10 Small Office and Gym Room Ideas: Creative ways to combine productivity and workouts in compact spacesEvelyn HartSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Foldable Desk Meets Foldable Bench2. Vertical Storage Rules3. Under-Desk Treadmill4. Yoga Mat as Design Feature5. Sliding Partition Magic6. Fold-Up Wall Bars7. Convertible Cabinet Workspace8. Mirrors for Both Zoom Calls and Form Checks9. Smart Lighting Zones10. Rolling Storage CartsFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne time, a client asked me to design a home office that could "turn into a mini gym in under 2 minutes." At first, I thought they were joking, but nope — they meant it. That challenge made me realize that small spaces aren’t a limitation; they’re actually a spark for big creativity. In today’s post, I’m sharing my 10 favorite small office and gym room ideas, drawn from real projects and mistakes I’ve learned from — so you won’t have to repeat them. And yes, I’ve tried them all, including the ones that seemed impossible until I saw them work in a room planner.1. Foldable Desk Meets Foldable BenchI once designed a desk that folded flat against the wall, and next to it, a workout bench that did the same. It turns your workspace into a workout zone in seconds, and the visual clarity is surprisingly satisfying. The only catch? You’ll need to find sturdy wall mounts and hinges that can take the daily use.save pin2. Vertical Storage RulesThink shelves that go all the way up to the ceiling, with baskets for gym gear and files. In small rooms, the higher you use the space, the bigger the floor feels. Just be ready to grab a step stool — and maybe practice your balance.save pin3. Under-Desk TreadmillI’ve put these in more homes than you can imagine. They’re perfect for low-intensity walking while answering emails. Combine with noise-cancelling headphones and your productivity (and steps count) goes up. Just double-check the weight limit and noise level before committing.save pin4. Yoga Mat as Design FeatureA beautiful yoga mat can double as art when hung on the wall or rolled neatly into a visible rack. It makes the room feel intentional, not just multi-purpose. This works especially well if you use neutral or textured mats that blend with your decor.save pin5. Sliding Partition MagicUsing a sliding screen lets you mentally shift from work mode to workout mode without leaving the room. It creates a clear boundary for focus and motivation. I tried this design in a compact apartment, using a setup first prototyped in a free floor plan creator, and it worked like a charm.save pin6. Fold-Up Wall BarsThese climbing-style wall bars are trendy in Nordic interiors and can be used for stretching, strength work, or just hanging resistance bands. When folded up, they’re hardly noticeable, blending into cabinetry or wall panels. Worth it if you value form as much as function.save pin7. Convertible Cabinet WorkspaceHide your laptop and pull out your kettlebells — all from the same cabinet. It keeps the space sleek and clutter-free, and no one on your video calls will ever know you just finished burpees.save pin8. Mirrors for Both Zoom Calls and Form ChecksWall mirrors make small rooms look larger, and they’re perfect for checking both your posture at the desk and your squat form. I often recommend full-length versions to maximize the effect, though keep in mind they reflect everything — so clutter will double too.save pin9. Smart Lighting ZonesWarm, diffuse light for work; brighter, cooler light for workouts. I love using smart bulbs for this, so my clients can switch from "focus mode" to "energy mode" instantly. This is one of the cheapest upgrades that makes a huge difference.save pin10. Rolling Storage CartsGym equipment in the morning, office supplies in the afternoon — just wheel it in and out. I used this trick in a tight condo project, referencing a kitchen layout planner for inspiration on mobile storage design.save pinFAQ1. Can I actually combine a gym and an office in 8 square meters?Yes, but you need foldable or mobile furniture and good vertical storage. The key is multi-functional pieces.2. What’s the best flooring for a small office and gym combo?Rubber tiles or cork are ideal — they absorb shock for workouts and are comfortable for long hours at the desk.3. Won’t a treadmill be too noisy next to my workspace?Low-noise treadmills are available; check reviews and decibel ratings before buying to make sure it won’t disrupt calls.4. How do I keep the space from smelling like a gym?Ventilation is essential. Open windows, use air purifiers, and clean equipment regularly according to manufacturer guidelines.5. Are mirrors really helpful in such small spaces?Absolutely. According to the American Society of Interior Designers, mirrors can visually expand up to 20% of perceived space in compact rooms.6. Is it better to separate the areas with partitions?Not always — partitions help with mental separation, but if every centimeter matters, use visual zoning like rugs or lighting instead.7. Can I do strength training in a small office/gym setup?Yes, resistance bands, adjustable dumbbells, and foldable weight benches are great options without eating floor space.8. How much should I budget for a small office and gym makeover?It varies widely, but $800–$3,000 covers most furniture, storage, and basic fitness gear for a high-functioning dual-purpose room.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