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Top tips for maximising your small office space

As property prices rise, many businesses are finding that they need a bigger office space but can’t afford to move. In this blog post, we share how to get the most out of your small office space.

Is office space more expensive?

There’s no denying it. The cost-of-living crisis is increasing prices across the board and, sadly, property prices are not immune.

Perhaps you’re a growing business and you’re in desperate need of more office space. Maybe you’re looking at reconfiguring the way you work to better support hybrid teams. Whatever your circumstances, if you’d like more space but can’t afford or don’t feel a move is right at the moment, this is the blog for you!

How do I best use the space in my small office?

The good news is that you might not actually need more square footage. By thinking differently and making a few small changes to your office, you can maximise the space you do have, saving you a potentially costly move. Here are our top tips for maximising your small office space:

Declutter

The first step to creating more space in the office is, without a doubt, to declutter. It’s amazing how much junk we can accumulate without even trying! Task all your employees with sorting through their desks, lockers and any shared storage spaces and throwing out what is no longer required. There are lots of great companies that can help you dispose of confidential waste securely if needed.

Next, take a look at the storage facilities you have and assess if they are fit for purpose. You might not need as much storage after a clear out, or you might be able to replace cumbersome cabinets with more compact alternatives. Storage built into desks, for example, can help create more floorspace. Another great way to declutter is to examine your processes and see if you can make any of them digital. By taking things online, you are reducing the need for paper and office printers which can take up a lot of room.

Clever storage helps to declutter small spaces

Vertical space

Often, when we think about needing more space, we think we need to go outwards, when we can actually go upwards! Make the most of your wall space by installing shelving or floor-to-ceiling storage solutions. Tambour cabinets can also be useful in narrow spaces. These vertical cabinets have sliding doors, rather than doors that open outwards.

Another solution that you might not have considered is installing a mezzanine floor. Mezzanines are an extra floor which can be added to an existing room to provide more usable space. They are a great option for businesses that are looking to make better use the space they have and are more cost-effective than you might think. You can find more information about mezzanines in this blog post.

Mezzanine floors area great way to add additional space

Ergonomic furniture

Desks and chairs can take up a lot of space in a small office. Typical office furniture tends to be on the bulky side so consider if a different design might work better for your space. Slimline, standing or corner desk are all useful space-saving solutions. Ergonomic chairs are also a great option. As the chair has been carefully designed and often includes adjustable features it tends to be sleeker.

While ergonomic furniture can be more expensive than other furniture types, it can actually save you money in the long run. Alongside saving space, ergonomic furniture has the ability to make your employees healthier, happier and more productive. Think of it as a long-term investment in your office and your workforce.

Ergonomic furniture tends to be sleeker than traditional office furniture

Aesthetics

Sometimes you don’t actually need more space – the illusion of more space is enough. If you want your small office to feel bigger without physically creating more space, clever office design can help.

First up, you’ll want to think about colour. Lighter colours tend to make an office appear bigger. Choose wall paint, carpets and furnishings in softer tones to open the room up. The use of mirrors in smaller offices creates a similar effect. Hang a few mirrors around a room or mount a large mirror on a wall as a feature. Optimally placed mirrors also have the added benefit of bouncing light around a room – another great way of giving the illusion of more space.

Speaking of lighting… Next up, you’ll want to see if you can increase the amount of natural light coming into your office as this will also help the space seem bigger. Make sure windows are decluttered to help light flow freely through your workspace. If you’re not blessed with much natural light, don’t fret. Adding artificial light also works. Where you can, opt for wall lights rather than floor lamps and switch to LEDs. They are better for the environment and your employees’ eyes

Make the most of natural light to make a small office appear bigger

Small office, big ambitions?

If you’re looking to refurbish your small office but you’re not sure where to start, get in touch. We’d love to help you transform your space so that it meets your big ambitions!