How to Create a Home Office in an Apartment

Whether you need a space to work or study remotely, having a home office in your apartment can help you stay focused. Working from home allows flexible scheduling and efficiency, but it’s important to differentiate your office and personal areas to set the stage for success and get in the right mindset for a productive workday.

Evaluate Your Layout and Space Needs

From studios to multi-bedrooms, there are ways to configure an at-home office in any apartment layout. Avoid high-traffic areas as they may prove too cluttered or distracting. Finding the right spot is especially important if you live with a roommate and need privacy or quiet.

If you don’t have a spare room, you’ll need to carve out a spot where you can work. Evaluate nooks, alcoves and even closets to determine if they’re viable locations for your desk and supplies. Look for a place that’s close to outlets to accommodate electronics like computer monitors, printers and scanners.

Choose the Right Furniture and Equipment

It’s important to consider comfort when creating an at-home office in your apartment. You may spend long hours sitting at your workspace, so choose comfortable chairs and desks that reduce strain on your body. Poor posture may cause neck, back and shoulder pain and affect your circulation. Invest in office equipment with proper lumbar support to ease discomfort and support correct posture.

The following ergonomic furniture can improve your comfort on the job:

• Adjustable office chairs
• Footrests
• Standing desks
• Monitor stands
• Ergonomic keyboards
• Wrist rests
• Adjustable desk lamps

Maximize Storage and Organization

Multi-purpose furniture like ottomans and coffee tables provide storage for office supplies, cords and electronics, saving precious floor space and reducing clutter. Use a nightstand, side table or filing cabinet to extend the surface of a small desk. Try a compact desk with built-in outlets or a foldable alternative to fit tight quarters. 

Digitize your files and maximize vertical storage to reduce the square footage required for your home office. Install shelves above your desk or use an over-the-door rack to organize paperwork and supplies. Decluttering your desk can enhance your creativity and reduce mental stress, too. 

Improve Lighting 

Seek out natural light as it helps regulate your mood, energy level and productivity. Situate your desk in front of or near a window to reduce your need for artificial light. If that’s not an option, standing and desk lamps offer a softer alternative to overhead lighting. Be mindful of the location of your light source and avoid placing it behind your head as it affects your visibility on video calls and creates a glare on your screen.

Reduce Distractions

Situating your at-home office near your kitchen or living room exposes you to a variety of distractions, especially if you live with a roommate or family. It’s important to find a way to separate yourself from the daily hustle and bustle so you can focus on your work. 

If you have a spare room for your office, keep all your supplies in that room so you don’t have to go looking for a pen or extra paper. A partition or screen is an effective option for defining your work area if your space is limited to one room. 

Turn off or remove your TV from your office to eliminate visual and auditory distractions. Instead, try playing soft music or white noise to provide yourself with background audio if you don’t want to work in silence.

Personalize for Productivity

Aesthetics and décor can influence your mood and efficiency. If you’re allowed to paint, consider blues and greens to create a sense of calm or neutral tones for a more spacious feel. Include personal touches like artwork, prints or inspirational quotes to stay energized and inspired. Be careful not to add too much clutter, though, as wall and desktop decorations eat up space.

Plants can enhance your physical and emotional health and add a touch of freshness to your home office. Wood and natural textures offer a cozy feel to help put your mind at ease during stressful workdays.

Work-From-Home Friendly Floor Plans at Ardent Communities

Our multi-bedroom apartments are also excellent for at-home offices if you have a hybrid work schedule. Some of our communities have business suites and clubhouses with free Wi-Fi that also lend themselves to remote work. View our locations and schedule a tour.