Tips for maximising storage space in your home office

The Covid-19 pandemic marked a huge shift in the way many employees work with more Brits than ever switching from commuting to a central office to working from home instead. And, with many spending between 25-40 hours per week remote working, the creation of a dedicated space conducive to productivity was essential.

Home sweet home office!

Whether you converted a spare bedroom, grabbed a corner of the dining room, or built a work shed in the garden, the key to successfully separating work and home life is largely down to being well-organised. The ability to quickly tidy away working paraphernalia at the end of the day ensures your home still looks and feels like home.
Factor-in the added complication of sharing your workspace with children and/or your partner and suddenly the quiet public library is looking rather attractive! In this article, we explore practical and creative storage solutions, ergonomic furniture choices, and tips for keeping your home office tidy.

1. Transforming a spare bedroom into an office

   • Remove all unnecessary items and furniture to create a clean canvas for your office setup.
   • Choose a desk that fits your needs and the available space. Consider a corner desk or a wall-mounted desk to optimise space. A made-to-measure desk is often most efficient for maximising tricky spaces or fitting into the unwieldly bow windows found in many local homes.
   • Invest in a well-designed ergonomic chair to ensure proper support and comfort during long periods of sitting.
   • Incorporate as many cabinets or storage units as possible to keep documents and supplies organised and easily accessible. You don’t have to use traditional office filing drawers – a converted wardrobe or cabinets fitted into a niche will look much more relaxed in a home setting.
   • Install adequate lights, such as a desk lamp or adjustable overhead lighting, to reduce eye strain.

2. Space-saving ideas for an office shared with children

   • Opt for multifunctional furniture like a desk with built-in storage or a bookcase that doubles as a room divider.
   • Make use of vertical wall space by installing shelves or wall-mounted storage units to keep items within reach but out of the way.
   • Buy some colourful bins or baskets to categorise and store office supplies, ensuring easy access for both you and your children. Nothing will galvanise you to stash pens more each evening than having to fish them out of school bags every morning.
   • Create individual workstations by dividing the room with screens or curtains, allowing each person to have their own space.

3. Bookcases and bespoke joinery

   • Invest in sturdy, well-made bookcases with adjustable shelves to accommodate both office supplies and personal items. Arrange books and decorative items to add visual interest.
   • Consider custom-built storage solutions that maximise the available space. Tailor shelves, drawers, and cabinets to fit your specific needs and style. Bespoke fitted joinery can be supplied in a wide range of finishes to complement your home décor and often adds value to a property. Modern MDF cabinets are not as expensive as solid timber furniture and can be supplied unpainted, or pre-lacquered in hard wearing pU paint, depending on your budget and decorating skills. At Beckenham Interiors our team of skilled designers and joiners work closely with local homeowners to create unique storage solutions that suit both the room and the user.
   • Bookcases with hidden compartments or secret drawers are especially useful for discreetly storing items that are not frequently used.

4. Fold-up desk and portable storage

   • Install a fold-up desk that can be easily tucked away when not in use, creating extra space for other activities.
   • Utilise portable storage solutions set on casters or storage boxes with handles, allowing you to move them around to create different permutations.
   • Install corkboards or magnetic boards on the wall to keep track of important notes, reminders, and to-do lists.

5. Keeping your desk tidy

   • Use cable organisers or adhesive clips to keep cords and cables neatly tucked away and prevent tangling.
   • Utilise desk organizers, such as pen holders, trays, and document holders, to keep frequently used items easily accessible and organised.
   • Embrace digital documents and reduce paper clutter by using cloud storage and digital note-taking apps.
   • Set aside time each week to declutter and organise your workspace, keeping it clean and conducive to productivity.

Creating an efficient and well-organised home office is crucial for anyone working from home. By following these tips and considering essential elements such as ergonomic furniture, adequate lighting, and clever storage solutions, you can transform your spare bedroom or shared space into a functional and productive workspace.

From space-saving ideas for shared rooms to incorporating bookcases and bespoke joinery, these solutions cater to various budgets and preferences. Remember to maintain a clean and clutter-free space by practicing regular tidying habits… or just get the kidults to move out so you can take over their rooms!

There are many examples of home offices we’ve helped to design and install on our website, do please give our creative team a call to brainstorm ideas and get a quote for your WFH sanctuary.