Your home office layout can affect your productivity as well as your physical and mental well-being. Here's what the experts suggest for creating a beneficial workspace
Your home office layout should benefit your productivity and your well-being(Image credit: Sharps)
The right home office layout is not only important in terms of getting the most from the space you have available – it can also have a big effect on your overall experience of spending time in the room.
If your home office design scheme is currently made up of a dingy corner in an over-crowded study, you definitely need a rethink. This is a space which needs to induce productivity. As such it should be laid out in a way that means you can think clearly and allows you to feel organised.
We've asked the experts for their advice on how best to arrange your home office layout so that you get the most out of your workspace.
One of the main reasons it is important to get your home office design ideas spot on is the effect they can have on your overall wellbeing.
Everything from levels of natural light to good storage can have an effect on how you feel starting work as well as your mood at the end of the day – in short, this is a space that needs to be pleasurable to spend time in.
"Working from home has become the norm for many of us and creating the perfect office space will ensure maximum productivity," says Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV. "Whether you have a dedicated room, a corner of a guest bedroom, or a little study nook it is important to consider the layout."
Debbie Leigh
Debbie is an expert in creating beautifully coordinated fabric collections that can be easily combined to create harmonious interior schemes. With more than 30 years of experience, she takes every design from conception right through to the finished textile - inspired by the latest trends and techniques from every continent.
How to start your home office layout
A successful home office layout will equip you with the tools and the space you need to perform your job effectively. Start by writing a wish list of every piece of furniture you require and don't forget to think about electrical items such as printers and chargers too.
If you are creating the space yourself without the skills of a professional office designer, start by using an online tool such as the Ikea home office planner. This will help you create your space to scale using their standard sized fixtures and fittings. Although the items may not ultimately be what you purchase, being able to visualise what fits in your floor plan will be hugely beneficial.
In a dedicated home office room for example, your furniture choices will be more flexible. Instead of needing built-in desk ideas, placing your desk in the centre of the room, facing the door, is often something recommended by designers and is a stylish option if all you need each day is a laptop and phone.
Alternatively, perhaps you need more than one desk to work from or one with plenty of storage and drawers close to hand. Or, maybe you prefer to work standing up and want to benefit from some exercise at the same time by placing a walking treadmill under your desk?
Ask yourself if your style is more eclectic or are you keen for more modern home office ideas where everything is streamlined and has a purpose? What size is your room? Are you limited to only being able to look at small home office ideas?
Once you've established the answer to all these questions, you can then move onto the next stage of determining layout specifics such as furniture placement, storage and added extras.
Write down everything you need in your home office layout before you start planning(Image credit: Juliet Murphy)
Home office layouts in other rooms
We don't all have the space for a dedicated home office, in which case you may also have to consider your home office layout in conjunction with how you use other rooms.
While dedicated office spaces can be tailor-made to suit, more commonly we find ourselves trying to create a multi-purpose space, each of which come with additional layout considerations.
Kitchens
If you are considering adding office space to your kitchen ideas, the good news is, many kitchen designers are now looking at ways to incorporate home offices areas into their ranges in a way that provides a seamless transition but that also takes into account all the practical requirements needed to get work and cooking done well.
However, you'll need to think carefully about your home office layout in a kitchen. You don't want to be located directly next to hot or noisy appliances if you can avoid it and it's likely you'll want ample hidden storage so that your work items or confidential files aren't on display at the end of the working day.
Under the stairs
If the kitchen isn't an option, don't let the space under your stairs go to waste - it makes the perfect spot to position a home office and needn't only be thought of for under stairs storage ideas.
But, while home offices in this location can be a great use of otherwise wasted space, if you live in a busy household with lots of daily traffic, the depth of your desk and how far out you can push your chair will need careful consideration. You don't want to be tripping people up every time you move your chair.
Alcoves
If you are considering using your fireplace alcove ideas for a home office, you need to be sure that the desk you choose slots neatly into both the space you have available as well as tying in with the decor of the room it is to become part of.
Guest room
If you're seeking advice for your office spare room ideas, then be sure to measure your space carefully if you're considering a sofa bed in conjunction with a desk, chair and storage. While the room can seem generously proportioned with the sofa bed closed, once open, you could find yourself needing to move the chair or your guests being unable to move around the bed.
