The battle for the one office space in our home lasted just five minutes.

I lost—or should I say willingly relinquished? As a professor, my husband can fill an entire room with his books, binders and research. There’s no doubt, the office should be his. However, I’m now working remotely several days a week and need a functional space too. Here’s the challenge: The only option for my office is the living room.

As a rather visual person, I’m not willing to permanently “ruin” the look of our much-loved living space. I also hate clutter. The thought of papers, notes and a computer perpetually on display in our clean, crisp room makes me cringe. I’m even compulsive about my bookshelves.

So, I did some research on small space planning, thought long and hard about my needs, and found a lot of helpful information. If you’re in a similar dilemma or are planning a home office, keep reading!

Writing Desk, Amazon | Shag Rug, Overstock | Similar Lanterns, Pottery Barn | Similar Art, Wayfair | Similar Mid-century Modern Sofa, Overstock

–Home Office How-To–

1. Assess the shape of your room

Take careful measurements and look at your space from every angle. You need to know exactly how much room you have to play with before furniture shopping.

• Is there a small alcove where your desk can go?
• Is one spot less intrusive than the others?
• Can you nestle a workspace in a corner?

2. Find a petite desk

A home office in a living room will only work with the right desk. Do NOT buy the largest desk your space can accommodate. Big, heavy furniture pieces will make your space feel cramped. You also don’t want your desk butting up to a window or other furniture. Make sure your pieces have space to breathe.

• Search for the smallest desk you can find that also fits your functional needs. (a.k.a work demands)
• Look for a piece that has a “light” feel. (i.e. airy legs and elegant lines)
• Does it have a drawer large enough to store your laptop and other essentials?
• Think about the items you use daily. Can the desk accommodate them on top or below?

I really love this petite desk for small spaces. First, the rustic gray color is gorgeous. It has a slight industrial vibe, but brings a touch of elegance with the X support beams. And can we talk about the top? Such pretty wood detailing! I was pleasantly surprised, considering the affordable price (under $230).

The drawer is just large enough for my laptop, pens and post-its. I don’t want my computer out all the time, so this allows me to “tidy up” quickly.

The slim lines let the desk meld with its surroundings. Additionally, the size couldn’t fit the room more perfectly. At 30.04″h x 47.48″w x 23.5″d, the dimensions are very manageable.

If you need a lot of storage, this might not be the best option for you because there is only one drawer. However, if you are a minimalist like me, you’ll love it. I keep most of my files electronically, so I don’t need too much space.

3. Try bench seating or desk chair alternatives 

You can minimize the footprint of your office by opting for a comfy bench or ottoman, instead of a traditional desk chair. Both will slide conveniently out of sight. You want to find something that is both beautiful and functional.

• Consider a bench or ottoman
• Like a modern look? Try a ghost chair with arms or without. Clear seating will blend with your existing decor and won’t weigh down the look.
• You can also utilize a beautiful dining chair that is pretty from all angles.

4. Select beautiful desk accessories & organization systems

My office is still a work in progress, so I haven’t gotten to this step yet, but I’ve found plenty of great options to share. Because my desk will be visible all the time, I am looking for office accessories that have an artistic edge. I love the geometrical angles of this storage unit. I’ve also been super impressed with Target’s Nate Berkus line. This letter sorter and gold pencil cup will add just the right flair.

• Consider the items you will be keeping on your desk. How can you store them in a stylish way?
• Metallic desk accessories are like jewelry for your office, use them to “finish” the space.
• Add at least one decorative “just for fun” item.
• Don’t forget the greenery!
• Finish with beautiful art. (A set of prints offers more impact that a single piece.)

Your decorative item will be a mood-booster for your work station, something that makes you happy every time you sit down . For me, it’s a beautiful lantern set from Pottery Barn. I just love how it glows. Mine is no longer available, but here’s something similar. Greenery is also imperative. It adds color, texture and a sense of life to your space.

–Shop the look–

–More petite desk options–

Writing Desk, Amazon | Shag Rug, Overstock | Similar Lanterns, Pottery Barn | Similar Art, Wayfair | Similar Mid-century Modern Sofa, Overstock

Do you have a space-saving office strategy to share? I’d love to hear about your project!

—Lindsay