Many need a personalized and comfortable working environment to work from home and remain productive. However, what do you do if your house doesn’t have an obvious area to dedicate to working from home? You may need to renovate.
There’s a lot to consider before undergoing a home office renovation. Let’s get started!
Here are some of the advantages of having a dedicated workspace at home:
Home office remodeling costs can vary based on the changes you want to make. Here’s a table breaking down all the expenses you might incur based on what you want done to your place on a budget.
| Item | Average Cost |
| Custom Desk | $300 – $1,000 |
| Desk | $50 – $200 |
| Shelves | $150 – $500 |
| Lighting | $100 – $500 |
| Ergonomic Chair | $100 – $300 |
| Decor | $50 – $300 |
| Acoustic Panels/Curtains | $50 – $200 |
| Convertible Desk/Table | $100 – $300 |
| Sofa with Fold-out Desk | $300 – $700 |
| Wall-mounted Desk | $50 – $200 |
| Electrical Installation | $150 – $400 |
| Windows | $200 – $600 |
| Skylights | $300 – $800 |
| Custom Storage Cabinet | $500 – $1,500 |
| Storage Cabinet | $100 – $300 |
| Insulation | $1 – $5 per square foot |
| Ventilation | $300 – $1,000 |
| Storage Ottomans/Benches | $50 – $250 |
| Floating Desk | $50 – $200 |
| Murphy Bed | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Sofa Bed | $300 – $1,000 |
| Rolling Desk | $50 – $150 |
| Rolling Storage Cart | $20 – $100 |
| Side Table | $20 – $100 |
| Laptop Desk | $20 – $100 |
| Locks | $10 – $150 |
| Weatherproofing | $20 – $150 |
Recent studies reveal that 84% of employees say workplace design impacts their mood. Additionally, 87% want to personalize their workspace because it boosts their job satisfaction and well-being. When employees have control over their workspace, productivity can increase by 32%. Here are ten home office design ideas to inspire your next renovation.
The space under your stairs is often overlooked. Yet, it can make an excellent cozy office nook for a home office remodel. Start by fitting a desk that matches the dimensions of the area. Add some shelves above for vertical storage, and brighten up the space with desk lamps, under-shelf lights, or wall-mounted LED strips.
Don’t forget about comfort! Health professionals always recommend choosing an ergonomic chair to keep you comfortable during those long work hours.
To make the space feel more like yours, try adding some personal touches – think plants, framed photos, or artwork. If you’re looking to keep things quiet, consider acoustic panels or heavy curtains to help with soundproofing.
Estimated cost: $750 to $2,800
Got a spare closet? Why not turn it into a compact home office? It’s a great solution for small homes or apartments where every inch of space counts.
Start by installing a desk that fits within the closet dimensions. Then, add some shelves above it to organize your office supplies, books, and décor. Brighten up the area with task lights or LED strips, and don’t forget to pick out an ergonomic chair that you can easily tuck away when you’re done.
The best part? When you finish working, just close the closet door, and your office disappears, leaving your working space out of your personal life.
Estimated cost: $400 to $2,300
If you have a small space, smart furniture choices can help you keep things tidy. Think about pieces that can do double duty – like a desk that doubles as a dining table. This way, you can easily switch from work to mealtime without needing extra space.
You can also look for a sofa with a fold-out desk feature that provides a comfortable seating area and transforms into a workspace when needed. Wall-mounted desks that fold away after use are another great way to save space.
To get the most out of your space, choose pieces with built-in storage, such as ottomans or coffee tables with small hidden compartments.
Estimated cost: $500 to $1,450
If you own a garden shed outdoors, why not turn it into a peaceful outdoor office? This type of office renovation is best if your house is full of people during work hours, as it can be an escape from noise and distractions.
Start by making sure the shed is well-insulated to maintain a comfortable temperature year-round. You’ll also want to set up electrical outlets for your equipment and install proper lighting to keep the workspace bright.
Adding windows or skylights can bring in natural light and fresh air. Don’t forget to secure your shed with locks and weatherproofing to protect your equipment. If you need help with the costs, you might want to look into ADU financing.
Estimated cost for a 100-square-foot shed: $1,180 to $4,100
Consider converting your attic into a bright and airy office. This home office renovation is especially a good idea if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat away from the distractions of the main living area.
Start by installing skylights to let in plenty of natural light. Custom cabinetry can be a smart move, too, as it is designed to fit the unique angles, giving you enough storage without wasting space. Also, opt for light colors for your walls and furniture to make the room feel even more open and inviting.
Since you will be working from the attic, proper insulation and ventilation are essential to maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round.
