storage boxes, and use the shelves to display your favourite possessions too.

Choose a hide away desk in the living room

8 alturnative spaces for a home office

If you don’t want your home office area to be visible 24/7, then consider a hidden home office.  This hideaway approach would be perfect for those who hate clutter, or those who only occasionally need a home office set-up.  The beauty of Signature Grey Painted hidden home office is that when your work is done for the day, it closes up to be a beautiful piece of furniture that will enhance any space.  The desk has a smart grey paint finish and contrasting hand limed top, while the distressed bronze knobs finish off this contemporary piece of furniture.

Space on the landing

8 alturnatives to a home office
Image from homesandgarden.co.uk

The hallway landing is a space that is often overlooked, but if it is large enough it can provide an ideal spot for a small home office.  Do you have space for a slim desk on your landing?  If you have a window could you place a table underneath it and you would have the perfect place to work.

Under the stairs

8 alturnaives for a home office
Image from minimaldesks.com

If your space under the stairs is a dust trap for winter coats and odd shoes, you might be able to convert the space into a bijou working space.  This savvy homeowner has turned this space into a compact home office thanks to slim desk and neat shelving - a perfect use of the space.

In a cupboard

 8 alturnatives to a home office
Image from houseandgarden.co.uk

It’s surprising how small a space you need for a home office. As long as the desk is large enough to accommodate a laptop, then it can function as a place to work.  Conceal your office space within floor-to-ceiling storage and add bi-fold doors to ensure you can shut away work cares at the end of the day.

Create a dual purpose room

8 alturnatives to a home office
Image from terrysfabrics.co.uk

With a carefully considered layout, it is possible to turn a guest bedroom into a dual-purpose space that can accommodate overnight guests and also work as an office.  Keep the sleeping area well defined and choose a desk that suits a bedroom setting for example one that could easily double as a dressing table.   Add shelves above the desk area, and invest in some matching storage files to keep your work materials organised.

Have you turned an alternative space into a home office? We’d love to know, use the #woodenfurniturehomeoffice on our twitter, facebook or instragam feeds to show us how you’ve created your space.