Home working is no longer just a luxury for the privileged few. It’s now become a necessity and it’s likely to become more common in the future. The problem is, how do you make a small office that doesn’t take up too much space in your home? Here’s how I created a small office with some practical and affordable ideas for your home.

Disclaimer: I was gifted some of the items in this blog and some links are affiliate. As an Amazon Associate I earn from any qualifying purchases.

Small office ideas for your home

If you have a small house like me you might not be able to dedicate an entire room as a home office. But it is important that you have a dedicated space of your own, especially if you’re working from home with kids. Somewhere you can focus on your work, sit comfortably without compromising your posture and have enough space to focus and concentrate on your work without feeling uncomfortable or restricted. Here’s how I’ve managed to achieve it in my home.

My Small Office

Folding Desk

The desk for me was the most important part. I needed it to be big enough to fit a monitor and laptop but I really needed to ensure floor space wasn’t compromised. The most feasible room in the house to use was our family room, a small conservatory extension from the kitchen. We use this as a family room and it currently has a sofa, TV and storage unit with all my son’s toys. The room itself isn’t large but I’ve now managed to steal a corner or this room for my home office. And I love it!

Interestingly, working within a smaller footprint has made me appreciate the functionality of every room in the house, especially the kitchen. Just like my foldaway desk, the kitchen has to multitask, sometimes serving as a breakfast bar, homework zone, or even a makeshift workspace when I want a change of scenery. That’s why I’ve started thinking more intentionally about how the space flows. If your kitchen has become a bit of an all-in-one hub too, it might be worth exploring some clever layout and design options.

I recently came across a brilliant resource offering practical kitchen planning ideas in a free downloadable brochure. It’s full of inspiration for transforming your kitchen to better suit your lifestyle, even if you don’t have the time or budget for a complete renovation. From smart storage solutions to layout tips that make your space feel bigger and more usable, it’s packed with helpful ideas. I’m already thinking about how some of the concepts like lighting zones and integrated seating could be adapted to blend with my compact home office. Whether your kitchen is your family’s gathering point or just where the coffee lives, it deserves to work hard for your needs. Having a brochure like this on hand makes it easier to visualise what’s possible before diving into decisions. I love finding design inspiration that feels doable, especially when it can elevate the way we live in our everyday spaces.

The best bit is the desk. By day it’s my desk which can easily fit my laptops, notepads, to do lists, etc. However, by night (or at the weekend), you can flip the desk up into the shelving unit and get the space back. Such a brilliant idea for small homes and this desk would also work well in a dining room or lounge.

I bought my desk from aosom.com for under £100 (including the shelf). An absolute bargain. It was easy to build and we were really impressed with the quality. Aosom have a wide range of desks available to fit any spaces and their delivery is super fast.

Office Massage Chair

This is what every working mum or busy parent needs. Because let’s face it, when do we mums actually get any time to ourselves?! Multi-tasking is a way of life so why not get a massage in the morning whilst checking your emails?

I absolutely love mine, which I was sent to review. The best bit is, It doesn’t take up too much room. it tucks in nicely under the desk and once the desk is folded up it can swing round to be an additional chair. Perfect for when you have guests round. It’s also adjustable and super comfortable. It has a 6 point multi-function vibration massage with a lumbar heat function. It will definitely help make your working day managing kids and your work load, much less stressful.

Office Massage Chair from aosom.com £139

Digital Notebook

If you don’t want to clutter your desk with a million notebooks, how about trying a digital notebook. I love my Rocketbook Smart Notebook. The 32 endless pages are wipeable and you can even upload to Google Docs.

Small storage boxes

The secret to staying organised and not feeling like your drowning in clutter is small storage boxes like these ones from Amazon. Perfect for hiding away paperwork, pens and notebooks and also ideal for keeping bits and pieces in. Mine contain hand cream, wax melts, nail file, highlighters and a stapler as well as other bits and pieces. It helps to keep your little office neat and tidy whilst enabling you to have everything you need to hand.

Power extension

There are so many things I need to have plugged in. Laptop chargers, phone chargers, etc, etc, so a Power Extension is a must. I hate tangled wires under my feet so this is a great way to keep them tidy.

I also love the plugs with USB extensions. They are super handy for phones, tablets, etc.

Footrest massager

They say it’s good to have a footrest for posture so I got one that also massages too! OK so this one isn’t technically a foot rest but it works just like one. The heat pads are great in the winter as well to keep your feet nice and toasty! I bought my Snailax 2-in-1 Shiatsu Foot and Back Massager from Amazon last year and now it’s in my office I get to use it every day.

To Do Lists and diaries

With so many things to do what with a full time job, a blog and a 4 year old to manage, I can’t get by without a to do list. Yes, I have Google tasks but I also find it helps me prioritise if I write my to do list down. I always get my to do lists from Dotty About Paper who have a lovely range of stationery.

Your favourite things

this is your space, even if it is small so surround yourself with things you love. I have my crystals, scented candles, pictures and essential oils. It really feels like my little corner, a haven from all the chaos!

Let me know in the comments below your top tips for working from home. Check out more working mum life tips and articles on my blog.