With a non-existent commute in rush hour traffic, the comfort of wearing casual clothes, and no fights over the office air conditioning, it’s no surprise that working from home has become a common way of working. Many people in the UK work from home full-time, while millions more have adopted a hybrid model, balancing their time between home and office work.
In today's remote work era, having a dedicated, well-designed home office is crucial for productivity and well-being. A home office, or even a versatile space that can double as one, is now a highly desirable feature for both homeowners and potential buyers.
At Shelved, we understand the need for a workspace that is both efficient and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you're fully remote or embracing a hybrid work model, setting up a new home office or revamping an existing one, this guide will help you create the perfect WFH space that’s clutter-free and ready for your next project. We’ll cover:
How to create the best home office storage system
Creating an efficient and organised home office is key to enhancing productivity and your overall wellbeing when working from home, as many of us do these days. In fact, clutter and the act of decluttering can both have a direct impact on your mood, so it’s well worth putting the time in to get your home office storage system right.
One of the best ways to achieve this is by incorporating modular furniture into your storage and shelving plans for your home office. Modular furniture brings an instant injection of versatility and flexibility into your space, letting you tailor your workspace to your specific needs and tastes.
Why use modular furniture compared to normal furniture?
You might remember from our article on hallway storage that modular furniture offers a huge variety of benefits, and in the case of your home office, the flexibility offered by modular furniture really allows it to come into its own.
Home offices are often lacking in space, meaning it can be difficult to get traditional or built-in office furniture to fit — especially if you have a small home office. Modular furniture, on the other hand, can be set out and adjusted however you like, so you can make the most of whatever space you have available.
Why does a home office need a storage system?
An organised workspace can significantly impact your productivity and mood, and you can incorporate functional modular storage solutions like modular shelving units, filing cabinets, and drawers to keep your workspace in order.
Our modular units provide a versatile approach to home office organisation. Open shelves are perfect for displaying frequently used items, books, and decorative pieces, so you can keep essentials within easy reach and add a touch of personality to your office. Use closed storage to keep less frequently used items, personal belongings, and any unsightly cords or equipment out of sight. Cupboards are great for hiding away clutter and maintaining a clean, professional aesthetic. Here are the different types of modular home office storage you can choose from.
Modular shelves
Modular shelves are excellent options for displaying and organising books, files, and office supplies. They can come in a wide variety of different configurations, including corner shelving units, allowing you to mix and match modules to create a shelving system that’s entirely unique to you and your circumstances.
You may want to consider installing a modular shelf unit with shelving above your desk, or along a blank wall adjacent to your desk. This not only makes the most of the vertical space you have, but also keeps your frequently used items within easy reach. You can choose open shelves for easy access, or opt for modular units with doors or drawers to cut down on the clutter.
Modular shelving is incredibly versatile. They can be configured to fit any space, whether you have a dedicated home office or are carving out a nook in another room. Use these units to store books, supplies, and decorative items. They can also act as room dividers if you don't have a separate office space, providing both storage and a sense of separation.
Modular desks with built-in storage
Modular desks with built-in storage can be a practical and space-saving solution for any home office. Look for desks that feature integrated shelves, drawers, and cabinets to keep your workspace tidy and organised.
For those only needing a relatively small amount of storage, Harome is a low modular desk with square shelves. Or if you have high ceilings, a tall modular desk with wide shelves like the Amotherby may be more to your liking. For those looking to make a statement (or maybe you just need the space), the large and impressive Habton is the perfect way to transform your area.
Keep your desk clutter-free by regularly tidying up and finding a place for everything. Cords and cables can quickly become tangled and unsightly. Use cable organisers to keep them tidy and out of sight. This not only makes your workspace look cleaner but also reduces the risk of tripping over loose cables and makes it easier to move equipment around.
Modular cabinets and storage units
Maintaining an organised filing system is crucial for any home office, and for keeping stress to a minimum. Modular cabinets provide a functional and customisable solution for storing important documents and supplies, meaning you don’t have to panic the next time you have to try and remember where that important form is!
Consider a modular cabinet with cubby boxes to store your files efficiently, effectively and within reach. You can also opt for storage units with a combination of open shelves and cabinets to accommodate various items, maximising store space without sacrificing places to display the things you love.
Creative and functional room dividers
For those with larger home offices, a large shelving unit can also double as a room divider, helping you create zones in a larger room to maximise your floor space. You could, for example, have a modular room divider with cubbies to split your room, such as those in our feature shelving range. This allows you to store books, supplies, or decor items while creating visual separation between your office and other living areas.
