With the start of a new year, it seems like one of the first tasks we look to is making space for productivity and fresh inspiration. A home office is one of those things that so many of us would benefit from, but can’t seem to find the square footage for. The good news is that whether you have just one small corner of your den to work with, or an entire designated room, you can carve out a workspace that’s all your own just about anywhere you can place a desk.
First, Consider the Purpose of Your Office Space
Before choosing a spot to set up, it’s important to ask yourself what you’ll need to accomplish in your office area. Will you need a lot of room for organizing and storing files? Or will you simply need a spot to park your laptop? Knowing this will help you determine how much space to budget for.
Choose Your Space + Lighting
Ideally, natural light would be key, so look for an open space near a window first. If that isn’t an option for you, a lamp or sconce that projects warm, soft light is a good alternative for your desk. If your workspace is small, you may also consider purchasing a floor lamp or a lamp that hangs from the wall to save desk space. Additionally, make sure there is an outlet close by so that you can plug in your lamp or charge your computer as needed.
Choose Your Desk Furniture
If you don’t yet have a desk, measure the area you’re working with before going shopping. When you set out to find the perfect one, remember that your desk doesn’t have to be pricey. Consider searching your local antique market or yard sales around town to find one you can polish up before heading to a furniture store. Even simple, modern desks are easy to find and not too expensive.
Your chair is another important piece of the equation. If you plan to be sitting at your desk for long periods of time, opt for something comfortable and practical. If you prize form over function, choose the chair that speaks to you and simply pad it with a pillow when you find yourself camped out for long periods of time. Before committing to a chair, consider measuring under your desk to make sure you will have plenty of legroom.
Consider How You’ll Stay Organized
When buying office supplies and accent pieces, consider giving everything a designated spot. If you have a larger desk, look for desktop organization such as magazine holders or file folders. For a smaller desk, you may have to get a little more creative with wall or floor space. If you have available wall space, installing shelves, cork squares, wall pouches, or a metal wall grid allows for more open desk space. If you don’t have much desk or wall space, you could find a filing cabinet or basket that fits under your desk to store office supplies.
This metal wall grid was originally black, but we spray painted it blue to add some color to the space. After it dried, we cut it down with wire cutters to fit the size of the wall space we had to work with. We fastened it to the wall using two standard nails and the clips that came with it. If you plan to hang heavier items on it, you may consider using anchors as well. A metal wall grid is perfect for keeping notes, reminders and other supplies hanging right where you can see them, without taking up precious desk space.
Consider What Inspires You
One of the most important parts of creating your own office is adding your personality and style into the space. What inspires and motivates you most? Think of colors, books, quotes, art prints, your favorite scented candle or even a plant or two. Create a moodboard with tears from your favorite magazines, all pinned on a cork board. Even personal mementos like photos or cards help make the space yours. Consider adding a rug under your desk to help your workspace feel cozy.
As you’re planning for your home office space, we’d love to know what you plan to include and how you’re getting inspired in the new year—let us know in the comments below!
S O U R C E B O O K // Here’s where you can find the specific products we used in this blog.
(1)
Leather Vertical Wall Pocket - Magnolia
Lamp - amazon.com
Art - antique
Chair - antique
(2)
Desk - cb2.com
Chair - antique
Stool - antique
Pencil holder - antique
Floating shelves - cb2.com
Accordion Lamp - amazon.com
Corkboard - target.com
Clock - antique
Rug - Magnolia
(3)
Desk - target.com
Chair - antique
Art - antique
Metal wall grid - amazon.com (spray-painted blue and cut to size)
Candle, glass organizers, desk lamp, wall clock - Hearth & Hand collection, target.com
Basket - antique
Agenda Legal Pad - Magnolia
Letterfolk Mini Oak Board - Magnolia
Rug - Magnolia
