10 Inspiring Home Working Office Ideas: Creative, space-savvy solutions from my real design projects to make working from home more productive and inspiringLena PorterSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Window Nook Office2. Closet-to-Office Conversion3. Minimalist Wall Desk4. Double-Duty Dining Table5. Floating Shelf Workstation6. Under-Stair Alcove7. Folding Wall Desk8. Plants as Partitions9. Modular Shelving Workspace10. Loft Bed Work ZoneFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne of my funniest design memories was when a client asked me to design a 'home office' in their laundry room — minus the laundry machines. At first I thought they were joking, but it turned into one of my most creative projects. That’s the beauty of small spaces: they force you to think bigger. Today, I’ll share 10 home working office ideas I’ve learned from over a decade of transforming unusual corners into inspiring work zones. Trust me, even a stairwell nook can become magic with the right plan (I once mapped one out using a room planner at 2 AM).1. Window Nook OfficeI love squeezing a desk right by a big window. Natural light isn’t just great for Zoom calls, it also boosts mood and focus. The trick is to choose a narrow desk and tuck in floating shelves above. The only downside? You might get distracted watching the world go by.save pin2. Closet-to-Office ConversionTurning an unused closet into a mini office is like finding bonus square footage in plain sight. Add task lighting, power outlets, and a fold-down desk for flexibility. It’s cosy, but you need good ventilation or you’ll feel boxed in.save pin3. Minimalist Wall DeskA slimline wall-mounted desk saves precious floor space and looks tidy. I once did this in a tiny studio where the desk disappeared into a gallery wall. The main challenge is cable management — messy wires ruin the minimalist feel.save pin4. Double-Duty Dining TableIn small apartments, the dining table often moonlights as an office. The key is to store work gear in a portable caddy so dinner doesn’t taste like spreadsheets. I’ve even sketched layouts using a free floor plan creator to make sure circulation still worked.save pin5. Floating Shelf WorkstationStacking two or three deep floating shelves — one as a desk surface, others above for storage — creates a sleek vertical workspace. Best in corners that don’t get much foot traffic. Watch out for wall stud placement before you get drilling.save pin6. Under-Stair AlcoveThose awkward spaces under the stairs are goldmines for built-in desks. With custom cabinetry, they look intentional, not like an afterthought. The downside? Sometimes you have to deal with odd ceiling angles and weird lighting.save pin7. Folding Wall DeskPerfect for multipurpose rooms — just fold it up when you’re done and the space is free again. I’ve used one in a guest room that could transform into a home office in thirty seconds. Just make sure the hinges and wall fixings are rock solid.save pin8. Plants as PartitionsIn open-plan living, large plants can visually separate your office zone without full walls. They add freshness, hide clutter, and make Zoom backdrops more appealing. Just don’t choose species that shed a ton — trust me, I learned that the hard way.save pin9. Modular Shelving WorkspaceAdjustable shelves let you reconfigure your storage as your needs change. It’s great for people whose work setups shift between creative tools and documents. I once built a whole creative hub tailored with a 3d floor planner so a client could visualise every shelf level before installation.save pin10. Loft Bed Work ZoneIf you have high ceilings, elevating your bed creates room below for a desk. It’s like getting an extra room without moving walls. But climbing down a ladder for your morning coffee? Not for everyone!save pinFAQ1. How do I make a home office in a small apartment?Use vertical space, foldable furniture, and multifunctional pieces like wall desks or convertible tables.2. What’s the best lighting for a home workspace?Natural light is best, but pair it with adjustable LED task lights to avoid glare and eye strain.3. Can I work from my dining table long-term?Yes, if you organise your workspace daily and store materials to separate work from life physically.4. How can I reduce distractions at home?Use partitions, noise-cancelling headphones, and set clear boundaries with anyone you live with.5. What’s the cheapest way to build a home office?Repurpose furniture you already own and invest in only the essentials — desk, chair, lighting.6. Do I need ergonomic furniture?If you spend long hours seated, yes — according to the Mayo Clinic, ergonomic setups help reduce strain and long-term injury risk.7. How do I hide cables in my home office?Use cable trays under desks, adhesive clips along edges, and wireless accessories where possible.8. Is it OK to put a desk in the bedroom?Yes, if space is limited — just try to separate it visually (like with a screen or curtain) to help your brain switch off after work.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE