Practical tips on creating a work area at home

More than 20 million people work from home at least once a week in the U.S., according to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2008 there were more than 2.5 million home based businesses in the UK.

Wireless technology has made this easy at a time when a struggling economy has forced many people to spend more time at home.

If you work at home full time or just require a place to sort mail, pay bills and check your e-mail, having a dedicated space to get the job done is essential.

Most people who didn't have a computer at home ten years ago have one now. A working area or office space when buying a house has now become a serious consideration for many. More and more people need a dedicated place at home to work from.

If you're short on space look for an unused pocket of space that can be fitted with shelves, cabinets, (electrical) power and a chair. Use your imagination! A Washington D.C. architect converted a bedroom cupboard in her apartment into her work space. She removed the clothing rod and installed shelves and a countertop that flips down as needed.

She also removed the cupboard door and replaced it with a bookshelf on wheels that's connected to a ceiling track. When she wants to close up her office, she simply slides the bookshelf in front of it. (For the non-architects among us, keeping the door works, too. So does installing a curtain rod to hang a pretty panel in place of a door.)

If that converting your cupboard sounds like a it of a gargantuan task, then consider smaller adjustments such as placing glass over an old table with an uneven surface, so you can keep the table and transform it into a functional desk.

Think beyond boxes for storage. Use jars and trays to hold supplies, or coloured boxes or plastic drawers on wheels.


Whether you have an entire room, a converted closet or a tiny nook carved out of a corner, the basic essentials for any well-run office are the same. You need a desk, a comfortable chair, storage, paper and pen, and proper lighting. You don't have to spend a lot.

Don't overlook vertical space, where tall bookcases or hanging shelves can provide extra storage. Using vertical space makes a space look cleaner, neater and less cluttered.

Have you got any useful tips for creating a working area at home? Write in and tell us! Share your ideas and mistakes, what you saved money on and what you indulged in.