Remote work has set the precedence of how most people prefer to work these days. Sure, some will continue to work in an office space (and that’s fine). Yet, this guide will be geared towards those who work from home and want to get the most out of their desk setup albeit in a small space, such as a studio apartment. We will give you as many in-depth details as possible to help you out.
It’s also important that you have a setup that will help with ergonomics despite your space challenges. This way, you won’t have to deal with the consequences that come with poor ergonomics and other related situations. Without further ado, let’s begin with what you need to know.
Why Does a Desk Setup Matter in a Small Space?
A desk setup will matter regardless if the space is small or large. The concept of having a satisfactory setup will remain the same. More importantly, it needs to be well-organized and ergonomically friendly. Let’s give you some ideas on what benefits you can reap with small space work from home desk setups:
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The ability to focus more while minimizing distractions.
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Increases physical comfort while reducing the risk of strain or injury.
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Allows you to maintain motivation and productivity throughout your day.
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Helps set a mental boundary between your personal and professional life.
The idea is that you can be able to work in a small space with the right setup. Surprisingly, if you have the proper setup, you’ll forget that you’re working in a small space. As long as things are neat, organized, and ergonomic, your work days will be much smoother and more productive.
What Are Some Essential Features for a Small Space Setup?
Ideally, there are plenty of features that will be critical for small space work from home desk setups. You’ll want to consider making a list of what to invest in so you can be able to find the right items that will work to your advantage. Here are some features that are fitting for your space:
Multi-Functional Furniture
This is furniture that will be useful for numerous purposes that you can use for a functional workspace. For example, you can choose an adjustable standing desk that will allow you to balance out sitting and standing for lengthy periods. You can find a desk that will fit your small space accordingly and be used for other purposes like shelving for books and office items.
Nonetheless, multi-functional furniture can have its uses in a limited space—whether it’s for work or storage. Either way, you can find something at an excellent price that fits your budget. Many will have built-in storage, which will be convenient without the need for a lot of desk space.
Ergonomic Design
It’s no secret that comfort in a compact setup is key. That’s why you should consider things that will allow you to make your work from home desk setup a lot easier and more comfortable. These include adjustable desk chairs (like TopJob’s BOBA Chair), a laptop stand to ensure the screen is at eye level, and a keyboard and mouse that will help reduce strain in your wrists—making your dedicated workspace much more favorable for your physical health (and keep musculoskeletal disorders at bay).
Smart Cable Management
Here’s the thing with cables: they can cause clutter that you don’t want. Plus, it will make your limited space look a lot smaller. Therefore, consider using cable clips and sleeves to ensure your cords and cables stay organized. Alternatively, you can also do away with electronic devices that use cables and go for wireless options—which can reduce the need and presence of cables altogether.
Even with a minimal amount of cables, you can make sure they are organized for the best results, especially if you want to make your space look presentable for aesthetic reasons.
With these essential setup tips, you’ll be confident in knowing how to set up your ideal workspace, despite having a small amount of room. Again, apply your setup plan to where you can get the most out of ergonomics and enhance the space. Further, consider the idea of putting together a checklist to keep your space organized regularly.
Creative Ideas for Small Space Desk Setups
If you are looking for some creative ways for a work from home small space desk setup, we’ve got you covered. This section will give you a few ideas to work with (and these have been tested and proven by us). Here’s a look:
Minimalist Corner Desk
This setup will be great for unused corners that you might have. The centerpiece of this setup will be a corner desk. In addition to this, you’ll need a compact chair that you will be able to easily store underneath as well as some wall-mounted shelves.
Floating Desks
For those who want to maximize vertical space, floating desks can certainly be an excellent option. You can install one against a wall that is sturdy and has foldable brackets that will allow you to collapse the desk when you’re finished with the day’s work. Such desks will be great for those who want to save as much space as possible and forget about the idea that their space is limited.
The “Cloffice”
If you are looking for the ultimate creative office idea, say hello to the “cloffice.” It’s your office but using closet space. However, if the space is sizable enough, you may be able to install a small compact desk or a custom-built surface. You can also utilize lighting to make your space look excellent for productivity's sake. If you have ample wall space, consider an AnyDesk Nest by TopJob or an old dining table that might be used as a desk.
Window-Facing Desk
If there is a space near a window, you could use the natural light which will have plenty of benefits. Namely, two of them are boosting mood and reducing eye strain. Here’s the kicker: the natural light will also make the space feel a little bit larger. Still, make sure it remains organized and less cluttered so it doesn’t defeat the entire purpose of this office idea in particular.
Organization Tips for a Home Desk Setup in a Small Space
As challenging as a small space can be, the important thing is to make sure you organize it to avoid clutter. To that end, you should consider these tips to keep things clean and organized:
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Declutter Regularly: Decluttering should be a regular task. Be sure to keep essential items at your desk. Use drawers and desktop organizers for designated items. Drawers are useful for stationary and small tools while desktop organizers can be great for frequently used items.
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Maximize Vertical Space: Consider the idea of displaying decor elements that can fit your tastes and preferences so long as they maximize space. Furthermore, consider the idea of installing shelves, pegboards, or magnetic boards so you can rely less on your desk as a storage space (especially for larger items).
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Use Storage Solutions to Your Advantage: Multi-functional storage options like rolling carts, baskets, or bins under your desk can prove themselves useful as extra storage space. A desk with storage space can be excellent for putting away any items that are essential or that you don't use regularly.
How Lighting Can Benefit Small Desk Setups
As mentioned, lighting can do wonders for saving space in a small desk setup. Let’s take a look at what’s available:
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Natural Light: This may apply to placing your desk close to a window. It’s a lighting option that happens to be cost-efficient, energy-efficient, and makes your work environment look more pleasant.
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Task Lighting: If you tend to work at night or in a room where light isn’t sufficient, use adjustable desk lamps or LED bulbs (if you want to go the energy-efficient route).
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Ambient Lighting: Examples of this include a small LED panel or string lights. Without overwhelming the space in particular, you can make your workspace look like a place to be for being productive.
If you are looking to keep things tidy and on a budget, consider lighting that is energy efficient. The reason for this is that you might be looking to save money in the long term (regardless of what you bring in from working from home). Ideally, energy efficiency is the way to go especially in a world where many are becoming more focused on sustainability for a better environment.
Final Thoughts
It is more possible than ever to make sure your small work from home space can be beneficial to your needs. Just because it’s small in size doesn’t mean it’s not workable. Consider using the tips that we have listed above including regular decluttering, strategic lighting, and investing in items that will make your space more easily organized than ever.
Also, don’t underestimate the idea of investing in items that include furniture, office supplies, and shelving to ensure you keep things nice and tidy for the long haul. We hope this guide has been helpful.
Be sure to visit TopJob’s website to look at their standing desk options. The AnyDesk Nest and the AnyDesk Fold are both great ways to save space within your small workspace and improve your overall health. Place your order today!
