With more and more people working from home, the need for a dedicated home office is becoming increasingly evident. However, not everyone has the luxury of extra space to turn into an office.
If you find yourself in this situation, don’t despair – with a little bit of creativity, you can turn even the smallest dining room into a work-friendly space.
In this article, we’ll give you all the answers to your question, ‘How to turn your dining room into an office?’
How can I use my dining room as a home office
- Understand your work needs
The first step in turning your dining room into an office is to understand what kind of work you’ll be doing there.
Define a clear picture of what you need from your home office in order to be productive. For example, if you’re going to be doing a lot of video conferencing, then you’ll need a space with good lighting and a background that won’t be too distracting.
On the other hand, if you’re mostly working on your computer, then you might be able to get away with a smaller desk and fewer distractions.
💡Once you understand your work needs, you can use the following tips to turn my apartment dining room into an office effectively.
- Choose furniture with drawers
You can also make use of your furniture to store office supplies by choosing pieces with drawers. This way, you can keep your dining room looking neat and tidy while still having everything you need close at hand.
- Use wall space
If you’re short on floor space, make use of your walls by hanging a bulletin board or whiteboard. You can also use wall shelves to store books, files, and other office supplies.
- Get creative with lighting
Good lighting is essential for any home office, so it’s important to make use of as much natural light as possible. If your dining area lacks windows, hang a mirror to reflect light and brighten it.
- Add some plants
Not only do plants add a touch of life to any room, but they can also help to purify the air. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your home office, it’s important to make sure the air is fresh and clean.
- Choose an inspiring colour scheme
Add a bit of style to your home office with a fun and inspiring colour scheme. A coat of paint can go a long way in making a small space feel bright and inviting.
- Personalize your space
Personalizing your office space can make it feel like your own. Add some personal touches such as photos, art, or a special lamp to make it feel like a space you enjoy spending time in.
By following these tips, you can turn even the smallest dining room into a stylish and functional home office.
Small dining room office combo ideas
There are many different ways you can turn your dining room into an office. However, if you’re short on space, you might want to consider using your small dining room as both dining and office space.
There are a few things to keep in mind when creating a small dining room office combo.
- Allocate defined spots
If you plan to use your dining table as a desk as well as a meal table, then it’s important to allocate spots separate for workspace and actual dining.
In other words, set up your workspace in one corner of the table, and leave the rest of the table clear for dining. This way, you can avoid work-life overlap and keep your dining area looking neat and tidy.
- Use space-saving furniture
In a small space, it’s important to use furniture that doesn’t take up too much room. A great option for a small dining room office combo is a fold-down desk.
Fold-down desks are easy to store when not in use, and they can be placed against a wall or in a corner when you need more floor space.
💡 Another space-saving option is a floating shelf. Floating shelves are great for storing books, files, and other office supplies. Plus, they don’t take up any floor space, which is ideal in a small dining room.
- Use sideboards
If you have a smaller dining table, you can also consider using a sideboard or buffet as a makeshift desk. Just be sure to clear it off completely when it’s time to actually use the dining table.
- Invest in multi-purpose furniture
To make the most of your space, invest in furniture that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a trunk can be used as both a coffee table and a storage unit.
- Try task lighting
When you’re working in a small space, it’s important to make use of task lighting. Task lighting is a type of lighting that is specifically designed to illuminate a specific area.
💡This can enable you work at your dining table without disturbing others.
- Plan to hide the cords and connections
In a small dining room, it’s important to plan ahead for hiding cords and connections. This can be done by running cables through the wall or using cord concealers.
Both of these options will help to keep your dining room looking neat and tidy.
- Use a bar cart
If you don’t have a lot of space for a dedicated home office, then consider using a bar cart. A bar cart can be easily moved around, and it’s the perfect size for holding a laptop, printer, and other office supplies.
Plus, it can be used as a makeshift standing desk if needed. Just be sure to clear it off when it’s time to actually use the dining table.
Conclusion
With the appropriate advice and ideas, you can create a fashionable and practical dining room or home office. To make the most of your little dining room/office, prepare beforehand and execute well.
Do you want to turn your basement into a home office? Read this blog to have an idea: Home Office Ideas Basement: Make Your Basement More Functional