How to Set Up a Small Home Office Desk
15.10.2024

How to Set Up a Small Home Office Desk

Whether you work from home permanently or on a hybrid basis, setting up a functional and comfortable home office is essential. Creating an efficient desk arrangement can make a huge difference to your working day, but it can be challenging if you only have a small area to work with. This guide will walk you through the steps to set up a small home office desk, helping you to maximise the space available, stay organised and maintain productivity in your compact workspace.

Finding the right space

Before you set up your home office, you should assess the space you have available. Think about where you might have a suitable area that’s currently being underused, perhaps in a bedroom or in a living room. Look for a space that will already have adequate power outlets for your equipment, as well as having enough space to move around without feeling cramped.

You should also consider the lighting you’ll have in your workspace. Natural lighting is ideal, so where possible, you should set up your desk near a window. However, you should avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause glare on screen which can result in eye strain.

If you don’t have a suitable space with natural lighting, you should instead invest in extra lighting fixtures, such as a standing lamp. A standing lamp can be a good option if you won’t have enough space on your desk for a desk lamp. Ideally, your lamp will have adjustable brightness, so you can dim or brighten the light as needed.

Choosing the right desk

When you have found the right space for your home office setup, you can start looking for your small home office desk. Make sure you measure the space available, factoring in enough additional space for a walkway, so you know what dimensions your desk should be.

There are lots of different types of small home office desks, so you can find the right type that will work for your needs. For example, you could choose a wall-mounted desk, a small corner desk, or a folding desk that could be tucked away when not in use.

If you’re keen to factor in ergonomics and active working for your workstation, Leitz offers a small sit stand desk which is perfect for compact home office setups. This small home office desk allows you to easily switch between sitting or standing throughout the day, with smooth pneumatic height adjustment. Or, you could opt for our electric sit stand desk which also features a smart stand-up reminder and four memory functions, allowing you to find the perfect ergonomic position. Both of our compact sit stand desks are portable, so they can move around your home when you need flexibility and can be easily stored in a corner when they’re not in use.

Adding compact desk storage

When you’re short on space, finding the right desk storage is imperative. Our small sit stand desks pair perfectly with our pegboard desk organisers. These easily mount on top of or underneath your desk, providing additional storage for everything from your headset to notepads and pens. This is the ideal solution to keeping your equipment organised without taking up any space on your desk, helping to keep your workstation tidy and productive.

Incorporating ergonomic design

Workstation ergonomics will play a key role in maintaining comfort and productivity in your home office, especially when you’re working in a smaller space. The height of your chair and desk should be adjusted so you can retain a neutral, natural posture, to reduce strain on your muscles and joints. Your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle, with your forearms parallel to the floor and your feet should be flat on the floor with your knees at a right angle or slightly lower than your hips.

Your computer screen should be positioned directly in front of you, about an arm’s length away, with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level. You shouldn’t have to tilt your head or angle your neck to view your screen. Your keyboard, mouse and any other equipment you’re using regularly should be within easy reach, and you shouldn’t need to strain to access anything.

Ergonomic office accessories

You may need additional ergonomic office equipment to ensure you have the right setup for your home office. This could include foot rests, wrist rests and seat cushions to help you maintain correct desk posture. Our pegboard desk organiser includes a laptop stand, to help raise your screen to the right height – remember to use this with a separate mouse and keyboard to avoid strain on your wrists and arms.

You should also consider your chair. The best ergonomic office chairs will include adequate lumbar support and be height adjustable, so you can raise or lower it as you need. You could also consider incorporating additional, alternative ergonomic chairs to use alongside a traditional chair. This could include an ergonomic office stool – at Leitz, we offer a range of ergonomic stools that can be used sitting, standing, or both. Our stools are ergonomically designed to keep you active and comfortable as you work, strengthening your core with a rounded base and easing pressure on your thighs and legs.

Adding personal touches

Incorporating thoughtful décor into your home office can help to boost both your focus and your creativity. Even though you may be short on space, you may be able to find places for items that inspire and motivate you. Consider adding vibrant accents such as a cushion or a colourful desk mat to add some energy into your space. Using wall space can be a great way of adding elements that reflect your personal style, such as framed art prints or shelves with ornaments that could spark joy and keep you in a positive mindset throughout your working day.

Home office plants are a great way to bring life into your workspace and create a calming working environment. Consider hanging plants if you’re short on space, or a plant stand for the floor, to keep your desk clear and organised.

Additionally, you can aim to choose stylish yet functional home office supplies, such as your pens and notebooks, that will help to keep you organised whilst also reflecting your tastes. Adding these types of personal touches can help to transform even a small home office setup into a space that feels uniquely yours.

Maintaining your home office setup

Keeping your small home office tidy is essential to maintain productivity and focus. Small spaces can get cluttered quickly, which can result in your feeling overwhelmed and distracted. To stay organised, aim to declutter your workspace regularly, at least at the end of every working day. Designate specific places to store your essential items such as documents, office supplies or equipment. Use solutions such as storage carry boxes, drawer cabinets and filing to keep your items organised.

You may need to take a flexible approach with your home office setup. As you take on new projects or as your work shifts, the demands of your space may change. You might need additional storage or different kinds of home office furniture. Periodically reassess your work from home setup to ensure it meets your needs, and adjust and adapt when you require it.

Leitz has a huge range of ergonomic office accessories to support ergonomic working, both at home and in the office.

You can read more about setting up an ergonomic home office below:

How to Convert Your Sitting Desk to a Standing Desk

The Importance of Correct Desk Posture

How to Prevent Back Pain at Work