Create your ideal piece
Looking for furniture that's unique to your space? Our 3D configurator is designed to make customising your modular shelving simple and exciting. You can choose one of our existing modular shelving configurations and adapt it to your needs, or even build your own exclusive configuration from the ground up. It's bespoke furniture design that puts you completely in control.
How to create a home office: step by step guide
A great WFH space should be more than just functional; it needs to be tidy, comfortable, and inspiring. Ideally you want the space to blend with the décor in the rest of your home, but ultimately it needs to be a space you enjoy spending time in. Whether you're building, renovating, or just reimagining a current space, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Understand your space and needs
Firstly, find the perfect spot for your home office. It’s important to assess the space that you have available — if your home already has a dedicated study, you're well prepared. However, in an age when homes are getting smaller and many properties weren't designed with remote working in mind, integrating a workspace into your living area can be challenging.
Ideally, snag a spare room for your office – it's perfect for those private calls and meetings. But if space is tight, no worries! You can carve out a corner in your living room or bedroom. For those in open-plan homes, try zoning your space with a non-permanent room divider. Our modular units are perfect for this, creating a designated area while adding some stylish storage.
Pick a spot away from high-traffic areas and noisy parts of the house. If you're in the midst of new construction, think about adding sound insulation to create a quiet space. Aim for a place that’s dedicated solely to work – it really helps in drawing the line between work time and personal time.
Within your space it is important to consider natural light. Natural light can be a game-changer for your mood and energy. Position your desk strategically to soak up daylight and keep track of time easily. If you’re designing a new space, place windows thoughtfully to flood your office with light throughout the day.
Begin to measure your space — knowing the dimensions of your space will help you determine what furniture and accessories will fit comfortably without overcrowding the area. Start to think about what you need for your usual workday, such as a laptop, computer, essential paperwork, or specific tools. This will help you prioritise your setup and ensure you have everything you need at your fingertips.
Choose the right furniture
Working from home should not be an excuse to slump in an awkward position on your sofa for hours. Investing in ergonomic furniture is essential to support your health and boost your productivity. At the very least, you’ll need:
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A desk. Choose a desk with enough space for your work materials and equipment. Adjustable desks that allow you to switch between sitting and standing are great for promoting movement. Changing positions like this can encourage better posture, and standing can help maintain energy levels and reduce the lethargy that sometimes comes with prolonged sitting.
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An office chair. You also need a high-quality, stylish chair that provides good support, is adjustable, and is comfortable. If you have a separate home office with room to manoeuvre, seek out a chair that provides proper lumbar support. If your chair has to become part of your living space, you can consider style slightly more but always make sure your chair supports your lower back.
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Home office storage. Creating an organized and efficient workspace is a game-changer for staying productive and stress-free. Just like in any space, in an office, clutter can be a major distraction, so good storage is essential.
Remember that comfort is key since you'll likely spend a lot of time at your desk, but this needn't mean sacrificing style.
Add personal touches
Personal touches can transform an office space into a place that brings you joy. A personalised workspace can enhance creativity, boost motivation, and make you feel more comfortable. Tailoring your home office to reflect your personality and preferences can transform it into a space where you feel inspired and productive.
Colour is a powerful thing, and choosing the right palette for your place of work can help create an environment that’s right for you. Are you energised and inspired by a bold shade? Or do you seek a calm, restful space? Colours like blue and green are known to promote calm and focus, while yellow can boost creativity. Think about how you want it to feel and then crack open the paint for a cost-effective transformation.
Incorporate items that reflect your personality and inspire you throughout the day. This can include artwork that you love, whether they are paintings, prints, or sculptures. Choose art that evokes positive emotions and stimulates creativity. Frame or pin up quotes that inspire and motivate you. Art can foster creativity and make your workspace feel more like your own. Personal mementos, such as photos of loved ones, souvenirs from travels, or meaningful objects, can also make your office feel more inviting and personal.
Finally, bring a bit of the outdoors in with houseplants to add a touch of nature and improve air quality, which can reduce stress. Choose low-maintenance plants if you’re worried about upkeep: think about snake plants, spider plants, or peace lilies, known for their air-purifying properties. Small plants like succulents or cacti can live on your desk without taking up space, brightening your workspace, and they don’t need much attention. If you’ve got room, go for larger potted plants in corners or next to your desk.
Efficient storage, ergonomic furniture, and stress-busting decor is crucial for your comfort and productivity when you work from a home office.
As you may know, Shelved originated from the office furniture world, with our parent company being the UKs largest OEM manufacturer for the office furniture industry. We offer a range of pre-designed home office setups on our website, tailored to fit various needs and spaces.
If our pre-designed units don’t hit the mark, you can unleash your creativity with our online product configurator and design your own perfect setup. For more design tips and styling advice, be sure to read the rest of our blog.
