Homework areas for teens, working from home spaces for grown-ups, family laptop stations or endless filing storage for life admin… there’s a lot to fit into today’s home.

Finding that balance between functionality and personality with your home office ideas can be tricky, so we asked our experts – a mix of interior designers and buying specialists – to share their advice on creating a homeworking scheme… whatever the room you have to work with.

Work life changes

‘Homeworking spaces feel far more intentional than they did pre Covid,’ says Lisa. ‘During the pandemic, many people were improvising and working from kitchen tables or spare rooms out of necessity.

'Now, even as some of us return to the office, homeworking has become a permanent part of everyday life. As a result, these spaces are being designed to feel considered, comfortable and integrated into the home, rather than being temporary or purely functional.’

Dream spaces

‘My dream homeworking location is inspiring, beautifully organised and designed around real daily routines,’ says Rachal. ‘It should feel both calm and inspiring,’ says Cath, ‘looking good and functioning well. Home office lighting is key, with, ideally, the desk near a window for natural light, and separation from the rest of the house, even if this is subtle. The trick is to incorporate colour and pattern, with personal touches such as artwork, objects and books to make it somewhere you genuinely enjoy spending time.’

Lisa thinks a homeworking space shouldn’t feel overtly corporate: ‘It should borrow from the rest of the house, featuring natural materials, beautiful storage and timeless furniture – crafted, not clinical.’

Make plans

‘I always start by understanding how the room will be used,’ says Lisa. ‘Think how many hours a day, what equipment is needed, and whether things need to be packed away. In a dedicated home office, you can be more generous with layout and storage. In a shared space, like a living room corner, it’s about choosing furniture that works hard, such as a compact desk.’

Rachal adds: ‘Every workspace has different requirements, from a simple laptop set-up to dual screens, creative surfaces, or shared family storage, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution.’

Cath says to start with a good chair. ‘It should feel comfortable to work in, then add a dedicated table, even if it’s small. A desk light is important, as is good storage, so clutter can be hidden away – particularly in rooms that have multiple functions. In shared spaces, zoning is essential – a rug can be used to clearly define a relaxation area, bringing soft seating together, while keeping the desk just beyond it.’

Room by room

‘Even a dedicated home office can have its pitfalls,’ says Cath, ‘the most common being that it’s treated as an afterthought – poor lighting, missed sockets, uncomfortable furniture or a lack of storage.’

Rachal adds: ‘A layout that doesn’t feel intentional results in the space being too busy.’ Lisa says: ‘Without enough storage, paperwork and cables quickly take over!’

‘If you’re working from your dining table, you need to make sure everything is easy to set up and just as easy to put away,’ says Cath. ‘Keep clutter to a minimum and invest in a good-looking portable table lamp.’

Lisa adds: ‘A beautiful console table could also double up as a desk and a few baskets tucked tidily underneath will offer ample room to keep those bits and bobs neatly stowed.’

‘The biggest mistake with a bedroom workspace is letting it spill into the room’s sense of calm. A bedroom should feel like a sanctuary, so avoid set-ups that can’t be hidden away. Don’t leave work on show; an unorganised desk or cluttered backdrop can dominate the room and even look unprofessional on video calls,’ says Rachal. ‘A clever way to carve out a workspace in the bedroom is by utilising a “cloffice” – essentially an office built discreetly within a closet.’

Cath adds: ‘Visually separating the desk from the sleeping area maintains a sense of calm – for example, you could hide it behind a curtain or invest in a secretaire-style desk that folds away and also acts as a chest of drawers for clothes.’

Design choices

‘Soft, neutral tones work beautifully; think warm whites, gentle greys, muted greens and natural wood finishes. These colours create a calming backdrop that won’t feel overwhelming, while still offering enough warmth to feel inviting,’ says Lisa. ‘Our go-to colour choice for a home office centres on blues and soft creams, which are brilliant for focus and create a soothing base,’ says Cath. ‘Pops of red, introduced through artwork, upholstery or patterned wallpaper, add energy and personality. It’s all about striking the right balance between tranquillity and stimulation.’

‘Finally, a supportive chair and a well-proportioned desk aren’t luxuries; they are the foundations of good posture, clear thinking and a focused workday,’ says Rachal. ‘Choosing designs that support your posture and suit your body will make an enormous difference to how you feel, both physically and mentally.’

If your productivity takes a slump when working from home, then it could be your set-up that’s to blame. An incorrectly placed desk, a non-supportive chair or a distracting colour scheme can all have a huge impact on your motivation and concentration when working from home.

While there are lots of beautiful home office ideas online, they are not all conducive to efficient working; some could even lead to you being less focused on the task at hand.

To ensure you know which home office design mistakes to avoid, I asked interior experts to share their top tips for creating a work-from-home space that is aesthetic but will still ensure focus during the 9-5.

1. The wrong colour scheme

Colour plays a significant role in our mood and productivity, so choosing the right scheme is essential.

‘There are no golden rules when it comes to home office colour schemes. If you mostly work at a computer and have a lamp on your desk, then don’t be afraid of darker colours,' explains designer Susan Deliss. 'Rich reds and greens, even dark blues, are very traditional and can look smart, but I would avoid any strong patterns or really bright colours as they will be distracting.’

Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene seconds this, 'the colours you select will impact the atmosphere of a home office, colours with a blue tone such as ‘Dock Blue’ are a great for improving focus and concentration whilst warm sunny Yellows such as ‘Marigold’ and ‘Sunlight’ or bold yellow wallpaper Hencroft in Punch will work particularly lift the mood and increasing energy in a space.'

Also, look to introduce naturally-inspired elements, whether green tones or botanical wallpapers, to benefit from the stress-relieving and focus-boosting powers of the natural world. Take this a step further by adding a few houseplants that will boost productivity.

2. The wrong chair

When you spend over seven hours a day seated, good posture and comfort are vitally important – there's a reason why purchasing an ergonomic chair is one of the things interior designers always include in a home office.

Treat purchasing your office chair the same way you would choose a new bed – wherever possible, test out pieces in person and sit as you would when working to get a feel for the support. Also, look for a design that allows you to alter the height to prevent hunching and backache – renowned killers of productivity.

If you are looking to buy an office chair online, look for a company that lets you return the chair free of charge so you can test it out alongside your desk and ensure it's the perfect fit for you.

'While stylish chairs might catch your eye, comfort should always come first in a home office. A good desk chair with proper support can make a huge difference to your posture, preventing back pain and fatigue during long work sessions. It’s worth investing in a chair that is adjustable and ergonomically designed, as this will provide the flexibility needed to tailor it to your body and keep you comfortable throughout the day,' says designers from Diamond Interiors, who are experts in commercial office design.

3. Not isolating the workspace

Very rarely is your home office solely dedicated to the purpose of working from home. In most cases, it will double as a guest bedroom, or somewhere that you can enjoy your hobbies. It may be that your WFH space is located in a different room, maybe the hallway, kitchen, living room or bedroom.

Whatever your set-up looks like, interior experts at Diamond Interiors highlight the importance of isolating the workspace to ensure focus. 'Designating a specific area for work, even if it’s just a corner of a larger room, is essential for maintaining concentration and creating a mental divide between work and relaxation,' says the interior experts at Diamond Interiors.

Having a clear division will help improve productivity and stop you from getting distracted from other tasks or pastimes.

'Use a room divider, bookshelf, or even a desk with built-in partitions to help create this sense of separation. This physical boundary makes it easier to switch off at the end of the day, letting you fully unwind without constant reminders of work,' advises experts from Diamond Interiors.

Why not try IKEA MITTZON frame with castors to zone the space while also introducing beneficial greenery into your set-up?

4. Underestimating storage needs

Tidy room, tidy mind is never truer than when designing a home office. That's why it's important to think about the things people with a tidy home office always have.

Design your home office storage to suit the specific items you need to organise. This makes it easy to ensure that everything has a home, keeping your workspace clutter-free.

Cubbyholes – like this Squares unit from Habitat – can be combined with rattan baskets for a variety of storage. Elsewhere in the room, open shelving is ideal for decorative items – be that stationery or craft supplies – but it can look cluttered if used for less aesthetic items. Hiding a few shelves higher up behind a decorative curtain – delicate lace or voile works well – keep items easily accessible but hidden from view.

'A common pitfall is relying solely on freestanding furniture when a bespoke joinery solution could transform both functionality and style,' explains Emma Deterding, founder and creative director, Kelling Designs. 'Built-in cabinetry allows you to maximise every inch, create clever hidden offices, and add much-needed storage for files and equipment. For example, using full-height cabinetry around a chimney breast or spare wall can provide a hidden office that disappears behind closed doors, helping maintain balance between work and home life.'

While you can't go wrong with Ikea buys for home offices, interior designers often advise trying Ikea hacks to ensure that the furniture works exactly as you need it.

5. Location of the desk

The desk is one of the most important pieces of furniture in your home office and should be treated as such. When considering home office desk ideas, choose the largest design possible to provide ample workspace and reduce the clutter around your workspace.

Position the desk in front of the window to capitalise on the natural light. This isn’t only good for your eyes and wellbeing – it will also look flattering when you’re on a video call. ‘When working for long hours, it’s really important to have fresh air and it’s nice to look outside when your eyes need a break from the screen,’ advises Kate Guinness of Kate Guinness Design. Just the act of opening the window can instantly help wake you up and increase your productivity.

If facing the window is not possible, then experts from Furniture at Work advise positioning the desk perpendicular to the window. 'This will allow you to both see the room and benefit from the natural daylight while you work. However, you should also consider installing window blinds if you haven’t already, as these will help reduce glare on especially brighter days.’

6. Not having houseplants nearby

It might seem like a simple and unassuming addition, but adding houseplants to your home can prove transformative in terms of productivity when working from home.

'Numerous studies into environmental psychology have shown that nature can trigger improved creative problem-solving skills and productivity by up to 15%,' says Suzie Woolley, Head of Product, Seranata Flowers.

There are plenty of houseplants that boost productivity, including easy-to-care-for snake plants – simply needing watering once every few weeks, it lets you focus on your work rather than plant care.

Is your home office guilt of any of these mistakes that are sabotaging your productivity?

IKEA and its budget-friendly homeware are not just popular with us regular humans – it’s a go-to resource for interior designers and experts as well. And that goes for most areas of the home, including the home office – I was curious what IKEA products interior experts always recommend for a home office. And they came back with several of their top picks.

Spanning everything from desk and office chair designs to the best lighting options and storage solutions, these IKEA home office ideas have got it all. And it proves that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to create the perfect, stylish and well-functioning home office set up – if the designers and experts can, so can you.

‘I think it’s important to show people that good design doesn’t always have to come at a luxury price point, you just need to know what to look for,’ says interior designer Bilal Rehman.

Alex Stubbs, Flitch interior stylist, adds, ‘Interior designers consistently turn to a few standout pieces from IKEA when styling or upgrading a home office, thanks to their smart functionality, sleek design, and adaptability to living spaces.’

These are their top picks.

1. LAGKAPTEN desk

The IKEA LAGKAPTEN desk came up more than once when I was speaking to various designers and experts as one of the best home office desk ideas.

‘The generous surface area of the LAGKAPTEN/ALEX desk provides space for tech and paperwork, while the integrated drawers keep everything organised,’ says Hannah Prescott, interior designer at Diamond Interiors. ‘I particularly like that it’s finished on all sides, so it looks smart whether against a wall or in the middle of a room – ideal for flexible home office setups.’

Jo Lane, interior designer and founder of See Your Place, also favours the LAGKAPTEN desk with the added KALLAX extension, ‘I would focus on choosing pieces that create a streamlined, clutter-free look. Rather than scatter storage units of different sizes around your space, look for a larger shelving unit that effectively creates a storage ‘wall’. The IKEA KALLAX/LAGKAPTEN desk and shelf combination is perfect as it delivers a huge amount of vertical storage without taking up too much floor space. A great choice if your room is on the smaller side.’

2. BILLY bookcases

The IKEA BILLY bookcase is one of the Swedish retailer’s bestselling products for a reason. Its simple design is the perfect blank canvas for various IKEA BILLY hacks so you can elevate your home office storage ideas and turn the bookcases into something like a built-in-looking library of dreams – the perfect backdrop for work calls.

‘One of the most recommended items is the IKEA BILLY bookcase, loved not just for storage but as a stylish focal wall. When paired with neatly arranged boxes and curated ceramics, it transforms a purely practical feature into something that feels designed and lived in,’ Alex at Flitch says.

3. STOCKHOLM 2025 rug

This year, IKEA launched the STOCKHOLM 2025 collection which includes some of the most stylish and high end-looking pieces of the entire IKEA offering. Including the STOCKHOLM 2025 rug in white, brown and light blue, favoured by Bilal Rehman.

‘One of my favorites is the STOCKHOLM 2025 flatwoven rug in white, brown, and light blue. The palette has this subtle retro vibe, but the colors are still calm and sophisticated and can adapt to any space you put it in. The only caution is that flatwoven rugs can shift more than a plush pile, so layering it over a rug pad is essential and will help make it feel more high-end and anchored,’ he explains.

You can bag a rug pad like this one from Dunelm for as little as £5 though.

4. HAVSTA storage

If you’re after a built-in-looking home office storage but prefer a slightly more traditional style than the BILLY bookcases, the IKEA HAVSTA storage system is for you.

‘The IKEA HAVSTA range can deliver this “built-in” look at a fraction of the price as its cabinets have deep plinths which create a premium feel. I would combine two 81cm-width HAVSTA floor cabinets, using a 246cm-width KARLBY walnut worktop on top as a desk surface, and top with two HAVSTA wall shelving units mounted on the worktop, above the floor cupboards,' Jo at See Your Place says.

'This leaves a generous 80cm-width desk space in between. You could further dial up the look by adding some tongue-and-groove panelling to the wall space above the desk. Try this inexpensive but effective panelling kit from Amazon, which you simply stick to the wall using standard adhesive.'

5. TERTIAL lamp

Incorporating the right home office lighting ideas into your WFH space is almost just as important as picking the right desk and chair. And if you like the look of the iconic Anglepoise desk lamp design, available at John Lewis, but can’t quite justify spending £190 on a lamp, then you’ll love the budget alternative, courtesy of IKEA’s TERTIAL lamp, selling for just £15.

‘Good lighting makes all the difference, and the TERTIAL lamp is a brilliant, affordable upgrade. Its adjustable arm and head mean you can direct light exactly where you need it, which is essential for reducing eye strain. At just £15, it’s a simple way to make your workspace feel more functional and professional,’ Hannah at Diamond Interiors says.

6. STOCKHOLM 2025 cabinet

It’s not just the rug that interior experts highly recommend for home office spaces from the STOCKHOLM 2025 collection. The sliding-doors cabinet is another piece that puts a stylish, elevated spin on a practical design like a storage cabinet.

‘Storage as a design element always gets ignored in home offices. I often see people picking storage for functionality instead of looks but there are tons of options that are a great balance of both. The STOCKHOLM 2025 cabinet has such a clean, minimal silhouette, and I love the detail of the key lock – it makes it feel more like a thoughtfully designed piece, not just utilitarian storage. I gravitate toward the oak veneer finish, but it also comes in a beautiful green if your style leans more eclectic,’ Bilal Rehman says.

7. DEJSA table lamp

If you prefer more homely lamps in your home office, rather than the more traditional task lighting, the IKEA DEJSA table lamp is the perfect solution, highly recommended by interior designer Bilal Rehman.

‘Lighting is another area where you can make a huge impact in any space. The DEJSA table lamp is one of my favorites. The silhouette looks far more expensive than its price point. And it’s scaled beautifully for desks or side tables without overwhelming the space,’ he says.

Which IKEA home office picks are your favourite go-tos?

If you ever work from home, you spend a large chunk of your workday in your home office (or office area). So it’s worth making it as comfortable and pleasant to be in as possible – this includes helpful accessories like the underrated monitor stand, as I swear by my IKEA one in my own WFH space and which experts highly recommend, too.

Investing in the right work desk and a comfortable office chair are the two main priorities when thinking of home office ideas. However, other, smaller features and accessories which could also make a big difference to your comfort and organisation are often forgotten about, like a monitor stand, for example.

‘People often focus on the chair or desk when creating a home office, but a monitor stand can make just as much of a difference,’ says Hannah Prescott, interior designer at Diamond Interiors, a company specialising in office design. ‘It's a small upgrade that can really elevate both comfort and appearance – and it's often overlooked.’

Why should you invest in a monitor stand?

There are two main reasons why a monitor stand is a home office must-have. For me, it’s all about the extra home office storage and organisation that I’ve gained with my IKEA VATTENKAR laptop/monitor stand, selling for £19.

Many people favour the IKEA SIGFINN monitor stand, but I prefer my VATTENKAR for its extra shelf.

‘They offer practical perks, as many monitor stands come with built-in storage underneath, which is great for tidying away stationery or freeing up desk space in small home offices,’ says home office and workplace solutions expert at Furniture At Work.

Uriel Tannen, Flitch co-founder, adds, ‘I'm a big fan of monitor stands. They're such a simple way to make your workspace feel more put-together, and they give you a bit of breathing room too. Just lifting the screen slightly can make the whole desk feel less cluttered and more inviting.’

Monitor stands are also ideal for improving your posture and comfort. If you were to buy an ergonomic desk chair, it also makes sense to buy a monitor stand as they fall into the same category.

‘They raise your screen to eye level, which encourages better posture and reduces strain on your neck and shoulders. It’s one of those simple upgrades that can make a big difference to both comfort and productivity,’ an expert at Furniture at Work says.

There are also other designs available, some of which even incorporate drawers to conceal items you might want to store, which I find really helpful.

Top monitor stand picks

Just don’t forget to choose your monitor design carefully based on the look and decor of your home office. ‘Choose a stand that aligns with your aesthetic – whether that’s minimalist acrylic, warm wood or matt black metal. Opt for clean lines and consider colour matching it to your other desk accessories,’ Hannah at Diamond Interiors concludes.

If you don’t have the luxury of a separate home office, then you’ll likely need to combine a working space with other areas of your home.

That can be challenging. Whether it’s creating a small home office in your living room, bedroom, under the stairs, or as part of an open-plan kitchen space, it can be tricky to cater to both needs, offer the amount of storage you need and not have it stand out like an eyesore.

However, with some clever thinking, multi-use furniture and decorative pieces it is possible to slot some small home office ideas in seamlessly, making it just as stylish, comfortable and functional as the rest of your home.

Read on for all the ingredients you need to create a multifunctional home office that works for you.

1. Attractive storage

Whether your working space is in your bedroom or your living room, choose furniture that looks less ‘officey’ and more visually pleasing.

Painted or wood shelving, desks, and cabinets will all help blend into your home better than something more utilitarian, and create an environment you want to spend time in.

2. Similar colours and materials

Your room may be being used for different purposes but using similar colours and materials can help pull the scheme together and make the two areas feel cohesive.

Whether it’s using the same blonde wood for your office chair as used on a bedside table, or highlighting the wall behind your desk in the same colour as your sofa, for example, those details will help create continuity and harmony.

3. Additional lighting

Slotting in a desk area under stairs or in the middle of an open-plan space means it may not always have the best lighting, which is where wall lights and lamps come in.

Place your home office lighting strategically and you’ll be able to use them when you need, then turn it off at the end of the day and rely on other lighting for the rest of the room.

4. Multipurpose furniture

In a dual space room your furniture will need to work twice as hard, so choosing pieces and a desk idea that can serve more than one purpose is key.

Whether it’s a large cabinet that can offer storage to guests while hiding your filing, or wardrobes with a hidden desk area, be smart about the pieces you choose and you won’t have to worry about fitting in two separate lots of furniture.

5. Personal touches

The beauty from working from home is that you get to dictate how your desk area looks, and that includes the personal touches that you put into it. From houseplants that will boost productivity to pictures, pin boards and ornaments.

These small touches can make your office area feel decorative and stylish – and help it blend seamlessly with the rest of the room.

Not many of us have the luxury of space to fit a full-sized computer monitor into our working-from-home set-up. However, Aldi's is about to change that with its latest special buy: a portable monitor.

Aldi's portable monitor is priced at £79.99 and landed in the middle aisle on Sunday and will only be available to buy instore. After testing the monitor at home, I have a feeling this specialbuy will be like gold dust to get your hands on.

If you haven't heard of a portable monitor before it does what it says on the tin, it's a computer screen that looks a little bit like a tablet that can be folded up and down as you need it. They are ideal for small home office ideas as they are usually thinner than a laptop meaning they can be easily packed up and put in a drawer or on a shelf at the end of a day.

As someone who works on the kitchen table, and doesn't have the luxury of a dedicated home office desk, that was music to my ears. I need to be able to pack everything up at the end of the day, and standard monitors are not usually conducive to that (trust me I've tried).

The Aldi portable monitor has a 15.6-inch screen and comes with a case that protects the screen and doubles as a stand. When testing I found the monitor was easy to set up. It is compatible with Windows and Mac iOS, and connecting it to my Windows laptop was a simple plug-and-play, it was just as easy when connecting to my iPhone.

The monitor is on the basic side, the screen isn't the best quality and it also depends on two cables to connect it. It includes three cables: USB-A to USB-C, USB-C to USB-C and HDMI to Mini HDMI, you need one to connect the screen and the other to connect to the power. Like most devices it doesn't come with a plug, so you will need to supply your own.

The biggest drawback for me was that the power cable was so short the plug needed to be right behind the screen for it to reach. But that is something that an extension cord can solve, especially when you can pick up IKEA's pretty new extension cord.

However, overall, as someone looking for a tool to ease my back pain hunched over my tiny laptop, which can also be easily hidden in my home decor scheme, the Aldi portable monitor worked a treat!

Alternative portable monitors

In terms of value for money, the Aldi version is one of the most affordable portable monitors on the market. Some versions can cost as much as £500, but there are affordable versions for under £100 on the market if you can't get to an Aldi to buy the new portable monitor in-store.

I spotted one that looks very similar selling at Argos for £79, alternatively, you can pick up the ASUS ZenScreen for £95 at Curry's which has the added perk of using only one cable to connect the screen and power.

Will you be heading to Aldi to add one of these to your working-from-home set-up?

If you regularly work from home then your home office or desk needs to be a comfortable and inspiring space – no one knows better how to make this happen than professional interior designers. That’s why we asked a few of them for their home office essentials when planning home office ideas for themselves and clients.

It might be a clever home office layout idea, a stimulating piece of decor or something that will ensure you sit comfortably all day long. But all of these will contribute to a productive day of work in your workspace.

‘Trying to make it not feel like a home office is really important and that move has happened in kitchens – trying not to make it feel like a practical space but like a social space,’ says interior designer Anouska Lancaster. ‘In my office, I treat it the same as any other room in the house. Make it a really nice place to be so you don't dread going in there in the morning.’

And these are a few of the ways to help you achieve this.

1. Opt for a wireless lamp

‘A well lit desk is imperative,’ starts interior designer Benji Lewis. And there are several home office lighting ideas you can (and should) employ – layering your sources of light is the best way to go about it.

‘Two desk lights are something I try to ensure I have, one on the left hand end of the desk and one on the right so you always have a good pool of light to work with,’ Benji adds.

But there is one perhaps slightly unexpected light fixture as far as home offices go that interior designer Matthew Williamson can’t go without. ‘When designing a home office, I always incorporate a portable lamp – specifically the Phileas lamp I designed for Pooky. Its portable design allows for flexible lighting, whether you need focused illumination on your desk or a soft glow elsewhere in the room. This flexibility helps create an environment that can be adjusted throughout the day, enhancing both comfort and efficiency.’

2. Decorate with a vase of cut flowers

Biophilic design ideas and nature-inspired decor is known to have a positive impact on our mental state while working - from ‘reducing stress to boosting productivity’ as Olga Alexeeva, creative director of interior design studio Black & Milk, says. But incorporating something as specific as a vase of fresh flowers will add to the feeling of your home office being just another lovely room in your home where you therefore want to spend time in.

‘I have things like fresh flowers in my home office so it's a nice environment,’ Anouska Lancaster says.

Benji Lewis agrees, ‘A little greenery is good, or even a small vase with cut flowers.’

3. Create a relaxation zone

According to the interior designers, being chained to your desk all day long is not ideal – which is not all that surprising. But to remedy this, they all agree on incorporating a break-out area with some comfy seating.

‘A small area with a comfy chair or yoga mat provides a space for mental breaks, enhancing overall productivity,’ Olga Alexeeva says.

Anouska Lancaster adds, ‘As well as a desk and computer, have social seating like an armchair or two, so when people come in and chat to you it feels like a social space. Aim to make it into another lovely living room with rugs, colours and flowers.’

4. Invest in an ergonomic chair

While going for the best home office desk ideas that will work for you is important, it’s just as crucial to invest in the right office chair. And not just right in terms of aesthetics but also one that will be comfortable to sit in for the majority of the day without giving you back pain and ruining your posture as a result.

‘A comfortable chair with lumbar support is crucial for posture and comfort during long work hours,’ Olga Alexeeva explains.

Unfortunately, ergonomic desk chairs have a bad rep for being pretty ugly to look at. But Claire Garner, director of Claire Garner Interiors, sets the record straight, ‘An ergonomic desk chair is a must, to ensure a comfortable working position. This doesn’t have to look chunky and there are some really beautiful, streamlined options available.’

These tips should set you up for a successful home office design journey – we’re sure feeling inspired. And that vase of flowers is sure to become a more regular staple on our WFH desks.

It’s no secret that Rochelle Humes has impeccable taste, whether it comes to her personal style or her home and office decor. Her office space and set-up are certainly enviable and we’re taking notes. The biggest takeaway? Rochelle’s clear office desk it is both super chic and modern at the same time.

This piece of furniture is the perfect example of the transparent furniture trend and how hard it can work for a space. And despite Rochelle’s own office being quite spacious as seen in her Instagram snap, this is actually the perfect small home office idea, as a desk like this plays a visual trick on the eye and creates an illusion of more space.

According to interior experts, it’s the perfect addition to any contemporary space for a pared-back, quiet luxury aesthetic. So if that’s your jam (as it is the TV presenter’s), then this type of design might be the ideal addition to your own home office set-up.

Rochelle Humes’ clear office desk

This is not the first time we’ve been inspired by one of The Saturdays group members as we’ve swooned over Frankie Bridge’s reeded glass bathroom door and more before. 

Rochelle’s desk, making a case for the transparent home decor trend, is made from a single sheet of tempered glass that’s curved to create its own support and ‘legs’. But this look can also be made from acrylic or other types of see-through plastics, especially if it is used for a smaller structure like a coffee table, which are currently very popular in this style. 

Or if you’re like Molly-Mae Hague, who started the conversation around this trend last year, you can opt for a clear acrylic baby cot instead. Though that is definitely on the out-there side of the trend.

‘Transparent and translucent products help to create a light and airy space for a simple contemporary look oozing understated elegance,’ says Sabina Miller, buying director at Heal’s. ‘They create the illusion of space and light, making it ideal for smaller living spaces. Its versatility allows it to blend seamlessly with various interior styles.’

But you don’t have to have a completely clinical, minimalist home to be able to incorporate this style into your space.

‘Although pieces tend to be quite contemporary, because of their transparency they don’t take up much visual space,’ says Lucy Mather, design expert from Arighi Bianchi. ‘This means that they will blend seamlessly within any design scheme. Even in a more traditional home you can add a modern twist with one of these pieces without it jarring with the rest of your scheme.’

Get the look:

So if you like this type of table, be it in the form of a desk a la Rochelle Humes, a console table or a coffee table, the bottom line is you can go for it whether you have a minimalist, contemporary home or not. It will work either way.

Knowing where to position a desk to boost productivity is a handy hack we promise will make getting into that high-performance mindset when working from home just a little bit easier.

There’s never been a better time to consider your home office layout. After all, recent years have seen our work and home lives become tied together more than ever before. A 2023 survey found UK employees work from home an average of 1.5 days a week – a figure that’s only going to rise as hybrid working increases in popularity. 

Thankfully, all of this working from home is seemingly having a positive impact on our happiness levels. A 2023 study found that those who worked from home 100% of the time were 20% happier on average than those who couldn’t. However, research also suggests we’re 10-20% less productive at home. 

So, while before you might have gotten away with working away under the duvet covers, or propped up on a dressing table - the likelihood of even more days working from home means you’re going to have to find some solid, productive solutions. 

Turning a space into a home office, separate from your living room or bedroom, will work wonders for your productivity. If you’re lucky enough to have this separate space in your home for an office, then the first question you might be thinking is where to position your desk. 

It sounds like a simple question, but many factors can play a part here – from the size of your home office to whether you have a window. Lucky for you we’ve called in the experts to help you put that desk in exactly the right spot whether you are wrangling small home office ideas or trying to carve out a working zone in another room.

 How can desk position impact productivity? 

'There are common work-from-home mistakes that many fall victim to, like unnecessary distractions, blurred work-life balance, and bad posture leading to discomfort,' says Cathy Lawson, mental health & wellbeing coach at Westfield Health. 'However, the position of your at-home desk has a pivotal role in combatting these and boosting your wellbeing.'

Positioning your desk right next to the door can lead to unwanted distractions coming from the rest of your house, while a desk near natural light and a window to the outside world can help productivity in surprising ways. 

A 2018 study from Cornell University showed workers exposed to natural light experienced an 84 per cent drop in issues such as headaches, eyestrain, and blurred vision, while a Human Spaces research report on the Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Interface Workplace found that productivity and creativity levels increase by 6% and 15% when an office space has natural interior design elements like house plant ideas or views of greenery.

