Having worked in small offices and cubicles over my long working life, I certainly understand the efficiency of having everything in close range. I’m also a huge fan of small office organization ideas.
When you convert from working in a cubicle to a small home office, you now have the freedom to set everything up to match your working style, including the décor you want to implement. Small office interior design ideas are numerous and I’d like to present a number of options below.
Hopefully they get your juices flowing and spark some creative ideas for your own office.
#1 Minimalist Floating Desk Setup
- A sleek, wall-mounted desk hovers above the floor, maximizing space with a clean, uncluttered look.
- Neutral colors and minimal office accessories keep the focus on simplicity and function.
#2 Cozy Corner Workstation
- A snug desk tucked into an office corner, surrounded by warm lighting and soft, plush textiles.
- Shelves above the desk display personal items and plants, creating a homely vibe.
#3 Wall-Mounted Fold-Down Desk
- A space-saving, fold-down desk attached to the wall, featuring a chalkboard on the underside for notes.
- When folded up, the desk reveals a chalk-written to-do list, blending seamlessly with the wall.
#4 Under-Stair Nook Office
- A compact desk and chair set fitting neatly in the unused space under a staircase, with built-in shelves alongside.
- The area is illuminated by a pendant light, giving a cozy and secluded feel to the nook.
#5 Vertical Storage Solutions
- A series of floating shelves and hanging file organizers ascend the wall, keeping office supplies within reach but off the desk.
- The vertical arrangement makes use of the wall height, keeping the floor space open and airy.
#6 Dual-Purpose Bookshelf and Desk
- A custom bookshelf with a built-in desk extends from one side, serving as both a workstation and a library.
- The design includes closed cabinets below for storage, with open shelves above displaying books and decor.
#7 Window-Facing Desk Layout
- A desk positioned directly in front of a window, bathing the workspace in natural light and offering a view outdoors.
- The desk surface is kept clutter-free, with a few potted plants for a touch of nature.
#8 Monochromatic Color Scheme
- An office designed with varying shades of a single color, creating a cohesive and calming environment.
- Textural elements like a shaggy rug or embossed wallpaper add depth to the monochromatic space.
#9 Vibrant Accent Wall Office
- One wall painted in a bold color or pattern, standing out against the rest of the office’s neutral palette.
- The vibrant wall acts as a backdrop for a modern desk and ergonomic chair, energizing the space.
#10 Sleek Glass Desk Design
- A transparent glass desk with a minimalist frame provides an illusion of more space and a sophisticated touch.
- Chrome or metallic accents on the desk legs and nearby accessories complement the glass’s sleekness.
#11 Industrial Style Workspace
- Exposed brick walls and a reclaimed wood desk create a raw, industrial aesthetic.
- Metal shelving units and vintage-style desk lamps complete the rugged yet stylish look.
#12 Built-In Cubby Desk Area
- A built-in desk surrounded by small cubby holes and storage compartments for an organized and efficient setup.
- The use of wood tones and soft lighting gives the space a warm, inviting feel.
#13 Hidden Closet Office Conversion
- A compact office space ingeniously set up inside a closet, with doors that open to reveal a fully functional workspace.
- The closet interior is outfitted with shelves, a fold-out desk, and task lighting, making it a hidden gem.
#14 Scandinavian Simplicity
- A bright, airy office with a white and wood color scheme that epitomizes Scandinavian design.
- Clean lines, functional furniture, and a few green plants create a peaceful, clutter-free environment.
#15 L-Shaped Desk Configuration
- An L-shaped desk fitting snugly into a corner, providing ample surface area for work and storage.
- The design maximizes corner space, with overhead cabinets and subtle under-desk lighting.
#16 Multifunctional Furniture Pieces
- Furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as a desk with built-in drawers or a bookcase with a fold-out work surface.
- The space stays versatile and adaptable, with furniture on casters for easy rearranging.
#17 Botanical-Inspired Green Space
- An office filled with a variety of plants and greenery, creating a refreshing, nature-inspired workspace.
- The green accents are complemented by natural wood furniture and earthy tones.
#18 Zen-Inspired Tranquil Setup
- A tranquil workspace with elements like a tabletop fountain, soft neutral colors, and simple, clean furnishings.
- The design encourages calmness and concentration, with minimal distractions and serene decor.
#19 Ceiling-Hung Shelving Units
- Shelving units suspended from the ceiling, providing storage space without taking up floor area.
- This design element adds a modern, architectural feel to the office, while keeping essentials within reach.
#20 Ergonomic Workspace Design
- A workspace outfitted with ergonomic furniture, including an adjustable chair and a desk at the perfect height for comfort.
- Accessories like a monitor arm and an ergonomic keyboard support a healthy posture throughout the workday.
#21 Gallery Wall Inspiration
- A wall adorned with a curated selection of artwork and inspirational quotes, creating a personalized gallery wall.
- The arrangement of frames and canvases adds a creative flair and visual interest to the office space.
