A small home office space should give you a sense of peace and relaxation to help you work effectively to achieve your goals. Whether you work remotely full time or you need a personal space to deal with paperwork and bills, here are some fantastic tips to help you create a small but relaxing home office space.
Pick a Spot You Love
You need to find the right spot to set up your workstation. You can set up a desk by a window that has a great view. You can convert a corner in the kitchen so you can access coffee and snacks easily. You can convert a coat or broom closet into a small office space by taking out the doors. You can also use the space below the stairs. The most important thing is that you pick a spot that you don’t mind staying in for hours.
Choose a Space-Saving Desk
Because you have limited space, you have to settle with a small desk. There are a lot of great space-saving options available. A common favorite for studios are foldable floating desks that drop down from a wall when you need it and fold back up when you’re done. If you are converting a corner, there are corner desks that will easily fit in the space. A popular option for small home offices is modern secretary desks because they come with leg space, a drop-down table, and shelves. There are also slimmer tables that will give you just enough space for your laptop.
Create a Barrier
Maintain a work-life balance by establishing zones. It helps to have a barrier around your small spot to keep your workspace private and to have fewer distractions. You can set up a heavy curtain that goes around your spot. You can close off a corner with a makeshift cubicle enclosure. You can also buy ready-made room dividers. A popular option is to use double-sided bookshelves so you can also get storage for your small home office.
Get a Comfortable Chair
You already are working in a small space so make sure you will be sitting in a comfortable chair. Otherwise, you’ll have a hard time staying focused for a long time and you will feel stiff. You might even end up taking more breaks than you should. Spending money on a good chair is a worthy investment especially if you often work long hours.
Maintain a Clutter-Free Desk
Think minimalist – keep the surface of your desk as bare as you possibly can. Desks are very prone to clutter – especially when you work at home so this would take some discipline. But it will be all worth it because a bare desk means you do not have anything to distract you. There are a lot of desks with drawers. If your desk is against a wall, you can add wall shelves above your working area for storage. Make sure the people you are living with are aware that you need to keep your desk that way.
Choose Your Colors Wisely
The colors around you can affect your mood. Whether you are painting a wall or color coordinating your desk and office supplies, keep in mind these tips. A soft, neutral palette like pale blue, light gray, and beige has a calming effect. The colors blue, lavender, and green make great accent colors because they promote calm and creativity. For texture, choose a matte finish to help lessen eye strain.
Take Advantage of Natural Light
Do you have trouble sleeping at night after a long day of work? You should set up your work station near a window. Working under natural light can improve your circadian rhythm and sleeping habits. Plus, you get to work more efficiently since natural light helps reduce eye strain, improves your mood, and increases productivity.
Choose Meaningful Decor
The best thing about working at home is that there are no limitations when personalizing your workstation. But this does not mean you should go overboard on the decor so that it becomes distracting. For personal mementos, only have one or two small items that give you a good memory or a mental boost. Go for a small motivational quote to boost your morale. If you want art, choose one that gives you a sense of peace or calm or an image that inspires you.
Go Wireless
Ever had all your cords and wires mixed up and intertwined? Fixing the mess can easily ruin your mood and affect your work quality. Aside from the fact that they look so messy, wires and cords can cause accidents like tripping or putting your gadgets at risk of falling from your desk when they are pulled. As much as possible, go wireless. If not, have the cords organized or hidden so that your home office does not look like a mess.
Use Aromatherapy
When your home office smells good, you instantly feel good while working. When choosing fragrances, avoid air fresheners. Most of them use artificial scents that are often strong and overwhelming. It can be distracting and might cause you to feel dizzy as you work. Great aromatherapy options include essential oil diffusers, scented candles, and potpourri sachets.
Get a Plant
Make your workspace more relaxing by having a plant nearby. Witnessing a plant flourish under your care reminds you of the benefits of hard work and effort. That’s a live motivational poster right there! For those who are new to plant caring, you can start with a cactus or succulent. These plants don’t take up much space and they can thrive under minimal supervision.
Sound Control
If you are the type who can’t work in complete silence, it helps to be mindful in the music you play. Your favorite hits will make you feel good but it’s more of a distraction because of the tendency to sing or dance along. Instead, play calming yoga music or nature sounds as background noise. They will instantly create a relaxed and serene vibe that helps you work in peace. If you need total silence, invest in noise-canceling headphones.
Cushions and Rugs for Comfort
Get a soft throw pillow or cushion for your chair for those times when you have to lean back and take a short break. If it’s cold in your place, you should also have a throw blanket nearby. A rug beneath your desk also adds an extra layer of comfort especially if you have tile or hardwood floors.
Schedule Regular Breaks
A lot of people who work from home make the mistake of working straight for hours since they are in a comfortable setting. You should still take regular breaks as you would do in a corporate office setting to reduce eye strain and manage stress. Set a daily alarm for your breaks. Use it to get snacks or coffee, do some stretches, or take a short walk outside.
Make Decluttering a Habit
Clean, organize, and declutter your office space regularly. Get rid of things that you are not using and organize the things that you use all the time. You can do this daily before or after you work. It only takes a few minutes to tidy up a desk. You can also do this once a week during the weekends. Embracing this habit will help you maintain a clean and tidy work environment easily. The less clutter you have on your desk, the better.
Remember, setting up a home office when you have limited space is a process that can take time. It may take you a few trial and errors before you finally find something you love. These tips will help you achieve a calming and relaxing spot that will make you look forward to working!
