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20.05.2025 , Laurelle Donnelly

Which is the Best Room to Set Up Your Small Home Office?

This guide explores how to make every kind of home setup work smarter, featuring practical advice and Leitz accessories designed to bring style, structure, and balance to your day. Light, sound, and ergonomics all matter more than square footage — and with thoughtful design, even the smallest space can feel like a proper office.

 

So you’re working from home. You’ve got your laptop, a shiny new notebook and a headset, but setting up another conference call next to the kettle and drafting emails from the edge of the bed just isn’t cutting it. As you look around your home, one big question remains: where exactly are you going to set up your home office?

If you’re working with limited space – a small flat, shared house or a home full of family noise and chaos, the idea of carving out a ‘proper’ office can feel unrealistic. But you’ll be pleased to hear that you don’t need a spare room. What you do need is the right corner, nook, or surface, and a little bit of strategy.

In this guide we’ll help you figure out which is the best room to set up your small home office, based on your space, lifestyle and work needs. We’ll also share smart ways to make any space more functional and comfortable, including a few compact accessories to support you working from home.

Whether you’re working from a compact bedroom, a shared living room, or a studio flat, creating a productive workspace isn’t just about where your laptop goes. It’s about comfort, organisation and being able to transition between work and personal life- even if your desk is only a few feet from your bed.

Firstly: How Do You Work?

Before you pick a room or rearrange your furniture, take a moment to reflect. The best small home office setup isn’t about square footage, it’s about function. Ask yourself:

  • Do you need peace and quiet for calls?
  • Do you share your space with flatmates, a partner or children?
  • Can your workspace stay set up, or does it need to disappear when the workday ends?
  • Do you take video calls on a regular basis?

 

Once you know what you need, it’s much easier to find a spot that works. Now let’s explore your options, from spare rooms to the last bit of hallway.

  1. The Spare Room (If You’re Lucky Enough to Have One)

Best for: privacy, video calls, noise cancellation, focused deep work

If you’re fortunate enough to have a spare room, treat it as your dedicated workspace — a true home office rather than a temporary setup. With a door you can close and space you can leave as is, it’s the perfect environment for focused work and clear separation between your job and personal life.

Since this is likely to be a more permanent setup, invest in ergonomic essentials rather than compact or makeshift furniture. A full-sized desk and a supportive chair are the foundation of a healthy, productive workspace. From there, build comfort and functionality with smart accessories — cable organisers, proper lighting, and items that make your workflow smoother.

Tip: Use an adjustable laptop stand or monitor arms to bring your screen to eye level and reduce neck strain. Enhance the space with stylish, practical accessories from the Leitz Cosy range — their vibrant colours and premium design elevate your desk while keeping it organised. Add a few personal touches like plants or some framed wall art to keep the atmosphere calm and inviting.

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  1. The Bedroom Office – sometimes the only option

Bedroom setups are common, especially in shared homes or smaller spaces. However, working where you sleep can easily blur the line between rest and productivity. The key is to carve out a defined work zone — a corner that feels distinct from your sleeping area, even if it’s small. Think of it as your own temporary studio that appears when you start the day and disappears when you clock off.

Make it work:

  • Choose compact, flexible furniture. The Leitz Foldable Sit Standing Desk is ideal for small spaces — it’s sturdy enough for focused work but can be folded away to reclaim your bedroom when the day ends.

 

  • Prioritise posture. Use sit/stand accessories like an active stool or anti-fatigue mat to encourage movement and avoid the temptation of working from bed.

 

 

  • Light it right. Good lighting can transform your mood and productivity — position your desk near natural light if possible, and add a soft, warm lamp for evening work to maintain a calm atmosphere.

 

  • Set clear boundaries. Once the workday ends, close your laptop, clear your desk, and pack away equipment to mark a clear transition back to personal time. Even simple habits — like turning off your task light or placing your laptop in a drawer — can help signal that work is done and your space is once again for rest.

  1.  The Living Room Setup – Often Shared, But Full of Potential

Best for: Daytime work, open-plan homes, natural light

Living rooms aren’t always the obvious choice. It’s important not to infringe on shared space, but they offer more flexibility than you might think. A quiet corner by a window can function as a great temporary workstation, especially if your housemates or family are out during the day.

To make it work:

  • Set up near natural light for energy and focus
  • Use a portable laptop stand and other foldable desk accessories you can stash away with ease like the small Leitz desk and collapsible sit stand
  • Pegboard Desk Organiser to use up less square footage – doubles up as a laptop stand so you can work ergonomically
  • stash everything into a Leitz Fabric Hot-Desking Work Bag when not in use to avoid imposing on shared spaces/so your work things don’t take over the room when you log off
  • Keep cables in check to avoid tripping hazards and mess

  1. The Kitchen Table

Best for: short term setups, parents working in windows of time, renters with no dedicated desk space

The kitchen table is where many remote jobs begin. It’s not glamorous, but it can be effective. Just make sure it doesn’t become the place you both eat and answer Slack messages.

Make it work:

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  1.  The Hallway, Closet or Under-Stair Nook

Best for: Small space dwellers, and anyone tired of working at the kitchen table

Underused spaces like wide hallways, under stair nooks or even closets can make surprisingly good home offices, especially if you’re tight on square footage.

Make it work:

  • Use vertical space wisely. Wall-mounted shelves, hooks, and pegboards are your best friends in small offices. A pegboard is especially effective — it keeps essentials like headphones, cables, stationery, and notebooks neatly organised and off your desk. You can even clip on small shelves or containers to hold pens or plants, freeing up valuable surface space while keeping everything within easy reach.

 

  • Choose flexible furniture. A fold-down wall desk or a mobile solution like the Leitz Sit-Standing Desk allows you to reclaim the area when not in use. Pair it with a compact ergonomic chair or stool that can slide neatly underneath.

 

  • Light it up. These tucked-away zones often lack natural light, so good artificial lighting is essential. A bright, adjustable task lamp will help prevent eye strain and create a sense of focus. If ventilation is limited, consider a small fan or air purifier to keep the space comfortable.

 

  • Keep clutter invisible. Since these setups are often in open areas, tidy storage is key. Use Leitz Cosy Storage Boxes or file organisers in complementary tones to create a clean, cohesive look. They’ll help you stay organised without making your hallway feel like an office.

Things that matter no matter where you work from

  • Light matters: Natural light boosts energy. Position yourself near a window if you can
  • Noise happens: If silence isn’t an option, use noise-cancelling headphones or background music
  • Comfort – even in small spaces, ergonomic accessories like laptop risers or footrests make a big difference if you’re likely to be seated for hours at a time.
  •  Work Life Balance – create visual or physical cues that work is done whether that’s packing away accessories or simply switching everything off

 

 

The Best Room Is the One That Works for You

There’s no perfect blueprint for working from home. But there is a best fit for you — whether that’s a sunlit nook in the living room, a sectioned-off bedroom corner, or a kitchen table that doubles up as a boardroom. The key is to make the space feel intentional, even if it has to be temporary. The goal is to create a space where you can focus, feel good, and then switch off when the workday ends. And that’s exactly what Leitz is built for: making your office work for you wherever you happen to be working from.