3 Ingenious Ways to Reclaim Space for Your Home Office

Squeezing in a functional home office doesn’t mean you have to give up the rest of your house.

Truth be told, pretty much everyone around the world is tired of hearing about the novel coronavirus pandemic. Covid-19 took the world by surprise in January of 2020, but fast became a more standard topic of conversation than the weather, or what you’re having for tea. Despite various lockdown measures and guidelines, where we stand with the virus is still largely uncertain. As some return to their normal jobs and life begins revealing something a bit closer to normal, a number of us have discovered that working from home is our new normal.

Meaning that we’ve got to figure out how to use our spaces wisely so we can be at the ready for the next zoom meeting that’s right around the corner. Finding space for your home office isn’t always easy, but with the clever use of contemporary dining tables, double duty sideboards, and basically stunning benches, it’s finally possible to create a space that can function both as an office, and as part of the home. Even if you’re low on space.

The Guest Bedroom

If you’re one of the lucky few with an extra bedroom or large storage cupboard lying around, you’ve probably already sussed out the perfect spot to hide your home office. Extra bedrooms are ideal because they offer a space that’s already somewhat separate feeling from your home, as they’re not often used every day. These types of spaces take very little effort to get in tip top working order. If you’re wanting a mobile style command centre that doesn’t detract from the existing furniture, consider using a console table instead of a traditional desk. Keep it clean and organized by utilizing different bins and a modern clock/calendar. Pegboard can also offer a delightfully modern look, while keeping books, papers, and desk items stashed in an artful way.

The Dining Room

For the rest of us that don’t have a spare bedroom hanging about, the kitchen and dining area might be the next best thing. Close to the kettle and the fridge, having your home office in this space can be super convenient, but it can also be a bit of a headache. Figuring out how to restructure common spaces to allow for ideal home working conditions isn’t necessarily easy - unless you have the right furniture. A large dining table is definitely a good place to start, something large enough that allows for an area that can house precious electronics far away from cups of tea and plates of food. It also helps to integrate a sideboard, as these pieces not only look fantastic, but can offer a load of space for all of your office storage needs.

The Living Room

In a traditional UK house, the living room can often be the best place to station yourself at during the day. Largely because most houses have living rooms cordoned off from the rest of the house, with doors you can shut if you need privacy or fewer distractions. Another added bonus of setting up shop in the sitting room is that there will be a finite line to the work day, where you’ll have no other choice but to close the laptop, put down your mouse, and spend a little down time with the family. Sideboards, coffee tables with storage, and vintage bureau secretary desks look great in most living room setups, and help to hide necessary desk clutter. Pick a big comfy chair that can double as extra seating for movie night to really finish off the look and keep the family happy.