Home Office Size: How Much Space Do You Need?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what constitutes a normal size for a home office, as it depends on various factors such as the amount of space available, the type of work being conducted, and the equipment needed. However, a typical home office can range from 50 square feet, which is enough space for a desk and chair, to 150 square feet, which can accommodate additional furniture and equipment. Some sources suggest that a spacious home office can be as large as 200 square feet, while others recommend a minimum of 70 square feet to ensure comfort and functionality. Ultimately, the most important aspect of a home office is that it is functional and comfortable for the person using it.

Desk and chair size

When setting up a home office, it's important to consider the size of your desk and chair to ensure comfort and functionality. Here are some tips and guidelines for choosing the right desk and chair size for your home office:

Desk Size

The ideal height for a desk in a home office is typically between 29 and 30 inches. This height allows for a comfortable working position, with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. However, the surface area of the desk can vary depending on your needs and available space. If you work primarily on a laptop, a smaller desk between 3 feet by 2 feet and 4 feet by 2 feet may be sufficient. For those who need a laptop and a screen, a larger desk between 4 feet by 2 feet and 4 feet by 2 feet 6 inches is recommended. If you're in a creative field and need space to sketch or design, consider an executive desk that is 5 feet by 2 feet 6 inches or even larger at 6 feet by 2 feet 6 inches.

It's also important to consider the other equipment you'll need, such as a computer, mouse, keyboard, phone, and any other accessories. Ensure you have enough space on your desk for these items and any necessary paperwork. Foldable, console, or L-shaped corner desks can be great space-saving options if you're working with a smaller area.

Chair Size

When it comes to chair size, comfort and ergonomics are key. Look for a chair that is adjustable, allowing you to customize the height, armrest height and width, and backrest position to fit your body and preferences. The seat depth and width are particularly important. The seat should be deep enough that you can sit with your back against the backrest while maintaining a 2-4 inch gap between the back of your knees and the seat. The ideal seat width is about 2 inches wider than your hips.

Office swivel chairs can be quite large, typically measuring 2 feet to 2 feet 6 inches in width and 2 feet in depth. If you're short on space, consider using a stool or dining chair, which typically measures around 15 inches by 15 inches.

Remember to test out different chairs to find the one that suits your body and provides the necessary support and comfort for extended periods of working.

Storage and equipment

When setting up a home office, storage space is a priority. You'll need to consider the type of work you do and the equipment you need. For example, a designer might need space to sketch, while an artist might need space to spread out their work. Here are some tips for storage and equipment in your home office:

Allocate Adequate Space

First, consider how much space you need for storage. If you have a lot of files, books, papers, and stationery, you'll need ample storage space within easy reach. If you have equipment like printers, scanners, or multiple monitors, ensure your desk has enough room for them.

Choose the Right Storage Solutions

There are various storage options available, including:

• Desktop organizers: These can be made from elegant materials such as wood, acrylic, or stainless steel.
• Filing cabinets: Essential for keeping your documents organized and under control.
• Drawer organizers: Help keep small office supplies tidy and easy to find.
• Adhesive labels: Allow you to customize your storage systems and find things quickly.
• Cord control accessories: Prevent your device cables from becoming a tangled mess.
• Bulletin boards: Provide a place to post notes, inspiration, or important reminders.
• Notebooks and planners: Help you maintain an organized schedule and jot down ideas.
• Rolling storage carts: Create customizable mobile storage units that can be moved around easily.
• Wall-mounted organizers: Perfect for small offices, these save space while providing additional storage.

Utilize Vertical Space

If you're short on floor space, look to your walls. Install floating shelves or wall-mounted folder organizers to keep your frequently used items within reach without cluttering your desk. You can also hang a shoe organizer on the back of a door to store small office supplies.

Create a Concealed Storage Area

If you want to keep your office supplies out of sight, consider concealed storage solutions. Closed storage cabinets with doors can hide baskets or shelves of organized supplies and equipment. You can also utilize closet storage by adding shelves, movable cabinets, or customized drawers to make the most of the space.

Invest in a Good Filing System

A filing cabinet is a must-have for any home office. It keeps your files organized and provides extra space for office supplies. If you're tight on space, opt for expandable folders, file boxes, or a drawer in your desk. You can even get creative and make your own filing system using a shower caddy, basket, dish rack, or cereal box.

Go Digital

While physical storage is essential, don't forget that many documents can be scanned and stored electronically. This can help reduce the amount of physical storage you need and make it easier to retrieve documents with a quick search.

Natural light and lighting

Assess the Natural Light

Start by evaluating the natural light in your space. If you have a window that lets in plenty of natural light, take advantage of it by positioning your desk near it. Natural light is easier on your eyes and can boost your mood and productivity. If you have a great view with minimal distractions, consider placing your desk right under the window.