Finally, an important consideration when it comes to home office desks is less about the position of your desk and more about how you personalise your home office desk ideas. A study from the University of Exeter found that employees who were able to have control over the design and layout of their workspace were not only happier and healthier but also 32% more productive. All the more reason to treat yourself to a fancy new desk lamp or jazz up your home office storage solutions.

What is the best position for a desk in a home office?

Interior designer and founder of AMC Design, Ann Marie Cousins, says the best position for a desk in a home office is 'in front of the window if there is one so that you can give your eyes a break and look into the distance every now and then. It’s soothing to look out if you have a nice view and natural light is kind on your eyes.

'[Also] make sure you have a good desk light and that the overhead lighting is located over your desk, so you’re not sitting in your own shadow on gloomy days.'

Be conscious though of the possibility of too much light coming in while you’re working. 'If possible, place the desk with your window behind the computer screen to avoid glare and reduce squinting and harm to your eyes,' says Cathy. A blind might be a worthwhile consideration to keep the glare away here.

Presenter, DIY interiors expert, and home coach, Georgina Burnett, argues it’s also important to consider the rest of the room. 

'Rather than having your back to the door, place it [your desk] perpendicular to the window so you can see the room but still benefit from the light. The only time I'd suggest placing a desk so your back is to the room is if the room is cluttered, which is likely to interrupt your focus.'

Where to position a desk in a small home office to boost productivity?

Placing your desk perpendicular to the window can also help in smaller home offices as well as it uses up less wall space. A small home office will also require you to get more creative with your space saving.

'If there isn't the space for a desk to be out all the time, it's worth investing in drop-down desks or even a Study Bed - a bed which converts into a desk during the day, but is neatly out of sight at night,' says Georgina.

Think about where other items sit in your home office and how this will impact your work. A piece of art, when you look up, can spark joy, while a desk next to an inspiration board can remind you of 'your North Star on your current project', says Ann Marie. 

'[And] always avoid placing your desk directly in front of the door, as your chair might get knocked when the door is opened.'

Where to position a desk in a windowless home office?

In smaller offices or those without a window, the only option may be for the desk to face the wall. A poster or piece of art on this wall can act as your view of the “outside world” – helping to keep your creativity levels up and give you something to look at as you momentarily take a break from your work.

And again, light is going to be important here – especially when you don’t have any of it coming from outside.

'When there is only artificial light, the most important thing is to make sure your desk is well-lit,' says Ann Marie. 

Make sure your overhead lighting is directly above the desk, and you have a good desk lamp to ensure your eyes are being given enough light.

If you don’t have a home office where should you position a desk to boost productivity?

We understand that not everyone will have the space for their own enclosed home office. But that doesn’t stop you from carving out your own work-from-home haven. 

'Think light and sound when it comes to positioning a desk when you don't have a home office,' says Georgina. 'Natural light is always best, but if that is not possible it needs to be in a place where you will benefit from the lighting at least. Ideally, you will be away from sounds that may interrupt your flow. From washing machines to little people, it's important you are not having to listen to anything that might distract you. 

‘This goes for reminders of household chores which can become surprisingly appealing when you have a boring report to write. It's important that when you're sat at your desk, you almost forget you're at home as this will also then allow you a better work-life balance.'

To aid that work-life balance think about working away from areas of your home which are usually used for relaxing in.

'It's better to have the desk away from relaxation areas like the bedroom or living room,' says Georgina, 'but if these are your only options, then investing in clever storage solutions will allow you to switch on and off for the working day.'

FAQs

How do I set up a home office for maximum productivity? 

When it comes to setting up a home office for maximum productivity, you’re going to want to position your desk close to your window to allow for all the productivity benefits that come from working in natural light and having a view of nature.

If your workspace is usually cluttered, then it might also be worth turning your desk away from the clutter to avoid the distraction. Avoid placing your desk directly in front of the door as your chair may get hit when someone opens the door. This will also limit distractions from the rest of the house. Look to include a poster or an inspiration board on the wall opposite your desk to help inspire your work.

'The main thing to think about when building an effective home office space is how you work in reality, rather than setting your sights on a magazine-style dream office,' says Georgina. 

'For example, if your work calls for papers to be strewn across your desk, make sure you have an oversized desk and lots of storage for tidying it all away, both within easy reach and some good cupboards or filing cabinets.'

Also, think about the space you need for your tech and making sure it’s accessible. 'Think about putting your printer in a cupboard on a pull-out shelf,' says Ann Marie, 'so that you can replace the ink cartridges or clear paper jams easily. [And] about how much space you need for multiple monitors and make sure you have your screens far enough away. Ideally, they should be just at the end of your fingertips when you stretch your arm out.'

 What direction should your desk face? 

'The ideal orientation for your desk is that it faces east, if possible,' says Ann Marie. 'As the sun rises in the east, an east-facing desk is guaranteed a bright start to the day which is a great way to link to your circadian rhythms so that you feel energised as you start your day.

'North facing is also good, and if your office allows, face the door so that you can greet anyone visiting your workspace.'

Whether you currently have a spare room that’s not being fully utilised or you have a room set up for guests that you’d like to be more multifunctional, office guest room ideas make a lot of sense. 

However, while nailing guest bedroom ideas is one thing, blending them with a productive work zone is another entirely.  ‘An office/guest room is the ideal solution for a spare room in your home, as it offers you the best of both professional and personal worlds,’ suggests James Mackie, Bestbuy Office Chairs’ office expert. ‘Not everyone has space for a designated office-only room either.’ So, combining the two will give you the best of both worlds.

However, ‘designing a room to function both as a home office and a guest bedroom necessitates thoughtful consideration and strategic planning,’ explains James Mellan-Matulewicz, Creative Director at Bobbi Beck. 

To achieve a seamless blend of functionality and comfort for both purposes, you’ll want to consider the following ideas and tips.

Office guest room ideas

These office guest room ideas will not only give you some inspiration, if you’re in the process of combining a guest room and a home office, but the experts have also shared some top tips when it comes to layout, storage solutions and decor to tie the space together.

‘By combining practicality with comfort, you can craft a welcoming environment that serves as a productive workspace during the day and transforms into a cosy retreat for guests at night,’ outlines Glen Peskett, Owner of Saxton Blades.

1. Create a foldaway office

If the room is going to be primarily used as a guest bedroom, you may want to consider a foldaway office. ‘Foldaway desks are a great way to allow you to create a full-blown home office that you’re then able to tuck away at the end of the day, with some looking like stylish console tables when not in use,’ Farah Arshad, Head of Product at DUSK suggests.

Having a foldable office ‘can save space when not in use, providing a functional workspace that can be tucked away effortlessly,’ Glen agrees.

2. Choose a dual or multipurpose desk

Alternatively, you could ‘consider a desk that can easily convert into a bedside table or a vanity when guests are staying over,’ Glen suggests. 

‘Investing in furniture that serves multiple purposes is key when looking at transforming a room into a multi-functional space,’ Farah explains.

James also suggests opting for a multipurpose desk. ‘Install a desk that can be used as either a dressing table or an office desk. This not only saves space, but allows you and your guests to choose how you can use the space, without feeling like you have to use it one way or another.’

3. Use convertible furniture

‘Guest rooms are often the most compact bedroom in the home,’ says Annah Kelly, Styling Expert for Bridgman. ‘For this reason, it’s important to utilise the space wisely.’ Glen suggests opting ‘for a sofa bed or a guest room daybed idea that can serve as a comfortable seating area during the day and transform into a bed for guests at night.’

‘Sofa beds are perfect for an office guest room,’ Sustainable Furniture’s interior expert, Margaret Larson, concurs. ‘They allow a comfortable space for guests to sleep while ensuring the bed doesn't completely take over the space. And a sofa can make the space feel more formal, which is ideal for an office environment as it contributes towards improved productivity.’

‘Murphy beds can also maximise space by tucking away into a wall when not in use, freeing up floor area for working and relaxing,’ Glen concludes. 

While ‘simple adornments such as scatter cushions can transform the room entirely, injecting style and personality into the space,’ Annah explains.

4. Pick furniture with built-in storage

As well as convertible and ‘multipurpose furniture, you could also look to use furniture that provides you with extra storage solutions,’ Essential Living's Development Manager, Camilla Lesser affirms. Bedroom storage ideas are a must for any guest room, but in this style of room, you need to consider home office storage ideas too. 

‘Maintaining a tidy and clutter-free environment is crucial when doubling up your guest bedroom into an office’.

‘Adding shelving to the guest bedroom will also help to keep your office supplies, books and other necessities organised for when you have guests staying,’ Camilla adds. 

Farah recommends utilising vertical space with ‘shelves, well-mounted cabinets, or hanging organisers being used to maximise vertical storage will help keep floor space clear.’

5. Use lighting thoughtfully

‘Combining relaxed and working light is often difficult, as working light tends to need to be brighter, while relaxing light tends to be softer,’ James warns. ‘I recommend opting for a separate desk lamp and bedside lamp, both of which allow you to turn the individual lamps on so you can focus on relaxing or working at any given time.’

‘Remember that having a light that's too bright and white can actually have a negative impact on the amount of rest possible, and that softer lights are much nicer to relax in.’

Ideally, you’ll want a mixture of task lighting for working and natural or ambient lighting.

6. Consider a neutral colour scheme

‘When creating a multipurpose room such as a guest bedroom and office space, it’s important to consider the decor and colour scheme,’ Camilla says.

‘You want to pick something that will create a productive work environment as well as a warm and cosy guest bedroom. Sticking to a neutral colour scheme is the best thing to do here, creating a serene guest bedroom and productive office space.’

And ‘if your office space is on the smaller side, a white or a light grey will open up the space and make the room appear larger than it actually is,’ Stuart explains.

7. Have different seating options

When you think of an office space, you’ll most likely envision a traditional office chair. However, you’ll want to avoid making this the only seating option in your office guest room. 

If you have the space, add an armchair or even an ottoman – which can also integrate built-in storage. If you do choose to include an ergonomic office chair look into where to buy an office chair that won't dwarf the space and will blend in with the bedroom decor.

8. Utilise a room divider

One way to separate the two different spaces is by utilising a room divider of some kind. Whether that’s a traditional room divider screen or a set of bookshelves or even a curtain, can break up the space.

‘If your room is on the larger side, I recommend installing a privacy screen that allows your guests to have separation between the sleeping and working zones,’ James remarks. ‘A privacy screen can help you get more in the working zone as it feels more like a separate space than a shared space.’

9. Add plants and greenery

Houseplant ideas are a great way to decorate an office guest room. ‘What better way to add life into a room than accessorising with some greenery?' says Stuart Deavall from TonerGiant. Certain office items, like printers and computer screens ‘can quickly become the epicentre of the room so bringing in some nature will create a contrast that will cool and soften this.'

‘Decorating plants around your workstation will not only provide splashes of colour, but research shows that it can reduce stress and increase productivity, which is key for an office-working space. A potted plant or a vase of flowers on a nearby shelf will work just the trick,’ Stuart adds.

10. Make the space feel cosy with personal touches

While this might be a working space, you need to make it feel like a welcoming guest room too. ‘Often offices may lack personal touches in order to reduce distractions, however, incorporating minor personal touches like framed photographs, artwork and ornaments go a long way in making a space feel homely,’ according to Margaret.

‘Incorporating small touches like a rug and soft furnishings will help create a comfortable space for guests,’ she concludes.

Stuart also recommends ‘adding wall art or decorations around the printer storage area to draw some of the attention away from the printer itself. You can also ‘hang framed artwork, photographs, decorative items or a corkboard to create a focal point in the room, diverting attention from the bulky storage space.’

FAQs

Remember in a multi-purpose room, clever and functional furniture is key. So invest in that sofa bed and desk that does double duty as a dressing table. We promise you won't go far wrong.

Flexible working means we're as likely to be taking Zoom calls and filling in spreadsheets from a home office, as we are going to meetings and chatting to colleagues over the coffee machine at an employer's. But how do we keep family life – and all its sounds and disturbances – from interrupting us?

While Covid saw many of us pivot to working from home more often, our desk set-ups often haven't caught up with our change in circumstances. We talked to interior designers, noise experts and researchers to find out how to soundproof a home office so you can work in peace. And just as importantly, how to stop noisy Zoom calls leaking beyond our office and disturbing the rest of the family.

When we can stay focused and productive, we can get the job done and get back to family life quicker. Ready, steady, Zoom…

Why we need quiet to work well at home

There are lots of ways noise can disturb us when we're working from home whether you have a dedicated home office or are making the most of a clever small home office idea squeezed into a cupboard. A quick poll of the idealhome.co.uk team (a mix of hybrid and remote workers) found that noisy neigbhours, family life, traffic noises, building works and the sound of the TV or radio can all interrupt us.

Researchers Dr Francesco Aletta and Dr Simone Torresin looked at the impact of historical (Covid lockdown), situational (family members and housemates) and spatial (urban areas and building structure) on productivity, concentration and mood when working from home.

'Quietness availability and the lack of intrusive noise are key for a sound environment that allows concentration and is conducive to work,' they report. 

The people in their study used various coping strategies to block out unwanted noise, including closing doors and windows, turning up the TV, or using noise-cancelling headphones.

If you've already needed to soundproof a bedroom, you'll already know that sometimes these coping options don't quiet work. Fortunately, your home office decor could be your best friend in helping to create a quiet work environment. We spoke to Interior designers and experts who shared their top design solutions to soundproof our home offices and make them better places to work. They'll even look better, too. Now that's the kind of work bonus we can get behind…

1. Soundproof windows

You've got up and closed the windows and shut the door, but noise from outside is still interrupting your chain of thought. Sound familiar? It may be time to upgrade your window glazing. 

'Glazing and doors are key elements when trying to control unwanted noise from both inside and outside your home. Invest in window and door systems with outstanding acoustic performance for best results,' says Poppy Szkiler, CEO and founder of Quiet Mark, which tests and assesses products that reduce unwanted noise in the home. 

'If your study has a window onto a noisy street then secondary glazing should definitely be considered,' suggests Lucinda Griffith, founder of Lucinda Griffith Design. 'While interlined curtains will help, they won’t make a difference in daytime working hours when they are open and the glass is leaking noise into the room.' 

2. Insulate walls to block sound

Not only does a bookcase make a great Zoom backdrop, but it can also help soundproof your home office, too. Any home office storage idea stretched over a wall will help do the trick.

'Bookcases filled with books will work as a sound barrier,' confirms interior designer Lucinda Griffith. 'A luxury option would be fabric walling, with a padded backing behind the fabric. 

'If you are renovating your space, then do consider an acoustic plasterboard for your walls.  This will make a huge difference in soundproofing your room from the rest of the house,' Lucinda continues.

This can be particularly useful if your home office is next to a busy area of your home, like the kitchen, or a high-traffic area such as the hallway

'To ensure minimal disruption if your home office is located next to a high-activity area such as a living room, you might need to consider adding extra layers of plasterboard, acoustic studs and mineral wool insulation on internal and separating walls and floors,' says Poppy Szkiler from Quiet Mark.

3. Soften the sound from hard floors

Ever wondered why your voice sounds croaky after a long day of Zoom calls at home? 'Hard surfaces such as tiled flooring, large expanses of painted plasterboard and windows can cause reverberation, which is when sound is amplified as it reflects back into the room. This can reduce our ability to hold conversations and increases vocal strain,' explains Poppy Szkiler.

'Sound-absorbing finishes can help create a more calming home environment. This can come in the form of rugs, fabric wall hangings and carpets, which can help reduce reverberation, especially when combined,' Poppy says.

'I'd avoid a hard floor surface in a home office but go for a carpet on underlay to help absorb sound instead,' says Lucinda Griffith. 

4. Close the gap under doors

Sound leaking in and out of a home office from the gap around a door is a common problem. The easiest fix is to install a strip of stick-on foam insulator around the door frame, available at Amazon, in the same that you would tackle fixing a draughty door.

'Assuming your door is a solid one (a must if soundproofing) then look at the fit of the door in it’s frame,' advises Lucinda Griffith. 'Adding a draught sealant around the edges will not only help the  heating bill, but also muffle any noise creeping in through those gaps.'

For extra glam, why not cover the inside of the door with insulating wadding, covered in fabric, held in place with studs? This will give your office a private members' club vibe, while reducing sound infiltrating into the space.

5. Invest in quiet electrical equipment

The noise of fans, computers, heaters, printers and any other electricals will create the 'soundscape' of your home office. The louder the background noise, the more the volume needs to be turned up in other areas, such as the volume of phone and video calls.

'Now that remote working has become the new normal for many of us, we need to ensure our working environment is efficient and effective – a place that lets us be our best work selves,' says Poppy Szkiler from Quiet Mark. The organisation has an online directory, which provides an overview of the quietest appliances currently available, including desk fans, acoustic office furniture, flooring, blinds and acoustic wall coverings.

'When Quiet Mark tests or verifies home appliances, we take into consideration a variety of factors including sound quality. The way a product sounds can either enhance or disrupt your space,' Poppy explains. 'Two appliances could have the same decibel level, but one could have an annoying rattling sound, in which case, we’d exclude it.'

Walls, floors, doors and windows sorted, soft rugs and curtains in place, and quiet gadgets plugged in. It's time to get to work.

As remote and hybrid working is a regular occurrence in the current landscape, WFH is something we’re now used to in the UK. Home office set-ups are a must then. As is knowing how to keep warm when working from home with the temperatures rapidly dropping.

UK’s houses are infamous for being cold and poorly insulated, which is why one needs to get creative and think of ways to stay warm while working away at your desk this winter. Especially as we find ourselves in the midst of an energy crisis and a newly increased energy price cap starting from January 2024, when putting the heating on with the need to only warm up one room in the house is not the most economical solution for a large or small home office idea.

But fear not as the Ideal Home team has got some tried-and-tested tricks up their sleeves - which come layered up, of course, as per Alice Beer’s three-layer rule to staying warm.

How to keep warm when WFH this winter

Keeping warm during the winter months even in the shelter of our homes is no joke. And to avoid skyrocketing energy bills resulting from having the heating on the whole day while working from home, our editors shared some of their inventive go-tos that they employ to keep them nice and toasty once the temperatures drop. Apart from the regular blanket, of course.

1. Layer up

As already mentioned, presenter Alice Beer’s tip of wearing three layers when at home during winter is a non-negotiable. But apart from that, it’s also about what kind of layers you use.

For one, cosy fingerless gloves like the Essential Cashmere Wrist Warmers from The White Company are a must when typing away on your laptop or computer all day long with your hands constantly out and exposed.

A blanket hoodie like the Oodie kind is another go-to for Ideal Home’s Junior Writer, Jullia Joson. ‘I typically just bundle up in my Oodie that I got for Christmas last year if I'm particularly chilly.’

Hot drinks are an obvious one. But have you thought of giving your mug an extra layer to keep your drink hot for longer? Our Deputy Digital Editor, Rebecca Knight has and she swears by her adorable Cup Cosy Mini Knitting Kit from Stitch & Story which she’s knitted herself. 

2. Heated layers and soft furnishings

Heated blankets, pillows and seat cushions are a step-up from their non-heated counterparts that you won’t regret investing in when the temperatures get closer and closer to 0°.

‘I use an electric blanket throw at my desk, this Dreamcatcher one from Amazon. It's life-changingly good,’ exclaims Ecommerce Editor, Molly Cleary.

Similarly, Print Deputy Editor, Ginevra Benedetti, swears by her Ploov Heating Cushion from Stoov which she keeps on her lap or behind her back.

3. Portable heat

As it turns out some of the best electric heaters come both big and small. If all you’re looking to warm up are your hands, then Amazon’s U-MISS Rechargeable Hand Warmers might be the way to go. 

‘I'm always complaining that my hands are cold, so my husband gave me a set of rechargeable hand warmers last Christmas, which I love,’ says Heather Young, Ideal Home’s Editor-in-Chief. ‘I think he intended for me to use them when I'm watching my son play football at the weekend, but I actually keep them by my desk to warm up my frozen fingers after time spent typing on my laptop!’

But if you’re looking for a larger scale solution, then a portable heater should do the job. ‘As a chilly person, I have a Humi hot and cold personal heater under my desk. It was only £30 and great for all temps,’ says Lara Evans, Style At Home’s Art Editor.

Plugging in one of the best heated clothes airers such as the Minky Electric Heated Clothes Airer from Amazon would also do the trick of heating up the room and most importantly you though.

4. Keep the feet warm

Don’t neglect the feet and keep your toes toasty with a layer of cosy bed socks, like these luxe Cashmere bed socks from The White Company. ‘A fleece blanket wrapped around my legs with cosy bed socks does the trick for me usually,’ Jullia confirms.

On top of that, you can warm up your feet by placing them atop a good hot water bottle, as recommended by our Digital Deputy Editor Rebecca. Or a step up from that is a dedicated foot warmer to slip your feet into like the M&S Supersoft Faux Fur Foot Warmer.

5. Don’t let the heat out

It’s important to keep the warmth in and the chill out so closing the door and insulate your home office as best as you can is crucial.

‘Big one for me is that I should keep the door of the room I'm working in closed so that I keep the heat in,’ Heather agrees. ‘I don't like to feel shut away so I tend to leave it open, but I know that it would be far more efficient to close it and create a warm little den around my desk.’

Apart from doors, your windows are another escape route for the accumulated warmth. But you can keep it in with thermal or double-lined curtains, as per Andrea Childs, Editor of Country Homes & Interiors.

‘I have glass doors on to the garden in my home office, so I have a double-thickness full-length curtain that I pull shut over them when I stop work in the evening, then draw them open in the morning. It helps heat escaping through the glazing.’

Now, we’re off to put another layer on and make a new cuppa to warm us up.

A recent study found that people who have plants or bookcases as their backdrop on video calls tend to make better first impressions in online meetings than those without – and now, it's got us rethinking our own WFH video call setups.

Following the pandemic that struck workplaces at its core in 2020, more and more have started to adopt either a hybrid working model, or have just stuck to purely working from home, whether that be in a dedicated home office or just at your kitchen table.

However, being at home doesn't negate the responsibility of showing up to your meetings, albeit online. And as it turns out, your backdrop can make all the difference in how somebody forms a first impression on you – which means we should probably elevate our home office wall decor ideas – and soon.

'With more of us working from home and regularly on video calls, our backdrops have become another area to decorate and perfect,' starts Jonathon Clark, creative director at Shelved. 'Rather than displaying plain walls or a chaotic background with our daily items in plain sight, people are now striving to create a space that is worth flaunting.'

Research reveals video call backdrops of plants and bookcases make the best first impression

A recent study conducted at Durham University asked more than 160 undergraduate students to evaluate a selection of images of people against different virtual backgrounds, all with a variety of facial expressions.

The backgrounds consisted of a living room, a blurred living room, a bookcase, houseplants on a cupboard, a blank wall, and a walrus in front of an iceberg. And yep, you guessed it, those with backgrounds of the bookcase or houseplants made the best impression in a video call context, appearing more professional and trustworthy.

And really, it's interesting that this is the case, and it makes us wonder: why?

'There are multiple reasons this could be the case, such as a person caring about their home and their surroundings as well as the ability to maintain and care for their plants,' starts Kate Duckworth, interior and trends expert at Swift Direct Blinds. 

'Houseplants are also linked to positive moods and wellbeing, therefore that association could see others appreciate and recognise this from seeing them in the background. Bookcases are also a great reflection of a person, showing whether they are organised, creative or well-read – it is a great way of gathering an idea of someone's interests or general personality.'

'Bookshelves have come a long way from being used as a functional book storage unit, and instead are tools of creativity and interest,' adds Jonathon at Shelved.

'From an ornament you treasure from your travels, your favourite tropical plant, or a place to showcase your impressive vinyl collection, they can spark up great conversation and complete a scheme by providing a beautiful backdrop to any room.'

In fact, a handful of the Ideal Home team have already adopted these styles of video call backdrops. Our Editor in Chief, Heather Young, even said, 'My handy husband built these shelves in our office, and I have specifically positioned my desk so that they're my backdrop for video calls.'

We don't know about you but it sounds like the perfect time to brush up on getting our bookshelves looking up to scratch, especially if a gauge of our trustworthiness and professionalism is on the line. Plus, with handy home decor discounts it's achievable without spending a lot.

The very worst mistakes to avoid in a small home office can have a big impact on productivity and comfort, others are more aesthetic but can be equally detrimental to your mood. Whether you are working from home full time, or just need a dedicated space for squaring away life admin, there are a few common home office design mistakes to avoid that are particularly relevant to small home office ideas.

Not making the most of clever storage solutions is one of the worst mistakes you can make when renovating a bijou workspace. ‘Clever storage is crucial in small home offices. Consider using your walls to install shelving, use the space beneath your desk to hide some conveniently placed drawers or position personal possessions on your windowsills,’ says Juliette Thomas, director of Juliettes Interiors. 

Aesthetics are also a top priority, especially when you only have a small space in which to make a big impression. ‘While you want a small home office to be functional first and foremost, it’s also important to have some personal touches for your own well-being. Choosing a well-positioned table lamp and mirror can also be key to giving the impression of a larger space and help it feel more homely,’ adds Juliette. 

Mistakes to avoid in a small home office

The rise of remote working has led to increased demand for dedicated office spaces in our homes, ideally shut behind closed doors. Whether that be in a rarely used guest bedroom, box room dumping ground or redundant dining room, with careful spatial planning and some well-chosen fittings, a well-appointed small home office can help you work harder and more effectively, without losing the will to live. Just make sure you take note of these mistakes to avoid in a small home office.

1. Failing to prioritise windows

Even if your small office only has a small window, overlook its benefits at your peril. ‘As with any small room, you should try to let in natural light to make your home office feel bigger. It will help to boost concentration and productivity and is not as harsh as artificial light,’ says interior design expert Anna Elkington, from Melody Maison.

‘In an office, it may be beneficial to have roller blinds to control the amount of light coming in to prevent glare on your screen at certain times of day. Alternatively, position your desk or monitors in front of or to the side of the window as another way of preventing glare and maximising your views of the outside – great for those all-important screen breaks,’ adds Anna.

A soft, sheer window dressing like voiles or shutters, which can be angled to deflect strong sunlight, are good options to help diffuse screen glare without having to switch on the lights.

2. Excluding nature

Researchers from Exeter University found house plants can increase productivity by 15% and help you feel more physically, cognitively and emotionally involved in your work. ‘Don’t exclude nature, plants are a really easy way to bring the outdoors into a small home office,’ agrees Yvonne Keal, senior product manager at Hillarys.

‘As well as adding colour, they breathe life into a space and have a proven effect on our wellbeing - which is key when you might be indoors for long periods. Add in some other natural materials, like raw wood and bamboo and you’ll notice a real uplift in your mood throughout the day,’ Yvonne says.

The good news for small home office owners is that it only takes a few green desktop houseplant ideas to reduce mental tension by 40% – try Devil’s Ivy, Dracaena and Peace Lily.

3. Not experimenting with paint colours

Plain, boring walls are nothing short of a missed opportunity in a room that demands you stay awake and stimulated! When considering how to add colour to a home office, Anna Hill from Fenwick & Tilbrook recommends seeking out uplifting colours that can have a positive impact on your mood and overall well-being when WFH. 

‘If you have a small home office space, there are many things you can do to avoid the space being boring from a paint and design perspective,’ she adds. ‘Accent walls with a bold or contrasting colour are brilliant for introducing personality and visual interest to the space without overwhelming it. Just be sure to choose a wall that won't make the room feel smaller.’ 

If you're feeling experimental, Anna suggests opting for a two-tone wall or functional colour blocking. ‘For example, you could paint the area around your desk in a distinct colour that sets it apart from the rest of the space,’ she explains.

4. Insufficient lighting

There’s no denying natural daylight is the best way to illuminate a small home office, keeping efficiency levels up and ultimately making you feel more awake during the day. 

However, neglecting your home office lighting ideas is a common mistake that can have annoying repercussions, especially in North-facing rooms. ‘If your home office is dark, consider a few floor lamps or even a hanging pendant directly over your desk. An extendable wall lamp is very convenient as it will offer flexibility a fixed light simply can’t,’ says Jo Plant, head of design, Pooky. 

Aim to position lighting so that it does create direct glare but you are not working in shadow, and think carefully about access to light switches to ensure there is at least one that’s easily within reach without leaving your desk. 

‘Remember also, that your dependency on light will fluctuate throughout the year so consider the seasons when planning how much and what type of lighting you need.

If you have enough table space available, a desk light will complete your home office and lend focus to your work,’ adds Jo.

5. Not installing sufficient sockets

A proper electrical plan is as important in a home office as it is in a kitchen, and if you’re newly renovating, now is the perfect opportunity to chase in extra wiring. When space is in short supply, swerving the chaos of extension cables and devices charging on every surface is a smart move.

While many peripherals are now wireless, most wireless gadgets need charging, so try to include a dedicated cupboard, with plenty of charging points inside, to close it all neatly away out of sight. Talking of neat solutions, it’s worth investing in good looking sockets so the ones you can see are not a blight on the walls. 

‘Investing in stylish sockets shows your attention to design detail. Make a statement with brass or smoked gold - as eye-catching as any ornament or picture frame,’ agrees Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, co-owner at Dowsing & Reynolds.

Get more bang for your buck by seeking out sockets with USB and USB-C ports to charge multiple devices. Smart sockets with built-in Wi-Fi let you control plugged-in items, like lamps, from your phone. Link to a compatible device such as Alexa or Siri to enable voice control. You can also opt for smart plugs as a retrofit alternative if you're a renter.

6. Choosing small-scale furniture

When fitting out a space-starved home office it can be tempting to opt for slimline furniture in a bid to save precious inches. In reality, there are some furnishings you can afford to scale down, and others that need to be nicely proportioned to be comfortable. 

