Designing small offices


The office of a company is its their business card. Companies offices do not need to be big to be comfortable what matters is the design and functionality of the space.

Is it possible to put an office in a small space and not look like a cluttered storage? That was the question that the IP Solutions CEO asked me when he seeked my expertise to install one of the company´s office in a 5 square meters area (53 ft2).

The space needs were a desk to work and meeting, cabinets to store files, printer and desktop computer space, it all would have to work in harmony and look good.

A key aspect when designing a small space is to combine all the functions inherent to a work space, work surfaces, storage area and do not forget the areas occupied by the furniture, circulation, and the space of the chair in use.

In this case there was already furniture, so there was a survey to ascertain what furniture and computer equipment would go to the space and their dimensions. This allowed me to make a layout planning of the best space arrangement.

The best and most rational layout is one that allows you to receive the greatest flow of light sideways on the work plan, is more comfortable because it does not create so many shadows.


Another important point for comfort in an office is to see the entrance door to the space, a person feels more secure and can be focused in work because it can maintain control of the space around them. In this case, the layout puts the chairs for guests close to the entrance door, preventing people to walk around the office.


Making use of an existing desk was suggested that it should be installed a smaller desk to make an L shape work plan. The small desk will be occupied by the desktop computer and leaves the rest of the desk space to work and meetings. The L shape desk is positioned so that the first thing the client sees is a clean and organize work plan.

The storage space is achieved by placing bookshelves to support the desk and also high shelves. The bookshelf that supports the desk will have a niche for the printer, allowing it to be within the reach of an arm. On the shelves along the floor are closed boxes, for storing small items and documents.

The color in a small space is very important, small spaces do not carry dark colors. Light colors make the room lighter and larger, dark colors make it small and crammed. Attention to the color of the furniture and walls.

In this case the furniture was white, which lightens space, given its size. The touches of color are given with small notes. The lampshade and small plants in pots confers naturalness and freshness to the space.

To customize and add some color to the space, the company logo was placed on the wall opposite the front door of the cabinet.

A peculiarity in the design space is the creation of a “whiteboard wall” very useful for meetings and work organization or even for placing motivation phrases or pinboard.

Of course all this planning will do nothing if one is not careful with their space. In small spaces you have to be organized and tidy, especially in the workplace where image sells more than words.