Utilizing Small Desks to Create a Functional, Compact Workspace

Introduction

There is approximately 1 billion square feet of vacant office space, according to the Site Selection Group. While that may seem like a promising prospect for commercial real estate investors, it makes no difference to you and me.

If you've been working from home since the pandemic, rented shared office space, or are even in your own private office, chances are you don't have unlimited vacant space. Hopefully, you've mastered the art of not allowing your small office to feel cluttered but functional. If not, in this article, we'll give you a quick rundown on:

• Small office furniture pieces

• How to create a functional, compact office in a variety of spaces

By the end of this article, you will feel confident in furnishing your offices with the best pieces and setting up workspaces in the smallest of rooms (or corners).

A Guide to Small Office Furniture

There's nothing particularly special about furniture for a small space. In fact, anything that you can imagine being in an office is available for use, just in a smaller size.

That being said, let's go over a few of the most common small office furniture categories and try to give you an idea about the actual size of each of the pieces.

Small Desks

• Small Standing Desk

• Small L-Shaped Desk

• Small Desk with Drawers

• Small Desk with Hutch

• Small, Narrow Desk

Size ranges: Small desks, depending on the type, can have a width under 48 inches and a depth between 24 and 30 inches. Within this range, it makes them ideal for use in small apartments, dorm rooms, or non-traditional office spaces.

Small Tables:

• Small Folding Table

• Small Side Table

• Small Conference Table

• Small Coffee Table

• Small Plastic Table

Size range: As the type of table can vary greatly, sizes for a few of the most common small tables are as follows: Coffee tables range from 36" to 42" in length and 18" to 22" in width; side tables can be anywhere from 18" to 24" in diameter or width to 16" to 20" in height; and small conference tables are designed to seat only 4 to 6 while ranging from 48" to 60" in length and 30" to 42" in width.

Small Storage:

• Small File Cabinet

• Small Storage Cabinet

• Small Bookcase

• Small Credenza

Size Range: Small Storage Cabinets typically range from 15" to 18" wide, 18" to 24" deep, and 30" to 42" tall. Small bookshelves are 12" to 24" wide, 12" to 18" deep, and 36" to 72" tall. Bookcases with drawers tend to be shorter, ranging from 30" to 48" tall. Small credenzas typically range from 48" to 60" wide, 15" to 18" deep, and 30" to 36" tall. Small file cabinets typically range from 15" to 18" wide, 18" to 24" deep, and 30" to 42" tall.

Small Office Chairs:

• Small Office Chair with Arms

• Small Loveseat

• Small Sofa

• Small Guest Chair

Size Range: Loveseats have a width of 48" to 72", a depth of 34" to 40", and a height of 30" to 36"; Small Sofas: Width: 60" to 70", Depth: 32" to 38", and Height: 32" to 38"; Small Guest Chairs: Width: 28" to 34", Depth: 30" to 36", and Height: 32" to 40"

3 Drawer Pedestal for Corp Design Desks $310.00

24" Mounted Task Light, Bright $100.00

High Back Office Chair with Adjustable Arms $1335.00

2 Drawer Hanging Pedestal for Concept 300 Desks $705.00

How to Create a Functional Workspace

Here are some short answers to some large questions about setting up a small office so that it's functional. To make the most of this section, keep in mind features in your space like square footage, windows, doors, room shape, and wall features.

How do I arrange furniture in a small office?

Place your desk in the center of your office, up against a wall, to maximize space. If your desk needs to face the wall, then leave adequate space for your chair and the guest's chair, but having a back-to-the window or main wall is preferable. Keep furniture pieces out of walking paths, and if possible, utilize storage options that either add height with stacking, like a hutch, or that fit under the desk, such as a small desk with drawers or a mobile pedestal.

What furniture should be in a small home office?

Furniture for your office should complement other rooms in your home and should depend wholly on what you need to complete your work. A small desk and small office chair are obvious essentials, but if you need to file, keep track of documents, have the option to stand during the day, or store large books or binders, you need the right pieces. Answer the question: What do I need in my home office to complete my work? and source smaller versions of those items, or sets that allow them to come together.

How do you make a home office with no space?

Find an open area with quiet, light, and away from other areas such as nooks and even closets. The corner of a room, the dining room table, or even the wall of a bedroom can all meet your needs as long as you set it up comfortably. This hidden space within your home can easily become a small office.

DIY a Closet Office

Make a bedroom closet into a functional workspace in your bedroom! This small but efficient office includes either a narrow desk or a wall-mounted folding desk, storage mounted on the wall, in addition to a contemporary pendant light, giving the small area a certain dimension.

Create a Minimalist Office

Create an elegant workspace that's minimalist. Minimalism prioritizes the most essential items for use and beauty. As stated before, make a list of the most essential items you need to do your job. Layout your office so that doorways and walkways are open and your back is to a wall or window. Also, add decorative items in well-thought-out places that keep them out of the way and from occupying more space.

A smart, small home workspace in the hallway

Unusually crowded and unoccupied areas can also be utilized for the work of the home. You're surprised to find that many clever tools are available to give you a workspace that suits your needs. If this doesn't seem ideal, then skip to the next idea, but a foldable wall-mounted desk and folding chair would easily allow you to have a basic setup for your computer.

Set Up a Bedroom Office

Bedroom offices are extremely common, and most people like being able to create a comfortable working nook so close to bed. This can be done by setting up a small workstation under a window, in a corner, or in a seldom-used closet. The most important thing about making this functional is that it feels like it's a separate space. A simple, small partition can help separate work from private life.

Mesh Back Office Chair with Lumbar Support $350.00

Sit to Stand Height Adjustable Desk $1180.00

Clamp on Keyboard Tray $165.00

Office Storage Credenza Cabinet $895.00

Use Under-Stairs Space

Nesting under a small alcove beneath a stairway keeps files and work out of sight. A small pedestal desk and desk lamp may be all you need to complete your work, but adding a mobile organizer for other supplies and necessities can also be beneficial.

Steal a Dining Room

The kitchen table oftentimes becomes the de facto home office. Adding a comfy office chair that can be rolled in as needed and a desk riser can help to make the table a bit more of an ergonomic workstation. If there's enough room, you can also keep your work clear by tucking a desk in the corner of the room instead.

Conclusion

Having elbow room, a clear area for foot traffic, and enough storage to keep your workstation uncluttered doesn't have to seem like a luxury you can't afford.

Whether you're working from an area of your home or are giving a private (all be it small) office, your space can still be comfortable, beautiful, and functional all at the same time.

Ready to furnish your small space? Check out these small desks.