A large open-plan kitchen could include a home office space(Image credit: Benchmarx Kitchens)
Furniture placement
Given that most of us spend a large proportion of our lives working, it's important to focus your efforts on creating a space that you actually look forward to spending time in.
You want the room to feel bright and fresh and, if you can find a way of arranging your layout to make the most of a great view, all the better.
"The position of your desk can have a significant impact on your productivity; a well-thought-out desk placement can create an environment that fosters both focus and efficiency," says Kate Palmer, creative director at The Painted Furniture Company.
"Consider your working preferences carefully," she adds. "Some people thrive in a more open space, while others prefer a cosy corner so tailor your desk position to suit your individual needs and work style."
"If possible, try to position your desk close to a window to allow plenty of natural light to illuminate your working area," says Debbie Leigh.
Exposure to daylight is proven to positively influence mood and alertness, contributing to higher productivity levells, but be aware that this kind of set-up could lead to bright sunlight getting in your eyes at certain times of the day. Pay careful attention to your choice of window treatments should this be your preferred layout scheme.
Kate Palmer also recommends to "avoid placing your desk in a high-traffic area or facing distracting elements, as a quiet and relatively secluded spot can help you concentrate better on your tasks."
A desk positioned directly in front of a window can help to promote sense of wellbeing(Image credit: Oak Furnitureland)
Kate Palmer
Kate Palmer is the creative director at The Painted Furniture Company, a company renowned for its support of British design and manufacturing. With a background in fashion design and passion for colour and interiors, Kate has helped many customers to achieve the exact look they desired for their home. From helping them find the right style for their space, to selecting the perfect colour, Kate is always on hand to help advise and find the best solution.
Storage
If you are not luckily enough to have an entire room to dedicate to your home office, or are a little strapped for space, you really want to ensure that you are making the best use of the room that you do have available.
In many cases, taking a bespoke approach to storage and furniture can make sense. Think through what you need from the space and work out from there. Standard, off-the-shelf office furniture just might not fit in with the proportions of your room.
"Built-in units work well in a dedicated office space, however if you have a limited room size, try simple shelves to store books and display inspiring objects," suggests Debbie Leigh.
Many people include a home office in their loft conversion ideas and in this instance. hiring the services of a bespoke cabinet maker or specialist furniture company can ensure you don't just fit in everything you need by making use of awkward spaces, but also that everyday items are in easy reach.
In open display layouts, keep your space looking uncluttered by opting for colour co-ordinated storage boxes and don't forget to utilise clever tricks such as cable trays and cable management to avoid wires and plugs being on display.
Built-in storage can be the best option for home offices located in loft conversions(Image credit: Sharps)
Other considerations
If you have enough space in your home office, try to incorporate items of furniture other than just a desk – a sofa or armchair means you can take a moment away from your dedicated work area for a little break or just give yourself a change of scenery while you wait for some inspiration to come your way.
This example, from Green Retreats, is great for anyone after garden office ideas. The space has a smart leather chair and footrest at the centre of its layout . The desk is positioned in front of a window in order to give glimpses of outdoors, while a large sideboard provides plenty of storage for organisation.
This room is designed to promote focus, with bright colours and views of outdoors(Image credit: Green Retreats)
FAQs
What should I look for in a home office desk?
Alongside your home office layout, you need to think about the furniture you choose to put into the space – crucially you want to be looking for a desk and chair that are comfortable to sit at for long periods of time.
"Ensure your desk is set up ergonomically to prevent discomfort and promote good posture," says Kate Palmer. "The height of the desk and the placement of your chair should support a comfortable and healthy work environment.
"Opt for a desk that offers adequate storage space and keep it organised – a clutter-free workspace can reduce stress and make it easier to find what you need, enhancing overall productivity."
Don't forget to think through your home office lighting ideas at the same time as working out the best position for furniture in your home office layout – the two need to work well together.
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Natasha was Homebuilding & Renovating’s Associate Content Editor and was a member of the Homebuilding team for over two decades. In her role on Homebuilding & Renovating she imparted her knowledge on a wide range of renovation topics, from window condensation to renovating bathrooms, to removing walls and adding an extension. She continues to write for Homebuilding on these topics, and more. An experienced journalist and renovation expert, she also writes for a number of other homes titles, including Homes & Gardens and Ideal Homes. Over the years Natasha has renovated and carried out a side extension to a Victorian terrace. She is currently living in the rural Edwardian cottage she renovated and extended on a largely DIY basis, living on site for the duration of the project.
