For a vast number of people across the UK, working from home has become the norm as many companies have adopted a more flexible attitude towards remote and hybrid working.

If you’re continuing to work from home for a significant percentage of your working week, it may be time to evaluate your work from home set up. When government guidelines were initially introduced, those of us without a home office or existing workspace had to reshuffle their home layout in a hurry to create a makeshift desk.

Moving a laptop from room to room is by no means ideal and trying to remain motivated when working from the kitchen table can be a struggle.  More importantly, you run the risk of your home life and work life overlapping which can cause all manner of issues.

Of course, we don’t all have a spare room in which to create a functional home office environment. In a busy family home, free space is often scarce. With this in mind, we’re sharing a few ideas on how to set up a dedicated workspace without disrupting the way your home currently functions.

A Secret Set-Up

If your biggest bug bear when it comes to working from home is the aesthetics of your workspace, then a hidden desk may be the answer. There are numerous ways you can create a secret set-up so that your minimalist bedroom or super stylish snug doesn’t lose its visual appeal.  A decorative dresser can easily be adapted to include a pull-out desk, or you could enlist the services of a local joiner to create a bespoke cabinet. This way, you can close the door on your workspace at the end of each day, just as you would a home office.  Facebook Marketplace is brilliant for sourcing unwanted pieces of furniture for upcycling.

Rework Redundant Spaces

Upon first glance, it may appear that you don’t have the space for a desk in your home. If you don’t require a large amount of equipment, a small alcove has the potential to be turned into a workspace. By installing a simple desk-level shelf, you’ll have space to put your laptop and additional shelving will provide storage. Box files are ideal for keeping paperwork tidy and they come in all kinds of decorative designs that will complement the décor of your room. The space under your staircase is also ideal for creating a mini home office. This space is often overlooked, but with some keen craftsmanship, it can be transformed into a functional workspace to include storage.

Fit For Productivity

Bespoke fitted furniture is one of the best solutions for anyone struggling to find an area for a workspace within a confined space. Tailored specifically to suit your needs and designed around the architectural features of your living space, it makes use of your wall space rather than a significant amount of the floor.  A fold-up, pull-out or hidden desk can be integrated into your bedroom furniture to give your room an additional function. Filing cabinets and bespoke storage for electrical equipment can also be incorporated.

Separate And Segregate

Home workers who don’t have an obvious WFH space will be working from a room with a different primary function. This situation is far from ideal in a busy home, and that’s before the aesthetic considerations of a cluttered and mismatched space. Within a reasonably sized space, installing a divider may be the perfect solution, so that you’re separating your workspace from the rest of the room.  There are plenty of options available, whether folding and moveable, fabric, solid, or shelves, which can all add decorative value to your space, as well as functionality.

Go Outdoors

If it’s the seclusion of a dedicated home office that you are seeking and you don’t have a spare room, perhaps consider utilising your outdoor space. A rarely used garage or empty shed could be converted into a quiet home office, enabling you to keep your home life and work life as separate as possible. The popularity of insulated garden rooms and pods has soared over the last few years, and although pricier than other ideas, a garden room installation will cost considerably less than a house extension, whilst still providing you with an extra room.  It will also add value to your home. Win win!

At Hartleys we’re good at maximising space with our bespoke furniture designs, whatever the dimensions of the room. Whether you’re looking to fit out a dedicated home study or find a suitable spot for a desk and slimline storage, we’d be delighted to discuss your requirements. You can visit our Yorkshire showroom, call us on 01756 700471 or contact us online.