Create an Inexpensive Home Office: Create a Great Space for Working at Home, Even on a Budget

People who work at home often find it difficult to separate their business lives from their private lives. Interruptions of domestic life intersect with the necessities of making a living. For this reason, it is important for those who work or study at home to have an office, set apart from the rest of the house. It’s very possible to create a private workspace that is functional, attractive, and inexpensive.

Finding The Right Space

Before deciding that the little spot underneath the stairs would make a great workspace, or deciding upon a spare bedroom as the best place to set up shop, first consider what practical needs must be met. Does the room need to be large enough to hold one or two bookcases, or will a desk with built-in bookshelves fit the need?

Is a large executive desk required or will a portable computer stand do? Where will the computer be located? Are there enough electrical outlets in place? Is there ample light from windows or are there already existing lighting fixtures? Is the spot far enough away from noisy areas? Is there enough heat or air conditioning to be comfortable?

Create a Space Plan

Once a spot has been decided upon as a new office location, draft a quick and easy space plan. The least expensive way to create a plan is to draft it on paper. Measure the perimeter of the room, then use the 1/4″ side of an architect’s ruler (with each 1/4″ representing 1′) to put the dimensions on paper. It helps to use a t-square to keep the lines nice and straight. Another alternative, if the budget allows, is to purchase a drafting software program.

Don’t forget to draw the location of electrical and telephone outlets, and heating and cooling vents onto the plan.

Decide Upon Furniture and Walkway Dimensions

With the space plan drawn, the next step is to decide what furniture is needed. It is important to make space on the plan for the furniture dimensions, but do not forget to calculate the space needed for entryways and for walking comfortably around furniture. A good rule of thumb is to leave 2.5′ to 3′ behind chairs and leave at least 3′ open for walking space.

Next, decide upon furniture pieces and draft their dimensions onto a separate piece of paper from the floor plan. For instance, draw a chair, a desk, a sofa, a bookcase, etc. Once the drawings are completed, cut them out with a pair of scissors. Now it is easy to move the furniture items around on the separate floor plan to see if the furniture pieces are too large or too small.

Placing Furniture and Shelves in a Small Space

For small spaces, place the majority of the furniture around the perimeter of the room. Consider using an L-shaped desk, for instance, or a small portable computer stand that will fit snugly against a wall. Built-in desks, which save floor space, are another option. Shelves can be hung on the walls to hold books or office supplies.

Buying Inexpensive Office Furniture

Be on the lookout for hotel furniture sales. When hotels and motels change their furnishings, they often sell their old desks, chairs, lamps, and other items at deeply discounted prices. The items are most often in good shape and are a great bargain. Yard and garage sales, online auction sites, Craig’s list, and the local newspaper also provide terrific discounts on office furniture.

Have A Great Office Space Without Spending A Fortune

It’s not difficult to create an inexpensive office space, and there’s a great deal of personal satisfaction in seeing the planning, drafting, and measuring take shape before your eyes.