Yes, we’re talking about the office chair. ‘Design the office around a supportive and comfortable chair and you will inherently enjoy your time more working there,’ explains Elaine Penhaul, director of Lemon & Lime Interiors. Look for an office chair that offers height adjustment, swivel and lumbar support as a minimum requirement to reduce the risk of back pain and hip pressure. 

‘While there’s a fine line between cosy and cramped, don’t compromise on the functional and wellbeing benefits of larger scale furniture just to make more space for the sake of it,’ she continues. ‘Make changes in keeping with the evolving homeworking needs. For example, commit to a more sustainable way of working by going paperless, which can reduce the need to store documents on shelves or in binders, creating more room for a decent size desk and ergonomic chair.’

7. Scrimping on storage

Prioritising aesthetics over functionality is an easy mistake to make, especially when lured by the inspirational WFH set-ups on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, says Kelly Collins, head of creative, Swyft. Although she admits to being very tempted by a charming writing desk for her own home office, Kelly opted for a built-in desk with sufficient storage to host the large fabric books she references daily. 

‘Design should always harmonise with purpose, particularly when it comes to storage,’ she says. ‘For example, I advise against using excessive open storage. While it's appealing in images, real-life organisation can be trickier so do consider whether you’ll manage to maintain it consistently. Personally, I can't focus in a messy workspace, yet creativity isn't always tidy. I’d recommend assessing items and access frequency to ensure you have enough storage and that every inch is put to good use.’ 

8. Not maximising every inch

When there’s not a lot of space to spare, you can’t afford to waste an inch. Small home offices are often squeezed into quirky rooms with challenging architectural features, such as sloped ceilings, uneven walls and tight corners. When standard off-the-peg storage and furniture simply will not fit, it could be time to consider bespoke solutions.  

‘Overlooking awkward alcoves and corners is a missed opportunity for optimising your home office space. Custom-made furniture can transform these seemingly unusable areas into functional and aesthetically pleasing home office solutions, allowing you to make the most of every inch of the room,’ says Molly Chandler, designer, Willis & Stone. 

‘By tailoring furniture to fit these unique spaces, you not only enhance the functionality of your room but also create a visually harmonious environment that seamlessly integrates with your overall decor.’

9. Over-cluttering

Yes, a few personal touches, family photos and colourful artwork will make a small office feel more inviting and promote a more pleasant working environment, but excess clutter will have the opposite effect. 

‘A home office is a space where you should feel clear-headed and ready to tackle your day,’ agrees Juliette Thomas, director of Juliettes Interiors. ‘A few personal items such as photos, trinkets and house plants can boost your mood and provide your home office with character, but it is important to keep the space as minimalist as possible. A cluttered workspace has been scientifically proven to have a negative effect on productivity as it can be easily distracting. Use well-designed storage, such as cabinets, folders and bookcases to keep your items organised and tidied away.’

Even with sufficient storage to hand, the clutter and desk detritus can quickly build so consider scheduling regular clear outs to keep everything under control. A clean desk policy, where you avoid printing paperwork unnecessarily and put stationery and devices away at the end of each working day, can help you start the next day with a fresh, clear mind. 

10. Not considering noise

‘When planning a home office, it’s worth thinking about when you’ll use it, and who else is likely to be in the house during those times. For example, a work area on a landing or in the dining room is great if you live alone or as a couple – but not so great if you have young children running past every few minutes,’ says designer Karen Nairstone from Studio KIND, who recently styled home offices for the show homes at The Ironworks, Leeds. 

‘Proximity to noisy areas such as kitchen, lounge or utility should be avoided if possible – along with any areas that could potentially be thoroughfares.’ 

If you’re lucky enough to have a home office behind closed doors, it is still wise to think about potential noise disruption when decorating, especially if your work involves regular Zoom calls and Teams meetings. ‘If an office next to the kitchen or playroom is the only option, then there may be scope to have a bookshelf backing onto that room that will absorb the noise, or even a thick cork board can assist with this,’ Karen adds.

FAQs

Working from home, at least for a part of the week, has become the norm over recent years which has led to the rise of the home office – whether that's a dedicated room or a cosy corner of our home. 

There's a lot to consider with home office ideas, from desks and chairs, to lighting and storage, but one shouldn’t underestimate the power of decorating with the right artwork.

We already know how art improves wellbeing in the home and, similarly, the artworks we surround ourselves with while working affects us and our productivity levels. So what kind of art should you gaze at while working from home? We’ve consulted our experts to find out once and for all...

Best home office art for high productivity

Whether you’re in need of some home office decor ideas (perhaps you’re decorating your first ever home office like I’m in the process of right now) or struggle with lack of productivity while working from home, being aware of the patterns that are subconsciously stressing you out and knowing what type of imagery and prints increase focus and productivity is key. 

‘In the same way that colours have a big impact on the way we feel, images and patterns can have a positive effect on how productive we are at work,’ says psychologist from Impulse Therapy, Dr Ree Langham. ‘What’s more, certain patterns and shapes are even said to help us feel more creative and can even improve our overall well-being.’

Dr Ree also refers to a study conducted by the British Council for Offices which ‘has found that art in workplaces can help businesses to reduce stress amongst their employees, increase creativity and also encourage conversation and expression.’ So the same effect can be replicated in your home office environment. Perhaps minus the conversation, unless you have a work buddy at home.

‘Incorporating the right images and prints into your office or home office can make a world of difference, not only in terms of productivity but also in creating a space that you truly enjoy spending time in,' adds Steven Stokes, founder of Print Panoramics.

So what type of imagery should we be adding to our home office?

'What images make us feel more productive are, of course, subjective – an image that makes one person feel more motivated will be different for another,' notes Dr Harriet Shortt, associate professor in Organisation Studies at Bristol Business School and expert in all things organisation and work spaces.

'Research shows that if we, as individuals, are able to pick and choose the artwork and images that surround us, we’re more productive and generally happier at work. Clear desks and clinical, bare workplaces are not the way to make people feel productive. We have to design the human into workplaces.'

And while this is to some level subjective, our experts have agreed on a few types of imagery that is proven to stimulate work productivity.

Nature-themed prints

Nature-themed prints are the top of the list for working spaces, neatly going hand in hand with the most recommended home office colour scheme which include blues and greens.

‘Images of nature such as water, hills and plants are said to help us feel more grounded and calm,' explains Dr Ree. 'They can reduce stress and anxiety, and help us to focus. Nature images and their biophilic design have an inherent ability to automatically result in our brains associating them with feelings of relaxation which can be great for mental fatigue and stress.'

‘When it comes to colours, cool shades like blue and green are said to boost focus and efficiency, and they also have a calming effect,' she continues. 'The University of Sussex evaluated the use of specific colours in offices and found that blue stimulated the mind and ignited conversation.’

'Recent research in the field of biophilic design also promotes the use of images and artwork,' adds Dr Harriet. 'But, specifically, pieces that relate to our human connection with nature and the natural environment. How these sorts of images make people feel in the workplace is, once again, subjective, but many researchers believe they will have a positive impact on productivity, well-being and lowering stress levels.'

Abstract art

Even though abstract art is perhaps the exact opposite of nature scenes, this option can also do wonders for stimulating creativity and productivity.

‘Abstract art with vibrant colours can stimulate creativity and inspire fresh ideas. Vibrant colours in abstract art can stimulate the brain and encourage creative thinking,’ says Steven from Print Panoramics.

‘Decorating your walls with bold, abstract prints of calming objects will also ensure your home office is bursting with mood-boosting vibes,’ adds Annica Wallin, executive creative director at art print brand, Desenio.

Both Steven and Annica suggest a bold, vibrant colour scheme contrasting the calming blues and greens recommended by Dr Ree.  ‘Bright and bold colours in your work area will add energy and uplift your mood,’ says Annica.

Geometric patterns

Similarly to abstract prints, some geometric patterns are great for productivity too due to their ability to help us focus.

‘Geometric patterns, when not too busy, can actually stimulate the brain and again help us to focus,' says Dr Ree. 'Experts have also found that the right type of geometric pattern can actually engage our brain.' 

Motivational quotes

Another home office wall decor idea is a print of an inspirational quote. Some can come across as cheesy, granted. But the secret is picking one that actually motivates you and inspires you. Explore the retailers you love, or those with handy home decor discount codes, to see which sayings speak to you.

‘Motivational prints remind us of our goals and aspirations, motivating us to work towards them,’ says Steven of Print Panoramics.

'Prints with motivational quotes will help to boost both your mental wellbeing and work productivity throughout the day,' agrees Annica from Desenio. 'Adding a motivational quotation print will serve as a playful reminder that each day is an opportunity for a fresh start.’

We think this might just be the end of our occassional less than productive WFH days once and for all.

Your home office paint choice is more important than you might think as it will have a major impact on your creativity, inspiration and productivity when working from home.

Your home office colour scheme should be carefully considered, as it will not only affect the room decor theme, but also your work ethic and well-being. It deserves as much focus as you would give to choosing the best colour for a kitchen or selecting the most calming colours for a bedroom.

Of course, room colour is down to personal choice, but according to experts, there is a selection of colours you should never paint a home office or you may end up with a distracting environment and an idle mindset, after all that hard paint work. 

We've asked some of our favourite colour councillors what home office shades they think we should avoid if we want to 'work it like a boss' from home.

Colours you should never paint a home office

If you work from home, your home office ideas (whether it's a dedicated room or a desk in your living room) will need a lot of attention as it's where you'll spend your 9-5 which is a huge bulk of the working week.

Plus in today's era of Zoom and Team meetings, your home office is likely to be your window to the working world, so it pays to choose a paint colour that reflects a sense of professionalism as well as personality.

'It's vital that home offices are still as classy and professional as in-person offices. This is due to the rise in video calls, which allow your client/colleague to see inside your home office,' says, James Mackie, office expert from BestBuy Office Chairs.

'An unprofessional background sets a negative tone and will influence anyone into thinking you're unserious and unprepared for your working life.'

Here are the colours to avoid painting your home office if you are looking to boost your productivity at home.

1. All white

An interior designer or decorator's rule of thumb is to never paint walls bright white, no matter what room you are painting as it can look cold, stark and sterile. 

'A fully white office space is unlikely to be a destination that you'd like to work in all day on a freezing day in winter, which will dampen your productivity levels and have a profound effect on your work,' continues James Mackie.

Instead, choose an off-white or neutral shade. You'll notice that when you go to the hardware store (unless it's for wood or ceilings) the best white paint colours will have an undertone colour and be assigned an adjective. For example Crown Paint's popular 'Sail White' offers a whisper of grey. And, Farrow & Ball's 'Wimborne White'  has a creamy undertone of warm yellow.

The ultimate neutral can work wonders when given a Scandi twist using pops of colour. 

Catharina Björkman from  Contura, explains. 'Scandi design uses neutral colours, which enhance feelings of calm and create a zen-like environment. Choose soothing colours sticking to the most natural tones and hues. If you like bright colours add them as accents through accessories such as your chair cushion or pen pot. Inspirational artwork is also a great way to add a pop of colour and personality to a workspace.'

2. Black

 Have you ever seen a communal office painted black?  There is a reason this might be.

'Too much black on the walls can promote a sense of gloominess and dread, and the darkness will help diminish any natural lighting which leads to a sombre atmosphere. This discourages productivity when there is work to be done, meaning it should always be avoided in a home office,' explains James Mackie

But, before you head for the light, when balanced proportionately a shot of black can add masculine and industrial character when teamed with warm wood and textured brickwork as shown above. Remember it's all about the balance.

3. Red

Red can be a tricky colour to work with in the home, and although the red colour trend is staging a comeback it's best to use it with caution in a home office.

Working with House of Fraser, Style psychologist, Dr. Dion Terrelonge explains why red is a colour you should never paint a home office. 'Studies have found that the colour red and visually complex environments excite the brain and cause overload, therefore we may want to avoid this colour for harmonious living.'

Sam Jenkinson from Garden Office manufacturer, Tiger, agrees, 'Red is a stimulating colour that can be energising, but it can also be distracting and overwhelming. It’s also been found to evoke hunger. Red isn’t the best choice for a home office where you need to focus and concentrate.'

If you really are keen to get a nugget of red into your home office, then keep it like that 'a nugget'. Use it as accent splashes to add a little vibrancy to a room, but avoid letting it overwhelm the space.

4. Grey

It's no secret that a few years ago grey was the go-to neutral tone for all. But as warm neutrals have taken over the trend, grey can now feel a little out-of-date and drab.  

As we've already discussed with using black in a home office, too much dark grey can leave your study feeling gloomy and can discourage productivity. 

Instead, reach for lighter and more uplifting tones. 'Not only is (light) grey an easy colour to work with, but it helps give a great overall sense of calmness and tranquillity, all while being classy and professional,' explains James Mackie. 

FAQ

When designing and decorating your working-from-home space, you need to carefully consider the colours you’re going to use and what your overall home office colour scheme is going to look like.

Colour has a lot of power. And depending on what shades you choose to surround yourself, the space will have a different effect on your mood and state of mind. This is especially important when it comes to home office ideas as this is a room where you need to focus on the task at hand and be productive. And picking the right colours can help you with that. On the other hand, going for the wrong hues can have the exact opposite effect.

‘Colour can have a strong influence on our concentration and ability to focus,’ says Kathryn Lloyd, Crown colour specialist. ‘With that in mind, choosing the right shade for a home office is key to ensuring productivity.’

Home office colour schemes

Using colour psychology in interior design is one of the smartest ways to create a home that works for you – and not just on an aesthetic or a practical level, but also an emotional one.

‘Colour choice in a home office is hugely important; you're creating an environment that should keep you calm, focused, and motivated, often for hours at a time,’ says Tash Bradley, director of interior design at Lick and author of Master the Art of Colour, available from Amazon. ‘Colour affects your mood, your energy levels, even your productivity. So choosing the right shades can make the difference between feeling inspired and feeling distracted or drained. It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about psychology and wellbeing.’

She adds, ‘For home offices, I always think about function first, then feeling. You want shades that support focus and mental clarity, but also make you feel comfortable and at ease.’

1. Pair sage green with beige

Both green and beige can work in a home office on their own, without the accompaniment of the other. But if you’re for creating a more complex home office colour scheme then sage green and soft beige are among the most complementary of shades.

‘Combining Lick’s Green 02 with Beige 01, creates balance. It’s stimulating enough to keep you productive, but still calm and harmonious. Green 02 is a grounded sage that’s brilliant for reducing stress and encouraging mental clarity. Green is known to be the most restful colour for the eyes, perfect for screen-heavy days. And Beige 01 is a warm neutral that creates a quiet, understated backdrop. Great for layering other colours and textures without distraction,’ Tash at Lick says.

2. Create a soothing, colour-blocking feature

One way to incorporate more than one shade of a gradient or complementary colour palette is by creating a colour-blocking scheme on your home office walls. And that’s exactly what Helen Shaw, international director of marketing at Benjamin Moore, recommends.

‘For a modern look, creating a colour-block wall not only adds interest but is an effective tool for zoning a particular area. This works well for a home office where you may want to isolate the desk area itself. Opt for colours within the same colour family at different gradients,’ she advises.

3. Go cheerful and yellow

Refreshing and light or warm and sunny, yellow will add a burst of colour to your home office walls whatever the tone.

'Yellow is the brightest shade on the visible spectrum, representing light and positivity,' says Emily Simmons, creative director at Ruggable. 'Opting for yellow walls can give a room a feeling of warmth and hope. In addition, yellow symbolises a sharp mind, intellect, and curiosity, which is why it is particularly well-suited for an office or reading room.'

Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook, agrees, 'Yellow has a warm and cheerful nature and is ideal for use in a home office as it can bring in a sense of optimism and creativity. It evokes a feeling of vibrancy without overwhelming the space.'

Wondering what to team yellow in the home office? Natural wood can evoke a warming and autumnal feel. Or, blue can create a sophisticated contrast that adds depth and richness.

'For the best effect, place these colours strategically and be sure to choose the right shades of blue and yellow. Use muted shades of yellow and deeper tones of blue to create a space that is energising, easy on the eye and set for comfort,' Anna says.

4. Be creative with coral

Uplifting and vibrant, coral offers a shot of dopamine to your working day and is a surefire way to give your home a mood-boosting makeover.

'Coral is a delightful blend of pink and orange tones that are warming and cosy. It’s ideal for a small, informal office area or a space to have catch-ups with colleagues or clients,' explains paint and interiors specialist, Sarah Lloyd, at Valspar Paint.

'Coral pairs well with other warm colours such as gold, yellow, and peach, as well as with cooler shades of white and pale grey.'

The pretty colour makes an ideal shade to gently but surely zone off a workspace in an open-plan area.

'Make your office a brighter space than the rest of the room. Picture a spotlight shining on your desk and paint a circle of colour that covers the floor around your chair and goes up the walls for a delightfully “zoned” area. Chalk Paint™ can paint anything so you can include your desk chair, your desk, your lamp, and even your bin in the zoning area,' suggests Annie Sloan CBE, paint and colour expert.

5. Play with blue

Of all the colours in the rainbow when it comes to home office colour schemes, it has been proven that blue is the most successful for productivity in the home office.

'As a rule, short wavelength colours, such as blues, are widely thought of as "intellectual" shades as they help to stimulate thought, communication and concentration. Light blues, such as Crown's Moonlight Bay (available at B&Q), can also promote mental clarity and focus, making them beneficial on those busier workdays,' Kathryn at Crown says.

She continues, 'Meanwhile, dark blues, such as Crown's Abstract Art (available at B&Q) or Midnight Navy (also at B&Q) are really effective in stimulating thought processes, meaning they’re a brilliant choice for working environments. Also, for those that might not have a dedicated room for home working, you can use these shades to create a distinct zone within an open space – for example, by painting half walls or panelling behind a desk.'

6. Soften a scheme with pink

While previous years were dominated by bolder shades of pink, owing to the Barbiecore trend inspired by the Barbie movie, these days it's all about soft and earthy shades of pink in interiors – which also happen to be perfect for a home office.

Tash at Lick suggests a shade like Pink 01, 'A gentle blush that brings warmth and positivity to a space without overwhelming it. It’s especially lovely in a home office that doubles as a creative or multi-use space.'

7. Bring the outside in with green

Green is another calming colour that is often associated with nature – so is perfect for bringing the outside in. Melissa Denham, interior design expert from Hammonds Furniture says: 'Green is the colour of nature and growth, colours like soft olives or sage tones can be a perfect choice for a home office.'

'Opting for a darker green can make the room feel cosy in the darker months when table lamps are on. When furnishing a green colour scheme, you can match it with whites, creams, oranges and peaches which all complement it well.'

Graham & Brown head stylist and trend specialist, Paula Taylor agrees
'The herb sage is thought to have calming properties, and it is the same with a lick of sage paint. Transform your home office into a calming oasis with this fresh yet muted hue; partner with pastel shades to evoke playful energy. To add more warmth to north-facing rooms, combine with light yellow, gold and cream accessories.'

8. Ground with earthy shades

Warm and inviting, the new neutrals are a favourable choice when you want to hunker down in the home office and it's cold outside. A cocooning shade of brown will only make you all the more thankful that there is no commute involved in order to get to work.

Style psychologist, Dr Dion Terrelonge teamed up with House of Fraser to explain. 'These colours may help us to feel grounded thanks to their connection with nature and include terracotta, warm blues, greens, and gentle yellows. When combining colours, think complimentary, rather than contrasting tones'.

Founder and CEO of Studio Dean, Cathy Dean agrees. 'A brown interior colour scheme is surprisingly versatile and not at all as dramatic as it sounds, as there are so many tones that you can ease into. Opting for a neutral brown base allows you to have versatility in your home.'

9. Keep it crisp with Scandi white

An all-white home office can sometimes seem sterile but by opting for the best white paint and shade for your given space, you can easily avoid creating this negative effect.

With the right shade of brightening white and a few pops of colour injected via accessories will instantly transform a stark home office into a source of inspiration full of character. You can pick up the office neccessities in these brighter shades using home decor discount codes so your budget gets stretched further.

This method of decorating is Scandinavian formula that never fails, as interiors expert at Contura, Catharina Björkman, explains. 'Scandi design uses neutral colours, which enhance feelings of calm and create a zen-like environment. But if you like bright colours add them as accents through accessories such as your chair cushion or pen pot. Inspirational art work is also a great way to add a pop of colour and personality to a workspace.'

FAQs

What's the most on-trend colour to paint my home office?

Fashionable shades have moved away from the greys and whites (that we saw a lot of in the last few decades) to more warming tones that experts are calling 'new neutrals'.

'Earthy tones, work well in office spaces as they bring the feel of the outdoors into your home, creating a welcoming space to spend your day,' explains Aaron Markwell, lead colour curator at COAT Paints.

What's the best room for a home office?

According to a survey conducted by Groundworks, the guest room of a property is best suited to convert into a home office. However, as we are not all lucky enough to own extra rooms, the basement came in second. Zoning a space in the living was the third most practical space.

Helen at Benjamin Moore concludes, ‘The working environment is possibly the most complex space to decorate. Depending on the type of work you do and the state of mind you need to be in to be productive, it offers the broadest choice of colours. If you work in a creative sector where you need inspiration and energy you may choose a different suite of colours to someone whose job requires calmness and attention to detail.’

It’s needless to say that we’re pretty lamp-obsessed at the minute in the Ideal Home office. But can you blame us with all these lovely table lamps on the market and new ones coming out pretty much daily? And yet, another one has come to our attention, that’s also a dupe for a designer classic on top of that. It’s the John Lewis Tony desk lamp.

Not only that it might be one of the best desk lamps in its own right, the Tony lamp is the perfect dupe for the iconic Anglepoise Type 75 desk lamp that’s also sold through John Lewis. But while the former sells for perfectly acceptable £25, the latter goes for £219 a pop. Or £189 for the Mini version, which in all fairness is closer in size to the Tony lamp.

Our current lamp-happy attitude has already succumbed to the likes of the Dunelm Keko wireless lamp and the M&S Kirsten table lamp. And now we find ourselves falling victim to the Tony lamp. Part of the department store’s budget-friendly ANYDAY range, the steel task lamp is the ideal addition to any home office with its adjustable head and petite, space-saving design, ideal for small home office ideas.

The Pixar-worthy, best-selling Type 75 task lamp by Anglepoise is the result of 80 years refining what a task lamp should be and look like, with a design inspired by vintage desk lamp styles. And it has a couple of things on its dupe. 

One is its size. The Type 25 is larger, towering over the 36cm-high Tony lamp at 53cm. But that might be a downside for you if you’re struggling for space. The other thing is its ergonomic functionality taken to the extreme. While the Tony lamp features an adjustable head, the Type 75 comes with adjustable everything.   

Ideal Home’s Digital Deputy Editor, Rebecca Knight, has already bagged the wireless Amazon table lamp this season. Now, she’s eyeing up the mustard colourway of the Tony lamp that she was the first one to spot. ‘I think that a good desk lamp is a must and this one ticks all the boxes. What caught my eye about this design first and foremost was the cheerful mustard colour that it comes in. And its entire colour range might even be better than the original Anglepoise desk lamp that it’s a dupe for.’

Indeed, the cheerful colourways in various finishes (gloss, matte, metallic, you name it) like the aforementioned mustard, as well as lichen and sleek metallic gold tone and copper of the Tony lamp contrast the industrial colours of the Type 75 such as black, white and silver.

So which one takes the cake in the battle of the ideal task lamps?

Whether you have a dedicated home office space or have designated a space or area in your bedroom, living room or dining room table for you to work or enjoy a hobby, creating a space where you can not only concentrate but do some in a calm manner, is key. While you can perfect your home office ideas, it is important not to forget about the role scenting your home office can play too.

'The choice of home fragrances for a home office can play a significant role in promoting productivity, reducing stress, and creating a conducive work environment,’ says Alex Hall, founder at Born of Botanics. 

‘In home offices, it's important to strike a balance between invigoration and tranquillity,’ suggests Aluxury’s founder, Andrew Gaugler. However, only you will know exactly what kind of working environment you’re looking to achieve in your work-from-home space.

‘While there is ongoing research on the effects of scents on productivity and stress reduction, the field is still evolving, and scientific evidence may vary. Certain smells have been traditionally associated with specific mood and cognitive performance effects,’ Alex adds.

The best home office scents

If you're looking to scent your at-home working space, some of the leading fragrance experts have shared their top recommendations for what scents to choose with us.

Whether you use essential oils in a diffuser like The White Company's motion sensor plug-in diffuser, or a traditional candle, these are the scents to opt for.

1. Rosemary

‘Whenever you need a boost of brain power, awakening scents like mint, rosemary and eucalyptus are stimulating, making them great for concentration,’ affirms The White Company’s founder, Chrissie Rucker OBE.

‘Rosemary has been linked to improved cognitive performance and memory retention,’ remarks Alex. ‘The scent of rosemary may help increase alertness and concentration, making it a suitable fragrance for a home office where focus and productivity are essential.’

2. Peppermint

‘Peppermint is known for its invigorating and refreshing qualities. It may help boost energy levels, improve concentration, and alleviate mental fatigue, making it beneficial for a home office setting,’ Alex continues.

3. Woody notes

‘If it’s a sense of calm you’re after, select fragrances with woody and resin notes; there’s a reason why sandalwood, cedar and frankincense have long been used for meditative practices,’ reveals Tajinder Banwait, founder of Urban Apothecary London.

‘The woody note of sandalwood is reputed for encouraging mental clarity, making it an ideal component for office ambience. Additions of earthy cedarwood and patchouli offer a calming undertone, helping to alleviate work-related stresses,’ Andrew concurs.

Experiment with scent combinations

‘It's important to note that individual responses to scents can vary, and what works well for one person may not have the same effect on another,’ warns Alex. And this is especially true for fragrances that we’re hoping will give us an energy or concentration boost.

‘Furthermore, research on the impact of odours on productivity and stress reduction is still emerging, and more scientific studies are needed to establish concrete conclusions,’ Alex continues.

So, experimenting with a few different fragrances before you decide on a definitive one can help you work out which one works best for you during office hours. Essentially, you want to make your work environment and space one which is pleasant and inviting, with it being an added bonus if it impacts or improves your mood and overall performance.

‘Scents used in a home office should not be too strong that it becomes distracting either,' says Chrissie from The White Company. ‘Using a scent like Wild Mint in a diffuser or candle is a subtle way to softly scent a home office.’

FAQs

IKEA has just launched a new portable desk organiser that's the perfect solution if you're in need of an on-the-go workspace at your fingertips. We think it's a neat IKEA hack if you want to switch things up within a home office and keep all your essentials in one place.

Given that the way we work has changed so drastically in the past two to three years following the pandemic, it comes as no surprise that our workspaces are getting smaller, more compact, and now, portable (hats off to you, Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk).

Well, cult favourite, IKEA, has done it again by tapping into innovative working solutions with their own little portable workstation. And honestly? We're here for it.

IKEA VATTENKAR desk organiser

IKEA's latest launch, the VATTENKAR desk organiser is a nifty little portable organiser that allows for ease when switching between workspaces, from your home to the office. Or, you can just keep it at your desk as extra home office storage for your go-to bits – not to mention, it'll help to spruce up an empty or tired-looking home office desk in need of some TLC.

The organiser measures 33 x 21 x 43cm. On one side, there is a high front and an elastic strap to keep your laptop in place – and on the other, a low front for smaller items.

Even better yet, there's scope to personalise the portable desk organiser to really match your vibe, and make you feel happier in your workspace, which will ultimately boost your productivity.

The back panel of the desk organiser is essentially just a smaller counterpart of the cult SKADIS pegboard (a personal bedroom wall decor favourite of mine), so you can use or add compatible accessories from the same series like the SKADIS storage basket, clips, or containers to make the organiser more personal and practical for your needs.

IKEA recently shared the new VATTENKAR desk organiser on its Instagram page, to which it received a positive response from the public saying, 'This is SUCH a great idea,' with another saying 'I need this!'

We've got to say, we think it's a genius little invention. And now that it's out there in the world, we can even see this desk organiser being added to prospective university checklists nationwide as a uni room essential, on top of IKEA's student essentials box.

Not only do we think this could be great for those working office jobs, but we imagine it will also do the job of transporting your uni-goer's study essentials from their uni room to the library.

So, what do you think of this new IKEA launch? Do you think it's a flexible addition to a workspace, or perhaps leaning more towards gimmicky?

The ball's in your court.

IKEA has launched a new desk which we think is just utterly gorgeous if you were planning to embark on a new WFH home office desk setup. However, what's really caught our attention is a never-before-seen tabletop feature – and we can't decide if it's borderline crazy, or actually genius.

As we pretty much all know by now, IKEA is really that budget retailer that never fails to deliver on cult classics every single time (our endless list of IKEA hacks can attest to that). But of course, who's to say that they can't have a little fun with trying something new every once in a while?

IKEA RIDSPÖ desk

IKEA's new desk, the RIDSPÖ in oak, boasts a graceful and stylish design, as well as carefully thought-out functions. Measuring 140 x 70cm and currently retailing for £350 at IKEA, it's slightly more on the spenny side, but for good reason.

Featuring two capacious drawers to optimise your home office storage ideas, a curved shield for privacy, a cable management compartment to help you hide wires, as well as a thoughtful hook, this desk pretty much has it all.

We have to admit, working from home can sometimes (okay, most of the time) become a monotonous cycle of doing the same thing day in and day out. That's why the concept of sprucing up a small home office is always an enjoyable way to switch things up every now and then – and we think this desk might just be the answer.