#22 Contemporary Black and White Theme
- A modern office design featuring a stark black and white color palette, with geometric patterns for added sophistication.
- The contrast between the colors creates a dynamic and professional atmosphere, accented by metallic fixtures.
#23 Compact Mobile Office Cart
- A small, wheeled cart acting as a mobile office station, equipped with supplies and storage compartments.
- The cart can be easily moved around, offering flexibility to work in different areas of the room or to be tucked away when not in use.
#24 Chic Metallic Accents
- The use of metallic finishes on office accessories and lighting fixtures adds a chic and elegant touch to the workspace.
- Gold, silver, or copper tones shine against a muted color scheme, bringing warmth and luxury to the office.
#25 Rustic Wooden Texture Appeal
- A rustic-themed office with textured wooden surfaces, from the desk to the wall paneling, exuding warmth and character.
- The natural wood is complemented by wrought iron or aged metal accents, enhancing the rustic charm.
#26 Creative Chalkboard Wall
- An entire wall painted with chalkboard paint, providing a space for jotting down ideas, lists, and spontaneous doodles.
- The functional and fun wall serves as a dynamic focal point, with colorful chalk adding pops of color.
#27 Bright and Airy Open Shelving
- Open shelving units keep books, supplies, and decor on display, contributing to a bright and airy feel in the office.
- The shelves are styled with a mix of functional items and decorative pieces, balancing utility with aesthetics.
#28 Statement Lighting Fixtures
- An eye-catching lighting fixture, like an oversized pendant or an artistic floor lamp, serves as a focal point in the office.
- The lighting not only illuminates the workspace but also adds a touch of style and personality.
#29 Geometric Pattern Area Rug
- A bold area rug with geometric patterns anchors the office space, adding color and interest to the floor.
- The rug’s design complements the room’s decor while providing comfort underfoot.
#30 Pastel Tones and Soft Textiles
- Soft pastel tones create a calming color scheme, accented with plush textiles like throw pillows and curtains.
- The gentle hues and textures foster a relaxed and welcoming office environment.
#31 High Gloss Surfaces and Reflective Decor
- High gloss desks and storage units reflect light, making the small office appear larger and more open.
- Mirrored or metallic decor pieces further enhance the effect, adding a touch of glamour.
#32 Modular Wall Storage Systems
- A modular storage system mounted on the wall allows for customizable organization, adaptable to changing needs.
- The sleek design of the storage units maintains a modern look while keeping the workspace tidy.
#33 Vintage Desk with Modern Twist
- A classic vintage desk updated with modern hardware or a fresh coat of paint for a unique blend of old and new.
- The desk serves as a statement piece, complemented by contemporary office chairs and lighting.
#34 Pops of Color with Office Accessories
- Brightly colored office accessories, like desk organizers and stationery, add vibrant pops of color to an otherwise neutral office.
- These small bursts of color enliven the space and can be easily changed out for a new look.
#35 Layered Lighting for Depth
- A combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting creates a layered effect, giving depth and dimension to the office.
- Each lighting source is carefully placed to highlight different areas and features of the room.
#36 Nature-Inspired Wallpaper Feature
- A feature wall covered in nature-inspired wallpaper, such as a forest scene or floral pattern, brings the outdoors in.
- The wallpaper acts as a refreshing backdrop, promoting a sense of calm and creativity.
#37 Smart Cord Management Solutions
- Innovative cord management solutions keep cables organized and out of sight, maintaining a clean and streamlined workspace.
- Desk grommets, cable clips, and cord organizers are strategically placed to prevent tangling and clutter.
#38 Personalized Artwork Displays
- Custom artwork or framed photographs displayed on the walls or shelves personalize the office space and provide inspiration.
- The display can be easily updated or rearranged to suit the mood or to showcase new pieces.
#39 Adjustable Height Standing Desk
- A standing desk with adjustable height features allows for alternating between sitting and standing, promoting better posture and energy levels.
- The desk is paired with a high stool or an ergonomic standing mat for comfort during longer standing periods. You can also invest in standing desk accessories to complete your setup.
#40 Acoustic Panels for Sound Management
- Decorative acoustic panels installed on walls or ceilings help manage sound in a small office, reducing echo and noise distractions.
- The panels come in various colors and designs, doubling as both functional and aesthetic elements in the office.
I hope these small office interior design ideas sparks your creativity when it comes to fashioning your own small office!
Bob has been blogging for over 20 years and has been an office and cubicle dweller for more than 35 years. He has been featured in numerous online publications such as US News and World Report, Bustle, and Work Awesome (you can read his articles here). He created the popular office website CubicleBliss in January 2011 and rebranded it as WorkspaceBliss in April 2020.
In the office he’s been an IT Manager, Applications Engineer, Systems Analyst, Software Project leader, and Programmer Analyst in his long career. He’s a Certified Microsoft Professional and possesses a Masters of Science degree and two Bachelor of Science degrees, one of those in Informational Technology.
During his career he has worked in the office full-time, as a hybrid remote worker, and has worked from home permanently.