A small office is superior to open-plan offices in many ways. The private atmosphere. The chance to work without being disturbed. The individual character of an office that you don’t have to share with anyone. So there are plenty of advantages. However, there are also drawbacks, such as the amount of space, which isn’t as generous as in other offices. Here you’ll find valuable tips on how to design a small office so that it exudes professionalism whilst also having a homely feel. Ten tips are presented in this blog post.
1. Space-saving furniture
Space is the number one consideration when it comes to designing small offices. However, there are ways to make the best use of the space available. Furniture plays a key role here. You should therefore decide in advance which pieces of furniture are really necessary. After all, the rule here is: sometimes less is more! A sofa may look comfortable, but it’s less suitable for sustained, focused work and can therefore be placed in the corridor. The desk can also be adapted to the available space, and modern corner shelving solutions further support this. So a lack of space is no excuse for not being able to design a small office perfectly for work.
2. Storage systems
Storage is also an important factor to bear in mind. After all, many items take up more space when left lying around the room than when they’re neatly stowed away on a shelf or in a decorative box. Here, too, you should first consider what you need frequently and what you don’t, as many documents are only required in digital form anyway. The key is to ensure that the essentials are always within easy reach. Shelving solutions that are customisable and can be expanded as needed are designs that successfully combine functionality and convenience in an attractive way. They are bespoke and can be tailored time and again to your current requirements.
3. Laptop
A laptop takes up far less space than a desktop computer with speakers, a monitor and all the other bits and pieces that go with it. It also has another undeniable advantage: it’s completely portable. If you want to hold a small meeting in your office, simply place it on a small table in front of the sofa, where you can welcome colleagues in a relaxed yet professional setting. If you’re heading off on a business trip straight afterwards, you can take the laptop with you, along with the work you’ve completed. This means you can work efficiently even if you’re based in a small office.
4. Plants for air quality and aesthetics
Plants significantly enhance the cosiness of your office. Health is also a key consideration in this context. It’s not just about well-being in the office, which has been shown to improve the quality of work. It’s also about air quality, which plants can significantly improve. And plants in the office offer yet another advantage: they can also be used as room dividers. This is hugely important for a small office, as plants can provide a natural division between your desk and a meeting area within your office. In this way, aesthetics and efficiency are perfectly balanced when making the most of limited space. Give it a go and see what’s possible!
5. A workspace by the window
A workspace by the window is sure to make you forget you’re in a small office. You just need to make sure that daylight doesn’t reflect off your computer screen. Then you can combine your daily work with a relaxing view of the outside world. This can help reduce stress and also boost creativity, which is essential in some professions. Even before making important decisions, looking out of the window can sometimes be key to clearing your head. Make the most of the opportunity that even a small office offers and design your workspace with a relaxing touch!
6. Ergonomics rather than an executive chair
A large executive chair may look impressive, but it also takes up a lot of space. And it isn’t always ergonomic, bearing in mind that you have to spend eight hours or more a day sitting in it. In this context, an ergonomic chair is often a far better investment, even for a small office. You’ll sit comfortably, and your back and neck will be optimally supported, even when sitting for long periods. An office chair on castors offers features that are ideally suited to a small office. This allows you to effortlessly move the chair from your desk to the area of the office where you wish to hold small meetings. It saves time and offers flexibility!
7. Break area
Even a small office needs an area where you can unwind. The sofa you’d otherwise use for meetings comes in handy here too. A small water dispenser doesn’t take up much space and, thanks to its transparent glass, is also a lovely eye-catcher. Plants – which can also serve as a decorative divider from the rest of the room – or a small indoor fountain can provide extra relaxation in this area. You’ll recharge your batteries and, after a short break, be able to devote yourself fully to your work again. Harness the power of relaxation!
8. Pictures
Pictures add a special touch to any room. This also applies to a small office. It doesn’t matter whether you choose modern art or opt for personal photographs. The key is that you feel at ease. And it does matter whether your office needs to have a professional, representative feel or whether you’re the only one in this space. In any case, pictures don’t take up much space and you can place them either on the wall or on your desk. In this context, simply decide what you like best and let yourself be guided not only by modern taste but also by your gut feeling. It’s well worth it!
9. Outsourcing photocopiers and similar equipment
Photocopiers and other large pieces of equipment take up too much space in a small office. So check whether you can move these items elsewhere. If a presentation screen is in a separate room, it can also be used by other staff members. In this case, perhaps another small office could also be freed from this clutter. Discuss as a team what might be the best option for everyone in this context. This will lay the foundations for work efficiency and a positive working atmosphere that benefits everyone. Make the most of this!
10. Work in brighter conditions
Light is an important factor in our well-being. A small office is often significantly brighter than an open-plan office. The area illuminated by natural light through the window is smaller, and this is a key advantage in this context. Move everything you use frequently into the light and place items such as the paper shredder in the darker corners of the office!
If you need a small office and don’t want to spend too much time setting it up, COLLECTION Business Centre offers the perfect alternative: flexible, rentable private offices. These are efficiently and attractively furnished and offer everything you need. They are furnished to a high standard and equipped with all the essentials, such as internet, a telephone and modern office technology. Here you’ll find an office that’s perfectly suited to you, ideal for entrepreneurs, the self-employed and freelancers.