And of course, how could we forget? The star of the show for us is that a portion of the desk's tabletop is completely made of glass, allowing you to see right into one of the two drawers – which sounds like a dream or a nightmare depending on your storage and organisation habits.

IKEA suggests using the drawer with the glass top feature for notes, tracing, or simply for keeping beautiful and aesthetically pleasing things on display to boost your mood at home while you work.

Once you find out what your clutter says about you, it's probably a clever bit of motivation to make sure you're keeping on top of your weekly Sunday reset and clearing your drawers out often – given that everything in that drawer will be on display. Not to mention, having a clean working environment also contributes to boosting productivity.

There will be no faking a tidy home with this desk, we fear. However, maybe it's actually for the best.

After all, we know we can use all the reason we can get to ensure we're keeping our productivity spaces as clutter and distraction-free as possible.

Whether you’re still working from home, your kids need somewhere to complete their homework, or you just want a dedicated space to catch up on your emails and Facebook stalk your old school crush, a home office is always a good idea. 

However, while no office would be complete without an office chair, finding the right one can be difficult. Not only do you need to find one that’s ergonomically sound, but you also need to find one that fits your home decor requirements. 

But no matter if you’re looking for Scandi office vibes or you’re hoping to add a bit of ‘quiet luxury’ to your space, we’ve handpicked some of our favourite office chairs (that are both stylish AND practical) from some of our favourite homeware brands. And we think you’re going to love them.

Where to buy an office chair - the quick list

• Amazon: all kinds of styles for all kinds of budgets
• Dunelm: stylish but ergonomic office chairs
• Habitat at Argos: budget without scrimping on aesthetics 
• John Lewis & Partners: super stylish with designer look-a-likes
• Very: sturdy and sophisticated 
• Wayfair: a huge selection of chair options

6 of our favourite places to buy an office chair

At Ideal Home, we’re all about finding the ultimate balance between our needs with our wants. And when it comes to our home offices, we want an office chair that matches our aesthetic and looks super stylish. But we also know that we need an office chair that will keep our backs intact and our posture perfect. 

So, we’ve searched our favourite brands and pulled out the best office chairs that will keep you comfortable and supported while still enhancing your space. The extra cherry on top of this very delicious cake? These picks will also suit every budget. 

1. Amazon

You probably don’t need us to tell you that Amazon is a lifesaver when it comes to decking out your home. And while it’s a great place to stock up on nifty storage buys, Amazon is also a great place to buy office chairs. With office chairs to suit all kinds of styles, budgets, and ergonomic needs, there are actually almost 900 office chairs available on Amazon. So, you’re sure to find one that fits the bill. 

Our star pick from Amazon just had to be this YOUTASTE Ergonomic Office Desk. Made from faux leather, it’s streamlined and stylish but still comfortable for the duration of your work day. It’s fully height adjustable and even offers a rocking function for extra support, and with 11 colour options, we’re sure one of these colours will fit seamlessly with the rest of your home office decor. 

2. Habitat at Argos

You can guarantee that Habitat at Argos will always have a range of home furniture to suit all budgets, and that’s no different when it comes to its office chairs. With a mix of chairs under £200, these office chairs won’t break the bank - but will give you a range of styles to choose from. With mid-century dupes, plush velvet chairs, and those that focus purely on ergonomics, you can understand why Habitat at Argos is one of our favourite brands.

There was no way that we couldn’t choose this Clarice Velvet Office Chair from Habitat at Argos as our top pick. After all, I’m sitting in it right now! Yes, as a permanent WFH-er, I wanted to buy a desk chair that was both comfortable and stylish, and that’s exactly why I chose to add this one to my home office. And as if the velvet upholstery and the golden accents weren’t enough to win you over, too, the gas lift function allowing for height adjustment certainly will. 

3. Dunelm

With so many discount codes throughout the year, Dunelm is quickly becoming our go-to furniture brand. And when it comes to its office chairs, it's certainly nailed the brief. Offering sophisticated and stylish options for the ultimate home office, this brand has catered to every corner of the market. You could pick up an office chair for as little as £50 or shell out more for something more design-focused and ergonomically sound.  

At Ideal Home, we’re always on a mission to add more pink to our homes. But we know this colour can go from tasteful to garish real quick, which is why adding pieces like this Connie Pleated Velvet Office Chair could be the perfect way to make your home office blush. With a mix of luxurious upholstery and foam padding with ergonomic armrests, this office chair offers everything you could need for your office. 

4. John Lewis & Partners

John Lewis & Partners certainly knows how to make a house a very luxurious and fancy home. Offering designer dupes and glamorous furniture options, this brand focuses heavily on the look of its office chairs - but that doesn’t mean they’re going to leave you with a bad back. Although it’s arguably more expensive than some other competitors, this is because it’s mastered the art of offering style and practicality. 

Made from faux leather and offering a super sleek and sophisticated look, this Radcliffe Office Chair is easily our top pick at John Lewis & Partners. With its foam-filled seat and ergonomic design, the brand claims that this office chair will support you throughout a full 8-hour working day. The added bonus? This office chair doesn’t have armrests, which means you can tuck it under your desk and keep your home office tidy. 

5. Very

Over the years, Very has grown to become a major player in the online furniture game. This brand offers extremely high-quality products that customers rave about, and that’s certainly the case for its office chairs. 

Although it has a smaller selection than some of the other brands on this list, what it does offer is both stylish and supportive. From classic chairs to on-trend designs, Very has got it all - and for a very reasonable price. 

The boucle furniture trend may have reared its head at the start of 2023, but it’s not going anywhere soon. That’s why you should snap up this Odyssey Boucle Leisure Chair before it sells out. It’ll instantly transform a drab office into the trendiest room in the house while still offering the user comfort. After all, the bucket-style seating and the gas-lift mechanism will help you to stay supported while you work. 

6. Wayfair

With almost 2,000 office chairs on its site, it’s no wonder that Wayfair is one of our favourite brands. It offers every kind of office chair on the spectrum, from corporate office-style chairs that focus primarily on comfort and ergonomics to designer-inspired chairs that would be perfect for the occasional user who wants to buy a real statement piece of furniture. Plus, its chairs suit everyone’s budget, no matter how big or small. 

There are so many reasons why this Mercury Row Silvis Desk Chair is our star pick. For starters, just look at it! We love this mid-century vibe with the curved wood and the contrasting white cushioning, and how can you argue with a price tag like that? But this office chair has also been designed with ergonomics in mind, meaning you can look good and feel good while you’re typing away.

FAQ

I'm a strong believer in separating my work and home life, to help me unwind at the end of the day. However, the realities of living in a small flat in London have ruled out any home office ideas and instead left me craning over my tiny laptop on the dining table if I want to be able to pack my workstation away at the end of the day.

I've dabbled in mini laptop stands, and a separate mouse and keyboard, but even put away they took up a lot of space and were a bit of an eyesore. However, Logitech has finally come up with a solution that is not just functional but also pretty. 

Enter the Casa Pop-Up Desk. Essentially, the Casa is a clever way of combining a laptop stand, wireless keyboard and a touchpad all into one handy package. It sounds so simple, to the point that, astonishingly, this is the first time I've seen a product like this. 

However, what really caught my eye was its interior design appeal. Logitech has packaged its casa keys and casa touch into a slim design that looks just like a linen notebook. It is available in three home decor trend-led shades: green, pink and off-white. 

It blends into a living room (or any room) seamlessly helping to create that distance between work and relaxing when WFH. It blends in so well that when I first saw the Casa Pop-up desk I didn't even notice it, I just thought it was a book on a shelf.

First impression of the Casa Pop-Up desk

I tried out the Casa Pop-Up desk for myself at home, and I'm impressed. I opted for the green Casa Pop-Up desk to blend in with my living room houseplant ideas and navy feature wall. It looked great on a shelf, blending into my book.

I'm far from a tech whizz, so was nervous about the tech part of setting up the keyboard and touchpad. However, it was easy to do, and I've even been able to create shortcuts using the personalised settings on the casa keys that make my job easier.

Is it worth it?

The Casa Pop-Up desk works with most laptops, I was using it with a Windows laptop, but it is also compatible with Macs, Chromebooks and iPads. The one sticking point I have is the price, it is currently only available to purchase through Logitech and John Lewis for £179. 

The Case Pop-Up desk isn't a cheap fix, but it is built to last with a two-year warranty and is currently the only set-up alongside the Logitech combo touch that comes with a touchpad to mimic the same feel of a laptop. If you're working with a budget you could pick up a laptop stand, and the Logitech MK479 Slim Combo, that includes a mouse and keyboard, priced at £55 and tuck them away in a basket at the end of the day. 

However, for me, the space-saving abilities of the Casa and preserving the aesthetic of my living room are worth the investment. My WFH set-up has been revolutionised.

If you send me into the Dyson store with £700 in my pocket, you best believe I'm walking straight past the fans and picking up the coveted Airwrap. That was, until hayfever completely took me out for the last week. 

Even if you're lucky enough to not suffer from hayfever, you may still have heard of the 'pollen bomb' that's been keeping many of us runny-nosed and housebound recently. The Met Office has warned that the high pollen count isn't going anywhere any time soon, and last Sunday, the NHS recieved a call about hayfever every three seconds. 

Admittedly, you probably don't need to invest in the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde to get some much-needed relief this summer, but if you're considering the purchase with hayfever in mind, my review can give you the low-down on just how effective this fan is. 

Launched in March, the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde is Dyson's first purifying humidifying fan. As the name suggests, it also combats formaldehyde, which is one of the most common indoor pollutants in British homes. The chemical is more prevalent in homes with a lot of new furniture, flooring, or upholstery, which can also be an irritant to people who are sensitive to dust, pollen, and other VOCs. 

This fan is hefty, so you won't catch me moving it between rooms this summer. It's also the sort of thing that won't store easily, so expect to use it near-constantly to maintain and track the pollution levels in your home. With that being said though, three months of testing has taught me that this is possibly one of the best air purifier money can buy, and it also works well in the place of one of the best fans for keeping homes cool in the summer. 

Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde review: the specs

• Functions: Purifier, fan and humidifier
• Power: 45W
• Cord length: 2 metres
• Speed settings: 10
• Oscillation: 90˚ left-right
• Other functions: no
• Dimensions: H92.3 x W31.2  x D28cm
• Weight: 8.2 kg
• HEPA filter: HEPA H13

The Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde is an upgraded, Dyson-exclusive version of the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Autoreact. The difference is its ability to pick up formaldehyde in the air and destroy it using a catalytic filter.

Predominantly entering our homes through new products such as flat-pack furniture, upholstery, and flooring, formaldehyde can be particularly damaging for those with breathing problems such as asthma. It's a big one for those who, like me, are in the midst of a home renovation. It's been months since I laid my new carpets and my bedroom still has that chemical, 'new carpet' smell, which is possibly an indication of the VOC's still being given off by the new material. 

How we tested the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde

Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde review: Unboxing and assembly

The good news is, there's absolutely minimal assembly needed with the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde. It arrived in a pretty hefty box, and there was next-to-no plastic packaging to be found. This applies across the board with every Dyson product I've tested, which means I feel a lot less guilty when disposing of packaging.

To set the fan up you need to fill the water tank and slot it into place at the lower front of the machine. As the water goes up through the tank it passes through a λ275nm UV light that ensures it's hygienically dispersed around your room. The tank has a gallon capacity, which means it will last up to 36 hours of continuous use.

You also can simply pull the front and rear panels away to switch your filter, and there's a routine reminder to do this on the Dyson App. According to Dyson's site, the filter is designed to only need replacing once every year. The replacements cost £65, so it's not something I'd want to replace regularly.

Instructions were built onto the key parts of the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde, which is a nice tip for ongoing use. The water tank also comes with a handle which made it feel a bit more portable when moving it between rooms.

You also need to set up the app when using this fan, which is a necessary evil with most smart products these days. I'll hold my hands up and say that I'm quite app-averse. I prefer on-board controls. And while the Dyson doesn't have these built in, it does come with a little remote that gives you all the same controls as the app. What you don't get is the insights, which is the thing I found most useful about checking in from my smartphone. 

Once your phone is paired to your fan, you can trace the air quality in your home continuously. You need to be near to the fan to check in though, so it's not something you can control from the office, or even a different room. 

Pairing is really easy, it's done via Bluetooth and once your fan is connected there's no need to re-connect it even after unplugging and moving it between rooms. As far as apps go, it's one of the easiest experiences I've had. 

Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde: Performance

We have a few standardised tests to assess the performance of air purifiers. One of the best things about the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde is that it will tell you when it detects heightened levels of pollution, so you can see in real time how quickly it responds, and how long it takes to return the air quality to average levels. 

The first test was to spray some deodorant in front of the fan while it was in 'Auto' mode. It took a few seconds for the fan to sense the particles, after which it immediately jumped into life. The fan instantly detected a high volume of fine PM2.5 particles, and then began to display the density of these particles on the small sensor at the front of the fan. According to the Dyson app, this technically should've been registered a VOC: 'Odours that may potentiall be harmful. These include cooking, burning fuel, perfume, and cleaning products.'

I was able to watch as this number dropped rapidly, and while it took a couple of minutes for the deodorant smell to completely clear, my sensory experience of the particles in the air aligned with what the fan was telling me. 

The second test uses smoke. I sat near my fan, lit a match, and simply let it burn out. It took quite a bit longer for the fan to detect that there were fumes in the air, probably due to the much lower density. It really kicked into high gear once I blew out the final flame, and the match began to release quite a lot of smoke. 

Again, this was detected as a high level of PM2.5. The Dyson app describes this particulate matter as 'microscopic particles smaller than 2.5 microns. These include smoke, industrial emissions, and burning candles.' So, more accurate for the second test than the first. There's no gimmicks here, just a super smart sensor that converts into realtime reports.

Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde: Daily use

You're meant to leave this product on all through the day. It's designed to show trends of air quality, humidity and temperature over time, so it's not like a fan that you can simply turn off when it's cooled you down enough. Because of this, I opted for the 'auto' mode most of the time. This automatically adjusted the features to jump into action when needed, without constantly running. 

The fan is basically silent when in Night mode, which means I have no problems sleeping through the night with it running. According to my partner (an early riser) it got a little noisy when he was putting on cologne in the morning, but I slept right through this. The Night mode also dims the display for those who are sensitive to light.

I tested the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde as the days were entering summer territory. London summer, no less, which meant that I was dreading the sleepless nights and noisy fans I've become accustomed to. The fan is noisy when it's on high cooling mode. It has up to ten speeds, and as my room got hotter throughout the day it amped up the cooling features to combat this, which meant it didn't feel like I was entering a sauna when it came to bedtime. 

As a hayfever sufferer, I was constantly forgetting to take my medication before leaving the house in the morning, so effective was the fan at purifying the air in my home. Even when I had friends around to stay the night, they both noted that their hayfever hadn't kept them up at night, as it usually does, when the fan was running. 

The fan has two main modes, there's a 'breeze mode' which is designed to alter the airflow to give the feel of a refreshing breeze. There's also a diffused mode, designed for the cooler months. By sending airflow through the back side of the machine, it will humidify without as much direct cooling. 

Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde: Verdict

Dyson thought of everything when designing the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde. It's got a super smart and user-friendly app, a display with real time stats, and instantaneous purification for daily irritants. What's more, you can track levels of different compounds to get an insight into the air quality inside your home.

The cooling and humidification also play a big role in why I love this fan so much. Even on the highest mode the airflow doesn't feel aggressive or drying, as a regular fan so often can. And when in Night mode, operation is surprisingly quiet.

From where I'm standing, the only downsides are the size, which is pretty bulky when compared to Dyson's regular fan range, and the price, which is a little eye-watering at £700.

I was reluctant to leave any appliance running 24/7 in my home because of the impact it could have on my energy bills. So far, I've not seen a significant jump, although as we get into the warmer months I'll update this review if that changes. 

We’re always looking for ways to make working from home more comfortable, which is why our interest was immediately piqued when we saw a certain cross legged office chair go viral on social media recently.

The chair in question, which has amassed almost 500 million views on TikTok alone, was quick to sell out and has just recently been restocked. And while it may seem like the perfect solution for those of us who find it uncomfortable sitting in a home office for several hours each day, the trending chair might not be as enticing as we first thought.

‘While chairs that allow the body to move and reposition are great, this chair’s shape doesn’t support a normal seating position,’ says Lucinda Newbound, Back In Action’s Senior Ergonomics Adviser.

Even though there are few different variants of this specific chair online, they all follow a similar aesthetic. Seemingly perfect for the modern home office look, they don’t have arms, have a much wider seat than traditional office chairs and typically don’t have wheels. But even though you may feel comfortable if you’re only using the chair for short bursts of time, sitting in it for a full workday isn’t the wisest idea.

‘Although the TikTok chair may be aesthetically pleasing, it is not designed with ergonomics in mind,’ explains James Mackie, office chair expert at Bestbuy Office Chairs. And that’s where some of the potential problems start to arise.

The problems this trending chair could cause

Even though some of us can start to feel our legs getting achy or heavy if we sit in a traditional office chair for too long, ‘having your legs crossed for an extended period of time is generally seen as being uncomfortable and risky,’ says James from Bestbuy Office Chairs.

Lack of support

'Crossing your legs can cut off blood circulation to your feet and lower legs, resulting in the horrible feeling of pins and needles and eventually numbness,’ James continues. Ideally, you want to have your feet flat on the ground to prevent any of those issues from occurring.

Another potential problem with this office chair; its lack of arms. It may look aesthetically pleasing with your home office decor, but those armrests actually serve a purpose. They are there to keep your elbows and arms steady and rested. ‘Without this support, it can result in pain in your arms and excessive tension in your shoulders,’ explains James.

'This chair’s shape is too deep and will catch the backs of the knees, pulling the lower back out of the backrest, resulting in you being slumped,' adds Lucinda from Back In Action. 'In fact, I wouldn’t advise sitting with your legs crossed for any longer than an hour.’

Compromised stability

Sitting in a cross-legged position can also, ‘compromise your stability,’ according to Dr. Johannes Uys, a General Practitioner (GP) at Broadgate General Practice. If you are someone with existing balance or stability issues, the lack of support this chair provides could even increase the risk of someone losing their balance.

Posture problems

Our overall posture also affects our general health much more than we might think. For example, bad posture can lead to back pain, neck pain and headaches if you’re hunching over, lack of motivation and even poor sleep and digestion issues.

‘Poor posture puts your muscles in inconvenient positions, meaning you may be unable to fully relax your body at night,’ reveals James from Bestbuy Office Chairs. 'Additionally, sitting improperly can bunch up your internal organs, causing stomach issues and slowing your digestion.'

'Sitting cross-legged creates an asymmetrical posture that places uneven stress on the hips, pelvis, and spine,' adds Dr. Johannes. 'This can lead to imbalances and strain in the muscles and joints.’ This strain can result in discomfort, pain or even long-term health issues.

What should I be looking for in an office chair instead?

Ideally you need a chair that provides support for you and your body. ‘If you don't have any health conditions that you know of, I always recommend looking for three things: lumbar support, flexible armrests and an adjustable seat height,’ suggests James from Bestbuy Office Chairs.

‘These three things will help ensure that your chair can be adjusted and arranged so that it's comfortable for you and your body type and size.’

And if you do have any health conditions or injuries, looking for an office chair that is designed to help that specific condition is key.

'Look for a well-designed ergonomic office chair that encourages neutral posture, evenly distributes body weight and reduces the risk of developing musculoskeletal problems associated with prolonged sitting,' recommends Dr. Johannes.

A few years ago, most WFH spaces comprised of resting your laptop on your knees as you perched on the sofa, or moving the kids breakfast bowls to one side as you sat at the kitchen table. But now, home office ideas are as popular and as important as bedroom and living room ideas, as you'll be hard pressed to find a family home, student let or millennial apartment without one.

But achieving a space that promotes both style as well as productivity, can be tricky to get right, especially if your home office space is really just a 'zone' within another room of your house.

Luckily I am on hand to guide you, with my fail-safe 'cheatsheet' of essential ingredients to create an inspiring, streamline and stylishly scandi home office, that you can tick off as you go. 

My 7 must-have ingredients for creating a modern scandi home office 

With over 12 year of experience working on Interior Magazines, and a degree in Interior Design, I know my way around a successful room refresh. Every space in my home has seen a slow, yet complete DIY overhaul to create the bright, comfortable and colourful home that works for me and my family.

My own home office, like many others, was born out of lockdown, when I was fed up with tiptoeing around my husbands' Zoom calls at the kitchen table, as our newborn would very vocally demand my attention. 

So our junk-filled loft got converted into a smart WFH space, complete with heaps of storage, biophilic wallpaper and plenty of houseplants to bring the outside in. So if you're looking to create your own WFH space, no matter if you have a small home office or large, and love the timeless style of modern scandinavian design, these are the design ingredients you need to do it. 

1. Lush greenery

If you spend long days at your desk, several days a week, you’ll really benefit from sharing your space with a selection of houseplants. Whether you opt for fresh or faux, such as as selection from Wyld Home- or even a mix of the two, they’ll breathe new life into your space, introduce moments of calm, and bring a sense of the outside in. 

If you’re lacking on surface space, why not make use of the ceiling, walls and floor: trailing plants look great hanging in holders and wall-mounted pots are perfect for air plants.

2. Memo board

Having a dedicated spot to pin postcards, colour swatches, magazine clippings and anything else that inspires and excites you, will mean you’ll always have a go-to spot to focus on when you hit a mind-blank. It also helps to collate your ideas into one place, so you don’t end up having to sift through piles of paperwork or deep drawers to find what you’re looking for, as well as being a great home office wall decor idea.

If you don’t opt for a wire style like the Metal Farringdon memo board, £38, Garden Trading, a simple fabric covered canvas board works really well with a selection of smart pins, to keep your ideas in one safe place. 

3. Stylish desk chair

If you WFH full time, you may not have the luxury of choosing a chair that’s both stylish and comfortable, as you’ll need to prioritise the health of your back over looks. 

But if you find yourself at your desk a little less frequently, and especially if your home office also doubles as your bedroom/living room/dining room, then opting for a desk chair that doesn’t look like it’s a prop from The Office, will help blend your working space with your living space more seamlessly. This pink velvet-covered office chair, £285, Rose & Grey on metal castors will bring a little glamour to your modern home office space but still give you the support you need while working at your desk.

4. Sleek blind

A modern scandi space won’t suit heavy curtains, but if the option of shutters feels a little cold for the room, then opt for a sleek roman blind to cover windows instead. An oversized pattern will bring a bit of character to your scheme, like this Roman blind in Tranquil Mineral, from £121 including measuring and fitting, Calm Living range, Hillarys. but stay away from blousy florals or childish spots. 

Another option for filtering the light but still achieving privacy is window film. The modern equivalent to net curtains, you can opt for frosted or even on-trend reeded films that allows natural light in, but praying eyes or ugly views of the neighbours bins, out.  

5. Stylish storage

No doubt you’ll have all sorts of ‘life admin’ that needs a place to be stored, as well as the kids' old school work, photo albums and back copies of your favourite, inspiring interiors magazines, so a storage locker in a sunny shade like the Fern Middle double locker with shelves in Tickleweed, £299, Bisley, is a great solution for home office storage ideas. 

If you’re worried hiding things ‘out of sight’ completely, will lead to ‘out of mind’ immediately, opt for open shelving, but keep everything in neat box files, either colour matched to the room, or covered in wallpaper off cuts that compliment your decor.   

6. Curved armchair

Providing the ideal spot for taking screen breaks, a comfortable armchair will be your saviour after an afternoon of back to back Zoom calls. It can also be a spot for a much needed cuppa (or glass of wine) after a hard day's graft, or at least somewhere for the cat to snooze that’s not your lap. 

For a truly scandi home office vibe, choose one with plenty of curves, light wood legs and in a warm, pastel shade and add a couple of bright cushions too. Position a simple side table alongside it and hang some plants from the walls or ceiling to create a Nordic nook that will help while away any stresses.

7. Clear zoning

If your office space is within another room of your home, such as a living or dining room, clearly zone the area with a colourful rug, or even a block of colour on the wall behind your desk, a great home office layout idea. This will help to separate a clearly defined office space from the rest of the room and help you to keep work clutter in one space.

To achieve this smart ombre effect on your wall, choose three shades from the same colour family and paint the bottom third of your wall with the darkest, the next third of your wall with the middle shade and use the lightest shade on the top third of your wall. 

So there you have it, my cheatsheet of ideas for creating the perfect modern scandi home office, so that your WFH space can inspire and delight you all the while promoting productivity and enthusiasm.

Looking for WFH inspiration to help you plough through the day? These home office wallpaper ideas might just do the trick. If you're faced with an uninspiring blank wall in front of your desk, then this will be the perfect placement for a creative refresh. 

Working from home has become more commonplace than ever before, with many office workers switching their routines to at least a few days at home. And even if this isn't in your weekly routine, a home office space is useful for life admin, children's homework sessions, and creative projects. 

With this, our spare rooms and garden rooms (or even corners of our living and bedrooms) are all in need of a spruce up to accommodate this new use-case. A successful home office should be a space that you actually look forward to spending time in, not dread the sight of. 

‘With many of us spending more time than ever at home, our interiors have adapted to incorporate new and often multiple uses,' explains Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene.

'Decorating is a fantastic way of zoning an office space, allowing you to be creative and re-purpose an alcove or corner of a room, or create an entirely different mood in one area of an open plan space. Whether your office space is within a separate room or simply a corner within a space, making a focussed area can be made easier with the use of colour and pattern.'

Home office wallpaper ideas

‘Rather than being grey, dull functional spaces home offices can provide the opportunity to create a truly inspiring space that sparks creativity and positivity,' says Stefan Ormenisan, Founder and Creative Director, MINDTHEGAP.

'Wallpaper is a wonderful tool for zoning a home office area with a feature wall, but also provides a way to add depth and design interest. I love wallpapers that take you away, providing escapism and inspiring thought and focus.'

Worried that home office wallpaper ideas might be too much for you? Don't worry - we've catered to the minimalists too, with paired back prints and room sectional ideas that will add style and elegance to your space so you really don't have to wallpaper the entire wall in a bold print (unless you really want to).

1. Think pink

Working from home can require some serious creative stimuli to prevent you from falling into a rut, so why not go bold with wallpaper? 

'If you're tight on space but still want to introduce a statement feature, consider creating a faux accent wall using wallpaper,' advises Siobhan Murphy, interior and product designer. 

'Choose a bold and flamboyant design and apply it to just one wall in your office - it works particularly well on the longest wall of your room, or the wall behind where your desk sits. This technique adds depth and dimension to the room without overwhelming the space.' 

Why not go one step further with a bold wallpaper by opting for a pink palette? The tone is on-trend so it will make a workspace feel current and inspiring, plus, it pairs perfectly with plants which are great for wellbeing.

2. Embrace a grandmillennial look

Wallpaper and textiles with organic shapes are having a major moment in interiors, providing an interesting pattern without committing to a motif. A rickrack design is the perfect way of incorporating a visually interesting design, while also leaning on the grandmillennial trend.  

Grandmillennial style, otherwise known as granny chic, is appearing in modern home offices too - not just country ones. However, it can still be a tricky trend to commit to if florals aren't your thing, so consider incorporating a rickrack pattern to add style to a workspace that still hinges on a contemporary look. 

'We’re finding that people are wanting their home offices to be every bit as design savvy as the rest of their house. Your office space should inspire and stimulate, along with giving you that space to focus,' says Tricia Guild OBE, founder and creative director for Designers Guild. 

3. Pick a small pattern

Choosing a wallpaper for a home office can be challenging - you want something that will spur creativity while also being calm enough for focus time. Large murals can feel overwhelming, so opting for a smaller, repeated pattern will add style while also being more calming. It's also a great option for a small home office. 

'Choose a wallpaper with a small-scale pattern to create an illusion of depth and space. This is particularly effective in cosy home offices where a large-scale pattern might feel overwhelming. By playing with scale, you can make the room feel more open and inviting,' Siobhan recommends. 

4. Maximise the height of a room

Similar to colour drenching, the latest paint trend we can't get enough of, taking wallpaper up to the ceiling and architrave will make a home office feel professionally designed. 

The popularity of feature walls has been replaced with a rise in entirely wallpapered rooms, and while this might not be a trend you want to commit to, taking the paper up a few inches higher will have a huge impact. 

It makes ceilings feel higher, but also creates a cosy feeling that will be perfect for WFH days in the winter months. 

5. Stick to one palette

To help simplify the decision of picking the perfect wallpaper, create a colour palette for the entire home office. For example, painting a built-in bookshelf blue lends nicely to wallpaper with hints of the same blue shade, tying the scheme together. 

Alternatively, you can create a tonal look with variations of the same colour. This will add dimension to a home office so that it feels stimulating to work in, as opposed to a flat colour scheme with minimal depth. Blue is also known for having health benefits like boosting productivity, making it the ideal colour for a work environment.

6. Combine matching prints in different colourways

With home office wallpaper ideas, sometimes less is more. 'A more subtle change such as adding a wallpaper that uses the same colour palette as your paint colour will create a more harmonious transition,' advises Ruth from Little Greene. 

Here, this super subtle print has been repeated in two different colourways, separated by a picture rail painted in the same shade as the desk. The darker print sits below the picture rail anchoring the scheme while the lighter shade is above it giving the illusion of taller ceilings. 

This is a great way to tackle some small home office ideas, keeping the remaining furniture and accessories in paler shades. The lack of window dressing also allows more light to flood into the room, as natural light is a must of a good working environment.

7. Split the difference

Have your heart seat on a bold print but worriers it might be too much for a home office? A simple solution is to take advantage of one of the many brilliant wallpaper tricks available and create a piece of practical wall art with a large sample of the print. 