Combine With Ambient Light

While natural light is ideal, it's important to also have ambient light in your home office. This can be provided by overhead or recessed lights, but these should not be the sole source of light. Instead, use ambient lighting to fill in areas that natural light misses. You can also use light-coloured paint to reflect light and brighten up the space.

Create Task Lighting

For tasks such as computer work and paperwork that require intense focus, create dedicated task lighting. An adjustable desk lamp can direct light exactly where you need it and support a variety of tasks. If you have multiple workstations, set up specific task lighting for each one. For example, you might have a desk for computer work, a filing area, and a table for reviewing layouts, each with its own lighting.

Eliminate Glare and Shadows

When setting up your lighting, be mindful of glare and shadows. Avoid placing light sources behind you when working on a computer, as this will create glare on your monitor. Similarly, be aware of unintended shadows cast by task lighting. For instance, if you write with your right hand, a task light on the right may cast shadows. Position your workstation facing north or south to avoid shadows, and use solar shades to reduce heat and glare without compromising the light and view.

Imitate Natural Light

If your home office doesn't have windows or access to natural light, there are ways to imitate it. Use cool blue or white lights, which encourage working and concentration, rather than warmer orange or yellow lights that promote relaxation. Fluorescent light filters can also reduce the blue spectrum light and make the lighting more natural. Cove lights, built into ledges or recesses, can provide indirect illumination similar to window light.

Enhance With Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces

Mirrors and reflective surfaces can help bounce light around your home office, making the space feel brighter and more inviting. Consider adding a mirror, especially one that doubles as a faux window, to reflect natural light and enhance the lighting in your workspace.

By following these tips, you can create a home office with optimal lighting that supports your productivity and comfort.

Space for visitors

When designing a home office, it's important to consider whether you'll be welcoming clients or colleagues into the space. If so, you'll need to ensure there's ample seating and a clear, distinct zone for meetings.

If your home office is part of a larger, open-plan space, you can use a few clever tricks to section off the area. A chic room divider or a simple rearrangement of furniture can help to create a separate zone for work.

If you have built-in shelving, you could use it to your advantage by placing your desk and chair in front of it, creating a clear boundary between your work area and the rest of the room. Alternatively, a console table placed behind a sofa can double up as a workspace, and you can pull up a spare chair when you need to work.

If you have the space, you could even set up a separate seating area within your home office, with a small sofa or a couple of comfortable armchairs. This will allow you to take a break from your desk while still remaining in your office, and it provides a welcoming space for guests.

If your office is in a bedroom, you could swap out a nightstand for a small desk and chair, or even opt for a secretary desk, which allows you to close the door on clutter at the end of the workday.

For a more unconventional approach, you could take inspiration from Kim Kardashian's hybrid living space, which combines a living area with a workspace. This layout promotes 'functionality and a sense of spaciousness' and is becoming increasingly popular.

Whatever your approach, it's important to ensure your home office strikes a balance between comfort and functionality, creating a space that's welcoming for both work and leisure.

Room dividers

There are many types of room dividers available, including folding screens, sliding panels, bookcase dividers, hanging curtains or drapes, modular walls, and decorative partitions. They come in a range of materials, such as wood, rice paper, rattan, bamboo, cotton or polyester fabric, and solid wood.

When choosing a room divider, consider the size of the space you want to partition off. Room dividers can be as tall as 8 feet, or as short as 2 feet. They can also vary in width, from single-panel dividers to super-wide 10-panel dividers that measure over 10 feet in length.

The cost of room dividers varies depending on the type, size, material, design, and brand. They can range from under $100 to over $1,400.

• The Elmina 6 Ft Folding Room Divider Privacy Screen has a simple but elegant design and features a diamond weave fibre construction.
• The Levasseur 120'' W x 72'' H 6 -Panel Metal Folding Room Divider offers a versatile solution for creating privacy and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
• The Roche Folding Room Divider features a poplar wood frame and woven rattan paper panels, adding a touch of texture to your space.
• The Leveille 102.5'' W x 72'' H 3 -Panel Folding Room Divider is made with a steel frame and features polyester fabric panels that let light through while providing privacy.
• The Broch 71'' H Solid Wood Room Divider has a traditional design with a tropical twist, featuring island fibres in a diamond weave pattern and arched-top panels.
• The Voula 62.8'' W x 70'' H 4 -Panel Solid Wood Folding Room Divider is made of rustic heather material and is 5.6 feet tall, with each panel measuring 15.7 inches wide.
• The Renelle 80'' W x 72'' H 4 -Panel Solid Wood Folding Room Divider is made of mango wood and features intricate carved work on both sides, giving it a reversible antique finish.
• The Laingsburg 67'' H Solid Wood Folding Room Divider is an excellent solution for creating privacy without sacrificing style, featuring a stylish handwoven design.

Frequently asked questions