Estimated cost for a 100-square-foot attic: $1,250 to $4,100
A floating desk is a smart and stylish way to create a functional home office, especially if you’re short on space. The desk is mounted to the wall and doesn’t need legs or floor supports. This makes it perfect for those tight corners. You can install it along a wall to create a sleek, modern workspace.
You can easily match the floating desk with some matching shelves for extra storage, helping you keep your workspace organized and clutter-free. Just make sure the desk you choose is sturdy enough for your equipment. For a finishing touch, consider installing a wall-mounted lamp or LED strips under the shelves to light up your space.
Estimated cost: $300 to $1,200
If you already have a guest room, why not double it as a home office? A Murphy bed or sofa bed is a great space-saving option – they can be easily folded away when you’re not using it. Add some built-in cabinets or shelving units to store office supplies, bedding, and other guest essentials.
The trick is to pick multifunctional furniture, such as an ottoman with storage or a desk that can also serve as a nightstand. This way, the room stays functional for both work and hosting guests.
Estimated cost: $1,200 to $2,750
Think about using decorative wall panels to create a stylish focal point in your home office that also serves a practical purpose. How? You can choose panels with built-in storage, like shelves or pegboards, to keep office supplies organized and within reach.
Pick panels that complement your office décor and add a bit of texture or color to the room. Acoustic panels are another great option to reduce noise and improve sound quality. Knowing how to finance home renovation can help make these enhancements more accessible.
Estimated cost: $200 to $700
A portable office is a great option if you don’t have a dedicated workspace at home. It lets you work from anywhere – the living room, bedroom, or even outdoors.
Start by picking a compact, sturdy desk on wheels that you can move around easily. Look for one with a smooth surface for writing or setting up your, and make sure it’s adjustable for comfort. Pair that with a rolling storage cart to hold office supplies, files, and equipment.
To personalize your portable office, add a desk lamp, a portable power strip, and some organizers for your pens and papers.
Estimated cost: $170 to $750
A window bench with storage underneath is a cozy spot to work or relax in the sun. The natural light and outdoor view of your home office renovation can do wonders for your mood.
To make the bench a functional workspace, consider adding a small side table or a portable laptop desk. Go for a cushioned bench for added comfort, and make sure it fits nicely under your window. You can also personalize the area with decorative pillows, throws, and a few plants.
Estimated cost: $120 to $650
There are a few things to keep in mind when creating a home office that’s both functional and inspiring. Here’s what to consider before you start your home office renovations:
You need to make sure your furniture and equipment fit so you can move around without feeling cramped.
Start by taking a good look at the room you plan to renovate. Measure the dimensions and think about how you can best use the space. Doing this upfront will save you time and help you avoid costly mistakes.
If your space is small, consider multifunctional furniture, like a desk with built-in storage or a wall-mounted foldable desk.
Whether you’re into a minimalist look with clean lines and neutral colors or a more vibrant space with bold artwork and patterns, your home office should be a place where you feel motivated and focused.
So, think about colors, textures, and decor that make you feel energized and comfortable, and go for them.
Also, don’t forget to consider how your office design blends with the rest of your home.
When buying new furniture, look for chairs and desks with adjustable features. Your workspace should be where you can work comfortably without straining your body.
A chair with good back support can help prevent back pain, and a desk at the right height can help you keep good posture.
Proper lighting helps stay focused and reduce eye strain. Ideally, your office should have a balance of natural and artificial light.
If possible, place your desk near a window to take advantage of daylight. Natural light does more than brighten up the office—it can boost productivity by 18% and help reduce drowsiness by 65%. On top of that, good lighting design can cut down eye strain by 40% and reduce headaches by 45%, making the workspace a lot more comfortable and efficient.
Supplement natural light with artificial lighting where needed, like adding a desk lamp for tasks and overhead lights to brighten the room.
Also, think about the color temperature of your bulbs — warmer tones create a relaxed feel, while cooler tones are more energizing.
Renovating a home office can get expensive, so it’s smart to set a budget early.
Focus your spending on things that will make the biggest difference in your workspace. For instance, invest in a quality chair and desk before splurging on decorations or fancy gadgets.
That said, you don’t need to give up style for savings — there are plenty of affordable options that look great and work well. Keep an eye out for sales, and consider buying second-hand or upcycled furniture to save money without sacrificing quality.
Planning for future changes can save you money and keep your office a productive space as your career or business grows. So, consider choosing furniture and layouts that can be easily adjusted or expanded as needed.
For example, you can add or rearrange modular storage units and use adjustable desks that let you switch between sitting and standing.
Now, it’s up to you to choose which design idea for your home office you want. No matter which one you go with, the goal is to create a space that boosts your motivation, productivity, and comfort.
Remember, you will be spending a lot of time there, so make sure to think thoroughly about your specific wants and needs before you start investing your money.