Pick up a cork pin board for a steal using home decor discount codes, then paint the frame a shade that coordinates with the pattern. Next, stick the wallpaper down in place over the cork and hang it up on the wall. Use it as a pinboard or just fix your favourite keepsakes to it.

Want more colour in the space? Working in thirds, wallpaper from the skirting upward to around one third up the wall - or where a natural dado rail might sit. Choose a subtle, barely there pattern to add interest without being too distracting, and fix a length of moulding to cover the join between the wallpaper and the wall.

8. Section off your desk space with wallpaper

'If you are creating a zoned area for your home office area,' advises Ruth from Little Greene, 'consider your existing palette carefully. Contrasting home office wallpaper ideas will clearly define an area, creating focus and design interest'.

This bold combination of yellow patterned wallpaper and green painted wall at first sight looks like a bold contrast but on careful inspection of the pattern the touches of green in the bold print, match the painted section below the dado ensuring a coordinating look. 

9. Go for a super soothing floral

This big, blowsy floral has been tamed by the choice of subtle shades, making an interesting but not distracting surroundings while you work. The shades used in the wallpaper have been picked out and used on the stool and various accessories, as an accent to the wood and wicker pieces.

10. Introduce a panel of paper in a multitasking space

Not everyone has the luxury of having garden office ideas or a spare room which they can use as a home office. The majority of us have to carve out space in our bedrooms or living rooms , yet we may still wish to define that space with wallpaper.

‘Be it a feature wall, an alcove, panelling or behind shelving,' explains Kate French, Creative Director at Dado, 'adding wallpaper is a fantastic way to zone a small office space within a larger room.  Wallpaper is a fantastically versatile and easy way to add colour, pattern and personality to what can often be dull and functional spaces.'

Tame bold home office wallpaper ideas using a coordinating paint colour alongside - if you're concerned that the print by be too distracting if in direct line of view, paper an adjacent panel or chimney breast instead.

11. Pick a dynamic print for a creative feel

If you work is more hands on and less screen based - like sewing for instance -  you can afford to push the boat out a little further when choosing from a wide selection of a home office wallpaper ideas. 

With craft room ideas, busy prints are a great option as they tend keep the brain occupied and alert, so pick an 'out there' design to encourage creativity and vitality. 

12. Limit the print to a frameless pinboard

Wallpapered pinboards are one of the best home office wall decor ideas out there. They're also ideal if you have papered another room in your home in a pattern you love and have a little leftover on the roll.  

As designer William Morris once said: 'Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.' This frameless pinboard design covers both perfectly. 

Again, keep the look coordinated by choosing a shade from the pattern - not one of the main colours - and painting the walls in that colour.

13. Look for the detail

Everyone's mind wanders occasionally when at work so give yourself new home office wallpaper ideas to focus on. Stefan from MINDTHEGAP suggests choosing 'designs that make a statement when viewed from afar, but offer beautiful design detail when seen up close are wonderful for home office spaces.

'Consider Chateau in Anthracite (image above) which creates design impact with it’s monochrome geometric pattern,'he continues, 'but provides mesmerising fine architectural detailing when viewed close up.'

14. Add lashings of luxe with a gold-tinted print

Whether you're a fairweather home office worker or you're glued to your desk five days a week, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice on style. It's still your home and you can decorate it whichever way you like. 

If you're in the 'more is more camp', look for wallpapers that feature light reflecting luxe metallic details to allow you to go a little more dramatic with your decor. 

15. Keep it neutral and natural for a calm feel

'With so much of our time spent desk bound and in front of screens,' says Kate from Dado, 'I think choosing home office wallpaper ideas that create a connection to the outside world is key. Opt for gentle floral motifs, bright scenic designs or bold tropical leaf prints that reflects nature and the outside world.'

'Printmaker Jo de Pear’s Palm Leaf design responds not only to our yearning for nature and travel, but also for the handcrafted and authentic. This Palm Leaf wallpaper adds narrative and depth to a space, whilst the tropical green colourway will have you feeling positive and calm too.’

16. Stay smart with a classic monochrome

Not one for colour? Or do you just work better in a more neutral environment? Black and white doesn't have to be boring. A fabric look wallpaper in a subtle grey shade provides the perfect backdrop to your smart new office space. 

Don't forget the all-important home office storage ideas like clever shelving and smaller storage to keep the space tidy. Choose these in shade of black and white add the odd touch of red for a colour pick-me-up. 

No matter how old we get, September always stirs in us this feeling of wanting to get our ducks in a row ready for the new academic year. A switch is flicked when the new month arrives, and all of a sudden we're cleaning, organising and generally sorting our lives out. 

Aldi is now selling a handy home office accessory that's perfect if you often end up working surrounded by clutter despite preaching 'tidy desk a tidy mind'. The discount store's home office storage idea comes in the form of a stylish felt wall hanging and organiser, and for under £4 it'll transform even the messiest desks into a space Marie Kondo would approve of.

Aldi wall hanging & organiser

The affordable wall hanging and organiser, available on the Aldi site comes in two shades of grey. It has lots of pouches for tucking away home office essentials, from pens and notepads to post-its and chargers, and it measures 37 x 45cm.

Making use of wall space, Aldi's bargain organiser will really help keep your surface space clear so you can focus on the task at hand. We're particularly big fans of the dark grey version which looks super sleek and will also hide any accidental pen marks. 

However, it's also available in a soothing pale grey tone if that works better with your existing decor. In this day and age it can be hard to control various cables, but this is a good solution when it comes to how to hide wires.

The organiser is part of Aldi's wider home office collection which has lots of great products, ready for students going back to uni (and the rest of us just wanting to get organised). There's everything from foldable desks and desk chairs to printers and paper shredders.

While the wall hanging and organiser is definitely a great budget home office idea, you could also use it for storing craft supplies and kids' toys. Alternatively, you could attach it to the inside of a wardrobe door with a Command hook, at Amazon, and use it to house accessories.

It'd also work as a children's room idea for older kids that need a desk space for getting homework and revision done. Will you be picking one up?

Working from home has become more commonplace than ever before, so it's important to have the right set-up to boost productivity and creativity. Whether you're working in a dedicated home office, a corner of a bedroom or a kitchen table, home office lighting ideas are vital to ensuring you can work efficiently. 

Lighting is key in every room, but potentially none as much as within home office ideas. Bad lighting can make you tired and unfocused, meaning you're unlikely to be productive. As well as combating these, good lighting also prevents your eyes from straining and headaches from being as frequent.

Done right, light can be incredibly motivating and joy-inducing. Even when you're working on some of the duller tasks on your list!

Home office lighting ideas

‘Working from home has obviously had a massive acceleration over the last couple of years and the integration of a home office is still an important part of interior design,' notes Niki Wright, Co-Founder, lights&lamps. 

'From a lighting aspect, we are working on solutions that mean task lighting doesn’t have to be so utilitarian. A light or lamp that can adapt or reposition from a practical use to a more home focused and considered design item. Wireless/portable lamps are also part of this.’ 

1. Make the most of natural light

Often, positioning a desk directly under a window can cause your computer screen to be backlit, making it difficult to see what you're working on, and making your video calls badly lit. Instead, consider a home office layout idea where the desk is adjacent to the window to get all the benefits of natural light, without the downsides. 

'If you have the space, try to position your desk as close to a window as possible to get as much natural light as you can throughout the day. If this isn’t an option, or as the days begin to shorten through autumn and winter, investing in strong artificial lighting will help keep you motivated throughout the day,' recommends Marlena Kaminska, designer at ValueLights.

2. Stick to a traditional look

If you're looking to achieve a mid-century modern home office scheme, then it's important that your lighting matches the aesthetic. The key is in the detail when working towards a specific design, so considering the smaller features like lighting will pull the whole look together. 

A traditional-style desk lamp will make a desk look and feel fit for working, aiding your concentration. Task lighting is also essential for completing focus-oriented jobs, so it offers both style and functionality. 

3. Go for a bare bulb

If you want to maximise the amount of light in a space then a pendant light is the way to go. It will illuminate a desk area and the rest of the room which is essential in winter months. 

You can also go one step further and embrace an industrial look with a bare bulb. Vintage Edison lightbulbs are great for amping up a design as the spiral adds style in itself, providing both brightness and an edgy look. 

4. Make it blend in

Wall lights are a handy option for a home office as they free up space on a desk, allowing you to have a clean and tidy workspace with more room for tech. However, if you're set on making your workspace as stylish as it is functional, then match the base of the light with the colour of your walls or shelves. 

A sconce with wall panelling in the same tone is the perfect opportunity to update a home office desk idea. Mirroring the colour of the light to the walls will make the practical feature blend in, and look expertly designed. 

5. Add style with a fabric shade

Home office lighting is primarily functional - after all, you need ample brightness to read paperwork and use a screen. However, the space should also spur on creativity so it's important to choose a lighting option with a design that you love.  

Fabric shades are a great way of adding style, as you have much more flexibility over the colour and pattern of the lamp. Whether you want a statement colourful lamp or a pattern that matches your wallpaper, it's a simple way of ensuring a home office design perfectly balances fashion and functionality. 

6. Choose complementary materials

When choosing home office lighting ideas, it's important to take time to find the right materials. You need them to blend in with the style of the room, but also to ensure the lighting works effectively.

'Glass lighting is a great option within a home office as it really comes alive when illuminated,' notes Victoria Rothschild, Co-Founder, Rothschild & Bickers. 'Most people are working with small home office ideas and solid lighting styles made of metal can look intrusive to a space.'

'Glass lighting however with its natural transparency reflects illumination and bounces light around the room to really uplift the ambience and also the lighting levels.'

7. Invest in a classic desk light

'Task lighting is crucial in ensuring that the space functions efficiently day and night and from season to season,' says Tom from TR Studio.  'Home office desk ideas would also not be complete without a desk lamp, and this is a great opportunity to add a design classic or a pop of colour.'

Make sure you choose an adjustable design so you're receiving effective task lighting for whatever you're working on.

8. Include a statement floor light

Floor lamps are probably most often associated with bedroom and living room ideas, but they can be a useful addition to your home office lighting ideas, too. 

Choose a version that's tall enough to provide overhead lighting, ideally with a movable head so you can adjust when needed. You may need to supplement with LED shelving lighting to ensure you're not working in your own shadow.

9. Go for two in one

Layering is key to effective home office lighting ideas, so why not find a solution that has two for one value? A floor lamp with two separate, adjustable heads at different levels can be a game changer.

Just measure up first to avoid making basic home office design mistakes. One head should e at the perfect height to angle towards your desk to provide task lighting.

10. Add interest with an oversized pendant

A statement pendant adds interest to any space, so consider going extra oversized for double the impact and double the light.

Look for shades which will help boost light levels. Lean towards caged or glass options to get the most brightness for your buck.

11. Double up for flexibility

Desk lights are key, but don't rely solely on them.

'Wall lighting, especially lighting which has a movable arm and is dimmable, is also a great way to add functional task lighting and ambience,' says Tom from TR Studio. Make sure the two home office lighting ideas are placed at different heights so you have the utmost flexibility.

12. Make use of floor to ceiling windows

Ideally, you should find a working spot with lots of light – this will not only save on your electricity bill, but will also boost your mood. If you have a room with floor to ceiling windows, then this is an ideal place to situate yourself.

Done right, home office lighting ideas can be as motivational as a strong cup of coffee. Shutters or a blind that blocks glare while still allowing in natural light is a good option, particularly if your computer is near a window. 

13. Inspire creativity with a statement lamp

You don’t have to play it safe with this practical purchase. So forget bland corporate style and splash out on a desk lamp that will (quite literally) light up your working space. 

A lamp in an unusual colour, material or shape will make the space your own and sit stylishly in modern home office ideas. In turn, your office will become a haven, rather than a space you avoid at all costs.

14. Power up with a charging lamp

Charging lights are perfect if your desk area is on the more petite side. The usually wasted space of the desk lamp doubles up as a handy area to keep your phone charged in between work calls. 

Plus, the area will look neater without the otherwise inevitable tangle of charging cables.

15. Fix a task light to the wall

Wall fixed task lighting mens you won't have to find space on your desk for a lamp. Just make sure you choose one that you can angle, or even extend.

Now you can either enjoy the reduced clutter, or fill it with a plant or vase of flowers to make you smile.

16. Use lighting to add colour

We'd never recommend going too crazy with colour in a home office. You want to create a restful environment where you can focus, rather than give yourself a headache. 

That said, a few little accents can go along way, putting you in a bright mood, ready to work. So choose an enlivening shade for your, well, shades, and enjoy the bright boost to your home office lighting ideas.

It’s no secret that your work environment has a direct impact on your productivity and motivation to work, as well as on the quality of the work you produce. A well-designed work space should inspire and be a place where you feel good and comfortable. And opting for the right home office layout ideas certainly helps.

The way you arrange the furniture in your WFH space is among the most important home office ideas. And if you can, it’s something you should start planning and envisioning even before you invest in your home office desk, storage etc. Because their positioning might impact what kind of shape or design they need to have.

‘Working from home has become the norm for many of us and creating the perfect office space will ensure maximum productivity,’ says Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV. ‘Whether you have a dedicated room, a corner of a guest bedroom, or a little study nook it is important to consider the layout.’

Home office layout ideas

‘In terms of layout, always start with considering your practical needs,’ says Chloe Barrow, interior expert at Laura James. ‘You’ll likely be using this room multiple days a week, so making it work functionally is key.’

Think how you’ll be using the space and what works best for you, while also considering what looks good aesthetically and flows well.

1. Prioritise your desk

‘The desk should be the focal point of your home office layout,’ says Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village. ‘Choose a size that suits your space and allows room for a monitor or laptop, writing space, and accessories.’

It’s also important to position it so that you avoid any glare and have a view of something soothing and inspiring – like a window, ideally. ‘I’d advise prioritising a desk position that actively avoids screen glare by facing directly or slightly towards a window. This not only helps with eye strain, but a window gives you something calming to glance at when you need a mental pause,’ Chloe at Laura James says.

2. Incorporate built-in storage

While built-in home office storage ideas and solutions are not something that everyone can do, if you do have the option, experts recommend going for it as it’s a game changer.

‘Creating the perfect balance in a home office between professionalism, freshness, contemporary style, and comfort can be challenging,’ says Claire Garner, director at Claire Garner Design Studio. ‘Custom joinery, if possible, can transform the feel of the space and help with organisation, resulting in a more visually calming and clutter-free room.’

Kate Palmer, creative director at The Painted Furniture Company, continues, ‘Bespoke furniture is an excellent choice as it can be customised to fit the specific dimensions and requirements of the space. Custom-made furniture can seamlessly integrate multiple functions into a single piece, such as a desk that converts into a vanity or dressing table. This tailored approach ensures that you make the most of every inch of the room, avoiding clutter and wasted space.’

3. Utilise a spare bedroom

Unless you have a dedicated home office, it can be difficult to figure out where a WFH space should go. And while your own bedroom is not ideal since there should be a clear separation between your work area and the place you relax and sleep, a spare bedroom works perfectly.

‘Creating a home office in a room that also functions as a spare bedroom requires smart furniture choices. Start with multi-functional furniture pieces, such as a compact desk with built-in storage or shelves, which will provide ample workspace without overwhelming the room. Bedside tables with drawers can double as additional storage for office supplies and a wall or sofa bed is ideal as it can be easily folded away to free up floor space during the day,’ Kate at The Painted Furniture Company says.

4. Position the desk in line with feng shui

Your office desk is the most important piece of furniture in any home office, the centre and anchor of the space that everything revolves around. But there are debates and differing opinions as to where the desk should be positioned. But if you want to improve feng shui in your home and your office, then feng shui experts recommend positioning your desk to face the door.

‘The rules of feng shui state that you should sit with your desk facing the door so you can always see who is coming in,’ said leading office furniture specialists at Furniture At Work.

But even if you don’t believe or don’t care about feng shui, positioning your desk this way can be beneficial, according to Ashleigh Hanwell, senior designer at Second Nature. ‘Positioning a desk so that you can see the door can make the space feel more open and aesthetically pleasing,’ she says.

5. Look out the window while working

Another popular desk positioning is so that you face and look out of the window which can have mood-boosting effects and can aid against eye strain from looking at the computer screen for too long. Having the window to the side of the desk is also an excellent alternative.

‘Position the desk to face a window for natural light and a view, which can help stimulate creativity and reduce eye strain,’ says Brian Curran, interior designer and founder at Drafting Services.

Experts from Furniture at Work add, ‘Placing your desk perpendicular to your window will allow you to both see the room and benefit from the natural daylight while you work. Having your desk located near your window is also beneficial as it allows you to give your eyes a break when needed from screens. However, you should also consider installing blinds if you haven’t already, as these will help reduce glare on especially brighter days.’

6. Create the best backdrop for your video calls

If you’re regularly working from home, it’s likely you will have to attend some video calls. So be prepared for those occasions by carefully considering your backdrop – what those on the call with you will see behind you. It’s no coincidence that the popularity of WFH has also given rise to the trend of bookshelf wealth.

'For video calls, your backdrop can really matter in certain roles, so take this into consideration if this feels relevant to you. Try to avoid anything overly personal, like family photos or your favourite football team’s memorabilia, as these can distract or feel too intimate, especially if you’re in an interview process. Instead, lean on decorative items that still express your style, like vases in your favourite colours, stacked books that you enjoy reading and are visually appealing, or a simple floral arrangement brings you joy. Open shelving works well to display these without cluttering your space too, as you can use the height of the wall to style to your heart’s content,' Chloe at Laura James advises.

She adds, 'Really think about the image you want to project professionally and let that guide your decor choices for this.'

7. Make space for storage solutions

No WFH set-up is complete without some home office storage ideas. Just like any other space, a home office too needs plenty of storage so invest in some floating shelves, bookcases or a desk with built-in drawers or storage shelves to take care of that.

‘You will also want to ensure you have enough space for storage solutions, such as filing cabinets, shelves and drawers. Floating shelves is a great option to create the illusion of more space,’ Ashleigh at Second Nature says.

8. Make a living room dual-use

We won't all have a separate home office that can be designed entirely around your work needs - sometimes it's all about finding a way to incorporate a practical spot into your existing living space.

'home offices are often areas within existing rooms, which is not ideal - but you can still zone the area using paint and accessories,' advises Sophie Smith, founder at Zhoosh Paints. In this case, open shelving that matches the wood tone of the wall-hung desk creates a work zone within this open-plan living room, so that it feels separate from where you relax and socialise.

'They help keep the desk area tidy and also create a purpose for that section of the space without clashing with your existing colour scheme,' adds Sophie.

9. Opt for an under-stairs workspace

Making use of awkward spaces is key to ensuring your home works as efficiently as possible. The gap under the stairs is difficult to utilise for anything other than storage, but it also makes the perfect slot for a desk.

If a small home office doesn't phase you, and all you need is a spot to work on a laptop, then placing a desk here will provide a place to perch that is tucked out of the way. Just ensure it's illuminated with the best home office lighting ideas so that you can keep focus at any time of day.

10. Make use of a landing

It's easy to believe that a home office has to be tucked away in a dedicated room, but actually finding a less common spot to work could be the source of some much-needed inspiration.

A landing is a perfect placement for this as it transforms an otherwise dead space into a useful focus zone. While an enclosed area away from traffic might be beneficial for some work, being in a busy area can aid creativity.

If you don't want to overcrowd a landing, opt for a desk that blends in with the staircase, whether that be a similar spindle style or shade of wood. This way, it's making excellent use of the space without causing any visual clutter.

11. Maximise natural light

If you have a separate home office but you want it to feel connected to the rest of your home, then glass doors will provide ample light while still keeping noise out.

'Your home office should feel like part of your home since it is an extension of your personal style, but you also want it to be a place with minimal distractions. Luckily, there are multiple easy ways to tune out that pile of dishes or blaring TV and get you the privacy that you and your workflow need,' says Emma Cottrell from BoConcept.

'French doors can block out noise while maintaining an airy aesthetic. Especially ideal for small offices that want privacy without a claustrophobic vibe.'

12. Plan out the lighting

No matter how much natural light your office space receives, additional home office lighting ideas will need to be factored in for evenings and autumn and winter months when the light is gloomier.

Consider where your light source is coming from when setting up your work space. A light set behind you is likely to cause glare on your screen and might mean that you are working in shadow, so consider adjusting the positioning of overhead lighting to counteract this. Or bring in an adjustable desk lamp to boost light levels. Position so that light comes from the left side if you are right-handed, and vice versa if you are left handed.

If you're considering purchasing a couple of different lights to suit all your needs, then it's well worth checking if there are any relevant active home decor discount codes on offer.

13. Keep inspiration close to hand

While an outwardly-facing desk is often recommended, it will require more space, which isn’t always possible if you’re squeezing a desk into a shared living area. Practical elements, such as the location of electrical sockets, need to be considered too. If you have a computer and equipment that needs to be plugged in, while you can look into how to hide wires, trailing wires could be a problem for any centrally-positioned desk.

If the most practical home office layout means that your desk needs to be positioned facing a wall, then use it as an opportunity to get creative with your wall space. Treat the whole area as a supersized pinboard, covering the wall with cork tiles, so you can pin up reference materials, swatches and favourite pictures that will bring inspiration when you’re working away.

14. Zone out a work corner

Making use of a corner is a clever way of gaining extra surface space without encroaching on too-much floor space. Triangular-shaped desks are a smart compact home office desk ideas that will slot neatly into a corner if space is super-tight.

Alternatively, an L-shaped desk set-up offers extra desktop space, with two surfaces set at right angles to each other. L-shaped configurations work well in open-plan living spaces and are a useful way of defining a separate work-space zone.

‘Home working shows no sign of abating, so as a design studio we continue to put emphasis on products that support flexible living,’ says Ben Stanton, designer at Habitat. ‘This desk unit (shown above) is designed and built to increase storage solutions whilst being adaptable to different home office needs. The unique swivel mechanism allows for a multitude of positions: the L-shaped desk can zone a space or make the most of unused corners, and it can also extend flat against a wall.’

15. Double up desks in a shared space

If more than one family member is working from home at the same time, then working out an arrangement that accommodates both is needed if 'hot desking' is out of the equation.

Consider butting two desks up against each other, his-and-hers style, and setting them centrally in the middle of a room. Or position them with one end against the wall in a peninsula-style set-up. Both arrangements will require face-to-face working, but as long as that won’t be a distraction, it can be a good use of space.

16. Switch to side-by-side working

If face-to-face desks aren’t an option, or your office space is long and narrow, then consider a side-by-side arrangement instead. Positioning two desks next to each other will mean that each person has their own individual space, but can swivel round and interact with each other when necessary.

Use the wall space above the two desks for extra storage so that the floor space doesn’t feel too crowded. Open shelves and cubbies are handy home office storage ideas for files, books and paperwork and are easier to access than cabinets.

FAQs

How do you set up a home office layout?

When setting up a home office you need to first consider the size of the room you're planning to use as a home office. If you are working with a dedicated room you'll have a lot more freedom with the layout, and therefore alot more decisions to make than if you're converting a small closet into a dedicated work space.

Your starting point is to work out the best place for your desk, that could be under a window if you have one or close to the sockets. Once you have decided on the location, before you buy any furniture work out how much space you have for the desk and office chair to fit in comfortably. You should be able to pull the chair in and out easily, and have enough space for a laptop as a bare minimum.

Once that central decision has been made, you can start building your home office layout around it and start including lighting, followed by storage. Lighting is an incredibly important part, aim to include task lighting over the desk and ambient lighting for a productive work zone.

When planning out storage, consider what you actually need to store in your home office and the space you have available. Whatever, you plan in, whether it be shelves or drawers, make sure you can easily access everything on the shelf without having to move anything out of the way.

Which way should a desk face in a home office?

Where you position your desk will dependent on the size and layout of the room you are working with. If possible avoid having your desk facing wall, this is a big interior design no-no. To quote Michelle Ogundehin from the home office episode of Interior Design Masters, 'It's like putting yourself in detention.'

Ideally aim to position your desk looking out over the room, with a window to the side to provide plenty of natural light. However, if you're working with a section of another room or a small space try aim to position your desk next or under a window, so you have light and something to look at.

If you have no option but to position your desk up against a wall make sure you have fun with your home office wall decor ideas. Hanging plants or wall art, can help liven up a dull wall, and even boost productivity.

Your home office layout ideas should inspire productivity, so if you're struggling to work in your current set up it could be time for a change.

With so many people still working from home, home offices are still getting a lot of action. But what many don’t realize is that knowing how to hide wires can turn an ordinary home office into the workspace of your dreams. Yes, by organising the wires in your home office, you can kiss goodbye to declutter and experience the productivity boost of a lifetime.

From charging cables to wifi routers, it would be impossible to work without these electronics nearby. But before too long, you’re looking at an ugly, tangled mess of wires that take up way too much space on your desk. And while we know they’re an essential part of working from home, that doesn’t mean that these wires need to be on show.  

So, we’re putting our foot down. Enough is enough, and we’re here to tell you that wires are OUT, and beautiful home office ideas are IN. All you need to do now is choose which one (or more) of these 16 wire organisation ideas you want to bring to life in your office. 

How to hide wires

'We’re more connected to our devices than ever before,' says Simon Glanville, managing director at home storage retailer A Place for Everything. 'Hybrid working means that working from home is now increasingly commonplace. Most homes now have tech and the inevitable "cable spaghetti" that ensues in every room.'

You don't have to be a feng shui expert to know lots of visible wires aren’t conducive to a calm and productive workspace. Here are 16 solutions to stop things from getting out of control.

1. Hide them under a rug

If your desk is far away from your nearest plug socket, hiding your wires under a rug is a practical solution that will also add another decorative dimension to your home office. 

This way, you can run the wires to your desk without tripping on them or having them on show. All you need to do is find a decorative rug that compliments the rest of your room and run the wires underneath. Choose a size that works with the size of the room and a colour scheme that promotes productivity, and you can create a zen space that is free from clutter.

Of course, if you do this, you might want to tape the wires to the back of the rug to keep them in place. It’s also a good idea to regularly lift up the rug and check on the wires to ensure they’re not damaged.

2. Build a fake wall behind the desk

If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty with a little DIY, you could also hide wires in your home office with a fake wall built behind the desk. What this wall looks like is up to you, but personally, we love the look of a pegboard - especially as this will give you more space to personalise your workspace with photographs, clocks, and shelves. 

This doesn't need to be a full-size wall, though. You almost want to create a headboard for your desk, and something as small as 30cm tall would work wonders. When you have this fake wall, you can stash all of your wires behind it and shield them from view. 

3. Attach wires to desk legs

Use small, transparent Command Strip hooks to attach wires to the legs of your table. Stick-on hooks will mean wires aren’t just floating around creating a tripping hazard.

4. Tuck them behind potted plants

There are so many amazing houseplants that can boost productivity, so why not use them to stay organised, too? One of the best ways for how to hide wires in your home office is to tuck them behind potted plants. Plus, they’ll look great on your desk. 

Larger plants - both in height and width - work best when you’re trying to hide wires. And while trailing plants can also work for larger desks, the tendrils can often make a smaller desk seem more chaotic if you’re not careful. So, opt for something like a spider plant or a snake plant. 

If you're a little heavy-handed when it comes to your plant watering schedule, though, you might want to opt for faux plants instead. We all know that water and electricity don’t mix, after all.

5. (Carefully) staple gun wires to the bottom of your desk

Proceed with caution here. For how to hide wires that are always in the same place, such as the wire on your desktop monitor, try stapling or taping them to the underside of your desk to make them less visible. 

6. Hide them behind art

If you don’t want to spend any money on tactics for how to hide wires, you’ll be happy to know that you can do so for free - while also adding an extra pop of personality and adding colour to your home office. 

Adding art to any room allows you to showcase your style and complete your design aesthetic, but it turns out that you can also use this art to hide your wires, too. By placing frames against your desk and leaning them against the wall, you can place the wires behind them and shield them from view. 

This is free to do if you already have the frames and the art handy. 

7. Invest in a cable management tray

Sure, it won’t be the most exciting online order you make this year, but it WILL be one of the most practical and it should only cost around £20. 

Consider buying a handy metal wire tray that you can screw to the bottom of your desk to keep wires off the floor. Position the tray towards the back of your desk so it doesn't get in the way of your knees.

Resting an extension cable inside your under-desk tray is a good solution if you have lots of devices that need plugging in. Tuck the excess of cables into the tray and bring the wires up towards you to keep things nice and neat. Browse desk cable management trays at Amazon.

8. Use cable organisers

You could also attach some cable organisers to your desk to hold them in place. Stick one on edge of your desk, or on your laptop stand, as shown above. 

While they won’t exactly hide your wires, stick-on organisers, like these Surface Snaps, at Amazon, will secure them in place and stop them from falling on the floor the moment you unplug them. 

9. Conceal with a wire box

One popular option offering instant gratification is a wire box. These are designed to stow away wires and blend in with the rest of your room. 

They can either be placed on your desk or on the floor near a wall to disguise cables. 'Stashing your wires in a stylish box is the quickest and simplest way to neatly clear cable clutter while giving you access to your device peripherals and cables,' says Simon from A Place For Everything. 

You could place an extension cable inside a cable box to make things more streamlined or simply use it for how to hide wires coming from your wifi box. We can personally recommend the wire boxes at Flying Tiger, which keep our wires under control, making it easier to hoover around the area.

10. Cover with discreet trunking

This might sound a lot like DIY, but we assure you this is a peel-and-stick situation. If you want a subtle and effective way for how to hide wires without breaking the bank, Sophie Anthony from ElectricalDirect recommends trying its Micro and Mini Trunking. 

