Home offices need to be a practical spaces with good storage and room to get your head down and crack on. However, practical doesn't have to be mean boring, as these ideas prove.
We've rounded up the best practical home office spaces that not only work for your, well, your work, but that also look great and are a pleasure to spend time in (however much you have on your to-do list or in your in-tray!).
Whether you use your office for computer work, home and life admin or crafts and projects, we have lots of ideas for practical spaces for you to work in AND enjoy.
1/10 Practical home office solutions
Win, win!
Vintage sewing table
When creating your office space why not pick a vintage-style table like this sewing bench instead of a traditional desk? It will give your home office a quirky vibe and will fit snugly in an alcove utilising the space in your room. Pop in a cushion for a comfy extra.
Similar sewing table
eBay
2/10 Storage ideas
Give your craft corner character with your favourite patterned fabrics. Hang small wire baskets above your desk and use to store essentials within easy reach. Lay an oversized piece of fabric over your desk so you can hide any clutter underneath and keep your craft space looking stylish.
Similar fabric
Dunelm
3/10 Under-desk storage
Use this space under your desk in your home office to create shelving for books and magazines. This keeps your desk space clear to give you plenty of room to work. Add extra shelving above for pen pots and other equipment you use day to day.
Similar stool
Ikea
4/10 Retro style
Keep a look-out for a second-hand, mid-century-style desk for your home office to give it a retro look. Team with other mid-century finds, such as this Ercol chair and retro lamp.
Similar desk
eBay
5/10 Moodboard inspiration
Use the space above your desk to create a big moodboard and attach your favourite postcards, fabric or wallpaper swatches and other bits and bobs to give you inspiration as you work. Stick cork tiles to the wall and paint in a colour to match your scheme so you can easily pin up your favourite things.
Similar bright paint shades
B&Q
6/10 Organise craft supplies
Keep your sewing supplies organised in your craft room by hanging cotton reels on hooks and keep scissors, pens and pencils tidy in mini hanging buckets. Use shelving above to keep jars and books off of the desk so you have a clear, uncluttered space to work.
Similar hooks and rails
Ikea
7/10 Floating shelves
Revamp an old console table and use as a craft table. Paint it in a new shade to work with your scheme and keep all of your crafting kit in clear boxes so you can easily find what you need. Add floating shelves for extra storage.
Similar console table
eBay
8/10 Display art work
Add interest to your home office by propping up framed prints on top of your desk and leaning them against a wall. Lay a cushion on your chair in a colour or pattern that complements your scheme. It will also add comfort while you work.
Similar prints
Art.co.uk
9/10 Fabric noticeboard
Hang a patterned piece of fabric next to your desk in your home office and use as a noticeboard or place to hang your favourite pictures and notes to give your room character.
Similar fabric
John Lewis
10/10 Compact corner
If you're short on space, turn a corner or area under the stairs into a mini home office. Invest in a slim-fit table and a chair that can be tucked snugly underneath when not in use.
Similar chair
John Lewis
-
How we test air purifiers at Ideal HomeWe've put multiple air purifiers through Ideal Home's testing process to find the best-in-class. Here's how we do it.
-
Planting ideas for window boxes – 10 ways to make the most of this tiny outdoor spaceFrom creating a herb garden to the best smelling blooms to plant, you'll be spoiled for choice
-
How to aerate your lawn to let nutrients, water and air reach it better – resulting in a healthy, strong and green grassThe step-by-step guide to aerating a lawn approved by gardening experts
