Home office ideas that really work

Jazz up your office space or craft corner with these inspiring ideas from Style at Home. For more ideas check out housetohome.co.uk

Home offices need to be a practical spaces with good storage and room to get your head down and crack on. However, practical doesn't have to be mean boring, as these ideas prove.

We've rounded up the best practical home office spaces that not only work for your, well, your work, but that also look great and are a pleasure to spend time in (however much you have on your to-do list or in your in-tray!).

Whether you use your office for computer work, home and life admin or crafts and projects, we have lots of ideas for practical spaces for you to work in AND enjoy.

1/10 Practical home office solutions

vintage sewing table

(Image credit: Future PLC/Gwenan Murphy)

Win, win!

Vintage sewing table

When creating your office space why not pick a vintage-style table like this sewing bench instead of a traditional desk? It will give your home office a quirky vibe and will fit snugly in an alcove utilising the space in your room. Pop in a cushion for a comfy extra.

Similar sewing table

eBay

2/10 Storage ideas

home office

(Image credit: Future PLC/Brett Charles)

Give your craft corner character with your favourite patterned fabrics. Hang small wire baskets above your desk and use to store essentials within easy reach. Lay an oversized piece of fabric over your desk so you can hide any clutter underneath and keep your craft space looking stylish.

Similar fabric

Dunelm

3/10 Under-desk storage

under desk storage

(Image credit: Future PLC/Bridget Peirson)

Use this space under your desk in your home office to create shelving for books and magazines. This keeps your desk space clear to give you plenty of room to work. Add extra shelving above for pen pots and other equipment you use day to day.

Similar stool
Ikea

4/10 Retro style

home office

(Image credit: Future PLC/Bridget Peirson)

Keep a look-out for a second-hand, mid-century-style desk for your home office to give it a retro look. Team with other mid-century finds, such as this Ercol chair and retro lamp.

Similar desk
eBay

5/10 Moodboard inspiration

home office

(Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith)

Use the space above your desk to create a big moodboard and attach your favourite postcards, fabric or wallpaper swatches and other bits and bobs to give you inspiration as you work. Stick cork tiles to the wall and paint in a colour to match your scheme so you can easily pin up your favourite things.

Similar bright paint shades

B&Q

6/10 Organise craft supplies

sweing machine with home office

(Image credit: Future PLC/Brett Charles)

Keep your sewing supplies organised in your craft room by hanging cotton reels on hooks and keep scissors, pens and pencils tidy in mini hanging buckets. Use shelving above to keep jars and books off of the desk so you have a clear, uncluttered space to work.

Similar hooks and rails

Ikea

7/10 Floating shelves

floating shelves

(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)

Revamp an old console table and use as a craft table. Paint it in a new shade to work with your scheme and keep all of your crafting kit in clear boxes so you can easily find what you need. Add floating shelves for extra storage.

Similar console table
eBay

8/10 Display art work

table with chair

(Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Scott)

Add interest to your home office by propping up framed prints on top of your desk and leaning them against a wall. Lay a cushion on your chair in a colour or pattern that complements your scheme. It will also add comfort while you work.

Similar prints
Art.co.uk

9/10 Fabric noticeboard

sweing machine

(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)

Hang a patterned piece of fabric next to your desk in your home office and use as a noticeboard or place to hang your favourite pictures and notes to give your room character.

Similar fabric
John Lewis

10/10 Compact corner

chair with imac

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

If you're short on space, turn a corner or area under the stairs into a mini home office. Invest in a slim-fit table and a chair that can be tucked snugly underneath when not in use.

Similar chair
John Lewis

Amy Hodge
Contributor

Amy Hodge has been working on interiors magazines for over 11 years. She's a freelance writer and sub editor who has worked for some of the UK's leading interiors magazines including Ideal Home, Style at Home and Country Homes & Interiors. She started at Style at Home just after it launched as food editor and is now chief sub editor for Ideal Home, Style at Home and Country Homes & Interiors.