She explains that you can install this plastic trunking around architraves to keep wires entirely out of view. ElectricalDirect's range of finishes, including white, wood-effect, and magnolia will ensure that even the trunking blends in flawlessly with your decor. Something to consider if you have trailing wires due to your plugs not being in the ideal position.

11. Seek home office furniture with built-in cable management

Anyone with a more involved home office setup can make life easier for themselves by opting for a desk that has cable management incorporated within the design. The IKEA MICKE desk, for instance, has a hole for wires to go through as well as a wire tray at the back. Failing that, choose a desk with plenty of drawers to hide away cables and any other office supplies at the end of the day.

12. Stow them away in a basket

Some of the best solutions for how to hide wires are the simplest, and we think a dedicated large wicker basket is a great way to go. It'll make it easier to be disciplined and to put away wires you're not actually using. 

Plus, an aesthetically pleasing woven basket, available at La Redoute will bring texture and make your office a space you want to hang out in.

13. Shorten and streamline with cable ties

If you go for the basket option above, use some cable ties to stop different wires from getting tangled up into one big Christmas tree light-style mess. 

'Grouping wires together with cable ties will avoid them becoming messy and tangled,' says Simon from A Place For Everything. 'You can even colour code your cable ties to keep them super organised and easily identifiable.'

14. Position your desk closer to wall sockets

A simple tweak to the layout of your home office might make wires less visible. For example, try moving your desk so it's as close to your plug sockets as possible so there are no wires trailing across the floor. 

You might find that by rearranging the furniture, your desk, filing cabinet or bookshelves help to conceal the wires without the need to buy any wire-concealing gadgets.

15. Reassess your home office storage

It could be that a lack of storage space for all your home office paraphernalia is making it near on impossible to keep things neat, whether it be wires or stationery. 

Take a good look at your space, have a clear-out, and consider ways to create more storage space. If your home office is suddenly looking beautifully clutter-free, you'll be far motivated to keep wires tidy too.

16. Use cable sleeves

Cable sleeves will also help with how to hide wires and keep things organised, as you can zip up multiple wires up together. They also offer a level of protection to help the cables last longer.

When talking about how to hide wires, we're also talking about electrical appliances, so make sure you're using wires safely. 

'Do be aware though that coiling extension leads and power cables can create a fire hazard as electrical current generates heat that can't disperse if cables are too tightly coiled,' says Simon from A Place For Everything. 

Coiling wires too tightly can damage them, so when gently coiling them up just follow the how the wire loops up naturally.

As remote and hybrid working is becoming more and more coming, it also means that most of us need an office space or at least some sort of a working area with a desk within our homes. But since space is something of a luxury in most homes across the UK, small home office ideas are something we’re all in desperate need of.

In order to make your WFH station work for you, it needs to be comfortable, functional but it should also look stylish and inspiring as well. And these home office ideas for spaces that are on the smaller side tick all of the necessary boxes.

So whether you’re looking for a way to give your small home office space a small update or are in the process of building one from the ground up, there is something here for everyone.

Small home office ideas

‘Creating a home office in a small space requires smart planning to balance functionality, comfort and style,’ says Lucy Mather, interiors expert at Arighi Bianchi. ‘Design concepts for promoting wellbeing in the home really come to the fore in home office decors. In many cases you also need to be ruthless in what you’re storing in the room or workspace zone, more so than in other areas of a home. Like with all interior design, personalisation is important but don’t be tempted to have lots of unnecessary items if you’re limited on floor space.’

And keeping all of this in mind, let’s dive into the specific small home office ideas to give your WFH space an upgrade.

1. Double your desk as a dressing table

While having your working space within your bedroom might not be ideal for some, it can be for others. Especially if you can squeeze one in anywhere else. The benefit of this is that you can kill two birds with one stone by doubling your work desk space as your dressing table.

‘Multi-purpose furniture is a great solution – screens and printers can be discreetly stored, and a simple mirror can turn the workspace into a dressing table when needed,’ says Megan Baker of My Fitted Bedroom.

2. Invest in the largest desk your space allows

If your workspace is lacking in, well, space then it’s best to focus on the most important pieces in that area – which is clearly the desk here.

‘The key to making the most of your workspace without overspending starts with choosing the right desk. Opting for the largest desk your space allows ensures there is enough room for monitors, lighting, and everyday essentials. A large desk “frames” your workspace,’ Lucy at Arighi Bianchi advises.

3. Consider how much storage you need

Investing in efficient home office storage ideas are invaluable in tiny workspaces. But before you do, make sure to ask yourself how much storage you actually need. In fact, it might be a lot less than you initially thought.

‘Storage should be considered carefully – while under-desk drawers or shelving can be useful, they are only necessary if you truly need them. With digital working reducing the need for bulky filing, it’s worth questioning how much physical storage is actually required,’ Lucy at Arighi Bianchi says.

4. Don’t forget the smell

Home office fragrance is something that’s often forgotten about. And yet, it’s important to setting the scene and it can affect the way you feel in the space and even how productive you are. Sense-scaping is a recently introduced approach to decorating that engages all five senses – and this works particularly well somewhere like a home office.

‘Another top tip is to add a decorative diffuser in the office area. An oversized diffuser doubles as a stylish ornament and will help to keep the room smelling fresh,’ Lucy at Arighi Bianchi says. But a scented candle will work as well.

5. Keep cables neat

Tangled cables from all of your electronics are one of the biggest eyesores in any home office. And visual clutter like this does nothing for an already small office space. So making sure you effectively hide any wires is key.

‘Cable management is often overlooked but is crucial for creating a streamlined look – simple solutions such as cable ties, boxes, or pegboards can help keep wires neat and out of sight,’ Lucy at Arighi Bianchi says.

6. Utilise an unused corner of a room

The corners of a room are often left under-utilised – and that’s why they make for the perfect opportunity to build a tiny home office in one of them.

‘Choose an unused corner that you can dedicate to your work and find a comfortable desk and chair that suit the space without cutting into the rest of the room,’ suggest leading office furniture specialists, Furniture At Work.

The best home office desk idea for a corner is an L-shaped design. ‘An L-shaped desk adds extra surface area and creates designated areas for different tasks. This layout also allows for easy access to essential supplies and equipment including a computer, phone, printer, and stationery,’ says Brian Curran, interior designer and founder at Drafting Services.

7. Keep an uncluttered desk

When space is lacking, that’s when clutter - whether it’s real or visual clutter - really needs to be kept to a minimum. And this is especially necessary when it comes to a home office and the desk area as clutter can be distracting while working.

‘Having only necessary items easily accessible on your desk can save time and minimise distractions. This includes a pen holder, a paper tray and a charging station,’ Brian says.

Kamil Kozorys, interior designer and co-founder at Unique Tiles, agrees, ‘Declutter your home office regularly – either once a week or at the end of each workday as this will help prevent clutter from building up and affecting your productivity. I suggest doing a thorough and deep decluttering and organisation session every few months to keep your space clean and efficient.’

8. Focus on lighting

Incorporating good and efficient home office lighting ideas into your small working station is imperative both for setting the right mood and for maintaining your eye health.

‘Good lighting is important—use a combination of natural light, task lighting, and ambient lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere, while also prioritising your well-being and preventing eye strain,’ says Hannah Prescott, interior designer at Diamond Interiors. ‘Proper lighting, including a desk lamp, is important.’

Chloe Barrow, interior expert at Laura James, adds, 'One of the biggest things you have to consider when laying out a home office is whether the sun will hit your screen. I’d pop a desk temporarily in various positions and spend a day working in that spot, noticing how the sunlight hits your screen throughout the day. This will give you a great indication of where it is most practical to position your desk.'

9. Invest in a comfortable chair

Knowing where to buy an office chair and what style to go for is crucial to staying comfortable throughout your work day.

‘Every work-from-home space should include a few essential elements to ensure productivity and comfort,' says Ashleigh Hanwell, senior designer at Second Nature. 'An ergonomic chair provides the necessary support needed for your overall well-being.’

Hannah adds, ‘Every WFH space, no matter how small, should have a comfortable chair. Comfort is important to prevent strain during long work hours, so invest in a good chair.’

10. Make use of landings

As an oft neglected space, a landing can be a great spot to bring your small home office ideas to life. Extend a shelf out from the bannisters, or buy a slimline option in a matching colour and material, so it doesn't stand out. The other useful thing about using this as your work space is that if the kids will be borrowing it for homework, it's an easy place to keep an eye on what they're up to without hovering over their shoulders.

11. Disguise storage

If working within a living room or open-plan area, then you may struggle to find the line between having everything you need for work to hand and not overwhelming the non-working aspect of the room. An easy way to achieve this balance is by hiding your work essentials in plain view.

A Kallax unit is perfect for this as they fit box files perfectly. Choose colours that co-ordinate with the rest of your scheme to help them blend in. Clutter and non-paperwork items can be stashed in boxes and tucked into a cubby at the end of the day. Make sure to use several of the cubbies for personal use - trinkets, plants, photos, etc - to keep it balanced between work and play.

12. Use walls creatively

Since space is clearly at a premium in small home office ideas, ensure you minimise the footprint of anything you can in order to boost the feeling of available space. A creative solution is to use blackboard paint, like this Rustins blackboard paint at Amazon, to turn you wall into a calendar, a do-to list or anything else written that you might otherwise have stuck onto the wall or propped up on your desk.

13. Choose a fold-away office

There are now some brilliant foldaway desks that allow you to create a full-blown home office but tuck it away at the end of the day. ‘Multi-functional options are also something to consider - some looks like a console when not in use, which is ideal for those multi-use space,’ says interior stylist Emma Jane Palin.

You can even make your own with an IKEA hack using the Norberg wall-mount drop leaf which folds neatly against a wall with a table that flips up. The best part is that the doors help create that work cocoon feeling, creating the illusion of a room within a room. However, it will fit into the smallest homes as the cabinet itself will almost sit flat against a wall.

14. Make things cohesive

To help find that sometimes elusive balance between work and home life, if you're working in an otherwise social space, co-ordinate as much possible. We're talking similar materials, colours and finishes to elsewhere in the room. Not everything has to match, but to avoid home office design mistakes, just make it feel cohesive with the rest of the space.

For example, a feminine lounge with an industrial table would be too jarring, as would a deep wooden desk in a Scandi-chic space.

15. Soften up the space

Don't compromise on interior style, instead make the small space work harder within your home. Soften a functional workspace by using home office colour schemee less associated with office spaces - it doesn't really matter which, as long as they work for you.

Add in pretty details like flowers, plants and artwork to amp up the homey vibe. And don't forget to switch out that black desk chair, or reupholster it in a stylish fabric.

16. Adorn walls with cork board

When space is at a premium it’s important to make every inch work hard and in a small home office bold home office wall decor ideas are a key way to make a statement without taking up space.

‘I love a corkboard wall to bring texture and interest to an office wall,’ says interior stylist Emma Jane Palin. ‘As well as being eco-friendly and versatile - you can easily paint it if you want it to blend in with the rest of the space - it also provides an area to pin up inspiration and anything you’re working on.’

17. Save floor space with a ladder desk

‘Make the most of vertical height in a smaller office. Choose a ladder desk that is takes up less horizontal space, or incorporate full height shelving,’ suggests Emma Jane Palin.

Ladder desks and ladder shelves are all amazing for taking up a small floor footprint. They can be use to squeeze storage into a tiny cupboard office, or you can carve out a small home office space in a living room with one.

18. Colour drench your office

Forget white ceilings, colour drenching has become one of the best-emerging trends for small spaces. The trend is all about taking your home office colour scheme from the walls, onto the ceiling and even through your furniture.

‘If you’re decorating, paint your ceiling in the same colour as the walls for an infinity space illusion and add in mirrors or mirrored surfaces to reflect natural light,’ explains Emma.

19. Make use of alcoves

'When it comes to creating a home office, you ideally want to carve out a space that you can dedicate to it,' advises Emma Deterding, founder of Kelling Designs. 'However, space is often at a premium in modern homes and apartments, so dedicating a whole room isn't always possible. The last two years has seen the home become more multi-functional than ever, so being creative with your space is key.'

Use every inch of space at your disposal. Find space by playing with alcove ideas in your living or dining room to act as a smart home office area. As well as fitting in a desk, you can easily add shelving above for all your working day necessities.

20. Utilise under-stair space

Under stair spaces are often wasted space in homes. Instead of allowing it to become a dumping ground for tote bags and trainers, turn it into a stylish home office. Consider going bespoke if it's an awkward space as this would be your best option to make the most of every available inch.

Build in as much storage as you have room for. Not all needs to be for office supplies, you can keep a cupboard for coats, and maybe a pull-out drawer for all the miscellaneous hallway paraphernalia.

21. Hang full-length curtains

You might be designing a home office, but you shouldn’t forget any of the classic rule for making a small space look bigger. One of the key ones that Emma reminded us of is being clever with how you use your home office curtain ideas.

‘The right window dressing can completely change the feel of a space. Hanging full-length curtains at ceiling height can make the window seem bigger, and the space taller,’ she says.

22. Style with secondhand buys

A small home office needs to house a lot, but clever storage can still be aesthetically pleasing. ‘If you’re wanting to bring more of a vintage feel, look on Facebook marketplace for retro shop fittings; old upholstery drawers and art racks can make for interesting features and often make for practical use of space,’ recommends Emma.

23. Choose translucent furniture

If you want to preserve the feeling of an airy space, see-through pieces are a great way to go. ‘By allowing light to pass through them the vessels don't obscure the flow of a room which helps to maintain an airy-feeling space,’ explains a MUJI interior advisor.

You can stick to just translucent storage pieces, we love MUJI’s acrylic drawers for stowing away stationary. Alternatively, you can take the plunge with a see-through desk or chair, it is definitely a bold look that will win you lots of points in the style stakes.

24. Opt for wall-mounted lights

Home office lighting ideas are an important consideration even in a small space. 'Getting your lighting right and giving a once dark and gloomy part of your home a new lease of life can be just as motivating as your first coffee in the morning,' says Natalie Mann, new product development co-ordinator for Iconic Lights.

In addition to overhead lighting, it is important to include task lighting over the desk itself. Desk lamps are brilliant for this, but if desk space is at a premium consider opting for a wall-mounted spotlight instead. Plug-in wall-mounted lights make these easy to install retrospectively without any re-wiring.

Next to consider is lighting. 'Getting your lighting right and giving a once dark and gloomy part of your home a new lease of life can be just as motivating as your first coffee in the morning,' Natalie says.

25. Take storage from floor to ceiling

If you're working with a narrow area, then the wall space is your best friend. The last thing you want is bulky shelves cutting off any headspace, and light to the desk.

Instead consider attaching storage solutions such as pots for stationary and a picture rail for books straight to the wall. IKEA spice racks make it easy to create slimline shelf space.

In small home office ideas every inch of space is precious. That includes the spot just below the ceiling above the desk. Capitalise on this overlooked vertical space by turning it into a storage shelf with clearly labelled boxes.

This won't be the easiest spot to reach without a step ladder, so consider that when organising what you will store on the shelf. It is the perfect spot for tidying away family records and memory boxes, anything you don't need every day but need to be able to lay your hands on easily.

26. Include stress-busting houseplants

Small home office ideas like can always benefit from adding in a few houseplants. 'Be sure to style in a selection of houseplants - whether they’re faux or the real deal, you’ll ream the benefits of having pops of greenery dotted around the space, helping to alleviate work-related anxiety and promote clarity,' explains Lauren Davenport, associate buyer at Furniture Village.

To stop them taking over a small desk consider hanging planters. While real houseplants will always look best, if you'll struggle to lift a hanging planter down to water it consider opting for faux plants. They have been proven to deliver similar stress-busting benefits and you don't have to worry about water flooding your desk from above. However, it can be worth noting that some real houseplants have been shown to increase productivity, so these are worth considering. Every little helps!

27. Carve out a nook

If you're working a home study space into a bedroom, consider sacrificing some wardrobe storage to carve out a nook. You only need a couple of feet across in order to fit in a small desk. Choose a slimline option so once the chair is pushed in, you're not coming into the room much more than the wardrobe doors.

You can keep the wardrobe sections above head height. Just ensure you leave enough room to have a light at a comfortable and practical distance away from the desk.

28. Create a flexible workstation

A spot in the kitchen often turns into an ad hoc space to work in, after all who doesn't get drawn there at one point or another throughout the day?

If you're planning or re-designing your kitchen and wish to consider small home office ideas then make sure that part of your countertop is low enough that you could sit at it in a desk chair, and leave the base free of built in storage.

When not in use this space will still benefit as the countertop will remain working space for food prep and the alcove section can be used as negative space to help the room breathe, or to hold baskets or other stylish storage solutions.

You can of course work at an island, but be wary of not receiving adequate lumbar support. from bar stools.

29. Zone the area

Use paint, wallpaper or wall panelling to define your small home office ideas in an open-plan area. If you're just wanting a lick of paint, cover an area in contrast colours to the main wall, making it roughly the width of your desk and just below ceiling height, so it creates a framed backdrop for your desk.

'This could work very well in modern properties with an open plan living space,' adds Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown. 'And by painting just a smaller section of the room you can go really brave or dark with your chosen colour.'

However, really delineate your home office in an open plan space, consider revamping that section of wall. Add interest while zoning by inserting a panelled area. Enhance the look even further by painting this section in a contrasting colour to the rest of the wall space.

30. Keep things light and bright

Whether you're using a small box room or a part of a larger space, colour is key. Light, bright shades and materials will make the space seem larger than it is. Think crisp whites, pale woods and glinting metallics.

Be smart about your desk position to make the most for the natural light in the space. 'Lighting can increate productivity and prevent fatigue,' says Juliette from Juliettes Interiors.

'Make the most of daylight, but have your desk side onto a window so that the light does not shine directly onto your computer screen, and use tall lighting for specific areas, where you need to concentrate on detail.'

31. Create a shelf desk

This has to be one of the smartest ways to make a small space work for a home office. A simple wooden shelf placed under a window creates the perfect perch for work.

You can go as big or as small as you have room for, but try not to go too thick or it can seem out of proportion.

32. Make the most of attic eaves

If you don't have to work from home day in and day out, then adding a desk beneath otherwise too-low eaves could be a great solution. These spaces may feel cramped if in constant use but are perfect for the odd day here and there.

As a bonus, if you have a skylight installed, you'll have plenty of daylight to help to focus and prevent eye strain.

FAQs

How small can a home office be?

There are generally accepted minimum measurements for a home office if we’re talking about a separate room of its own.

‘The smallest size of 70 square feet is equivalent to twice the area of a queen-sized bed, and should easily fit an average-sized desk, a chair, and some storage space,’ shared leading office furniture specialists, Furniture At Work.

However, these days, anything can really be turned into a home office nook - so as long as it has a desktop space to work on and a chair, you’re good to go.

‘A home office can be as small as a compact desk in a corner. The key is to make the most of the available space by using smart storage solutions and keeping the area organised. As long as the space allows for a comfortable working position and has access to necessary equipment like a computer and good lighting, it can work well as a home office,’ says Hannah Prescott, interior designer at Diamond Interiors.

Where is the best place for a small home office?

One of the bonuses of small office ideas is that they can be integrated just about anywhere in the home.

'Finding the right spot for your home office is key to productivity,' advises Joanna Baumard, co-founder at Purlfrost. 'You don’t necessarily need ample amount of space, but you do need natural light and a space that feels clear of clutter. If you haven’t got the luxury of a separate room, the dining room or bedroom can often be the next best spot.'

'The spare room is often an ideal place to work,' recommends Juliette from Juliettes Interiors. 'It’s usually the quiet space in a home but is so often used as a dumping ground. If space is an issue, consider downsizing to a single pull-out trundle bed or a sofa bed that acts as a daybed or sofa when not in use.'

'Choose a compact desk, console or dressing table that looks great but can be flexible and will allow you to hide work away when guests come to stay. This leaves more room for you to work comfortably and you still have a functioning spare room.'

If you opt to set up your home office in an open plan space, make sure to delineate the area. 'Simply working on the dining table or kitchen island won’t help to focus the mind,' says Poppy Peace, creative director at Milc Interiors. 'By effectively using rugs, bookshelves and lamps, you can create the perfect working zone, that works with the open-plan interior, yet ensures a dedicated space for work.'

How do you integrate storage into a small home office?

Just because your home office is short on square footage does't mean it has to be lacking in storage.

'Floating shelves or a tall bookshelf that extends to the ceiling will provide ample amounts of storage and a place to showcase decorative items,' says Mariana Ugarte, co-founder of Interior Fox. 'The possibilities are endless when you go bespoke. Creating furniture for your room that is designed to fit seamlessly means that every inch of the room is catered for.'

Alternatively, build in storage as you go. 'Why not create a dedicated home office within built-in joinery in the kitchen or living room, that can be shut away when you've finished working,' suggests Emma from Kelling Designs. 'It's ideal for creating integrated storage where you need it. By hiding it behind doors will allow the space to function as a kitchen, diner or family living space with ease.'

Your small home office ideas should never be an obstacle to packing your space full of stylish and practical ideas, so enjoy finding the best ways to make yours a beautiful feature rather than a pain point.

Working from home has changed from being the odd evening or weekend to many of us permanently set up in spare bedrooms, under the stairs or in the corner of living room. Plus now there's hybrid working which means having a home office that's part of your home has become imperative. Whilst a makeshift desk might once have worked on a temporary basis, working from home in the long term requires a more structured and organised approach. 

'When it comes to designing a home office, you want it to be practical, functional, inspiring and a cosy space that's set for productivity,' says Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant, Fenwick & Tilbrook.

Modern home office ideas

Design ideas can have a big impact on modern home office ideas too, with upbeat decor and energising colour combinations that will aid focus and boost creativity.

‘Without a doubt, the colour of your working space will affect your mood and influence how you feel,’ says Helen Shaw, UK Director, Benjamin Moore. ‘Choose colours that make you happy, inspiring drive and creativity and allowing you to stay positive.'

Sleek, streamlined and space-efficient, modern office design bridges the gap between form and function, with work and living spaces that blend easily and stylishly together.

1. Make use of your space

Tight on space but still hankering after a modern home office? You'd be amazed at how you can configure a WFH space in your home with some clever planning and an open mind. 

And if you love the contemporary look then keep your storage solutions sleek and streamlined. The key is narrow profiles so look for slim shelves and a matching table top. Choose a chair that's similar, opt for thin legs over chunky and keep your accessories simple. 

2. Keep your window treatments simple

A modern home office requires a contemporary window treatment, window film is one option and so are blinds. They can look contemporary if you choose a fabric that matches your colour scheme and is simple in design. 

'Dressing large windows in a modern home, especially in a home office, is all about achieving a balance between aesthetics and functionality,' says Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV.  

'Opting for sleek, minimalist blinds can be an excellent choice. Consider vertical or horizontal blinds in neutral tones or subtle patterns to complement the modern decor. These blinds not only provide privacy and light control but also maintain a clean and uncluttered look, perfect for a home office where focus and productivity are key.'

3. Colour block your office space

If you're tucked away in a corner then use paint to create a statement, two colours will do the trick, paint your desk and shelving in one shade so it's all encompassing and the other wall in another colour. 

'Creating a colour-block wall not only adds interest but is an effective tool for zoning a particular area,' says Helen Shaw, director of marketing at Benjamin Moore. 'This works well for a home office where you may want to isolate the desk area itself. Why not channel your most desired travel destinations and opt for a mix of lush and tropical colours to accomplish an exotic feeling all year round.'

4. Opt for Scandi styling

Scandi style is contemporary, making it an ideal choice for a modern home office. Easy on the eye with its practical simplicity you can keep colour to simply white and blond wood – which adds warmth and prevents the look from being too stark. 

Add in a textured sheepskin for your chair and invest in a pinboard for those useful reminders. 

5. Mid-century modern style

If you want a modern home office but not sure about the minimalistic aspect, then consider sitting in the middle with mid century modern design instead. Ever popular and beautiful to look at, it bridges the gap between classic and contemporary. 

'Designing a mid century modern home office can blend timeless aesthetics with all the functionality required for efficient working,' says Amanda Huber, owner, The Dining Chair Co. 

'Embrace clean, minimalist lines, natural materials and iconic furniture pieces synonymous with the era (think Eames chairs or Saarinen tables). Try and maximise natural light through large windows and use houseplants to help bring the outdoors in. Opt for warm, earthy colours with bold pops of colours and prioritise functionality with ergonomic furniture and smart storage. This will allow you to create a balanced, productive and inspiring space, whilst capturing the essence of mid century design,'

6. Choose contemporary shaped furniture

Choose furniture with clean lines in pale wood that although modern in style, have visual design elements that will last for decades – and remember, a pop of colour like a matt painted storage unit will add a new dimension.

'Craftsmanship, honest materials and a pared-back aesthetic allow these pieces to be mixed successfully with traditional or classic interiors whilst introducing a modern element,' says Simon Temprell, interior design manager, Neptune. 'This kind of eclecticism will help to make a room feel less rigid and more transitional.'

7. Play with colour within the space

Choosing a colour scheme for a modern home office can be tricky especially if your'e sharing the space with the kitchen, living room or bedroom. The key is to pick a colour or two that can work across a scheme. 

'The harmonious combination of yellow and blue requires a thoughtful balance of colour psychology and interior design, and using these two hues can create a visually striking and emotionally comforting workspace,' says Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant, Fenwick & Tilbrook.

'Yellow has a warm and cheerful nature, and is ideal for use in a home office as it can bring in a sense of optimism and creativity. It evokes a feeling of vibrancy without overwhelming the space, and when combined with the calming and introspective nature of a deep blue, can create a sophisticated contrast that adds depth and richness. For the best effect, place these colours strategically and be sure to choose the right shades of blue and yellow. Use muted shades of yellow and deeper tones of blue to create a space that is energising, easy on the eye and set for comfort.'

8. Be decorative

Just because you're opting for a modern home office it doesn't mean you can't use bold pattern. Wallpaper in an office is a big trend currently so it seems a shame not to use it on at least one wall right? 

Choose a design that's in a single colour but with a chunky linear design and use it behind an open shelving unit, that way you can still see the print through it. Pick a chair in the same colour for a touch of cohesion. 

9. Stick to one shade

There's nothing wrong with using one colour throughout your modern home office and teaming with a crisp white desk and chair. 

'Keeping the colour scheme simple provides a chic, minimalist base to a room, creating the perfect backdrop for your favourite furnishings and accessories,' says Helen Shaw. 'Move away from the ease of opting for white everywhere and opt for Savannah Green 2150-30 walls in a home office for a citrus-infused take on the traditional earthen-green workspace.'

10. Tactile neutrals will create a calming space

Start with a white desk and chair as they'll both act as a blank canvas and help to keep a smaller space feel larger. Then start to add warmth by choosing neutral textures like ply storage boxes and baskets. 

If it gets too cluttered it will stop being modern and end up being maximalist – so pick your storage and accessories carefully. Plants are a great addition asa they add life and texture. 

11. Use colour to cancel out distractions

Paint walls, window frames and trims in the same shade throughout to create a calming backdrop with the desk as the focus. A useful technique for small home office ideas and busy spaces, having no break in colour helps to reduce visual contrasts and blur the boundaries, making small spaces feel bigger and easier on the eyes.

‘Blues and greens are a great choice for anyone who needs to boost their concentration whilst working from home,’ says Helen Shaw at Benjamin Moore. ‘Both are naturally tranquil shades that act as restorers of balance and harmony. If your workload or even just the current day to day is overwhelming you, blues and greens are a great choice for calming the mind and encouraging focus.’

12. Zone in on your work space

Whether you’ve a dedicated home office or your desk set-up is in a shared space, try an easy paint treatment for your home office wall decor ideas that will make the desk the focal point. Choose a bold paint colour and paint a deep contrast band to span the wall space behind your desk. Make the band roughly 35-45cm deep and position it at mid level so that it will act as a backdrop for shelves, wall planner and noticeboard.

When using a bold contrast colour, such as a vibrant green like this, keep the rest of the scheme clean and unfussy in comparison. Stick to white walls, flooring and desk with just a few black accent pieces - the room will immediately look bright and modern and anything you add, from furniture to plants and accessories, will pop out against the backdrop.

13. Co-ordinate your desk decor

In a shared space such as a living room or dining area, choose a desk that complements the decor and blends in, rather than immediately standing out as ‘office’ furniture. A slimline console-style desk is neat and unobtrusive with drawers that will house a laptop and paperwork when work is done for the day. Decorative wall cubbies provide extra storage overhead and can be lined with patterned wallpaper for a co-ordinated look in and out of office hours.

‘Clear your work space at the end of each day,’ says Vicky Silverthorn, professional organiser at Youneedavicky. ‘If you don’t have a designated office and your desk is in a living area, change it’s look by putting a plant on top, or perhaps a scented candle or vase of flowers, something to symbolise that work time is over.’

14. Supersize your office calendar

Make a statement with a chalkboard wall calendar that will add wow to any modern office scheme. Meetings and appointments can be easily chalked on (and wiped off) and by painting the entire wall in chalkboard paint there’ll be plenty of space for other thoughts and musings.

To create different coloured squares, all that’s needed is black and white chalkboard paint, mixed together in different quantities to create several shades of grey. Then simply mark out your grid and fill in the squares with paint, alternating the tones to create the graduated effect.

15. Go green to boost creativity

A desk positioned facing a wall can be uninspiring, so counter this with your paint ideas by using an uplifting colour that will energise your work space. Green is the colour of nature and is said to bring balance, calm and boost creativity - and because we see so much around us, green causes less eye strain and helps our focus and attention.

