This small nook is decorated with beautiful plants both on the desk and hanging in macrame planters from the ceiling. A wooden desk is pressed against the window for ample natural light to work. A tan leather desk chair with rolling wheels is tucked into the desk.
22 Small Office Décor Ideas to Optimize Unused Spaces
Written by
March 22, 2023
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More and more of us are working from home these days, but not everyone has the space to create a separate office. The following collection illustrates small office décor ideas to repurpose and optimize small spaces and increase at-home productivity.
One of the first strategies to create a small office space is to maximize every inch of space, be it by repurposing space at the top of the stairs, a closet, or an unused part of a larger room. To do this, opt for furniture that is multi-functional, for example, a desk with built-in drawers, and utilize height by adding shelving above desk spaces. Decorate your shelves with baskets or boxes to keep your space clutter-free.
If possible, opt for workspaces with windows that let in natural light. If this isn’t an option, keep your color palette light and neutral to give the illusion of space. As with most spaces, add plants for freshness and clean air.
For office décor ideas that make the most of small spaces, keep reading!
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A small office space features vertical gray shiplap paneling on the wall. There is a wooden desk with black iron legs pressed against the wall and a gray office chair tucked underneath. In the corner there is a large fig tree, adding an organic feeling to the space.
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This vintage office space is decorated with tan and white checkered wall decor for a contemporary look. A vintage wooden duck sign is mounted above the built-in white desk. Below, an antique grey office chair rests on a patterned rug.
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A traditional office space with gray walls features an organized white desk. Above the desk, there is a gilded frame retrofitted with a corkboard to hold pictures and ideas. A tan leather rolling office chair rests underneath the desk, on a patterned antique rug.
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A cozy small office space with spring decor features a light wood desk with a computer, flowers, and a candle. Above the desk, there is a black floating shelf arranged with a rabbit painting to usher in spring. Vintage black lanterns rest beside the desk and match the black cross-backed office chair.
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This bright office features French doors with patterned curtains and light grey colored walls. A farmhouse-style desk rests against the wall, and there are floating shelves above arranged with plants and photographs. A tan fabric office chair is tucked underneath the desk.
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A black beadboard desk is lined with two wood floating shelves holding a wood cutout accent and a small potted plant. The desk portion is stained wood and holds two small white vases with pink flowers and a succulent. A black chair with wooden legs rests nearby.
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A gray desk is built into a wall. A large framed calendar, a metal letter organizer, and a farmhouse wall hanging are arranged on the wall above the desk. A block calendar, a wooden desk organizer, and potted plants sit on the desk next to a laptop. A white shelf with hooks hangs on a side wall and a wooden, upholstered chair sits on a wood floor.
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10 of Minimalist Small Office Décor Ideas

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- thelafleurhouse
This modern office space features a light wood desk on a herringbone pattern floor. Dark wooden floating shelves are mounted to the wall in the background and decorated with contemporary black and white items. Dark brown armchairs with cane backrests and seats rest on the floor in front of breezy white curtains.
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This bright office features a wood and black iron desk with shelving on either side. Above the desk, there are mirrors, small paintings, and a hanging plant. A gray rolling office chair can be tucked under the desk and rests near a sheepskin rug.
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This small farmhouse home uses a closet as an office space. The walls are designed with white shiplap and there is a white shelf arranged with wire baskets for storage. Above the desk, there is vintage artwork. Potted pine trees rest on the desk and on the floor, beside a distressed chair with a white knit throw.
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This home features a white shiplap accent wall with a floating wooden shelf for storage. A black desk is fitted into the space and styled with golden pulls. A traditional wooden office chair with cream fabric seats is tucked under the desk.
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A beautiful farmhouse home features a small office space at the entryway of the stairwell. There is a large white wooden desk with a lamp, computer, and plant in the office. A modern golden ceiling light hangs in the space, reflecting the circular candlelight in the entryway.
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A small tree in a black pot sits next to a wooden desk in a home office with a carpet. A black chair is placed on the small circular light brown woven carpet near two plants in light grey pots.
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A modern built-in desk features white beadboard paneling and a small gallery wall of prints. The white desk has a matching overhead shelf complete with a printer and two wicker storage baskets. A small dome light hangs from the top shelf above a white computer monitor. a printed lamp with a black shade sits nearby. Small vases of flowers and a personalized mug adorn the desk and a black chair slides up under it.
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This home strategically uses a small closet as an office space. A contemporary black light illuminates floating wooden shelves arranged with boxes for storage and books. A navy blue desk is fitted to the space, and a wooden chair with a soft white sheepskin seat is tucked underneath the desk.
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A bright farmhouse office features a built-in desk space with ample drawers and shelving. The shelves are decorated with plants, books, jugs, and other contemporary décor. The window pane above the desk is black, matching the pulls on the drawers and the modern black pendant light. A boucle office chair is a comfortable place to settle into work.
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This home office is decorated with a set of vintage wood office furniture that gives it a classic western look. The wood filing cabinet is paired with a set of floating shelves holding an antique briefcase, chalkboards, and vintage leather loafers placed around a stack of books.
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This welcoming neutral office space features a wooden desk with X-crossed legs and a fabric office chair. Behind the desk, a white wood and glass cabinet is holding an array of plants, wooden bowls, and neutral-colored folders. A piece of abstract art hangs over the desk and adds a modern touch.
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This office features a light wood desk with clean lines centered on a natural jute rug. A wooden chair with cream fabric is tucked underneath the desk. Behind the desk there are floating shelves mounted in a small wall nook, creating a streamlined place to store books and other office essentials.
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This office makes the most out of a small closet space. A wooden shelf is mounted to the wall, holding books, plants, and storage for documents. Below the shelf, there is a small white corner desk arranged in the space, offering workspace and storage. An herb green office chair is tucked in below the desk.