You may think that small office design ideas are fewer than large office design ideas but there are just many. The ideas may be different but they are still plentiful. Small offices should focus more on functionality. If your space is small you need to maximize the use of the space you have. Maximize your floor space and storage space. Once your office space is functional, you can add personal touches that make it your own.
Buying office furniture for a small office can be challenging. You need a desk that can hold all of your documents, files, materials and resources but you also need a desk that fits comfortably in your space. You need to find a desk that has lots of storage but is streamlined and not bulky. Choosing a desk that has a built in filing cabinet eliminates the need for a separate filing cabinet and thus saves floor space. If your space is really limited and you do not have clients in your office, opt for a corner desk. Not only do they take up less room, but they also come available with upper storage. If you entertain clients in your office and need to be able to face them, this design will not work for you.
photo credit: Steve Keys
When it comes to paint colours, choose light or neutral shades. Dark colours can make a small space look even smaller. Also choose a lighter shade carpet or wood stain for your office. The light floor colour creates the illusion of a larger floor area and therefore a larger room. If you do not have a lot of natural light in your office choose bright lighting spread evenly about the room. Brighter spaces look bigger. If you are blessed with tall ceilings, use a wallpaper border or crown moulding to accentuate the extra vertical space.
Once you have designed a functional work environment you can begin to add the personal touches. Hang your degrees or credentials on the walls in dark frames to contrast the neutral walls. Add photos of your family or yourself during pivotal moments in your life. If you want to keep your office space less personal, opt for brightly coloured prints on the walls. Choose a theme such as landscapes, abstracts or even black and white pictures. Long, thin pictures can create the illusion of high ceilings.
photo credit: geishaboy500
Small office design ideas can be challenging but there is a design that will work for your space. Research completed projects online and in magazines. Measure your space and shop around for office furniture that will both fit your space and address all your needs. Remember that functionality comes first. If you cannot work easily out of your office space you will not perform to the best of your abilities.