Make green feel fresh and modern in a home office scheme by partnering it with glossy white furniture and crisp white paintwork to bounce light around and make the room feel more spacious. Add in accents of black here and there to give the scheme extra edge and definition. 

16. Increase the sense of space

Doubling up with a desk in a box room or spare bedroom might be the only option if space is super-tight, but there are tricks and techniques that can boost the sense of space if you feel particularly hemmed-in. 

Keeping the room light and bright is the first step. An all-white colour scheme will make any small room feel stacks bigger and works perfectly with modern home office ideas. Increase the sense of space further by keeping window treatments to a minimum or opting for sheers and voiles that will let extra light in. Clear acrylic furniture and strategically-placed mirrors will all help to bounce light around the space too.

‘Whites and off-whites allow you to begin each day with a clean slate and a clear mind, but it also affords you the ability to switch out little details as your taste (or the seasons) shift, providing a brand-new space with little effort each and every time,’ says Helen Shaw at Benjamin Moore. ‘Highlighting focal areas such as bookcases or woodwork in a complementary colour draws the eye and adds interest.’

17. Have fun with modern brights

If an all-white scheme doesn’t pack enough punch, then adding a splash of colour around the desk area is an easy way of perking up modern office decor without too much extra effort.

A simple DIY border just below ceiling height or mid-way down the wall will add just enough decoration and colour without overpowering the room. Create the border by painting two rows of circles in complementary colours, drawing around a plate as a template and filling in the paint colour using a small brush.

18. Take a tiered approach

Too much clutter can quickly ruin a modern aesthetic, so incorporating home office storage ideas into your set up is a must if your work involves lots of kit, paperwork and other office essentials. 

Space-savvy modular systems are a practical choice allowing you to tailor storage to suit the available space and room layout. Less-costly than built-in storage, there’s also the benefit that furniture can be shifted into another room and added-to at a future date should more office space become available. Sectional storage like this also works well in a loft or under-stairs space, with units arranged in tiers to step up the height.

19. Create a micro office

Making use of transitionary spaces, such as hallways and upstairs landings is a great way of carving out a work area if you don’t have the luxury of a dedicated home office. A narrow desk is easy to tuck into a gap or unused corner or consider a space-saving triangular desk or L-shaped set-up to maximise the space more fully. And factor in drawer or cupboard storage if you can, so that work clutter can be stashed away for a neat and tidy look out of work hours. 

20. Go big with greenery

If it won’t prove too much of a distraction, position your desk by a window so that you can make the most of a view outdoors while you work. If that’s not possible, bring the outdoors in and include plenty of mood-boosting house plants and greenery in and around your desk space. 

Aside from their air-purifying qualities, having plants in a work space can help to boost creativity and increase productivity. Paint walls in tonal greens to create a calming backdrop and add open shelves to organise office kit and stage a display of greenery.

With working from home now a more permanent fixture in many of our lives, the space we spend so much time in deserves a spruce up. Home office wall decor ideas will provide you with a more inspiring view when working and help keep you creatively inspired and motivated throughout the day. 

Staring at a blank wall every day makes for a long and tough day's work, so mixing up the look with wall hangings, fun paint ideas, art and wallpaper will make a home office feel like an extension of your home. Luckily, these home office ideas will help you easily switch your mindset to 'out of office' by the end of the day. 

‘If you work from home most or all the time, it’s important to choose a home office scheme that makes you happy and stimulates creativity’, says Kerry McKenzie, co-founder of Brand McKenzie. ‘Consider incorporating your favourite colours or a wallpaper that features something you love’.

Home office wall decor ideas

Getting creative with your working space is proven to boost positivity and productivity, making you much happier day to day. Whether you opt for positive paint shades, styled-up shelving, decorative artwork, or all of them, your home office wall decor ideas are sure to make the work days fly by.

1. Be playful with paint

If you're looking for an easy weekend project that will make your WFH space feel brand new come Monday, then paint ideas are the way forward. But not like you'd imagine. 

Instead of simply painting the wall in a block colour, play around with different shapes such as arches for an interesting wall decor idea that will make your desk area feel more creatively inspiring. Plus, creating an arch zones the area around a workspace so that it feels separate from the rest of the room and dedicated to a specific use case. 

'We don’t all have separate spaces in our houses for work - home offices are often areas within existing rooms, which is not ideal - but you can still zone the area using paint and accessories,' adds Sophie Smith, founder of Zhoosh Paints. Either mask out the space around the desk with tape and paint in a contrasting colour or create a ‘desk board’ - like a headboard for a desk.'

2. Work in wood

While working from home requires a certain level of professionality, you also want to feel cosy and relaxed. Adding wood tones into a home office is a great way of achieving this aura as it creates a warm and inviting look, as opposed to other materials. 

By taking wood onto the walls through open shelving or even wooden frames, you're able to extend this feeling so that it's right in your eye-line throughout the day. You can even match it to a home office desk idea for a put-together approach. 

3. Add plenty of art

A home office should reflect your personality, and what better way to achieve this than with art and family photographs? Gallery wall ideas will help to inspire a workspace that is packed full of character so that even the longest of days leave you feeling connected to your personal life. 

Varying frame sizes will help to make the walls of your home office feel naturally styled and put-together, as well as selecting different frame colours to mix up the look. 

4. Build a beautiful backdrop

While it’s important to consider the view from your desk, consider the backdrop from your computer camera, too. ‘You’ll need to think carefully about the wall behind you and the impression it will create on video calls, as it is likely to now be one of the most seen parts of your home,' says Kerry from Brand McKenzie.

Work in tandem with your home office lighting ideas to ensure both your face and backdrop are perfectly lit, while avoiding irritating screen glare.

5. Stay serene with green

Bringing greenery into an office environment helps evoke a sense of calm and stimulates creativity, making it just as perfect for craft room ideas. 

Try painting walls a soothing shade of green, or for a quick fix, fill a shelf with plants. 

‘If you’re short on desk or floor space, or you’re not very green fingered, hanging botanical wall art can help destress and set you in the right mood for a productive day’, say the design experts at Green Lili.

6. Pick a positive colour scheme

One of the main benefits of a home office is the opportunity to create a colourful environment that works for you – not your colleagues. Think about how you react to colours and tones and pick accordingly: some people feel stressed by bright shades while others find them stimulating. 

If you’re wary about home office design mistakes and unsure on colours, there are some that might be worth considering, given the proven effects they have on mood and productivity.

'Pinks and blues are calming and help you focus, while greens can relieve stress and bring in a natural feel of the outdoors,' advise the colour experts at Green Lili. 'In contrast, oranges and yellows will help with energy and enthusiasm.'

7. Stay organised

 If it’s small home office ideas you’re after, think about making your walls work a little harder. With a few practical accessories, they can easily accommodate all your organisational needs – the key is to make it look stylish. 

Whether it’s a blackboard, corkboard or DIY pinboard, position it in the middle then work out with a couple of wall-mounted pockets and small shelves to keep all your bits and bobs close to hand.

8. Use patterned paper to zone a space

Nooks and alcoves are natural places to pop a desk, and because it’s small, you can afford to be a bit more daring with your colours and patterns. Whether it’s in a designated home office or not, separate it from the rest of the room with an out-there paint or wallpaper ideas. 

Stick to calm shades so the effect is softer and easier on the eye when looking away from your laptop.

9. Create an inspiration board

A pinboard is more than just useful – it can be beautiful, too. Create a personalised inspiration board by pinning up pieces that bring you joy; there’s nothing like family photos, postcards, kids’ artwork or a happy quote to help put the ‘home’ into a home office.

If you’re hanging artwork directly onto the wall instead, use a range of different shapes and sizes to create maximum impact and play around with layouts by positioning them on the floor first.

10. Hang a mirror

‘Mirrors create the illusion of a bigger room, adding a sense of space and airiness to a home office – positioned correctly, it’s a great light enhancer, too’, says Sanel Konyar, founder of Interior Kollection. 

Hang a single large one as a statement piece or combine several different shaped designs together for added interest.

This trick has double the benefits for garden office ideas. The mirror will reflect the surrounding nature, promoting a sense of calm and creativity. Always a win.

11. Put the writing on the (chalk) wall

Turn your to-do list into a fun thing to look at by creating a playful feature chalkboard wall. If you’re working with a smaller space, or fancy something a little less bold, consider using a spirit level and masking tape to fashion a memo-board expanse of wall instead.

You could even get a little creative and use your chalk paint to create an oversized calendar or wall planner. Use black and white chalkboard paint to mix different tones of grey to differentiate between days.

12. Build a work wall

If you're integrating for home office storage ideas, then make them work twice as hard by acting as a beautiful feature, too. Built-in storage makes the most of vertical wall space and can be tailored to suit your storage needs. As well as looking spectacular, floor-to-ceiling shelves and cubbies can easily accommodate books and boxes of paperwork. 

Combine practicality and good looks by painting the whole wall, shelves and all, in a bold shade of your choice.

13. Style open shelves beautifully

Open shelving offers a great base for creating striking wall displays in a home office. Plus this gives you the freedom to change your arrangement as the mood takes you. 

Whether it’s family photos, heirlooms or vases and decorative objects you've found for a bargain using home decor discount codes (nice one), anything that brings you creative inspiration when you look at it deserves a designated space. 

Group items of odd numbers and keep space around them to avoid it looking too over styled.

Choosing the right desk for your working-from-home space is arguably the most important step in designing your home office. It’s the place where you’ll be spending most of your WFH hours so it should certainly look and feel the part – and in case you don’t know where to start with your home office desk ideas, we have a few suggestions.

Whether you're a hybrid worker or work remotely 100% of the time, your home office should be a space that’s inspiring and motivating, as well as comfortable and practical, while also fitting into your and your home’s overall style and aesthetic. And all of that extends to your work desk which tends to be central to the room, anchoring the space. Not to mention it’s the piece of furniture that you’ll be using the most in the office, alongside the desk chair. So better make it a good one.

Home office desk ideas

Whether you’re working with small home office ideas or have plenty of space to work with, your desk should not be an afterthought. On the contrary, it should be the first thing you research and set up.

‘The desk is the essence of your home office as it sets the scene for the design of your entire office,’ says Rikke Blaeside, design and range manager at JYSK. ‘Your desk should ideally be practical and attractive in terms of size and material.’

Mateusz Haberny, founder of Oakywood, agrees, ‘Choosing a desk for your home office is a big decision. A solid desk is more than just furniture. It’s an ecosystem, a space where ideas and projects come to life; where goals are reached and new plans are made. This is why it’s important to take choosing the right desk seriously - to align it with your needs, preferences, and expectations. Of course, aesthetics are integral to creating a welcoming space, but ergonomics, size, materials, and customizability are equally important.’

1. Invest in a standing desk

A standing desk with an adjustable height so that you can both stand and sit while working is a very modern home office idea. But a very healthy one, too.

‘Sedentary lifestyle contributes to many health issues and, coupled with sitting in an unergonomic position, at a desk that is either too small or too big, the risk of serious repercussions increases massively. A standing desk can help reduce these health risks, benefit your spine and posture, and improve your overall health. Standing desks with automatic height adjustment systems allow you to perfectly tailor the tabletop level to your height and easily change your working position from sitting to standing throughout the day,’ Mateusz says.

Matt Ousby, innovation director at Slouch, continues on the benefits of standing desks for both physical and mental health, as well as productivity, ‘Standing desks can improve posture, reduce the back pain you can commonly get from sitting for long periods of time alongside improving our circulation and allowing us to keep our wrists at a more ergonomic position which can prevent wrist strain. Many studies have shown that standing whilst working can increase productivity, rather than hinder it as some may think. An increase in productivity can lower the chance of feeling the need to work after hours or finishing work feeling stressed about the next day, meaning a positive impact to our mood and even our work-life balance.’

2. Add complementing accessories and features

It’s not all about just picking the right desk – but also what you do with it. Make the most of your home office desk with the right decor, home office storage ideas but also accessories that will both aesthetically complement it and enhance its functionality.

‘Adding matching elements to your desk, such as a monitor stand or modular drawers, will further contribute to an organised and cohesive workspace that looks as good as it functions. modular drawers, chargers, and organising trays simultaneously contribute to the function and organisation of your desk while matching and further developing the natural, minimalistic design of your workspace,’ Mateusz says.

Rikke adds, ‘A few shelves, boxes, and baskets can get you a long way and if you add some plants, decorative items and perhaps a lambskin you can get an extra cosy feeling.’

3. Include the right lighting

Just like in any other room, home office lighting ideas should be prioritised as it sets the mood of the space – even when it comes to the desk itself. So investing in the right desk lamp for you is crucial.

‘Lighting is key for task areas such as a desk, as it helps the space be functional,’ says Lyz Igwe, interior expert from Dowsing & Reynolds. ‘A desk lamp is brilliant for this but if you're short on desk space, use wall-mounted spotlights instead to ensure your desk is well-lit.’

4. Create a relaxed scheme with a rattan desk

Solid wood isn’t the only option when it comes to home office desk ideas. Rattan offers a lighter alternative that will prove less obtrusive and integrate into the room more seamlessly – especially important if it is in a bedroom or living space. Featured here, Oka’s Albertine desk takes its inspiration from the rattan furniture found in the Ladies’ Tea Room of New York’s Prince George Hotel in the 1900s. It is paired with its Claverton dining chair in Sage linen and oak which together create the perfect addition to a traditional scheme.

Rattan is also a great material if you want to create a country-style home office.

5. Contain your home office in a dresser

Not everyone has the space for a full-time home office – especially if it is only used on an ad hoc basis. Despite having the appearance of a dresser, this cabinet actually houses a complete work space. Neptune’s 4ft Chichester workstation has enough room to house a full-sized monitor, shelves and printer, and has a cut-out on the reverse to run cables and offer ventilation. The front panel, which is disguised as a drawer when closed, lowers to offer a flat surface for writing or a keyboard. The true beauty of this design, though, is that at the end of the day, the doors can be shut ensuring there is no work clutter in sight.

Opt for a vibrant shade, shade as this vibrant Saffron colourway to add colour to a home office.

6. Add character by going antique

From the archetypal school desk to grand writing bureaus, antique desks come in all forms and styles and will instantly imbue your home with an unrivalled sense of character.

‘A desk can be a psychologically potent piece of furniture,’ says BBC Antiques Roadshow expert Marc Allum. ‘Of course, there are plenty of modern flat-pack home office desk ideas that can be crammed into a spare room, but think about your environment and add some style. If working in a family space, use a desk as a multi-functional piece and don’t be scared to go antique.’ For similar, try Vinterior.

Opting for a beautiful antique, that is decorative in its own right, will also help you to sneak a home office into any room.

7. Create a home office under the stairs

Usually home to clutter or converted into a downstairs toilet, the space under the stairs has plenty of potential when it comes to housing home office desk ideas. However, it is not as simple as just adding a desk and chair. The space will be dark, so lighting – a mix of spots and lamps – will prevent eye strain and create a bright space. It is also advisable to choose a chair that can be tucked flush under the desk to prevent it from being a trip hazard.

8. Opt for a trestle table to ensure enough space for crafting

Crafting demands space, so a trestle table might offer a better work surface than
traditional home office desk ideas. Opt for a design, like that seen here, where the height can be adjusted to suit your needs. Ikea’s Lagkapten/Mittback desk in dark grey and birch is similar. Pair with open shelving so you can have all
of your materials easily to hand.

9. Combine storage and workspace with an architects plan cabinet

When it comes to craft rooms, storage is important to keep supplies organised, and this can be both pretty and practical. This beautiful antique architect's plan chest has eight drawers, perfect for keeping materials safe and organised, and neatly fits under a wall-mounted deep shelf to create a versatile workstation. For a similar chest try Mark Hilton Antiques.

10. Go for a neat desk and storage set-up

For workloads that require lots of filing, paperwork and kit being close to hand, organise a desk arrangement that factors in plenty of easy-access home office storage ideas. Make use of the area above the desk with a wall of shelving and cubby holes that can be used to stash all manner of office essentials. Add a memo board that spans the length of the desk. Match its colour to files and storage boxes for a neat, colour-coordinated look.

Opt for a wall-hung desk like this one as a brilliant space-saver. Raising drawer units off the floor will give plenty of leg room and ensure that the area underneath the desk doesn’t look crowded and cluttered for a more spacious feel.

A compact hutch-style desk takes up far-less floor space than a standard-sized desk. There's still plenty of surface space for a laptop or somewhere to sit and do paperwork. Add a run of shelves above and fabric-covered noticeboards on the wall. Use a pretty pattern that complements the wall colour to keep the space from looking too spartan and office-like.

11. Take your desk into the garden

If you don’t have the luxury of a spare room or dedicated home office, then stealing space from other areas of the home can be a canny way of working in a desk set-up. Look at hallway areas, upstairs landings, empty recesses and alcoves and you might well be able to carve out an office nook in an under-utilised area. You could even head outdoors with a garden office idea.

12. Spread out with a longline desk

If having plenty of surface space is essential (often a must in a craft room idea) or you need a desk arrangement that can accommodate two people, then consider a pair of side-by-side desks to create an extra-long desk set-up.

Instead of using two individual home office desk ideas, create a side-by-side arrangement. Use a longline length of worktop with individual filing drawers and cabinets at intervals underneath. Buy worktop by the metre to allow you to tailor the length of your desk to suit what space there is available for more of a bespoke feel.

13. Double up with back-to-back desks

A dedicated room as your home office gives you free rein when it comes to deciding on the best working arrangement. This makes it easier to avoid home office design mistakes. If there are two members of the family sharing the same WFH space, then consider positioning desks back-to-back centrally in the room instead of against a wall as is standard.

Positioning desks in the centre of a room can create a more sociable vibe and allows the space around the perimeter of the room to be better-used for storage. Make it more flexible by opting for height-adjustable desks that be set at the most practical height for each user.

14. Build your own desk

Taking over an under-utilised area, such as an alcove, cubby or under stairs recess, is a brilliant way of creating a WFH nook if space is super-tight. All that’s needed to create a mini desk set-up is a length of worktop, cut to size and slotted into the space.

Add extra office storage if space allows. Standard flat-pack kitchen cabinets are inexpensive, come in a range of widths and heights and can be slotted in underneath and around the desktop. Paint units a complementary colour and add contrast handles for a chic look that will blend in with the room’s decor.

15. Take over a corner

Carve out some extra office space by making use of an out-of-the-way corner to set up desk. A neat triangular-shaped desk or L-shaped arrangement – like The Cotswold Company's Chester dove grey corner desk – will slot neatly into a corner and give extra surface space for a smaller footprint.

Look for a desk with built-in cupboards that will allow bulky tech equipment or clutter to be hidden away. Plus a slide-out shelf that will conceal the keyboard when not in use.

16. Find the perfect fit with a modular desk

Tricky corner or awkward space to fill? Opt for a modular desk system that can be tailored to suit your exact needs in terms of size, desk space and storage. Build a whole wall of work space and storage, starting with one basic corner-shaped unit and adding sections until you reach the required size.

Make a style statement by painting the feature wall idea behind an open system like this in a cheery shade or bold contrast colour so that the frame and woodwork stand out against it.

17. Slot a mini work station into a living space

Shared work and living spaces have become the norm with more of us now working from home. But it can be hard to switch off if the work area completely dominates the living room. Opt for a neat ladder-style workstation – like this Fulton ladder desk from Dunelm – that has ample space for laptop work. Style it up with plants, books and decorative bits and bobs so that it blends in with its surroundings the rest of the time. A tidy desk lamp makes a great home office lighting idea.

18. Conceal your desk in a fitted cabinet

Another option that will ensure that the desk set-up doesn’t intrude too much in a living room or dual-purpose space is to opt for a hideaway desk. Conceal a desk inside a cupboard or fitted wardrobe idea. You'll have enough space for a pull-out desktop and storage, but the beauty is that everything can be hidden away behind closed doors at the end of the day.

Hideaway desk options range from off-the-peg cupboard and desk combinations, to pricier built-in options that can be tailored to fit room specifications. These may include lighting and add-on storage elements. Alternatively, if your home has a large cupboard that could accommodate shelves and a pull-out desktop, it’s possible to convert it yourself with a little work.

19. Opt for a mix-and-match desk

Put together your own bespoke arrangement if you can’t find a desk that meets your specific needs. Ikea has a range of off-the-peg office buys that include filing units, cabinets and trestle bases that can be mixed and matched in a combination or configuration that suits. You could even look at a clever Ikea hack to achieve your perfect solution.

Worktop is sold by the metre, allowing you to create a desktop to the size required, whether that be neat and compact or an extra-wide desk arrangement.

20. Stay stylish with a discreet desk in a shared space

If all that’s required is desktop space for occasional working, then a stylised arrangement won’t ruin the aesthetic of a living room the rest of the time. A stack of floating shelves, one above the other, creates a wall of storage. It doubles as a display space with papers and office bits hidden neatly away in smart box files. Then, just pull up a chair for the perfect laptop landing spot when it’s time to get down to some work.

21. Squeeze a desk into an alcove

Make use of an empty alcove idea or a tight nook if you’re needing to set up desk in a spare room that also doubles up as a guest bedroom. A narrow, floating desk won’t protrude into the room too much. And it can do double duty as a mini dressing table with the addition of a wall-hung mirror.

Opt for a colour scheme in shades of blue, soft grey and blush. This creates a calming mood that will aid creativity when working but be restful enough for a good night's sleep.

FAQs

What should I have on my home office desk?

‘Put away any non-essentials and prioritise what you have out on your desk,’ says Vicky Silverthorn at Youneedavicky. ‘Is it something you use frequently or only occasionally? I archive anything that I don’t need to put my hands on daily, such as paperwork and equipment, so that only essential items are out and things I use less frequently are put away.’

‘And make sure everything has a home - so tidying is something you do almost without thinking about. Desk tidies are useful if they suit your belongings, but not if they’re too small and fiddly. And don’t have excess supplies, bulk buying just creates the need for more storage.’

How can I make my home office look good?

‘Change the scenery,’ says Vicky. ‘Clear your work space at the end of each day. If you don’t have a designated office and your desk is in a living room, change its look by putting a plant on top, or perhaps a scented candle or vase of flowers, something to symbolise that work time is over.'

This is the place where your ideas are born and become a reality – so you deserve your desk to be the best there is.

Only a couple of years ago, a home office wasn't seen as much of a necessity as it is now. Fast forward to today, home offices have become a staple, whether it's for full-time office work or for a dedicated admin spot. So if you are planning your own, you might want to know the home office design mistakes to avoid, before you get started.

Homes have evolved hugely in recent years, becoming multi-functional spaces for living and working, which means rethinking the layout and design of rooms so that they are practical for every eventuality. While there are plenty of home office ideas out there to inspire a creatively fulfilling space, it's also important to know which mistakes to avoid, so that the decorating process is as streamlined as possible.

Home office design mistakes to avoid

You might not think you even need a dedicated space to work from home, but combining the time spent doing life admin, the kids doing their homework and researching the latest household bill comparison deals, suddenly a spot to do it all looks good. So look at the spaces you have in your home currently, how you use them and where you can afford to make changes.

Whether you want to reimagine a space with in your home, or create a new WFH space altogether, follow our top tips to avoid the common home office design mistakes many fall victim of.

1. Neglecting space for a headboard

A pinboard or memo board will act as an interesting home office wall decor idea that breaks up big, plain areas of colour on your wall. It also gives you a dedicated spot to keep postcards, colour swatches and anything else that inspires and excites you.

Keeping important notes like a family calendar right in your eyeline is useful for everyone to keep track of daily memos. You can even buy a fabric-covered board or DIY your own to add even more pattern to a space.

2. Avoiding pattern

It can be easy to assume that the design of a workspace has to be as serious as the work going on in it, but actually adding some personality through home office wallpaper ideas will help to encourage productivity and creativity.

'A striking wallpaper provides the perfect backdrop to a statement desk set up. By making sure that no detail is overlooked, from the tech through to the ornaments and lighting, this is a workspace designed to be seen, says Jamie Watkins, co-founder of Divine Savages. 'Whether it's a work nook or an entire room, we believe the home office is the perfect place for wallpaper, to show off character & personality.'

3. Not adding task lighting

One of the most impactful aspects of interior design is lighting - it can entirely change the mood of a room as well as how practical it is to use. One of the biggest home office lighting mistakes is not varying the light sources or bulb colour enough, making it too stark to work when natural light disappears.

'If you’re working from home, a good desk light can lift the spirits and increase focus. Whether you have a dedicated study or a converted nook, lighting is key to creating a mood of productivity', says Charlie Bowles, director of Original BTC Director. 'Look for streamlined designs with angleable shades, to cast light where it’s most needed. A bone china shade will create a soft welcoming environment you’re eager to spend time in, while a metal shade concentrates light on paperwork.'

4. Not isolating the workspace

'Opt for a room divider or desk with built-in walls to carve out a designated area for work,' says Rachael Fell, Furniture Buying Manager at Habitat. 'Isolating the workspace in this way evokes an element of seclusion which encourages focus and concentration. These clear physical boundaries also help mentally separate office and living areas, meaning it’s easier to leave work behind at the end of the day.'

Even tidying away your laptop or any paperwork into a box at the end of the day, will mentally allow you to switch off, especially in a small home office. Trying to eat dinner while being surrounded by spreadsheets doesn't make for the healthiest way to eat...

5. Getting the natural light levels wrong

Providing light control, noise reduction, and insulation, as well as privacy from neighbours or passers-by, choosing the correct window dressings for your working space, will invite ultimate productivity.

'Installing shutters in your home office can have a range of aesthetic as well as practical benefits,' says Chrissie Harper, Customer Experience Manager at California Shutters. 'One of the most functional benefits is the ability to block out harsh and distracting sunlight with adjustable louvres for a space that encourages productivity. In addition to the benefit of light control, shutters are also the ideal solution for privacy and insulating rooms where comfort is a must.'

Roller blinds can also work well to control your light levels and can be installed easily and quickly, to solve glare from the sun on your screen.

6. No sense of the outside

There’s nothing like a fresh vase of flowers on your desk, to bring a sense of the outside in and set you up for the day. Whether bought from a florist, the supermarket or just foraged from the garden, fresh flowers and houseplants will promote wellness and encourage mindfulness, which has become essential for any home office.

Prints and posters that follow a botanical theme will also help to bring the outdoors in, so opt for art work that feature flora and fauna.

7. Choosing the wrong desk chair

Getting your desk chair all wrong is one of the top home office design mistakes and will hugely impact how your day-to-day feels. While 'proper' desk chairs might not always look as stylish as that scalloped, velvet tub chair you've been eyeing up, they offer the right support for your back, which is worth its weight in gold!

Lucinda Newbound, Senior Ergonomics Advisor at Back in Action advises, 'When it comes to picking the perfect desk chair, think about how much time you are spending sitting and how you prefer to sit. Think of your office chair like a life partner and ask yourself would you prefer a swivel chair, something with arms and a headrest or are you up and down from your chair taking calls? The reason for this is you’ll probably spend more time with your chair than almost anyone or anything else in your life!'

8. Ignoring storage needs

When planning your workspace, don't forget to include some all-important home office storage ideas. If your job involves a lot of 'stuff', give it a dedicated cupboard with a trolley you can wheel desk-side when it needs it, but tuck away again at the end of the day. Boxes, files and jars are all handy vessels for keeping paperwork and stationery under control and should help to encourage the rest of the household to be just as tidy!

Box files are great at disguising boring bills and can be covered in pretty wrapping or wallpaper offcuts if they are being kept out on display.

9. Not making the most of awkward spaces

Attics and loft spaces across the country, found themselves being converted to offices back in 2020, and it's easy to see why. Tucked out of the way at the top of the house, you can close the door at the end of a working day, and not have to witness anything work-related until you are next back at your desk. It also means you don't eat into any of your living space downstairs, or any of the bedrooms too.

But there is no denying their awkwardly shaped home office layouts often throw up design mistakes in the making. Opting for bespoke storage or cupboards to use the space to it's highest potential, is definitely an investment that will pay off.

Senior Designer at Neville Johnson, Simon Tcherniak, says: 'The big advantage of bespoke furniture is of course that it can fill the space and cope with any idiosyncrasies. It is amazing how much storage you gain by going high up the wall, and if you make it no deeper than it needs to be your room will still feel spacious. Your designer can measure exactly what needs to be housed or displayed and make sure that it will all fit, look good and be accessible.'

10. Thinking you need an entire room for your home office

Contrary to our idea above, you don't always need an entire room for your office space, especially if you will only be using it occasionally. Rather than transform a whole room and lose precious storage or living space, look to spaces around your home that can be converted into a WFH spot. Under stair space is an ideal space as it won't eat into the footprint of your room.

Here, a tall kitchen unit and a matching base unit, slot in to create a 'built in' home office, with a length of plywood cut to fit as a desktop. Just add gorgeous cabinet handles for a smart finish and a floating shelf to display trinkets and art work.

11. Not realising a spare rooms' potential

Guest bedrooms are a luxury to have in themselves, but unless you have friends and family to stay for long periods of time, at a regular basis, they are often not utilised to their full potential. While getting rid of the bed and turning the whole space into a home office is an option, it might seem a bit drastic, so opt for a sofa bed to keep options open. Alternatively, squeeze a desk into an alcove space and make the room dual purpose.

A narrow, floating desk won't protrude into the room. and when guests do come to stay, prop a mirror on it to make it their dressing table.

Taking on a house renovation isn't for the faint-hearted, but one homeowner is making it look easy as she transforms her property room by room. And when we say transforming we mean transforming! Take for instance this stunning home office makeover with painted ceiling, it's an inspiration in bold decor choices.

