How Can You Design a Workspace for Two Remote Workers in a Small Apartment?
With the rise in remote working, creating a space where you can feel comfortable and productive is crucial. When you’re sharing an apartment, and both of you need to work, it can be a tough challenge. But, with some creative design solutions, it’s possible to set up a workspace for two in even the smallest of apartments. In this article, we will share some practical design ideas, from lighting to storage solutions, that can help you make the most of your space.
1. Planning Your Space
Before you start rearranging furniture or buying new items, it’s essential to have a clear plan. This allows you to get a sense of what will work best in your apartment, given its size and layout.
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First, you need to choose the area of your apartment that will serve as your workspace. Ideally, it should be a part of the house that has natural light, is away from high-traffic areas, and where you can have some level of privacy.
Next, measure the room or area. This includes the floor space, wall height, and the dimensions of any existing furniture that you plan to use in your workspace. These measurements will be invaluable when purchasing new items or thinking about storage solutions.
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Finally, sketch out a basic layout of your workspace. This doesn’t have to be an architectural plan – a simple drawing will suffice. The idea here is to visualize where each piece of furniture or equipment will go.
2. Choosing The Right Furniture
Selecting the right furniture is vital in creating a functional and comfortable workspace. The two main pieces of furniture you’ll need are a desk and a chair.
For the desk, consider one that is long enough for two people to work side by side. Alternatively, two separate desks can be placed adjacent to each other. If space is at a premium, look for desks with built-in storage or consider a wall-mounted design that can be folded away when not in use.
The chair you choose should offer good support, especially if you’ll be sitting for long hours. Ergonomic chairs can be a good investment as they promote good posture and help prevent back problems.
Beyond the desk and chair, think about additional furniture that might enhance your workspace. This could include a small bookshelf for work-related books, a filing cabinet for documents, or a stand for your printer.
3. Maximizing Your Storage
Storage is often a challenge in small apartments, but it’s particularly important in a workspace. You need a place to store your work-related documents, supplies, and equipment.
One solution is to use vertical space. Install shelves on the wall above your desk where you can place books, files, and other items. You could also hang a pegboard for smaller items like pens, scissors, and notepads.
Consider using furniture with built-in storage. For example, a desk with drawers or a chair with a storage compartment under the seat. If you’re really short on space, look for multi-purpose furniture. A storage ottoman, for example, can serve as a seat, a footrest, and a place to store items.
4. Creating the Right Ambiance
Even though it’s a workspace, you should still strive to make it a pleasant environment. This means paying attention to lighting, colors, and decor.
Natural light is the best for working. It reduces eye strain and can boost your mood. Position your desk near a window if possible, but be aware of potential glare on your screen.
When it comes to artificial lighting, choose a lamp with adjustable brightness. This will allow you to adjust the light level to suit your needs.
Colors can have a significant impact on your mood and productivity. Light blues, greens, and earth tones are generally calming, while yellows and oranges can stimulate creativity.
Finally, add some personal touches to your workspace. This could be a favorite piece of artwork, a photo of a loved one, or a plant. These items can make your workspace feel more personal and enjoyable.
5. Keeping Your Workspace Organized
Once your workspace is set up, keeping it organized is the next step. An organized workspace not only looks good, but it also helps you work more efficiently.
Start by decluttering your workspace regularly. Dispose of any unnecessary items and keep only what you need at your workstation. Use desk organizers or trays to keep your tools and supplies in order.
Develop a system for managing your paperwork. This could be a simple filing system or a more comprehensive document management solution.
And remember, your digital workspace needs to be organized as well. Regularly clean up your computer files, manage your emails, and keep your digital documents in order.
Designing a workspace for two in a small apartment is not an easy task. But with careful planning, the right furniture, smart storage solutions, a pleasant ambiance, and good organization habits, you can create a space where both of you can work productively and comfortably.
6. Incorporating Versatile Furniture
When setting up your shared office in a restricted space like a small apartment or studio apartment, flexibility is key. The best way to maximize your office area is to incorporate versatile and multifunctional furniture.
Consider getting a standing desk. Standing desks are great space savers and can also improve your health by reducing prolonged sitting. They come in a variety of designs, some of which can be easily folded or packed away when not in use.
Another great piece of furniture for a small office is a laptop stand. It can be easily moved around the workspace, and when you’re not using it, you can simply fold it and store it away. If you frequently have video conferences, a laptop stand can also help position your laptop camera at eye level, creating a more professional appearance.
A desk chair can be swapped for an exercise ball chair. Not only does it save space, but it also encourages active sitting and strengthens your core muscles.
Lastly, look into getting a wall-mounted desk or a floating desk. These types of desks are attached directly to the wall, saving precious floor space. They can also be folded up when not in use, freeing up even more room in your living room turn office space.
7. Maintaining Boundaries
While it’s essential to make your workspace comfortable, it’s equally important to maintain boundaries between your work and personal life, especially when working remotely in a small apartment.
Firstly, try to have a specific start and end time for your workday. Unless necessary, avoid working outside these hours. This creates a clear separation between your work and personal time, helping you to relax and recharge.
Secondly, avoid using your workspace for non-work activities. If you start eating, watching TV, or engaging in other leisure activities in your office space, it might become challenging to concentrate when it’s time to work.
Lastly, keep your workspace clean and clutter-free. A clean workspace not only looks more professional but it can also boost your productivity and reduce stress. Take a few minutes at the end of every day to tidy up.
Conclusion
Creating a shared office in a small apartment can seem like a daunting task, especially for remote workers who are new to working in a home environment. However, with a bit of planning, creativity, and flexibility, you can design an office space that is both functional and comfortable.
Remember to choose a spot that has natural light, invest in the right furniture like a standing desk or a laptop stand, maximize your storage, pay attention to the ambiance, keep your workspace organized, incorporate versatile furniture, and maintain boundaries.
Although it may take some time to set up your ideal workspace, the benefits of having a dedicated, comfortable, and efficient place to work are worth the effort. Hopefully, with these office ideas, you’re now well-equipped to transform your small space into your dream workspace. Happy remote working!