The home office, one of their latest projects, has flexed Sharn's creative skills and, having carried out much of the DIY herself, it's meant she's managed to keep costs down, too.

'The office room has been a real renovation highlight,' says Sharn. 'It needed the most attention, but the process taught us so much and we’re really proud of everything we’ve achieved. We fitted our own plaster ceiling rose, tiled a fireplace and built whole new walls, so it’s been a real labour of love.'

Home office makeover

Dated and tired, the old room needed a lot of work, but Sharn was determined to bring it up to scratch in order to use it as a home office, putting her own stamp on it with the decorating. 'My style is colourful, but clean,' she says. 'I don’t like too many bits and pieces, I like to keep things quite simple.'

Sharn Rayment, from North London, and her partner, took on the brave task of updating a Victorian property – getting stuck into everything, from tiling and painting to fitting ceiling roses and much more. Despite knowing they had a lot to learn, the pair began working through it together. Building up knowledge by watching YouTube videos and gleaning tips from friends and family.

Before: dated decor

The old fireplace had seen better days, as had the walls and carpet, so Sharn began stripping the room right back. 'A lot of the period features had been removed,' she says. 'So we’ve tried our best to put them back in so it feels in-keeping with the Victorian heritage of the house, but still with a modern and smart feel.'

'This room is a working environment, but also our home, so we wanted more than just a desk plonked in the corner,' she continues.

After: Modern home office

The new scheme is a far cry from how it used to be, with pops of colour, new artwork and smart storage. Pale pink tiles in the fireplace contrast with the striking black surround. While new flooring and a statement light all help bring the scheme up to date.

'We repurposed the shelves from our last home to fit in the alcoves,' says Sharn, 'which saved us some major money.'

'All of our radiators came from eBay, too,' she continues. 'They should’ve been £300 each, but we got them for £75 each – a huge saving that we could then put towards other parts of the renovation. We also picked up a vintage corner storage unit for £30 from a local market that fits perfectly next to the desk.'

Bold green painted ceiling

Arguably the most prominent part of the makeover is the ceiling colour, which Sharn painted a fresh Neo green. 'I'd recommend taking a chance on the first colour you’re drawn to,' she says. 'We tried so many sample pots and really overthought it, but ended up going back to the first one we tried, which is Lick Green 08.'

'It was definitely the right choice and we should’ve trusted our instincts at the start. Chances are, if you like the colour on first glance, you’ll like it on your walls when it’s done.'

The green ceiling is the real talking point in the office and Sharn has brought the colour down onto the walls, sitting just above the picture rail.

'It makes the ceiling feel vast and airy, which in turn makes the room feel taller,' she says. 'It's the small details that really add that traditional feel without making the room look dated. Go for taller skirting boards with detailed edges – this always makes a room look grander than it is. I’m also a big believer in painting your skirting boards the same colour as your walls.'

But Now: Green 08 emulsion, £38 for 2.5 litres, Lick

Pink tiled fireplace

With her new home office completed, Sharn has a few words of advice for anyone taking on a house renovation themselves. 'Don’t be scared to do things yourself,' she says, 'even if you don’t immediately feel confident that you can.'

'We found it hard to find someone to fit our plaster ceiling rose, for example, so we watched a lot of YouTube videos and ended up doing it ourselves. It saved us paying out for labour and wasn’t as tricky as we expected.'

What do you think of Sharn's home office makeover? You can find more of her renovation progress on Instagram @sharnshouse.

With more of us home working than ever before, finding the space for a desk can be tricky for some. But one homeowner had the bright idea to utilise her upstairs landing as a hallway home office.

Yes, that's right – what was once wasted space at the top of the stairs has been turned into a brilliant home office ideas. Using the landing is a great way of keeping your working area out of your living room or bedroom.

Hallway home office makeover

Having knocked down a small box bedroom at the end of her hallway to create one big open-plan space, Instagrammer Charlotte Summers from Brighton was keen to use it as a spot for an office.

'Our open-plan hallway and study area is up there with one of the best decisions we have made in our home renovation,' Charlotte told  North Yorkshire-based sheepskin retailer Jacobs & Dalton. 'We didn’t need the additional single bed and felt it made the first floor feel cramped and dark. So we knocked the wall down and it has created a much better flow through the house.'

Before

Here you can see where the original box bedroom was situated at the end of Charlotte's landing. It's clear to see how knocking down the wall gave the large window beyond a chance to flood the space with light. The walls were then stripped and replastered, ready for a fresh new design.

At the other end of the hallway, you can see how dated the decor was – definitely in need of an update!

After

What a transformation! The landing has been treated to a smart refresh, with new painted banisters and balustrades, painted walls and, most strikingly, a brand new office space at the far end.

'My style is monochrome and classic, with a contemporary twist,' says Charlotte, who hates clutter and was keen to make this a neat, orderly room.

A map decal adds interest to the walls. While spotlights overhead keep the area bright enough to work, even on the darkest of days. 'We are south-facing so this demolished wall flooded our hallway with natural light' explains Charlotte. 'A once locked-away wasted view of the South Downs is now a picturesque sight every time you walk up the stairs.'

Savvy storage solutions

Going one step further, Charlotte even created a built-in bookcase along the side of the wall. This smart storage solution offers extra storage but also creates a display space.

'One of the main reasons I wanted to build our DIY shelving in the hallway was to have an open place to showcase our personal items in a stylish way,' she says. 'I wanted the space to not only be functional, but also form an interesting display of what makes us "us"!'

You can see that among the shelving is a space for a piece of wall art, with a picture light above to highlight it in the evening. 'As this is also our office, I've kept the decor minimal to maintain a decluttered mind. Filling it with things that keep me motivated, such as quotes and prints that mean a lot,' says Charlotte.

Through clever planning on this project that she managed to keep costs down. 'I find one of the biggest money burners when it comes to DIY is wastage through trial and error,' she says.

'By planning your cuts carefully and purchasing materials in the most efficient sizes, you will minimise the amount of unusable wasted material. And save money on the way. As they say: look after the pennies and the pounds look after themselves!'

For any DIY beginners out there, Charlotte recommends planning thoroughly before you start. 'Whatever the project, make sure you have a plan,' she says. 'It doesn't need to be set in stone, but don't dive in until you can visualise what you’re trying to achieve. I've learnt the hard way that failing to prepare is preparing to fail!'

We love Charlotte's clean, modern style and her new hallway is a testament to her vision and hard work. You can see how she documented her DIY journey on Instagram at @charlottes_homestyle – who knows, you might even be inspired to change your hallway to incorporate a home office.

You can now buy wallpaper specifically designed to boost productivity while working from home. VELUX teamed up with Poodle & Blonde to launch a luxury wallpaper for the home office named ‘Magic Hours’.

The range is the first of its kind, complementing the varying daylight in our home offices - whether this means an entire room or the corner of the living room. As home office ideas go, we have to say this is one of the chicest we have stumbled upon.

Productivity-boosting wallpaper for the home office

VELUX worked with Whinnie Williams and Kierra Campbell from luxury, retro-inspired homeware brand Poodle & Blonde to create this limited-edition collection. The range has three colourways, each drawing inspiration from how the light changes over the course of the day.

The Magic Hours colourways

1. The Golden Hour
   The orange and caramel tones of this paper take inspiration from the golden hour, AKA mother nature's filter.
2. The Twilight Hour
   Purples and deep pinks evoke the moment when the last of the daylight turns to moonlight.
3. The Blue Hour
   When the sun's last rays create subtle hues of blue.

Each wallpaper for the home office has a texture that reflects light, and gorgeous wood-grain print. The gentle contours add interest and a sense of depth, great if you're looking for small home office ideas to spruce up your space.

Plus, studies show looking at wood can lower our blood pressure. So this natural pattern is bound to make us feel a little calmer when logging onto important calls. Because whether we like it or not, almost half (46%) of us are still working from home 5 days a week.

'At VELUX , we’re committed to helping homeowners transform the spaces they spend the most time in. This collaboration with Poodle & Blonde allows us to do just that,' says Lisbeth Collignon from VELUX . Whinnie and Kierra say that they jumped at the opportunity to work with this well-known brand.

Their favourite colourway is Golden Hour, 'simply because it conjures a real sense of warmth and light, which we’re always drawn to, especially when designing a space that is used for both living and working.

'We love it when something as simple as introducing a pattern into your home, can make such a big difference to the way you use and feel about the space,' they add. Check out the wallpaper trends for 2022 for more inspo.

The VELUX x Poodle & Blonde ‘Magic Hours’ wallpaper collection is available now: buy it here for £115 per roll.

Marie Kondo has exclusively revealed the one thing that keeps her home office looking neat. The famous organizer says that every desk space needs a tidy tech kit.

Sure, it doesn't get us excited in the same way new, colourful notepads and folders might. However, there are always some home office ideas that are just more practical than pretty.

Not to mention the fact this looks like an absolute lifesaver for those of us constantly losing our laptop chargers.

The Marie Kondo home office storage item you need in your life

We asked Marie Kondo which storage items she believes everyone should be investing in to spark joy in their lives. She mentioned this tech kit on her website.

The KonMari site is US-only right now, but you can still shop certain buys in the UK, from the likes of Amazon. 'This organizer keeps all your cords, earbuds and chargers in one place,' Marie Kondo explains.

'Whether you have a home office or work remotely, this kit helps you "shut down" for the day by putting everything in its place after you’re done for the day,' Marie adds. Almost half of us in the UK are now working from home 5 days a week, so we need all the help we can get when it comes to switching off.

The Tidy Tech Kit has plenty of loops and compartments for neatly storing your tech bits away. We think it would make a great gift for busy students or any tech lovers in your life.

This small home office idea is also made of sustainable material which is entirely derived from recycled plastic. We love how it opens out flat when you unzip it, so you can see the entire contents.

If you're less concerned about your desk space and more worried about your overflowing wardrobe, Marie Kondo's wardrobe tidying tip will help inspire a decluttering sesh. Are you ready for your most organized year yet?

John Lewis recently shared its Shop Live Look report. Each year, it reveals something about the nation's spending habits, capturing a certain 'mood'.

In the document, the retailer shared that it has totally stopped selling filing cabinets. The nation has fallen out of love with this home office storage idea once considered essential.

John Lewis stops selling filing cabinets

As we transition towards a more paperless way of working, it seems the filing cabinet's days are numbered. John Lewis has delisted filing cabinets for the simple reason that the demand isn't there anymore.

As the world goes paperless - from bills and invoices to lists of clients - we store more of our files on digital servers. This is reflected in our modern-day home office ideas. We're now opting for more compact storage solutions for any crucial, physical documents.

The store argues that its customers simply no longer need to print their documents to store in hanging A4 folders. 'The unprecedented events of 2020 and 2021 have left a permanent mark on how we shop, live and look,' says Pippa Wicks, Executive Director at John Lewis.

'People have become clearer about what matters to them and their work-life balance has shifted towards life,' says Pippa. There's something satisfying about a battered old filing cabinet of carefully labelled hard copies - categorised with Monica-from-Friends levels of organisation.

But in this day and age, with many of us living in small city apartments, do we really have the space? The demand for small home office ideas would suggest otherwise.

You could argue that having some printouts as a backup is a wise move in the digital age. A filing cabinet no doubt makes storing family documents easier, such as birth certificates, school reports and letters, wills and passports.

Piles of bills, flyers and to-do lists quickly mount up on our kitchen counters, and we still need somewhere to store them for when we really need them. Even so, we still don't think it calls for such a bulky item when so much can be stored in the ether.

Do you agree?

George Home at Asda has launched its first home office collection. Asda has quickly established a reputation as the place to go for stylish homeware on a budget, and this new collection is no different.

Working from home comes with its benefits, and whether it's seven days a week or just an odd day, it's a great excuse to plan and decorate another area in your home. No more working from the dining room table or slumped on the sofa – it's time to look at some home office ideas.

The new George Home home office collection has nearly everything you need to properly revamp your working area. Not only are there some great pieces, but it makes creating your own work area easy, no matter what your budget or how small your space.

George Home home office collection

The beauty of a home office is that you can design it just how you like it – with as many attractive pieces as you want.

It doesn't just have to be functional. It's not someone else's taste. And everything you include can be stylish. In short, it's about creating an environment that helps you feel motivated, productive and inspired to work.

So, what does the range include? Well, to start with there are the important bits, like a desk and chair.  But you'll also find storage elements, lamps, and all the bits to dress your workspace, such as plants, prints and candles.

The best part? Prices start from £1.50 – we couldn't believe it, either!

Our Top 5 favourite pieces

Gold pen pot

Stationery has to be one of our favourite parts of work – from the notepads and pens to erasers and weekly planners. Need somewhere to store your pens? This gold pot, £2.50, will add a touch of luxe to your desk and make sure you can always find your sparkliest or colourful pen.

Grey velvet chair

Who says an office chair can't be attractive? This design's plush grey velvet and curvy shape ticks all our boxes, while the castors make it easy to roll to where you need it.

This George Home desk chair is priced at £60, we're thinking this one will sell out fast.

Ladder desk

Don't want a great big desk taking up room in your home? Then a ladder style is a perfect option. You can use the bottom shelf for your screen or laptop, and style up the other shelves with something prettier to keep it looking less work-like.

Plus, this slimline design ladder desk is just £45, is ideal for slotting in an alcove or next to wardrobes if you're working from a bedroom.

Botanical prints

Plants are said to increase productivity in the workplace – we're not sure that applies when they're in print form, but we'll happily ignore that! This set of three framed artworks will add a calming vibe to your workspace and are just £18.

Storage box

Never underestimate the power of a good storage box – it stops your workspace from looking untidy and helps you create an organised, orderly office. This small grey storage box is just £1.50, so you can afford to invest in a few.

Ready to make your workplace feel like home? The range is set to launch in-store at George Home on 29 September, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled and trolleys at the ready!

Your working from home desk is hiding a dirty little secret. No, we don't mean your secret stash of sweets or the foot spa hiding under your desk for long meetings. A recent study has discovered that your home office desk is actually hiding more germs than the rest of your house.

When planning home office ideas, easy to clean probably isn't top of your list. However, in light of these findings, it really should be.

The research commissioned by internet access and hosting services provider Fasthosts, and carried out by microbiologist Dr. Jonathan Cox from Aston University found that your home office desk is hiding more germs than the kitchen bin and toilet seat. 

Feeling squeamish yet?

The result was based on swab tests from around the home, and then scored based on their cleanliness Relative Light Unit (RLU). The higher the score the more germs that are present on the item.

How many germs are on a home office desk

The desk scored a shocking RLU score of 606. To put that into perspective the toilet seat and doormat registered an RLU score of 209. However, the desk isn't the only part of your WFH set-up harbouring germs.

The keyboard was found to have a score of 382, not far behind the score of a kitchen bin which was 392. Desk chairs also wracked up a worryingly high score of 310, and the computer mouse scored 260.

It is unsurprising that our desk and keyboards have become a haven of germs due to their increased use over the last year. According to Dr. Jonathan Cox, each key strike can deposit and pick up microorganisms.

‘Germs like moist, high contact or nutrient-rich surfaces. Moisture transferred from your fingertips onto your keyboard is sufficient to sustain a thriving ecosystem of microorganisms,' he explains.

‘The bacteria found on desks lack the ability to attack us unless we inject them into our body e.g., typing while eating crisps and not washing our hands regularly.’

If you do eat at your desk it is important to wash your hands before, and regularly disinfect the surfaces and devices you use.

‘Bacterial transfer from us to our environment is inevitable, and therefore a tidy desk with minimal objects is easier to disinfect and therefore is less likely to harbour large microbial communities,' he adds.

A key way to keep your desk tidy is by investing in smart home office storage ideas. Keeping your desk clear makes it easier to give the surface a quick wipe down when cleaning the house.

When using a disinfectant spray or wipe, make sure you read the label to ensure you are leaving it long enough to kill all bacteria, this is usually around 30 seconds.

Might be time to rethink that sandwich you were planning to munch at your keyboard...

If you're able to dedicate a room of your home to your work, it's a real godsend. But even if your desk area lives in your living room, interior designer Gabrielle Omar has a practical tip to make the area feel more spacious - and inviting.

Gabrielle is the host of the brand new HGTV show Quick Little Builds, which sees horse trailers and buses totally given a new lease of life. When we spoke to her recently, she was brimming with smart home office ideas - including a clever lighting trick used on the show.

'Lighting is the cheapest way to divide up a space,' says Gabrielle. 'Colour tones of light can make a space feel clinical or super warm and cosy.

'But it's also where you put the lights - if you put lighting on the plinth of a desk, it almost feels like your desk is floating. And then it makes the floor space feel wider and more open,' she adds.

Drawing attention to the floor will always give the impression of more space. So putting some LED lighting underneath your desk is a simple small home office idea that doesn't have to cost a lot of money.

And if it makes us feel a little happier as we head to our desk on Monday morning, it's 100% worth it. To get the look at home, you can pick up dimmable LED strips on Amazon pretty cheaply - just consider whether you want a warm or cool white light.

Turn them on and play around with brightness before attaching them to your desk, just to make sure you're happy with it. And as tempting as it might be, the various multi-coloured LED lights available online may not be conducive to a productive day's work.

While we might be tempted to decorate our home offices with loads of cute decor, succulents and artwork, clever lighting ideas like this go a long way. Aside from the floating desk trick - which we really want to try out ourselves - Gabrielle recommends having a light that only goes on when you're working.

'So that bit lights up when you're at work,' she says, 'but then when you're relaxing, that switch is OFF, totally off.' Just like a calm bedroom free of devices will help us rest, a visual cue that work time has begun or finished makes so much sense.

'It's about making your home office your home office, and being able to switch it off by a light switch or tucking it away or closing the doors on it. Think of some way to make it go away,' says Gabrielle.

Quick Little Builds, Mondays from 23rd August, 8pm on HGTV and available to stream on discovery+

The Russell Hobbs 12” Scandi Desk Fan takes the standard desk fan and gives it a simple yet stylish makeover thanks to three understated colourways – white, grey and black – and some Scandi-style oak-effect detailing. 

It’s a fairly basic design at a relatively affordable price point, but those simple design touches certainly mean it looks a lot nicer in the home office than most budget fans. And if it’s not your WFH set-up that needs cooling down to prevent you getting hot and bothered on work calls, then the collection also includes the Russell Hobbs 16" Scandi Pedestal Fan and the Russell Hobbs 12” Scandi Floor Fan.

It may not be the most high-tech fan we’ve tested, but sometimes simple works just fine, so we were eager to put the design to the test to see how it compared against some of the best fans on the market.

Russell Hobbs 12" Scandi Desk Fan review: the specs

• Power: 45W
• Speed settings: 3
• Oscillation: 90˚ left-right
• Timer: no
• Other functions: no
• Dimensions: H46 x W35 x D29cm
• Weight: 3.7kg

How we tested the Russell Hobbs 12" Scandi Desk Fan

Russell Hobbs 12" Scandi Desk Fan review: Unboxing and assembly

Although I know that many people love a home appliance that can be controlled via a smart phone app or chatted to through Alexa, I happily admit to being a bit of a technophobe, so although this fan is quite basic, when the box arrived I was very much looking forward to a product that would be quick to unbox, plug in, and get the cool air flowing – without any head scratching whilst I waited for it to connect to the WiFi… or not connect to the WiFi… as seems more often the case.

However, unfortunately, my excitement was a little shortlived, as although on unboxing the Russell Hobbs 12” Scandi Desk Fan it was indeed gloriously tech-free, instead of an instruction manual telling me all the weird and wonderful ways I would need to connect the fan to various devices before I could experience cool air, instead I found an instruction manual that explained the process of assembling the fan, as, yes, it turns out this fan is self-assembly. So, as it turned out, I would need to build the fan before experiencing any cool air.

This was a little disappointing considering nearly every other fan I’d tested came ready assembled – and because I couldn’t find anywhere that warns that the product would need self-assembly on the box. 

Luckily I had the time and dexterity to assemble it myself – and quite enjoy the odd IKEA flatpack assembly – but that won’t be the case for everyone, so it’s definitely a factor to bear in mind before you buy, and not ideal if you’re midst heatwave and already a little hot and bothered.

The fan arrives with the two grill guards slotted inside each other and the fan element attached to them with a plastic tie. A tie that was impossible to undo without scissors, but, scissors located, and the first hurdle of freeing the fan blades overcome, now all I needed to do was separate the grill guards. Except that 10 minutes later the grill guards were still locked together, and my patience with the extremely poor assembly instructions – that don't include any diagrams or make any mention of disassembling the parts before you can begin building – was beginning to wear thin.

Eventually I realised that there are swivelling clasps on three edges of the grill guards that have been closed to lock the two sections together during transit. However, even after opening these, the grills still wouldn't budge as the carry handle on the back of the rear guard was wedged through the front guard grill – perhaps this was an unlucky fluke – and in the end I just had to prise the two metal grill guards apart by brute force and hope nothing vital got bent (which it didn't). 

Thankfully the room temperature at the time was a balmy 19°c, but this would have been a lot of hard labour if I was attempting it when the mercury was hitting 30° and I'd usually be thinking about purchasing a fan.

However, eventually I had the components free, and now it was time to reassemble. 

First, you need to unscrew the rear grille securing nut from the fan stand – thankfully there are markings that show which way to turn to unscrew and tighten as it’s the opposite to the generally universal ‘righty tighty lefty loosey’ mantra that has seen me through 40 years of self-assembly so far. 

Then you slot on the rear grill and secure it with the nut you’ve just loosened. Next, it’s the fan blades and then the fan blade securing cap. Followed by attaching the fan cover. Annoyingly this needs a screwdriver to undo and then refasten the small screw at the bottom of the grill plate, and no tools or allen keys are provided in the box. The need for a screwdriver also isn't mentioned on the box or in the assembly instructions, which is a little frustrating.  

Screwdriver found, and the screw undone and refitted, you then remove the base plate securing nut from the standing pole, thread the standing pole through the base plate, and refasten the securing nut. 

All in all, this took me roughly 30 minutes – longer than it should have because I struggled for 10 minutes to free the two grills at the start –and far longer than I expected from the appearance of the box, form which I assumed I was getting a ready-to-use fan. The process also required a fair amount of dexterity, and a few basic tools, which the box didn't warn of – a shame, as it could well make for a lot of disappointed customer returns.

However, assembly frustrations to one side, once built the Russell Hobbs 12” Scandi Desk Fan does look stylish, with the oak-effect front disc and fan blades definitely adding some welcome Scandi vibes to jazz up an otherwise fairly basic fan.  

Russell Hobbs 12" Scandi Desk Fan: Performance

Fan assembled, good-looks admired, now it was time to find out whether it could deliver on the cooling front, and whether those metal grill guards were going to lead to any noisy rattling. 

Plugging this fan into a power socket really is as simple as it gets, and the fan is then operated via manual control buttons that are located on the rear of the unit behind the rear grill guard. 

This is a bit awkward, as it means you need to reach behind the fan to adjust the settings, and seeing as it's intended to be used as a desk fan, that means that when you’re sat at a desk you need to stand up to operate the controls.

However, there aren't really that many settings to choose from, so once you've chosen your desired setting, I suppose it's likely you might just leave it running without much adjustment. Still, it would have been nice to have the controls on the fan base stand. 

The limited settings are both a plus point – how nice not to be overwhelmed with 30 speed settings the Duux Whisper Flex Smart Fan boggles the mind with – but at the same time a little more variation would have been welcome in practice. 

There are three speed settings – low, medium, and high – and then a toggle that you push in to make the fan oscillate left and right through 90 degrees, and pull out for static, directional airflow. 

The controls aren’t very ergonomic or nice to the touch; they feel pretty basic. And the corrugated edges of the speed button in particular are quite uncomfortable to hold and left some big indents in the thumb after twisting through the settings. But, the controls are manual and don't involve any clever (faffy) touch screens or tiny (easily lost) remote controls to be operated, and they produce a good stream of air that has a cooling effect on a hot day.

At this price, I expected the fan to be fairly noisy, and it is, especially on the medium and high speed settings. But whilst it definitely can't give the Duux Whisper Flex Smart Fan or MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator a run for their money in the quiet stakes, it is still a lot quieter than the budget Honeywell Turbo Force Power Air Circulator Fan, and it's half the price and certainly looks far more stylish. The air it delivers certainly isn't as cold as the powerful MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator can deliver, but it does make a difference when you're feeling hot and bothered.

The last thing to note is the Russell Hobbs 12” Scandi Desk Fan's size. Pictures make this appear a fairly compact design – perhaps because the grill is see-through rather than solid like the MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator – but in practice this fan is really pretty large, especially so if it's going to be sitting on your desk next to you. You will definitely need a desk larger than mine. 

When it’s sat on a desk then because the fan head is angled slightly upwards – and because it’s on a short pedestal that lifts up the fan blades – I found the air blew directly at my head, which could be good but gets a little much after a while and somewhat forgets the fact that your body might also be feeling too-warm. In my opinion, it may be better sat on a kitchen work surface, sideboard, or (deep) windowsill.

However, there is also the Russell Hobbs 16" Scandi Pedestal Fan and the Russell Hobbs 12” Scandi Floor Fan to consider if your desk is as lacking in space as mine!

Russell Hobbs 12" Scandi Desk Fan: Verdict

The million-dollar question; should you buy the Russell Hobbs 12" Scandi Desk Fan? 

Overall this feels like a fairly basic desk fan that benefits from a little added pizzazz thanks to its on-trend Scandi-inspired oak-effect detailing. It certainly blends in a lot better with a stylish interior than most, and that's a big plus point in its favour. At around the £50 mark, it's also reasonably affordable. 

The self-assembly is annoying, but as long as you're prepared for it then it isn't too much of a big deal, and although it isn't quiet, it's not as noisy as many fans at this price point, and it also oscillates so you get a little extra bang for your buck.  

Other than that, the settings are limited, and a little awkward to use, but if, like me, you're not a fan of temperamental touch screens or app connectivity, then its manual operation may be another plus point. 

All in all, the Russell Hobbs 12" Scandi Desk Fan looks good, isn't too expensive, and if you're not going to use it too often then it does the job of blowing some cool air towards you during particularly hot and clammy days. If you're willing to invest more for quieter operation and better performance, then there are better fans to be found in Ideal Home's best fans guide. 

If you're like us, you probably have a range of office paraphernalia taking up valuable space in your home. Months ago, we gave in and bought laptop stands and office chairs as working from home became a long-term arrangement.

Now Aldi is selling the Compact Living Desk, a genius desk that folds away onto the wall. It's a great small home office idea available to order online now. At just £59.99, it's already got Aldi fans talking.

Aldi Compact Living Desk

Designers at Aldi thought inside the box and came up with this dedicated space to work on without having a messy desk on display. It comes with shelving and a chalkboard that can conveniently fold away, taking up no space at all.

If you're currently working at the kitchen table or so close to your bed in your bedroom you wonder how you get anything done, this could be a brilliant solution. Although IRL working is kickstarting across the country, a more flexible approach to working will definitely continue.

So Aldi's home office essential will come in handy for those needing home office storage ideas and really don't want bulky desks cluttering up their homes.

The Aldi Compact Living Desk Solution is an online exclusive, so no mad dash to the shop needed. Packing away notepads and work files at the end of the day really helps us switch off from work mode when we don't have the physical distinction between work and home.

We can't get over the design, and love the chalkboard for jotting down reminders. If you're interested, shop the Aldi Compact Living Desk Solution now - as with all Specialbuys, it won't hang around for long.

Aldi lovers are calling it an 'ingenious small space solution', with one saying, 'as soon as I saw this I knew I had to get one.' Our favourite thing about it is that when it's not in use, it takes up zero floor space.

Rooms begin to feel cluttered when a lot of the floor area is covered. Will you be picking one up?

When we spoke to Katie Piper on ways to ensure our homes are supporting our mental health, she shared one simple tip. The writer and TV host loves having affirmations around her home - and recommends putting quotes in our home offices to keep us motivated.

For more Home office ideas visit our dedicated channel for inspiration

Anyone who follows Katie on Instagram will be familiar with her love of positive affirmations. The former Strictly star even has a book of affirmations, A Little Bit of Faith: Hopeful affirmations for every day of the year coming out this year.

Katie Piper's home office tip

'I'm really into my affirmations, and as a result, I'm quite a visual person,' she tells us. 'So when I first discovered the Cricut machine I was like, "Great, I'm gonna start printing my affirmations! And there's nothing that's gonna stop me from making them into labels, cards, and keepsakes."'

The Cricut machine is a crafting and label-making tool that helps you make create bespoke decorations for your home.

'Now I've got quite good at it I've started to make lovely ones from card, that I can actually frame and put behind glass,' she says. 'I used to just put them in my office because it was about motivating me when I'm working from home.'

We like the idea of picking a quote that means something to you and having it on display in your home office. Whether you use a Cricut machine, write it out by hand or get a customized print from Etsy, choose a background and frame that you love.

It also makes for a great hallway idea, giving you a positive boost as you head out the door.

'I've started to put stuff in the downstairs loo and the hallway where people come in and out, just to remind people - we've got this, you're a strong person. And it just really helps with these reminders of self-esteem and self-worth,' Katie adds.

Related: The simple hack Katie Piper uses to keep her daughter’s playroom tidy

Displaying our favourite quotes is a simple trick to help us to feel positive. That said, it's one we can easily overlook, just like buying flowers or burning our best candle for ourselves - not just for guests. It also helps us to stay focused on a goal. For the best photo frames to display your quote in, read our guide.

If you don't want to display it on the walls, you could simply them in a notebook or on your laptop or phone screen saver.